Members and visitors of MyTime started the April meeting with a talk from Nigel Metcalfe entitled “The Man who Mapped the Arctic” - Sir George Back. Mr Mertcalfe’s interest in Sir George arose whilst tracing his family tree and discovered that Sir George was 4th great grand uncle on his father’s side of the family.

Sir George was a naval officer who helped in the mapping of the Canadian Arctic with John Franklin. In 1808, during the Napoleonic wars, he enlisted, aged twelve, as a volunteer into the navy on board HMS Arethura. He was captured by the French in April 1809, part of a raiding party on the Spanish coast. He remained as a prisoner of war in Verdun until 1814.

During this time he was taught French, navigation skills, maths and developed his artistic skills, all of which helped prepare him for his life ahead. Following the end of the Napoleonic wars, the hunt was on for the North West Passage around Canada. Sir George took part in five expeditions to find, explore and map the Canadian northern coast.

During his last expedition his ship was trapped in pack ice for nearly ten months. Following the hardships endured his health deteriorated, bringing an end to this phase of his life. In 1839 he was knighted and became involved with the Royal Geographical society to maintain a life long interest in Arctic exploration.

It was hard for our group to comprehend the rigors and hardships these explorers encountered and endured without today’s mod cons.

MyTime Over Fifties meets in the Amblecote Room at Stourbridge Town Hall on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is on May 27 at 2pm when we will be having an “Afternoon of chocolate” with Jackie Smith.

For more information phone Graham 0134 393483 or Audrey 01384 864223