We are excited to launch a crowdfunding appeal for a new book by RSGS Writer-in-Residence Jo Woolf and share news of an upcoming event hosted by RSGS Explorer-in-Residence Karen Darke. Also, news of the University Medal awarded to Hannah MacDonald, the release of four episodes of the Access to Inspiration podcast, and a report on some special visitors all the way from Poland at the Fair Maid's House.
Voices of the Earth
For several years, we have been lucky enough to have the wonderfully talented Jo Woolf as our Writer-in-Residence. Jo has worked tirelessly, as a volunteer, to research many of the remarkable people, and the associated artefacts and events, that make up the RSGS, past and present, and to weave her findings into enchanting and illuminating stories.
In 2017, we helped Jo to publish her first book, The Great Horizon: 50 Tales of Exploration. Now we are asking you to help Jo to publish a second book of stories related to RSGS’s past and present, provisionally entitled Voices of the Earth, and featuring 50 more incredible people from the past 200 years.
Please make a donation to help Jo to bring this great new book to life. As a thank-you, we would be delighted to include your name, or the name of a friend or loved one, in the list of acknowledgements, and you will receive a copy of the book when it is published in 2024 – with one copy available for every £25 donated.
Wellbeing- Learning from Bhutan 24th November 2:15pm - 4pm
Bhutan is a unique Himalayan kingdom, where happiness is measured over materialism, and where compassion is woven into the fabric of life. Bhutan’s landscapes, cultures and traditions inspire transformational change. They measure progress with Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product, are the only carbon negative country in the world, and have leading practices in sustainable tourism and compassionate conservation.
At this event, RSGS Explorer-in-Residence Karen Darke and His Eminence Khedrupchen Rinpoche will take the audience on a journey into Bhutan, happiness, and how we can all help ourselves and the world around us to flourish.
Four out of the six podcasts we have created with Access to Inspiration have now been released and are available online! In the released episodes adventurer Sue Stockdale talks to RSGS Chief Executive, Mike Robinson; Director of Stop Ecocide International, Jojo Mehta; former RSGS President, Professor Iain Stewart; and architect and geopolymer cement expert, Roisin Hyde, with each guest sharing their own specialist insights on ways to create a more sustainable future by using creativity, campaigning, and collaboration across sectors.
The podcasts launch every Wednesday and are all available for download. Next week's episode features current RSGS President, Professor Dame Anne Glover, talking about the importance of communication in science, and the following week we'll hear from explorer Bertrand Piccard. Listen in on Amazon, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spreaker or iHeartRadio, links to which are available through the Access to Inspiration website.
RSGS University Medallist
We are delighted that an RSGS University Medal has been awarded to University of Stirling student Hannah MacDonald for her outstanding commitment to her BSc Environmental Geography degree. Hannah has shown remarkable dedication over the past four years, overcoming serious personal difficulties and displaying tremendous fortitude during her studies.
Hannah was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in June 2021, and after one year away to focus on her health and recovery, returned to her university studies in Autumn 2022. Hannah has been stoic in coping with her illness, battling through immense tiredness, ongoing medical appointments and procedures, graduating with an Upper Second Class Honours degree on 29th June 2023.
Friends of Bydgoszcz visit RSGS
In June, Perth marked its 25th year of twinning with the Polish city of Bydgoszcz. To celebrate, Perth Friends of Bydgoszcz and Perth and Kinross Council hosted a delegation that came all the way from Poland and included Bydgoszcz's Deputy Mayor, for a celebratory week of events. During their visit the party visited RSGS Headquarters where they were welcomed and shown around by the RSGS Collections Team, who had put together a special exhibition with maps and artefacts of Bydgoszcz and Poland.
