Spring Has Sprung 💐

Forward

/// Spring Has Sprung ///

Spring is the season of new beginnings. And here at RSGS that's certainly true with new projects sprouting up left, right and centre. A new talks programme, a new website, a new climate literacy qualification and a new edition of our magazine, The Geographer, are all taking shape as we speak.

But for this newsletter we're focusing on Geography Day which is just around the corner. With a theme of film, photos and funny animals, it's not to be missed. And tickets have just been made newly available, so head over to Eventbrite as soon as possible to avoid missing out...!

In this edition, we're also reflecting on two tragic events that unfolded in April: the appalling terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka from where our Chief Executive has just returned, and the sad passing of our most recent Shackleton Medallist, the inspirational and highly talented Polly Higgins.

To conclude, we're sharing exciting news about a new partnership with Scottish explorer Mollie Hughes, and a short adventure film to inspire you to get outside over the next few months...

Geography Day

Come and join us for our annual Geography Day! From 11am to 4pm, there will be talks from guest speakers, insights from the RSGS Collections Team and the chance to view some of the best images from the wonderful Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2018. Refreshments and lunch will be made available, and this is included in the ticket price.

There are limited spaces so book your place now to avoid disappointment!

Buy Tickets

Sri Lanka

Written by Chief Executive Mike Robinson, who was on holiday with his family in Sri Lanka during the terrible attacks over Easter.

"Sri Lanka is a wonderful country; we were just there at the wrong time."

Sri Lanka is a country in turmoil. The recent attacks in churches and hotels in three of its cities, leaving at least 250 people dead, and hundreds injured, has left people in everyday life in complete shock, and promises to have repercussions for some time to come.

This country, which is still rebuilding itself after 26 years of a terrible and self-destructive civil war, had managed to move on in the decade since, building a seemingly peaceful and religiously tolerant society in this ‘emerald jewel’ of the Indian Ocean. The country has the great advantages of having beautiful landscapes, an exceptional endemic wildlife and stunning variety. And it has an incredibly warm and friendly people.

Read On

Polly Higgins

In April, we were saddened to hear the news that Polly Higgins, a recent recipient of our Shackleton Medal, passed away after a short illness. Full of vigour and enthusiasm for life, Polly had spent more than a decade leading a global campaign to recognise the principal of Ecocide. Her aim, as outlined in her book Eradicating Ecocide, was to create a fifth internationally recognised ‘crime against peace’, in order to provide greater environmental protection for our planet in the eyes of the law. Her work sparked conversations and campaigns across the world, and helped influence legislation such as the much-revered Bolivian Parliament’s Law of the Rights of Mother Earth. She will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.

Mollie Hughes

Mollie Hughes with Mike Robinson and the RSGS Explorers Flag

By the age of 26, Mollie Hughes had successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest from both the North and South sides. Now she's aiming to be the youngest women to trek to the South Pole. And she's doing it the 'hard way', solo and unsupported, the whole 700+ miles from Hercules Inlet in Western Antarctica.

The good news for RSGS is that we are now official partners in this ambitious expedition. We're looking forward to working with Mollie as she prepares physically, mentally – and financially – for the challenge ahead.

Out of Work Adventure

Last year, James set off on his grandest adventure to date: a pizza, pasta and pesto-powered pedal across Italy! Travelling from Pescara in SE Italy to the mountains of the French Alps, the office iPad was once again used to capture this tasty 'Out of Work Adventure'.

Since his return, James received the good news that this video had been officially selected for the 10th Annual Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival which is currently touring across the USA!

Royal Scottish Geographical Society

Lord John Murray House

15-19 North Port

Perth, PH1 5LU

United Kingdom

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