Museum of St Helena

This continues to receive donations, most recently from the Governor placing there a box containing books, some by Queen Victoria, which had been in the Governor’s Office for years. These were apparently a gift from Queen Victoria to the St. Helena Library, but they were not sent to the island until 1910, and seem to have been delivered to the Governor's office where they stayed until now. It is believed the casket was made before 1868. It is good to receive donations for our museum and we thank Governor Hollamby for thinking of this.

The curator, Lucy Caesar, seen thanking the Governor, is going to university this month for a one year M.A. course in Museum Studies, and we wish her well. Peggy Byrne took up the job of assistant at the museum in June, after Liz Young resigned, to go on an extended holiday, and Mrs. Edith Timm will be in charge of the museum during Lucy’s absence.

St Helena Nature Conservation Group

The Nature Conservation Group walks continue to be popular, with visitors joining when the ship allows. A sponsored walk across the island was held for their Funds at the end of June when 32 people of all ages took part. Our famous marathon runner, Errol Duncan took only 2 hours to complete the arduous course.

Twelve more Boxwoods were planted at the Norman Williams Nature Reserve in July to replace those that had died, and supplement the existing ones. The group is very sorry to say farewell to Clive and Mary Stewart whose invaluable support during their three year stay on the island has been very much appreciated, and they wish them well.

The book on Birds of St. Helena and Ascension, which SNCG has published with RSPB is now available at £10 per copy. The official launch of this book will take place soon

Related Information

Member Reports May 2003

Member Reports October 2003

Member Reports January 2004

Member Reports April/May 2004

Member Reports Feburary 2005

Member Reports July 2006

Member Reports December 2006

Member Reports March 2007

Member Reports December 2007

Dive Club

This has grown to one of the largest N.G.O.'s on the island, from its tiny beginnings in the 1960's. It currently has 83 members and held its AGM in July.  They helped a lot during World Environment week, with a clean up to show the amount of rubbish in a small area of the sea, and arranged snorkelling and a Dolphin trip. They continue to provide support to the Emergency services, having 8 people on call, and provide a regular training programme for anyone wanting to learn to dive.

Graham Sim has been the patient diving instructor for many years – since 1969 according to the records, - and was made an Honorary Life Member at this AGM – a very well deserved recognition of his invaluable contribution.

Fishermen's Association

A total of 19 boats took part in this year's Fishing Competition, sponsored jointly by St. Helena Fishermen's Association, St. Helena Fisheries Corporation, Argos, ANRD, Solomon's, Thorpe's and the Bank of St. Helena, in June. The picture shows the largest fish caught that day. Terry Richards explained that there were fewer tuna caught due to the later date of the competition, but this time there were a few Marlin. The largest catch for a full time boat was won by Peter Benjamin with 375.7 Kg

Award for French Consul

Michel Martineau the Honorary French Consul, has been awarded "Knight in the Order of Arts and Literature" by France's Ministry of Culture and Communication in recognition of the work he has done in preserving the French museum and properties.

Michel has done extensive work restoring these properties, and raising awareness in France, resulting in three visits from the General Director of the Museum of Malmaison, and all the Napoleonic Museums in France. Michel has worked hard to realise his goal of allowing St. Helenians to feel ownership of the French Properties. The French Government and sponsors will continue to maintain them, and SHG will deal with the Public Relations side of things through the Tourist Office. He also hopes that SHG will take on the management of the security of the properties, as their part of the entente cordiale he has established here.
Michel loves the work he does, and we congratulate him on this official and well deserved recognition of his  achievements.

The celebration of Bastille Day saw a large number of guests in the renovated apartments at Longwood, enjoying delicious and imaginative eats and conversation in these historic surroundings.