Events

Rusty shipwreck on a beach in winter

SAVE THE DATE: Online SGA Talk – 20 November 2025 – Virtual Viola Project Presentation

The South Georgia Association is pleased to present an online talk on Thursday 20 November 2025 at 1930 GMT.

Who and What: Presentation by Norman Court of the Viola Trust.

The Virtual Viola Project has brought back to life a very historic vessel with an extraordinary history. Viola, later named Dias, is the oldest surviving steam trawler with its engines still intact and one of the few vessels still around which fought in WW1. On November 20, starting at 7.30 pm (UK time), we are excited to get a preview of the Virtual Viola film ahead of its official launch a week later. Norman Court, from the Viola Trust, will explain the background to the project before introducing the Virtual Viola film. So join us for a fascinating evening to hear how, though the whale catcher Dias remains at Grytviken, her former history and lives as part of the North Sea boxing fishing fleet and four years as a wartime patrol vessel involved in the sinking of two U-boats have been realistically recreated.
The presentation will be followed by short Question and Answer session.

Where: The Comfort of your own Home, via Zoom

When: 1930 on Thursday 20 November 2025 (1930 GMT for overseas viewers)

Cost: Free

TICKETS: We will shortly be emailing members with details of how to sign up for the talk, after which we will put the details here for the lesser mortals. Meanwhile, clear the date in your diary!

SAVE THE DATE: Online SGA Talk – 20 November 2025 – Virtual Viola Project Presentation Read More »

Summer Event and AGM, Cambridge, July 2025 Talks are Online

Talk Recordings

Following the successful even in Cambridge, we have put recordings of some of the talks online in our YouTube channel.

Event Brochure

The Brochure for the event can be downloaded here:

Morag Husband Campbell Medal Presentation

The Medal awarded to Dr Frederik Paulsen in 2023 was presented to him by SGA Chair Philippa Foster Back.

Philppa Presents Dr Paulsen with his Medal. Photo: Phil Trathan

Retirement Gift to SGA Secretary Fran Prince

After stalwart service to the South Georgia Association since its founding over twenty years ago, the SGA Chair Philippa Foster Back presented Secretary Fran Prince with a painting by Bruce Pearson.

SGA Chair Philippa presents Fran with a painting

Summer Event and AGM, Cambridge, July 2025 Talks are Online Read More »

SGHT Whale of a Weekend 26-29 June 2025

Our friends over at the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) – The charity that raises money to support South Georgia projects, and runs the Museum at Grytviken – are hosting a weekend event in Dundee, Scotland, on 26 to 29 June 2025.

Events include:

  • Telling the Whalers’ Story
  • Meet the Whalers’ Memory Bank Team
  • Whale Tales from the Natural History Museum
  • Whale Sories
  • The Whale Memorial
  • Endurance Film Screening
  • Art and Puppet Workshops
  • South Georgia Whale Researchers

SGHT Whale of a Weekend 26-29 June 2025 Read More »

SGA Summer Event and AGM 2025

The SGA is holding a two-day Summer Event in Cambridge on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July.

Get ready for two days of exciting presentations!

Whales, seals, science, archives, mapping, climate change, marine protection, and more!  

Option to join us for a 3-course evening meal on Friday evening at the Atrium, Gonville Hotel.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Ticket Options:

  • Member’s Day only (valid for both days) – £30
  • Member’s Day plus 3 Course Evening Meal – £105
  • Non-Member’s Day only (valid for both days) – £50
  • Non-Member’s Day plus 3 Course Evening Meal – £125

Numbers are limited on a first-come, first-served basis with SGA members given priority booking.

Booking closes on 6th June

Here are the Agenda and Dinner Menu for the SGA Summer Event and AGM 2025 in Cambridge:


SGA AGM Weekend 2025 Schedule (88.66 KB)


SGA AGM 2025 Dinner Menu (387.11 KB)

SGA Summer Event and AGM 2025 Read More »

SGA July 2025 Event – Save the Date

The South Georgia Association is holding an event at the British Antarctic Survey headquarters in Cambridge on 4-5 July.

Get ready for two days of exciting presentations! Whales, seals, science, archives, mapping, climate change, marine protection, and more! We can’t wait to see you there!
Venue: British Antarctic Survey
Price: TBC
Numbers will be limited so tickets will be on a first come, first served basis with SGA members given priority booking. 
Look out for more information in the coming weeks!

SGA July 2025 Event – Save the Date Read More »

‘Cook’s Landing – 250th Anniversary and Geology Fieldwork 200 Years On’ Talk is Online

The SGA Online Talk of 17 January 2025, “Cook’s Landing – 250th Anniversary and Geology Fieldwork 200 Years On” with Bruce Mair can now be seen on our YouTube channel. You can see this, and our previous talks, on the SGA Video Recordings page via the Resources menu on our website.

‘Cook’s Landing – 250th Anniversary and Geology Fieldwork 200 Years On’ Talk is Online Read More »

Online SGA Talk – 17 January 2025 – 250th Anniversary of First Landing

The South Georgia Association is pleased to present an online talk on Friday 17 January 2025.

Who and What: Cook’s Landing on South Georgia 1775, and Geological Fieldwork on the 200th and 202nd Anniversaries. Dr Bruce Mair

17 January 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook landing on South Georgia while on his second voyage of exploration (1772-1775) aboard HMS Resolution. Former BAS Geologist Bruce Mair will describe aspects of Cook’s earlier life and arrival at South Georgia and add personal recollections of geological fieldwork on the south coast and inland glaciers of the island coincident with the 200th and 202nd anniversaries.

Where: The Comfort of your own Home, via Zoom

When: 1900 on Friday 17 January 2025 (1900 GMT for overseas viewers)

Cost: Free

Online SGA Talk – 17 January 2025 – 250th Anniversary of First Landing Read More »

ship in ice

Endurance Discovery Film Premiere

The National Geographic film depicting the search for the 100-year-old wreck of Shackleton’s ship ‘Endurance’ will be premiered in London’s Royal Festival Hall on 12 October 2024.

Tickets go on sale on 17 September 2024

Cambridge Viewing

The film will also be shown at the Cambridge Picture House on 16 October, followed by a Q&A session with John Shears.

Endurance Discovery Film Premiere Read More »

2024 AGM and SGA/FOSPRI Event

On 20 July 2024 the South Georgia Association and the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute will host a number of talks at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, followed by an evening Dinner at Jesus College. More details in the Events calendar.

While in Cambridge, you might be interested in a conference being run by the History of Geology Group: The History of Geological Discovery in Polar Regions, taking place on the preceding Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr Phil Stone (a South Georgia Geologist) is giving a talk about William Speirs Bruce and Spitsbergen (Svalbard). More details HERE

2024 AGM and SGA/FOSPRI Event Read More »

SGHT Crow’s Nest Return Event, 7 September 2023

Please join the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) for an event at All Hallows by the Tower in London (the oldest church in the City of London AD675) to mark the safe return of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Quest crow’s nest. After tens of thousands of miles travelled, and featuring in exhibitions in Athy, Ireland and Grytviken, South Georgia, the crow’s nest returns to its home in the crypt of All Hallows by the Tower Church.

The event will begin with a drinks reception and optional tours of the church. There will then be a series of speakers connecting the histories of Shackleton, South Georgia island, All Hallows by the Tower and the City of London. An insight into current South Georgia projects to preserve the island’s rich polar heritage and protect its unique wildlife and marine environment will also be shared. The event will conclude with a short liturgy and music from the Square Mile Choral Scholars.

SGHT Crow’s Nest Return Event, 7 September 2023 Read More »

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