An evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE held on Tuesday sponsored by Isle of Man Post Office was an overwhelming success. Organised by the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club, a packed audience at the Gaiety Theatre listened to the intrepid explorer?s autobiographical talk about the highs and lows of his career which has seen him undertake some awe-inspiring adventures.
Sir Ranulph does not shy away from a challenge and has parachuted onto Europe's highest glacier, forced his way up 4,000 miles of the mightiest rivers of Canada and Alaska, trekked on foot and unsupported to the North Pole and undertaken the great Transglobe expedition in which Fiennes and his companion Charles Burton became the first men in history to reach both poles.
His fascinating talk was illustrated by photographs from his various expeditions along with facts and some astonishing tales, all delivered in an articulate, genial and entertaining manner.
Lisa Duckworth, Commercial Director of Isle of Man Post Office said: “Listening to Sir Ranulph was so inspiring and motivational. He has conquered so much in various corners of the world and some of the images he showed of the landscapes from his expeditions were breathtaking. He certainly lived up to the expectation as being a fantastic speaker and I'm sure everyone enjoyed being in his company for one night only. We were delighted to support the sell-out evening which was an overwhelming success and would like to thank the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club for organising and managing to secure Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world's greatest living explorer.”
The chosen charity on the night was the Isle of Man branch of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society and anyone who wanted to donate but did not get the opportunity to still can by either calling 452207, email mssocietyiom@manx.net or by writing to: Suzy Holland, Secretary, MS Society IoM, Coburg Court, Coburg Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 3EH. The Society supports people with this devastating, often disabling, incurable condition on the Island whether it is emotional and practical help or financial aid to fund items which cannot be provided by the health services, which improve the quality of life for people with MS. It also supports families and friends of those with MS, who often get overlooked. When possible, the Branch also contributes to research funding, both for symptom relief and also towards ongoing research into a cure for MS.
The event also coincided with Isle of Man Stamps & Coins issuing a new set of stamps to commemorate the Centenary of Scott?s South Pole Expedition and the stamps were on sale for the very first time at the event. This is an expedition which Sir Ranulph is very passionate about and the stamp issue commemorates Captain Scott's heroic expedition to the South Pole. Sir Ranulph, who is also a well established author having published 12 books, provided the commentary text to accompany the photographs which feature on the stamps.
Dot Tilbury, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “We are grateful for the uniquely qualified contribution of Sir Ranulph Fiennes and to the Scott Polar Research Institute for permission to feature the extraordinary photographs of Herbert Ponting which, in Sir Ranulph's words, powerfully serve, to remind us all of the stark reality of the conditions faced by Scott and his men, the very first human beings to penetrate and learn about Antarctica on behalf of the whole of mankind.”
Talking about the stamp issue Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “I am very pleased to be associated with this Isle of Man Post Office stamp issue dedicated to Captain Scott's South Pole Expedition and the wonderful photography of Herbert Ponting. Ten years ago Scott's reputation was not as it should be so I decided to set the record straight by writing a biography. I am delighted that my book is now followed by this stamp issue in this centenary year.”
At the beginning of December, Sir Ranulph will embark on a six-month expedition, The Coldest Journey on Earth in which he and five colleagues will attempt to cross the Antarctica in winter.
