Before Christmas, I talked about the latest edition of Michael Palin's diaries....
Towards the end of this volume, he started his tenure as President of the RGS.
I shared some entries previously and here's some more details...
September and October 2009
He starts to chair the Monday night lectures, including one from Sara Wheeler.
He meets with the Beagle Campaign group - more on that elsewhere on the blog.
He talks about a meeting with the Arab League ahead of the 2012 Olympics where they want to use the building as a base. I hadn't been aware of this. He talks about the globes in the Council room having been dusted and the curtains swagged, and the best candlesticks brought out...
Lots of mentions of Rita Gardner, the previous Director of the RGS. With plenty more to come in the next volume.
November 2009
He meets with Lord Selborne... a previous RGS President.
December 2009
"A lot to do at the RGS"
Council meetings are described - "draughty old chamber" - Gordon Conway's farewell talk. He was the President when I received my RGS OS Award.
He starts to enjoy being RGS President on the way across Hyde Park.
The RGS Children's Lecture is delivered - a big map of the world laid out and nearly 600 people turn up. He goes down to the Swan in Southwold and stays in the Admiral's Room on the top floor.
He enjoys a very fine breakfast at the hotel then visits his parents' grave which is in the town.
I look forward to seeing the next volume...
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