Speaking on Saturday, November 7, 2026, we have :
1st: Michael Smith – Towards the Coldest Place
Join acclaimed polar historian Michael Smith as he brings to life the extraordinary 2,000‑year quest to reach the end of the Earth. Based on his forthcoming book Towards the Coldest Place, this talk uncovers the surprising origins of Antarctic exploration—from an ancient Greek obelisk to the accidental discovery of the continent itself.
Smith introduces the colourful cast who shaped this frozen frontier: the Norwegian opportunist who claimed a dubious first landing, the kilted piper serenading a baffled penguin, and the French captain who met the ice with champagne in hand. At its heart lies the gripping, fateful duel between Amundsen and Scott, whose contrasting choices still echo a century later.
This is a dramatic, human story of courage, obsession and endurance in the world’s most unforgiving landscape—and of the explorers whose feats continue to define our fascination with Antarctica.
Four of the Pole party stand by tent with Norwegian flag. A pair of skis lie on the snow with ski poles standing next to them (variation made by Ponting from original photograph taken by Henry Bowers).
2nd: Louis D Hall – In Green
Disenchanted by London life, Louis D. Hall quit his job to fulfil a childhood dream – a 2000-mile journey across Europe, inspired by Don Quixote.
After finding Sasha, a horse from Italy’s Apennine Mountains, the pair travel west. Together they survive storms, wolves and untrodden partisan trails. But all was about to change. Kiki, a young woman adrift with the death of her sister, meets them in a desolate village. Two paths collide and the unlikely herd embark on a relentless pilgrimage across the Ligurian Alps, Pyrenees, Basque country and Galician coast.
What started as an escape becomes a heart-led quest, with no going back.
Date & Time: Saturday 7th November 2026
Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive before 14:45 and switch your phone to “do not disturb” or silent.
We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.
Admission costs:
- £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below (Log in))
- £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
- a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.
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Tickets go on sale just before the meetings.
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