Related Articles
News > Antarctic Peninsula
In the middle of the eternal ice, a special gift caused a stir shortly before Christmas: the staff of the British Rothera Research Station in Antarctica received an original Royal Mail letterbox, of the classic pillar-box design and bearing the monogram of King Charles III.
The unusual delivery was initiated by Kirsten Shaw, who runs the postal service at Rothera Research Station. What began as a wish to replace a simple homemade letterbox ultimately reached the Royal Household. Working together with Royal Mail, a piece of everyday British culture was sent to one of the most remote places on Earth.
In the isolation of Antarctica, mail has a special value. Handwritten letters connect researchers with their families and friends, a luxury that has become rare in the digital age. For her dedication, Shaw was awarded the Fuchs Medal in 2022, which is presented by the British Antarctic Survey.
The Fuchs Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to the BAS over a long period of time, often in supporting or administrative roles that are not directly focused on scientific research.
The new letterbox reached Rothera aboard the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough after the long Antarctic winter. In the station’s Discovery Building, it will not only collect letters in the future but also serve as a daily reminder of how close to home one can feel, even at the end of the world.
Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal
Source link
