Wednesday 11 December 2024 7.30pm THERE IS NO NEED TO BOOK
Was Antarctica discovered by the Russians or by the Americans? Or could it possibly have been discovered by a local man in a ship built in Blyth?
Our December talk by John Whittle promises to reveal all, for you to form your own conclusions! The talk features some superb Antarctic photography taken during John’s expedition cruise to Antarctica and features some of the locations visited by William Smith himself, including the South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Fittingly at this time of year, there will be plenty of snow and ice in view to set the scene, and help us to appreciate the magnitude of Smith’s achievements in navigating uncharted waters and returning unharmed with his ship and crew.
Our Speaker
Hailing from ‘God’s Own Country’, John Whittle moved up to Northumberland from East Yorkshire, with his wife Ann, in 2015. His early career in education saw him teach first in Macclesfield and later in Hull at a very large 13-18 Senior High School. A mid-career career change, resulted in the creation of his own company, Fairfield Holidays, which specialised in guided walking holidays and short breaks throughout the length and breadth of Britain. This he ran for 20 years until retirement beckoned.
Since making his home in Blyth, John has entered fully into the life of the town and currently leads an award winning community group, Friends of Crofton Heap. The group was formed in 2021, tasked with transforming and revitalizing the site of the former Crofton Mill Pit. This work culminated in John curating a major exhibition in November 2023 to celebrate the important role of the pit in the town until its closure in 1969. John also leads a photography group, Cuddy’s Camera Club which is always keen to recruit new members.
Our Venue
This event will take place at St George’s United Reformed Church on Newton Road, High Heaton NE7 7HP. It is on the corner with Boundary Gardens, the same block as Heaton Stannington’s football ground, Grounsell Park.
There are excellent public transport links including the numbers 18, 38, 52 and 553, which stop right by the church.
There is car parking on the surrounding streets.
Booking
There’s no need to book. Just turn up on the night.
