British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is celebrating Midwinter’s Day (Monday 21
June) as staff in three British Antarctic Territory Research Stations
mark the shortest and darkest day of the year on the frozen continent.
The tradition began in the days of heroic exploration of Antarctica with
Captain Scott; our science and support teams will celebrate by braving
the elements with a Winter Olympics, crazy golf, murder mystery evening
and a movie marathon.
This is a particular poignant Midwinter as it is the 60th Anniversary of
the Antarctic Treaty, which designated Antarctica as a “natural reserve,
devoted to peace and science”. The 43 Antarctic Treaty Consultative
Meeting is currently taking place in Paris and Antarctic nations are
discussing how to protect Antarctica for future generations.
The day will start with Jerry Gillham, King Edward Point Research
Station Leader being interviewed live by Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6
Music at around 8.40am. The programme, Supernature will discuss with
Jerry his plans for this special day on station in South Georgia.
Later on, the 35 staff or ‘winterers’ will gather round the radio to
listen to the BBC Midwinter Broadcast on BBC World Service Radio (it is
also available on 6035 kHz, 6170 kHz, 7305 kHz and 9505 kHz shortwave on
21:30–22:00 GMT). Presented by Cerys Matthews, the programme will
include messages of support from friends and family, special guests and
the BAS Director, Professor Dame Jane Francis.
More information here:
https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/celebrating-midwinter-in-antarctica/(via Mike Terry via shortwave io group)
http://www.hard-core-dx.com/article.php?story=20210621131502227