General Meeting: April 2025

John Tidmarsh is membership secretary of West Bridgford U3A but he came to speak to us about his trip to Antarctica. Apart from his stunning photography and descriptions of the journey and life on and off the ship he was extremely amusing with a very dry sense of humour.

We heard about the long journey he and his wife made to join a bird watching group on a small cruise ship. I think we all fell in love with the penguins with their varied plumage and the Albatrosses were awe inspiring with their ability to run to the cliff edge and take off using wind currents to gain altitude and speed so they could “sail”.

Although he is often asked, he assured us there are no polar bears at the South Pole. There were amusing details about eating meals sitting on chairs which rolled around with the ship’s movements, disembarking for sightseeing and the difficulties in recognising fellow passengers in their red protective jackets and hats.

Getting the ship to dock safely was not quick or easy but always done safely by the expert crew. If there was any ice to navigate the ship’s Captain or First Mate would always be on the bridge. This was a wonderful glimpse of a remote part of the world brilliantly delivered and such fun to listen to.