-RESCHEDULED FOR 2020- The Tony Trust: An Illustrated Polar Explorers’ Evening

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been rescheduled for early 2020.

Join us for an evening of fascinating talks from polar explorers Sue and Victoria Riches, and Antony Jinman.

Two Frigid Women: Sue & Victoria Riches

We could never have imagined how much one small article in a newspaper could have changed our lives....'Women wanted to walk to North Pole'.

Within two years, Sue Riches & Victoria Riches (mother and daughter), were trekking across the frozen wilderness that is the Arctic Ocean, as part of the first all women's expedition to the North Pole.  At times totally terrifying and at times indescribably beautiful, it was a trip of a lifetime.   On May 26th 1997 the team skied into the Guinness Book of Records and were voted Women of the Year. 

We discovered that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and if you want to succeed.  We have since written a book, Frigid Women, and are regularly booked as motivational speakers.  If we only inspire one person to follow their dream, then we have succeeded.

Our talk tells the story of our expedition; the highs and lows, our selection and training, navigation, coping with a potentially fatal accident, the struggle to find a runway and readjusting to life back home.

 ‘...they are wonderful role models; their enthusiasm, energy, and zest for life cannot fail to inspire and motivate an audience.’

Antony Jinman

Renowned polar explorer Antony Jinman is most widely recognised for being the twelfth Briton to have skied to the Geographic North Pole, and ski solo to the Geographic South Pole.  He also lays personal claim to being recognised by the Queen and gaining Royal Patronage from HRH The Prince of Wales after an expedition to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Antony also holds the title of Explorer in Residence at Plymouth University.

As a qualified International Mountain Leader, Antony now leads teams in all manners of challenging environments, including seismic survey operations in Libya, Egypt, Kurdistan and Yemen to manage both safety and performance. 

This is a fundraising evening for The Tony Trust, a charity establish in memory of Tony Rawlingson Plant who professionally witnessed at first hand the beneficial effects outdoor challenges had on the life of a young person. The funds raised by this evening will enable The Tony Trust to continue with its aim of giving young people (59 to date), regardless of home circumstances, the opportunity to go on courses which give them new experiences and personal challenges.