Part III: Antarctica and Academe - Scott Polar Research Institute

accommodation between for my multiple roles first as director of a large scientific
institute, logistics manager (bases, ships, aircraft), and secondly as head of the
organisation providing the British presence in the Antarctic. Formally I was
employed by and responsible to the NERC (Department of Education and Science).
Informally it was clear to me that I had a responsibility to work with the FCO to
promote British interests in a region comprising a tenth of the earth’s surface and a
third of the world’s oceans. Brian was important in helping me to set the boundaries
through our discussions.
The Royal Navy was another organisation representing Britain through HMS
Endurance, but with a very different and more limited modus operandi, responsibilities
and resources to meet them. Co-operation between BAS and the Royal Navy was
important and we were always on good terms with the Hydrographer and his
successors, and with the Captains of HMS Endurance. I always sought and hoped for
fuller support.
Appointed Secretary of the Trans-Antarctic Association, from l974-1980. This is
a charitable trust set up by Sir Vivian Fuchs after the success of the Trans-Antarctic
Expedition, l957-58, making grants for Antarctic related activities.
7 February 1988: BAS Dining Club gave Bunny Fuchs an 80 th Birthday Party in
Churchill College. Friends and colleagues attended and it was a happy evening.
2-4 December: Conference Chairman, the Ditchley Foundations Conference on
Antarctica. Very successful; strong participation, including Lord Shackleton, Tam
Dalyell MP. International participation.
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