Scott tribute interests royal

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Oamaru's plans to commemorate the centenary of the ill-fated Scott Antarctic Expedition have received royal approval, prompting organisers to invite Anne, Princess Royal to attend.

The Oamaru Scott100 2013 steering group is planning a commemoration from February 6 to 10 next year to mark the centenary of the ship Terra Nova's arrival at Oamaru, where the first news about the fate of the Scott Antarctic expedition and the deaths of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Dr Edward Wilson and Lieutenant Henry Bowers was secretly sent to London.

Yesterday, steering group co-convener Bruce Albiston revealed the possibility of a royal visitor for the commemoration.

He was in Britain in March for the start of commemorations for the expedition and at a reception in Plymouth was approached by the princess, who is patron of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust. She told him she "could not think of a better reason to come to New Zealand next year" than the commemorations being planned in Oamaru.

Mr Albiston told yesterday's Waitaki District Council long-term plan hearing the Princess Royal was very aware of the commemorations planned in Oamaru, which were being recognised as an international event which would mark the conclusion of commemorative events.

Encouraged by her comments, the steering group was going through the process of inviting the princess to attend the Oamaru commemorations.

There was no guarantee she would attend, bearing in mind other commitments by the Royal Family, particularly with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, he said, but she had expressed an interest.

Mr Albiston visited Britain for the start of its Scott centennial commemorations and to promote Oamaru's involvement.

It would be one of the biggest events in the history of the Waitaki district, he said.

A tentative programme included a commemorative play, exhibitions, a reading of Scott's diaries, reunion of Antarctic base staff, bringing the boat Spirit of New Zealand into Oamaru Harbour, placement of a commemorative rock at Sumpters wharf and a special dinner.

Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the possibility the princess might attend was "outstanding news".

The support of Prime Minister John Key and the princess for the Oamaru commemorations enhanced the global aspect of the occasion.

Former mayor Alan McLay encouraged the council to make "a decent budget available" so the commemorations were organised as well as possible. He did not have a figure in mind, but would first look at what was planned, then what was needed.

The council would work closely with the steering group, he said.

- david.bruce@odt.co.nz

 

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