IN 1899, a chance encounter on a cruise ship to South Africa led to benefactor, Gerald Lysaght, then-owner of Chapel Cleeve Manor, starting a life-long friendship with the legendary Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

What happened next is the subject of an illustrated talk by journalist and local author Jeff Cox at the Lysaght Club, Old Cleeve, on Sunday, March 17, the result of research into this fascinating relationship which endured until Shackleton’s last voyage in the Quest in 1921, intending to circumnavigate Antarctica.

Shackleton died at 47 of a heart attack on board the ship and was buried in South Georgia.

The talk will start at 6pm. Admission free. Donations to the Roof Fund appreciated. Bar and refreshments available.