The South Georgia Governemnt is holding a reception at BAS HQ, Cambridge on Friday 27 March 2026 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the refurbished station buildings at King Edward Point, and their occupation by a newly-returned BAS presence, replacing the military garrison that had protected the island since 1982.
The SGA is holding a two-day Summer Event in Cambridge on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July.
Join us at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, for our summer meeting with two days of informative talks and an event dinner at Homerton College. Grasp the opportunity to discuss aspects of the history, ships, and people who were there, and learn more about the art of South Georgia from contemporary artists. Whether you’re a long standing member, or a non-member of the South Georgia Association, or just fascinated by the island and the Antarctic, this event combines history, science and art, making it perfect for everyone.
We have several eminent speakers including Linda Widmark (descendant of Carl Anton Larsen); contemporary abstract landscape artist, Dame Barbara Rae RA; natural world and wildlife artist, Bruce Pearson SWLA; master mariner, Rear Admiral Nick Lambert, and Professor Emeritus, Bjørn Basberg, an industrial, whaling and maritime historian.
The first day will include the history of King Edward Cove, from the establishment of Grytviken in 1904 by C. A. Larsen, and the later building of the Discovery Investigations laboratory in 1924-25 by the UK at King Edward Point. After the cessation of whaling, scientific research continued until the 1982 conflict, and recommenced in 2001 after 19 years of military occupation. This year, the 70th anniversary of a ship inextricably linked with the military history of South Georgia, namely HMS Endurance (formerly Anita Dan), will be commemorated.
Reports from the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the Government of South Georgia will be followed by an Annual Members Meeting which will close the day.
On the Friday evening, there is a Drinks Reception and Event Dinner at Homerton College.
The focus of the second day is the art of South Georgia from past to present. The artwork of Norwegian whalers will be described by speakers from “Øyas Venner” and the Sandefjord Whaling Museum. Presentations by contemporary artists about their contrasting styles and subjects will highlight how art provides a dynamic interpretation of the island, its wildlife, and surrounding seas. The new sculpture, recently installed on the whaling plan at Grytviken, will be introduced by its creator, and add another dimension to the island’s art. The 70th anniversary of RRS John Biscoe, another ship with strong connections to King Edward Point and Bird Island research stations, which landed field scientists around the island, and supported the Offshore Biological Programme, will also be celebrated.
And finally, in recognition of BAS moving to Cambridge 50 years ago, some paintings by the late Dick Laws (Director at that time) will be exhibited alongside other South Georgia art from the BAS Collection.
Option to join us for a 3-course evening meal on Friday evening at the Atrium, Gonville Hotel.
Numbers are limited on a first-come, first-served basis with SGA members given priority booking.
Some accommodation will be available at Homerton College.
The South Georgia Association is pleased to present an online talk on Thursday 19 March 2026.
Who and What: The 25th Anniversary of the opening of a new Government Station at King Edward Point. Andy Clarke and Mark Belchier
After 19 years under the protecion of a British military presence, following the Argentine invasion pf 1982, a new station was built to replace the deteriorating buildings and a civilian presence was re-established, Run by the British Antarctic Survey, the station supports the South Georgia Government’s on-island personnel and a science programme.
Dr, Mark Belchier and Andrew Clarke will speak about: the early days of science from the Discovery Investigations until 1982; Life in and around Shackleton House; Marine and Fisheries Research since 2001; Future research over the next 25 years
There will be a short Question and Answer session and we hope to have a live link up with the folk at KEP
Where: The Comfort of your own Home, via Zoom
When: 1930 on Thursday 19 March Friday 17 January 2025(1930 GMT for overseas viewers)
The South Georgia Association’s November 2025 Newsletter has been published.
It contains articles about:
SG Association Summer event, 4–5 July 2025;
Updates on SG Association Bob Burton Awards;
SG fieldwork clothing and equipment, then and now;
Upcoming Science on South Georgia;
Place names at Prince Olav Harbour;
70 years of RRS Biscoe and HMS Endurance – appeal for information;
South Georgia organisations’ news roundup;
SG wildlife surveys workshop;
New publications – book and maps.
Members’ paper copies will be in the post soon and the e-copy is online via the News menu above (If you need the password it will be emailed to members soon after publishing – it is the same as last time).
Older issues are free for anybody to download from the newsletters page of this website. (Now including last November’s Issue)
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)
The South Georgia Association’s May 2025 Newsletter has been published.
It contains articles about:
The first ascent of Mt. Paget;
SG Association Summer event, 4-5 July 2025;
Updates on SG Association Bob Burton Awards;
Place names from Cook’s first chart, 1775;
Reports on 2024-25 Science on South Georgia;
Avian Influenza update;
Iceberg A23a approaches SG;
South Georgia organisations’ news roundup;
Wildlife highway through Tawny Gap.
Members’ paper copies will be in the post soon and the e-copy is online via the News menu above (If you need the password it will be emailed to members soon after publishing – it is the same as last time).
Older issues are free for anybody to download from the newsletters page of this website. (Now including last April’s Issue)
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.
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!
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.
