Celebrating 100 Years Since Captain Scott’s Departure from Cardiff
15th June, 2010Morning of the 15th dawned. 100 years since the departure of Robert Falcon Scott from Cardiff setting off on his legendary expedition to the Antarctic. This was the reason we were here, to celebrate the adventurist spirit of all of those who set out on this momentous day. 2041 had our own momentous occasion in celebrating 25 years since our fearless Leader, Robert Swan, departed from Cardiff on his ‘In the footsteps of Scott’ expedition.
The Stavros S Niarchos re-enacted the departure of the Terra Nova past Penarth. The surrounding waters were littered with spectator boats speeding her on her way. And along the shore standing in a fresh breeze spectators watched and witnessed the event, similar to how it would have happened 100 years ago.
I have to say, what made it really real to me was the unexpected introduction to a couple, Don & Margaret who came down to visit ‘2041’ and brought with them a very unique item. A document signed by most of the crew onboard the Terra Nova on 15 June 1910. There was Captain Scott’s signature, Charles Wright, William Horton and a few more. I had the privilege to actually hold this article… and the strangest thing….all that history became real. It wasn’t just the past, it was their story and they were once as alive as we are now… their signatures proved that.
It only goes to show, if one puts ones mind to it, anything is possible.
The Stavros S Niarchos
Robert Swan and ‘2041′
Dear Laura,
Many thanks for having us aboard ‘2041′ and for the cabin tour during the centenary celebrations at Cardiff Bay. We were very impressed by it all but I have to confess that, before 11 June, 2010, I had not yet been acquainted with the endeavours of Robert Swan OBE . That only goes to prove the power of publicity, because I must be only one of millions yet, who had not heard of Robert Swan. However, I was always well aware of the dangers in store for the Antarctic if someone didn’t do something about it. Our visit brought it home very strongly and I thought the declaration by Robert “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” to be quite profound and moving.
Sadly, at my age (71), I feel that it is a little late for rallying to the cause. Like Robert, I was also intrigued from a very early age by Scott’s Polar Expedition with the added spur of sharing his surname. My contribution may only be to boil half as much water in future when I practice the tea drinking ceremony. This will be my lowly contribution whilst following in the footsteps of Scott’s trek over the next couple of years. Currently, I am in the process of ordering every book on the 1910 - 1913 saga (that I have not already read) to become more aware of detail. At the moment I am reading ‘Terra Nova’ by M.C.Tarver, 2006.
Lastly, I can’t help feeling that it is in Robert Swan’s mind and soul to be in a certain place on a certain day in March 2012. I will be with him on that day, at least in spirit, to pay tribute to a man who has always been my hero of heroes, despite all the attempts in the last 100 years to discredit him. Three Cheers for Robert Falcon Scott.
Kind Regards,
Don & Margaret Scott
PS : I have already sent the above message to Laura but without reply. She also took a photograph of us by the yacht and promised us a copy. However, the main reason for resending was to correct the info given about the document mentioned in your news. The signatures on it are that of…. Scott, Wilson, Boweres, Atkinson, Evans(Lt), Campbell, Cherry-Garrard, Lillie, Rennick, Pennell, Murray-Levick, Cheetham and Feather. These represent the major players in all the main events.
Posted by Don Scott on 07/04/10, 5:03 pm