Antarctica In The Ballroom

The November edition of ‘In The Ballroom’, our monthly tea, talk and quiz at the Court House, featured the various attempts to reach the South Pole in the early 20th century, with emphasis on an Unsung Hero who received insufficient recognition. 

The Speaker was Patrick Fitzgerald, for 24 years an RAF pilot and instructor who had travelled the world flying big transport panes like the Hercules and Tristar. His Unsung Hero was a fellow Irishman called Tom Crean.

Crean came from a poor family in County Kerry, and escaped the hard rural life to join the Royal Navy. He was physically and mentally strong, and always optimistic, and found himself chosen for various Antarctic expeditions led by Scott and Shackleton. He survived when many others did not, and retired to Ireland and ran a pub called ‘The South Pole’.

After the talk there was the usual tea, coffee and cake, and Helen’s quiz was about explorers and general knowledge. 

‘In the Ballroom’ will continue next year on the second Wednesday of each month, starting in  March after a two month break. It will still cost just £3 to attend, including the refreshments. There are flyers in the Visitor Centre with the provisional list of speakers for 2025. You can begin reserving places if you wish: 01926 492212