30 May 2012 - Brian Gofton tells of 'Antarctica - the last unspoilt Continent'

Brian Gofton gave a fascinating talk to Rotarians and their wives about Antarctica, a place that had captivated him since youth and which he had been lucky enough to visit on two separate occasions.

Antarctica is the 5th largest Continent. It is also the highest. The Antarctic plateau is at 6,000 feet, with Mount Vinson at 14,500 feet its highest peak. The mountain range is part of the Andean chain.

In spite of all the snow, Antarctica is the driest place on earth. Some areas have had no rain for thousands of years. Ice covers 98% of the Continent and is in places 3 miles thick!  

Unsurprisingly, it is the coldest place on earth with a temperature of minus 90 celsius having been recorded  in 1983. Brian vouched for the cold, saying that two pairs of socks in Wellington boots failed to keep his feet warm!

But it was not always cold. In prehistory it was part of Gondwanaland and covered in forests. Now it has huge reserves of oil and coal.

Because of its remoteness, only 200,000 people have ever been to Antarctica, first explored by the Chinese in 1423. All  human activity is regulated by the Antarctic Treaty of 1969. Only a few scientific bases are permitted.

Brian described his two trips with a stunning set of photographs showing huge glaciers, the beauty of South Georgia, several types of penguin, seals, whales and the huts used by Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton during their respective expeditions.

As Pat Armstrong said in giving the vote of thanks, it had been one of the best talks the Club had enjoyed; a sentiment echoed by Members and wives.