Mr and Mrs. Brian Odgers arrived in April, on a nostalgic visit to the island from Australia.

In 1874, Brian's grandfather, Harold Fielding Odgers, aged 20, was en route to England from Melbourne, Australia, with his family, taking his father, who was ill, back to his homeland. They travelled on the sailing ship "Shannon", and he kept a detailed diary of the voyage. There are 3 pages describing the visit to St. Helena, starting 24 May 1874, which add to our knowledge of the island at that time. While they were here, they visited Lady Ross, wife of the former Governor, and bought the souvenir which Brian has now presented to the Trust.  He also met the Governor of the time, Hudson Ralph Janisch.

This little book – " Views of St. Helena 1868" contains several poems about the island, and 8 beautiful tinted coloured plates, and is a valuable reminder of the past. It was printed in 1868 by Vincent Brooks, Day and Son of London and Mr. Odgers has had it restored to bring it here. It is a remarkable example of printing of that era, and is a beautiful book.

The Director is delighted to accept this wonderful gift on behalf of the Trust, and wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Odgers for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

Mr. And Mrs. Odgers would like to thank the people they have met on their visit here, for their friendliness and hospitality. This trip has been a dream for many years and they are very happy to have been able to visit St. Helena, and retrace some of his grandfather's footsteps of 130 years ago.

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