Cinderella, Heard Island 1951 by Arthur Giese.
Dispersal of Oral History recordings
Finally the dispersal of the 135 oral history conversations made by Ingrid Mcgaughey with 63 ANARE expeditioners (1947-2011) between January 2011- November 2012 is complete!
Much of the delay related to copyright issues.Without the written authority and assignation of copyright of those interviewed, many institutions were unwilling to consider donation of the oral history recordings to their collections. The importance of assignation of copyright was that it enabled me to approach a number of institutions and individuals on behalf of the interviewees.
Of the 63 people interviewed:
Although assignation of copyright cleared me to distribute the recordings as I saw fit, further letters were distributed to all 60 interviewees who had assigned copyright seeking further instruction on their preferences for distribution of personal recordings.
The majority of interviewees were agreeable to their recordings being distributed to all the listed organisations and individuals. Several wished their recordings to be withheld from an organization or individual.
The interviewees wishes re individual dispersal of their recordings have been respected.
Recordings have been distributed on a hard drive (formatted for MAC) to the Australian Antarctic Division, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, The Library of NSW, and Dr Elizabeth Leane, a senior researcher with the University of Tasmania and Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science who has an interest in Antarctic studies.
Copies of the interview summary, individual copyright agreements and personal wishes on dispersal have also been forwarded to the institutions and the ANARE Club.
A complete copy of all recordings was forwarded to the ANARE Club National Council in October 2012.
I have since assigned any and all my rights to the rtecordings made by myself to the individual interviewees and their designated heirs in writing.
There may be provision for further ANARE oral history recordings to be added to the hard drives in the future through separate approaches by individual interviewees or interviewers would need to be made. I was only able to organise dispersal of recordings with which I was involved. Although Barb Frankel, Denise Allen and David Ellyard also made some recordings, future dispersal of these recordings will be at the individual discretion of the interviewees and interviewers.
As most of you are aware I was the coordinator of the ANARE oral history project from January 2011 to May 2012. The ANARE Club Fostex recorder has been held by the Clubs National Council since January 2012 to encourage the use of the recording equipment by other members. Please do so...our stories are important and part of Australian and Antarctic history...
Ingrid Mcgaughey
Finally the dispersal of the 135 oral history conversations made by Ingrid Mcgaughey with 63 ANARE expeditioners (1947-2011) between January 2011- November 2012 is complete!
Much of the delay related to copyright issues.Without the written authority and assignation of copyright of those interviewed, many institutions were unwilling to consider donation of the oral history recordings to their collections. The importance of assignation of copyright was that it enabled me to approach a number of institutions and individuals on behalf of the interviewees.
Of the 63 people interviewed:
- 60 assigned copyright of the recording to Ingrid Mcgaughey
- 1 declined to assign copyright of the recording
- 1 was deceased before assignation of copyright was requested
- 1 was unable to be contacted
Although assignation of copyright cleared me to distribute the recordings as I saw fit, further letters were distributed to all 60 interviewees who had assigned copyright seeking further instruction on their preferences for distribution of personal recordings.
The majority of interviewees were agreeable to their recordings being distributed to all the listed organisations and individuals. Several wished their recordings to be withheld from an organization or individual.
The interviewees wishes re individual dispersal of their recordings have been respected.
Recordings have been distributed on a hard drive (formatted for MAC) to the Australian Antarctic Division, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, The Library of NSW, and Dr Elizabeth Leane, a senior researcher with the University of Tasmania and Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science who has an interest in Antarctic studies.
Copies of the interview summary, individual copyright agreements and personal wishes on dispersal have also been forwarded to the institutions and the ANARE Club.
A complete copy of all recordings was forwarded to the ANARE Club National Council in October 2012.
I have since assigned any and all my rights to the rtecordings made by myself to the individual interviewees and their designated heirs in writing.
There may be provision for further ANARE oral history recordings to be added to the hard drives in the future through separate approaches by individual interviewees or interviewers would need to be made. I was only able to organise dispersal of recordings with which I was involved. Although Barb Frankel, Denise Allen and David Ellyard also made some recordings, future dispersal of these recordings will be at the individual discretion of the interviewees and interviewers.
As most of you are aware I was the coordinator of the ANARE oral history project from January 2011 to May 2012. The ANARE Club Fostex recorder has been held by the Clubs National Council since January 2012 to encourage the use of the recording equipment by other members. Please do so...our stories are important and part of Australian and Antarctic history...
Ingrid Mcgaughey
Oral History Project Update June 2012
Ingrid Mcgaughey stepped down as co-ordinator of the ANARE oral history project in May 2012.
The equipment is currently in Victoria. Any enquires re use should be directed to the secretary of the ANARE Club.
Ingrid Mcgaughey stepped down as co-ordinator of the ANARE oral history project in May 2012.
The equipment is currently in Victoria. Any enquires re use should be directed to the secretary of the ANARE Club.
Oral History Project Update March 2012
Denise Allen, the 2012 ANARE Club rep, has returned from her voyage to Mawson.
Denise took the opportunity to interview a number of expeditioners on board for the ANARE Club oral history project. These included: Theo Davies, David Morrison, Glen Sherell, Dave McCormack and Graham Mills.
Denise Allen, the 2012 ANARE Club rep, has returned from her voyage to Mawson.
Denise took the opportunity to interview a number of expeditioners on board for the ANARE Club oral history project. These included: Theo Davies, David Morrison, Glen Sherell, Dave McCormack and Graham Mills.
Oral History Project Update February 2012
The equipment made a brief visit to Queensland in December 2011. Five members were interviewed by myself including David Carstens, Neville Collins, Trevior Boyd, John Windolf and Ross Dunlop. At this stage it is planned that the equipment will to Queensland in late June 2012 for the Brisbane Midwinter Dinner.
I also had the opportunity to interview Peter Clemence in Melbourne in January 2012.
Barbara Frankel organized to loan the recording equipment for Aurora Australis Voyage. Barbara and David Ellyard (on board for the AAE centenary berth) interviewed 12 ANARE expeditioners …a big effort in a relatively short period of time. Interviewees included Murray Doyle, David Ellyard, Barbara Frankel, Peter (Elwood) Mantel, Dave Pullinger, Kim Briggs, Steve Rintoul, Lance Cowled, Sue Reynolds, Donna Roberts, Karen Westwood, and Mel van Twes.
Although many of these expeditioners had spent a lot of time ‘down south’ previously, we were particularly keen to capture contemporary accounts.
At this stage the recording equipment will remain on the Aurora Australis for the next few months. Denise Allen, the ANARE Club berth representative and National Council social secretary, is currently on board V4. She will be followed by Brett Free, (National Council Vice President) whom is working for the Australian Antarctic Division in voyage management. This should provide further opportunities to gain interviews with current expeditioners.
Members wishing to borrow the equipment should liaise with Bob Watson, the National Secretary. At this stage it is available for April- May and after July 2012.
If you would like to contribute your recollections of your time ‘down south’ please contact Ingrid McGaughey on 03 6224 8573 or via email Also we are still looking for people willing and able to transcribe –again, please contact me if interested.
The equipment made a brief visit to Queensland in December 2011. Five members were interviewed by myself including David Carstens, Neville Collins, Trevior Boyd, John Windolf and Ross Dunlop. At this stage it is planned that the equipment will to Queensland in late June 2012 for the Brisbane Midwinter Dinner.
I also had the opportunity to interview Peter Clemence in Melbourne in January 2012.
Barbara Frankel organized to loan the recording equipment for Aurora Australis Voyage. Barbara and David Ellyard (on board for the AAE centenary berth) interviewed 12 ANARE expeditioners …a big effort in a relatively short period of time. Interviewees included Murray Doyle, David Ellyard, Barbara Frankel, Peter (Elwood) Mantel, Dave Pullinger, Kim Briggs, Steve Rintoul, Lance Cowled, Sue Reynolds, Donna Roberts, Karen Westwood, and Mel van Twes.
Although many of these expeditioners had spent a lot of time ‘down south’ previously, we were particularly keen to capture contemporary accounts.
At this stage the recording equipment will remain on the Aurora Australis for the next few months. Denise Allen, the ANARE Club berth representative and National Council social secretary, is currently on board V4. She will be followed by Brett Free, (National Council Vice President) whom is working for the Australian Antarctic Division in voyage management. This should provide further opportunities to gain interviews with current expeditioners.
Members wishing to borrow the equipment should liaise with Bob Watson, the National Secretary. At this stage it is available for April- May and after July 2012.
If you would like to contribute your recollections of your time ‘down south’ please contact Ingrid McGaughey on 03 6224 8573 or via email Also we are still looking for people willing and able to transcribe –again, please contact me if interested.
Oral History Project Update October 2011
As of 30th August 2011 44 oral history recordings have been completed over an 8 month period .
Participants to date include:
Tas: Bob Dingle, Adrian Dean, Dave McCormack, Marty Passingham, Mike Webb, Knowles Kerry, Louise Crossley, Michael Ooyendyk, Peter King, David Challis, Noel Barrett, Hans Brinkies, Barry Becker, George Cresswell, David Johns, Nod Parsons, Joe Brennan, Kenny Smith, Dave Waterhouse, Mark Milnes, Pat Quilty, Des Lugg, Bill Budd, Trevor Cowell, Peter Cutler, Jim Semmens, Ian Allison, Eddie Firth, Brian Joyce.
Victoria: Ray McMahon, Jack Ward, Enid Borshman, Fred Elliott, Richard McNair, Norm Tame, Ken Shennan, George Casasayas, Fritz Van Hulssen.
NSW/Canberra: Rex Filson, Susan Filson, Kent Keith, Ian McLeod, Bill Storer, Dick Thompson.
A further 5 Tasmanian interviews are planned for the coming 2 weeks including Mike Sherwood, Martin Betts, Suzanne Stallman, Kenn Batt and Bruce Eyers.
A number of others have already expressed interest, and it is anticipated that further recordings will be made in Tasmania in December 2011-January 2012. Please contact me if you are interested in participating.
As seen the majority of ‘conversations’ are from Tasmania, although there are a few from Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra which have been done on an opportunistic basis.
A call for volunteer subscribers has had a small response to date. Ros Shennan, Bill Storer, Michelle Hollister , Elizabeth Chipman, and Jan Adolph have volunteered to date. (with sincere thanks!) If anyone else would like to participate please contact Ingrid Mcgaughey.
The recording equipment is returning to Victoria in mid September 2011 so some further oral histories can be done. At this stage Ian Toohill, Ray McMahon and Brett Free have expressed interest. A notice was placed in the previous Aurora and on the website asking that members contact the Secretary ANARE Club to book the equipment for other states.
As of 30th August 2011 44 oral history recordings have been completed over an 8 month period .
Participants to date include:
Tas: Bob Dingle, Adrian Dean, Dave McCormack, Marty Passingham, Mike Webb, Knowles Kerry, Louise Crossley, Michael Ooyendyk, Peter King, David Challis, Noel Barrett, Hans Brinkies, Barry Becker, George Cresswell, David Johns, Nod Parsons, Joe Brennan, Kenny Smith, Dave Waterhouse, Mark Milnes, Pat Quilty, Des Lugg, Bill Budd, Trevor Cowell, Peter Cutler, Jim Semmens, Ian Allison, Eddie Firth, Brian Joyce.
Victoria: Ray McMahon, Jack Ward, Enid Borshman, Fred Elliott, Richard McNair, Norm Tame, Ken Shennan, George Casasayas, Fritz Van Hulssen.
NSW/Canberra: Rex Filson, Susan Filson, Kent Keith, Ian McLeod, Bill Storer, Dick Thompson.
A further 5 Tasmanian interviews are planned for the coming 2 weeks including Mike Sherwood, Martin Betts, Suzanne Stallman, Kenn Batt and Bruce Eyers.
A number of others have already expressed interest, and it is anticipated that further recordings will be made in Tasmania in December 2011-January 2012. Please contact me if you are interested in participating.
As seen the majority of ‘conversations’ are from Tasmania, although there are a few from Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra which have been done on an opportunistic basis.
A call for volunteer subscribers has had a small response to date. Ros Shennan, Bill Storer, Michelle Hollister , Elizabeth Chipman, and Jan Adolph have volunteered to date. (with sincere thanks!) If anyone else would like to participate please contact Ingrid Mcgaughey.
The recording equipment is returning to Victoria in mid September 2011 so some further oral histories can be done. At this stage Ian Toohill, Ray McMahon and Brett Free have expressed interest. A notice was placed in the previous Aurora and on the website asking that members contact the Secretary ANARE Club to book the equipment for other states.
South Africa: Antarctic Legacy Project takes shape
Munyaradzi Makoni
28 August 2011, University World News - Africa Edition29 August 2011.
Issue: 0083
The considerable role South African researchers have played in scientific, biological and meteorological discoveries in the sub-Antarctic Ocean lacks full recognition. But memories that lay scattered in national archives, personal diaries and mementos will now be accessible through a project to identify, digitise and archive this historical heritage online.
More than 100,000 pages of records – including an estimated 30,000 maps, drawings, photographs, slides and oral history interviews – will become accessible in the global public domain when the Antarctic Legacy Project becomes fully operational by the end of 2012.
The history of South African research endeavours in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic territories will stretch over the past six decades.
The Antarctic Legacy Project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Foundation (DST-NRF), and run in association with the department of historical studies and the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town, and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) based at Stellenbosch University.
The funding for both projects started in 2008 and runs until the end of this year. It totals R2.8 million (US$400,000), according to Candice Steele, programme director in knowledge fields development at the NRF, which administers the funds.
"This funding investment has been explicitly made to further stimulate and develop research in the social sciences, law and humanities fields within the context of the South African National Antarctic Programme," Steele said.
But how did the Antarctic Legacy Project actually start?
Steven Chown, Director of the CIB and a professor in the department of botany and zoology at Stellenbosch University, told University World News that the realisation in 2005 that social sciences and humanities were under-subscribed led to the project. It was identified as an initiative that could bring out interest and expertise in people.
"The 60-year South African history [in Antarctica] was poorly understood and documented. There were people who were alive and not being engaged. We took this opportunity to come up with this platform," said Chown. "The whole point was to have a set of resources in which support for researchers would be made available."
South Africa, the only African country with involvement in the Antarctic region, does not claim territory in Antarctica, but was one of the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. Through the South African National Antarctic Programme, SANAP, the country manages research bases in Antarctica, and on Gough and Marion Islands.
The Antarctic Legacy Project milestones were revealed last month during the first-ever gathering in Africa of historians and archaeologists from around the world who focus on the Antarctic region. The 7th International Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) history workshop, held at Stellenbosch, was attended by researchers from some 10 countries.
According to a press release about the workshop, SCAR has been involved with scientific research in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions since 1958.
South Africa's Antarctic Legacy Project is already proving a valuable addition to the pool of historical material contained in similar databases in Australia, the UK and the US.
"This is a project that will add value on how literature on Antarctica is viewed, and it will provide new insights," Dr Cornelia Lüdecke, who chairs the SCAR history committee, told University World News.
"The early researchers did not think that at one time what they were doing would become history, but today we are globalising that history. The opportunity is now there for South African and international academics to discuss and critically evaluate how researchers with Antarctic interests can fruitfully use the growing accessibility of diverse source material to further research," said Lüdecke, a natural scientist at the University of Munich.
Researchers at the CIB at Stellenbosch are in the process of collating the private records of South Africans who have been involved in the annual re-supply and scientific research done in Antarctica and on Gough and Marion islands.
When a call for anecdotes, reports and photographs was made in 2010 to scientists, mariners, engineers, doctors and artisans who have been involved, the response was overwhelming, according to Dora Scott, a researcher at CIB. She praised South Africa for being truly an "Antarctic nation" for its extensive period of involvement in the region, but lamented the shortage of available and easily accessible information.
"The same sources, articles and books are used over and over when any writing is done on the history, heritage and geopolitical aspects, and it is time for these sources of information to be supplemented and updated so that more comprehensive information is available.
"Furthermore, there are very few records of the personal experiences of individuals in these inhospitable environments, particularly before 1985," said Scott. "We have received support from people who have worked in the region, and who are more than willing to share the photographs and memories of their experiences with us. The response has been tremendous.
"The project has already begun to stimulate and facilitate law, humanities and social science research into SANAP, both nationally and internationally," she added.
The historical studies department and Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town have been responsible for digitising more than 70,000 pages of relevant public records from various South African archives, and more pages are being added.
"The project has broken 'national monopolisation' of South Africa-Antarctica history," said Professor Lance van Sittert, an African environmental historian at UCT. "The removal of the tyranny of distance and non-accessibility of information has been achieved by the project," Van Sittert, who coordinates the initiative at UCT, told University World News.
The National Archives in South Africa are located in Pretoria. Accessing archives has been time consuming and logistically challenging.
"What we have is the reinterpretation of South African history. It means the end of parochialisation of existing South Africa-Antarctica history. We will have a professional and modern resource of information," he said. Universities will be major beneficiaries of the resource, which makes access for students easy while being cost effective.
posted 30/8/2011
supplied by Liz Chipman with thanks...
Munyaradzi Makoni
28 August 2011, University World News - Africa Edition29 August 2011.
Issue: 0083
The considerable role South African researchers have played in scientific, biological and meteorological discoveries in the sub-Antarctic Ocean lacks full recognition. But memories that lay scattered in national archives, personal diaries and mementos will now be accessible through a project to identify, digitise and archive this historical heritage online.
More than 100,000 pages of records – including an estimated 30,000 maps, drawings, photographs, slides and oral history interviews – will become accessible in the global public domain when the Antarctic Legacy Project becomes fully operational by the end of 2012.
The history of South African research endeavours in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic territories will stretch over the past six decades.
The Antarctic Legacy Project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Foundation (DST-NRF), and run in association with the department of historical studies and the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town, and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) based at Stellenbosch University.
The funding for both projects started in 2008 and runs until the end of this year. It totals R2.8 million (US$400,000), according to Candice Steele, programme director in knowledge fields development at the NRF, which administers the funds.
"This funding investment has been explicitly made to further stimulate and develop research in the social sciences, law and humanities fields within the context of the South African National Antarctic Programme," Steele said.
But how did the Antarctic Legacy Project actually start?
Steven Chown, Director of the CIB and a professor in the department of botany and zoology at Stellenbosch University, told University World News that the realisation in 2005 that social sciences and humanities were under-subscribed led to the project. It was identified as an initiative that could bring out interest and expertise in people.
"The 60-year South African history [in Antarctica] was poorly understood and documented. There were people who were alive and not being engaged. We took this opportunity to come up with this platform," said Chown. "The whole point was to have a set of resources in which support for researchers would be made available."
South Africa, the only African country with involvement in the Antarctic region, does not claim territory in Antarctica, but was one of the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. Through the South African National Antarctic Programme, SANAP, the country manages research bases in Antarctica, and on Gough and Marion Islands.
The Antarctic Legacy Project milestones were revealed last month during the first-ever gathering in Africa of historians and archaeologists from around the world who focus on the Antarctic region. The 7th International Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) history workshop, held at Stellenbosch, was attended by researchers from some 10 countries.
According to a press release about the workshop, SCAR has been involved with scientific research in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions since 1958.
South Africa's Antarctic Legacy Project is already proving a valuable addition to the pool of historical material contained in similar databases in Australia, the UK and the US.
"This is a project that will add value on how literature on Antarctica is viewed, and it will provide new insights," Dr Cornelia Lüdecke, who chairs the SCAR history committee, told University World News.
"The early researchers did not think that at one time what they were doing would become history, but today we are globalising that history. The opportunity is now there for South African and international academics to discuss and critically evaluate how researchers with Antarctic interests can fruitfully use the growing accessibility of diverse source material to further research," said Lüdecke, a natural scientist at the University of Munich.
Researchers at the CIB at Stellenbosch are in the process of collating the private records of South Africans who have been involved in the annual re-supply and scientific research done in Antarctica and on Gough and Marion islands.
When a call for anecdotes, reports and photographs was made in 2010 to scientists, mariners, engineers, doctors and artisans who have been involved, the response was overwhelming, according to Dora Scott, a researcher at CIB. She praised South Africa for being truly an "Antarctic nation" for its extensive period of involvement in the region, but lamented the shortage of available and easily accessible information.
"The same sources, articles and books are used over and over when any writing is done on the history, heritage and geopolitical aspects, and it is time for these sources of information to be supplemented and updated so that more comprehensive information is available.
"Furthermore, there are very few records of the personal experiences of individuals in these inhospitable environments, particularly before 1985," said Scott. "We have received support from people who have worked in the region, and who are more than willing to share the photographs and memories of their experiences with us. The response has been tremendous.
"The project has already begun to stimulate and facilitate law, humanities and social science research into SANAP, both nationally and internationally," she added.
The historical studies department and Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town have been responsible for digitising more than 70,000 pages of relevant public records from various South African archives, and more pages are being added.
"The project has broken 'national monopolisation' of South Africa-Antarctica history," said Professor Lance van Sittert, an African environmental historian at UCT. "The removal of the tyranny of distance and non-accessibility of information has been achieved by the project," Van Sittert, who coordinates the initiative at UCT, told University World News.
The National Archives in South Africa are located in Pretoria. Accessing archives has been time consuming and logistically challenging.
"What we have is the reinterpretation of South African history. It means the end of parochialisation of existing South Africa-Antarctica history. We will have a professional and modern resource of information," he said. Universities will be major beneficiaries of the resource, which makes access for students easy while being cost effective.
posted 30/8/2011
supplied by Liz Chipman with thanks...
Grant for ANARE oral history project
Aurora Expeditions has made a contribution of $2500 to the ANARE oral history project.
As you are aware, the project aims to preserve Antarctic history and increase awareness of ANARE expeditioners and their contribution to Australian Antarctic history and affairs. At this stage a number of themed displays are planned for ANARE, AAE centenary and community events in 2012. Aurora’s generous donation will be put to very good use developing material that can be utilised for these presentation and displays.
posted 28/6/2011
Aurora Expeditions has made a contribution of $2500 to the ANARE oral history project.
As you are aware, the project aims to preserve Antarctic history and increase awareness of ANARE expeditioners and their contribution to Australian Antarctic history and affairs. At this stage a number of themed displays are planned for ANARE, AAE centenary and community events in 2012. Aurora’s generous donation will be put to very good use developing material that can be utilised for these presentation and displays.
posted 28/6/2011
Oral History Report June 2011.
I would like to thanks those who have already taken part in the interviews, or ‘conversations’ as I like to call them. The reality is that 1-2 hours per person is way too short. It is just a snippet of each person’s ANARE experience. However we are starting to build up a picture –a mosaic of amazing, entertaining, factual, thought provoking and at times sad and humbling recollections. More and more I realise that there is more in common between ANARE expeditioners of different eras, ages, occupations or interests than differences. There is a common thread of shared experiences (and humour!)
The number of interviews continues to grow slowly, but all of them have contained real gems. Stories that make you think ‘...wow...’
We are now up to 12 interviews with a further 6 booked over the coming month. The majority of interviewing to date has been done by me. Michael Ooyendyk has initiated a project specifically targeting ANARE chefs and food. While other Tasmanian Club members have expressed interest in interviewing, they are either on extended holidays or have other commitments at this stage. If any Tasmanian branch members would like to be involved, either as the interviewer or interviewee please let me know via phone 6224 8573 or email [email protected].
The Tas branch will have completed their initial interviews by late August 2011. If any state branch wishes to loan the equipment after this date please contact the ANARE Club secretary Bob Watson. I believe it is best if in future the recording equipment is loaned to state branches for a defined period so there is a clear expectation that the equipment will be utilised during this period, rather than sit idle.
The Oral History Association of Australia (OHAA) has its annual conference in Melbourne in October 2011. Details can be accessed at: http://sites.google.com/site/communitiesofmemory/home
ANARE Club members are eligible to attend at the reduced member rate as the ANARE Club is a current member of the OHAA. Membership of the OHAA costs the ANARE Club $60 /year, and also enables access to additional recording equipment by state OHAA branches at reduced rates.
Ingrid Mcgaughey
posted 30/5/2011
I would like to thanks those who have already taken part in the interviews, or ‘conversations’ as I like to call them. The reality is that 1-2 hours per person is way too short. It is just a snippet of each person’s ANARE experience. However we are starting to build up a picture –a mosaic of amazing, entertaining, factual, thought provoking and at times sad and humbling recollections. More and more I realise that there is more in common between ANARE expeditioners of different eras, ages, occupations or interests than differences. There is a common thread of shared experiences (and humour!)
The number of interviews continues to grow slowly, but all of them have contained real gems. Stories that make you think ‘...wow...’
We are now up to 12 interviews with a further 6 booked over the coming month. The majority of interviewing to date has been done by me. Michael Ooyendyk has initiated a project specifically targeting ANARE chefs and food. While other Tasmanian Club members have expressed interest in interviewing, they are either on extended holidays or have other commitments at this stage. If any Tasmanian branch members would like to be involved, either as the interviewer or interviewee please let me know via phone 6224 8573 or email [email protected].
The Tas branch will have completed their initial interviews by late August 2011. If any state branch wishes to loan the equipment after this date please contact the ANARE Club secretary Bob Watson. I believe it is best if in future the recording equipment is loaned to state branches for a defined period so there is a clear expectation that the equipment will be utilised during this period, rather than sit idle.
The Oral History Association of Australia (OHAA) has its annual conference in Melbourne in October 2011. Details can be accessed at: http://sites.google.com/site/communitiesofmemory/home
ANARE Club members are eligible to attend at the reduced member rate as the ANARE Club is a current member of the OHAA. Membership of the OHAA costs the ANARE Club $60 /year, and also enables access to additional recording equipment by state OHAA branches at reduced rates.
Ingrid Mcgaughey
posted 30/5/2011
Communities of Memory –
17th National Conference of the Oral History Association of Australia
7 to 9 October 2011, Melbourne, Victoria
Registrations are now open! Visit http://sites.google.com/site/communitiesofmemory/home
When you register you are eligible for the discounted OHAA member rate (The ANARE Club is an institutional member)
You can register online to pay by credit card or download and complete the registration form
Discounted Early Bird Registrations are open until 30 June 2011.
Pre-Conference Workshops (Thursday 6 October 2011) ·
Please email [email protected] to check availability (Places are limited). · Once you have received a reply confirming availability you may register and pay via credit cards or via the registration form (cheque/direct deposit)
Conference Program – draft program available features include: ·
Keynote addresses by Steven High, Natalie Nguyen & Peter Read ·
A number of preconference workshops on Thursday 6 October on video & audio recording, digital storytelling, Engaging vulnerable participants and interpreting memories. ·
2 Associated Public lectures (Thursday 6 October and Monday 10 October 2011)
If you have any queries regarding this conference please email [email protected]
17th National Conference of the Oral History Association of Australia
7 to 9 October 2011, Melbourne, Victoria
Registrations are now open! Visit http://sites.google.com/site/communitiesofmemory/home
When you register you are eligible for the discounted OHAA member rate (The ANARE Club is an institutional member)
You can register online to pay by credit card or download and complete the registration form
Discounted Early Bird Registrations are open until 30 June 2011.
Pre-Conference Workshops (Thursday 6 October 2011) ·
Please email [email protected] to check availability (Places are limited). · Once you have received a reply confirming availability you may register and pay via credit cards or via the registration form (cheque/direct deposit)
Conference Program – draft program available features include: ·
Keynote addresses by Steven High, Natalie Nguyen & Peter Read ·
A number of preconference workshops on Thursday 6 October on video & audio recording, digital storytelling, Engaging vulnerable participants and interpreting memories. ·
2 Associated Public lectures (Thursday 6 October and Monday 10 October 2011)
If you have any queries regarding this conference please email [email protected]
ANARE Club Oral History update Feb 2011
Formal interviewing has commenced. To date 7 interviews have been completed. The quality of the recordings is excellent, and better than standard ‘broadcast quality’. We are not transcribing currently as this would take considerable time and resources. Our aim is to get a number of recordings done as quickly as possible by myself and others–at least 50 Tasmanian based members over the next 12 months, and members in other states on an opportunistic basis. Some members have alerted me they are travelling to Tasmania in coming months, others we will visit when we are interstate.
Requests for future loan of the ANARE Club recording equipment for ANARE Club oral history projects should be directed to the ANARE Club secretary.
Ingrid McGaughey
Co-ordinator ANARE Club oral history project
posted 25/02/2011
Formal interviewing has commenced. To date 7 interviews have been completed. The quality of the recordings is excellent, and better than standard ‘broadcast quality’. We are not transcribing currently as this would take considerable time and resources. Our aim is to get a number of recordings done as quickly as possible by myself and others–at least 50 Tasmanian based members over the next 12 months, and members in other states on an opportunistic basis. Some members have alerted me they are travelling to Tasmania in coming months, others we will visit when we are interstate.
Requests for future loan of the ANARE Club recording equipment for ANARE Club oral history projects should be directed to the ANARE Club secretary.
Ingrid McGaughey
Co-ordinator ANARE Club oral history project
posted 25/02/2011
ANARE CLUB ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
The National Council has approved $2000 towards funding an oral history project of ANARE members. The project is seen as particularly important as it has become increasingly apparent that we are losing a large part of our history and identity as ANARE members age, and become cognitively impaired or die. The project would be initially aimed at those who worked in the Antarctic and subantarctic in the 1950s and 60s, but with time would be expanded to include more recent expeditioners, thus providing a more complete overview of ANARE men and women from a broad range of occupations and stations.
The project would act to:
- Preserve Australian Antarctic history
- Increase awareness of ANARE expeditioners and their contribution to Australian Antarctic history and affairs through education and utilisation of information by community groups and schools
- Increase involvement and identity of ANARE expeditioners with the club.
- Personal reflections and practical aspects of living in a small isolated community in a remote location
- Communication and maintenance of relationships back home. I am particularly keen to record perspectives of family ‘left behind’, an area that, to my knowledge, has not been previously documented in detail
- The impact of women expeditioners on the Antarctic community from the perspective of both male and female expeditioners
- Midwinter and other social events –areas which have been poorly documented in the past, but are a vital part of the ‘fabric’ of Antarctic expeditions
- Recollections of Dr Phil Law.
I have spoken to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for initial discussions and they feel the idea has merit and would be interested in accessing the information for use in their permanent (and popular) Antarctic exhibition ‘Islands to Ice’. In addition the Antarctic Tasmania Midwinter Festival, organisers of the upcoming Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) Centenary (2011/12) celebrations and Australian Antarctic Division have expressed interest in utilising information gained from the project.
Project Outline: Time frame: 18 months
Outcomes:
*Generate copies of the recording and transcripts for use of the ANARE Club and other interested community groups
*Develop ‘picture boards’ with photos and excerpts of transcriptions for visual displays for use of the ANARE Club and other interested community groups e.g. display or presentations at our various midwinter dinners, in schools, libraries, aged care centres, U3A or part of the AAE centenary celebrations.
The pilot program will be initiated in Tasmania. There are several reasons for this:
· The project had already been discussed with a number of local ANARE expeditioners and has broad support
· I have applied for part funding through the Tasmanian Community Grants Scheme which has a specific focus on benefit to the Tasmanian Community
· I am based in Tasmania and am in a better position to initiate and ensure successful completion of the pilot project.
The project would then be extended nationally through State branches or individuals if there is sufficient interest. Brett Free is interested in co-ordinating a similar project in Victoria, and I am sure there are members from other states who would be keen to participate as well. The presidents of each state branch could canvass their state members to see if there is sufficient interest. I envisage that digital recording equipment could be passed between the various state programs to further minimise costs. I believe that this project is essential from a Tasmanian and National perspective. I also believe in it passionately as an individual.
Please contact me via email at
or ring on 03 6224 8573 if you have any further suggestions or comments on this project. Further details will be available in the Aurora and the National website as the project progresses.
Many thanks,
Ingrid McGaughey
Many thanks,
Ingrid McGaughey
Oral History Workshop in Tasmania Jan 2011
The Tas branch of the ANARE Club is funding an oral history workshop. The workshop will be held in Hobart on Saturday 8th January 2011, from 10am -12.30pm at 1/24 Fitzroy place, Sandy Bay and is open to all ANARE Club members at no cost.
Ms Susan Gordon Brown, who has being photographing and interviewing a selection of Victorian ANARE tradespeople from 1950-1980 for a nationwide exhibition, will be our guest presenter.
The workshop will cover topics including preparation for the interview, developing questionnaires and interviewing technique. Practical experience with recording equipment recently purchased by the ANARE Club will also be available.
Handouts outlining course content will be supplied. A more comprehensive reference guide, the ‘Oral History Handbook’ by Beth Robertson of the Oral History Association of Australia can be ordered at the special member price of $20 in advance, or $28 including postage to your home address.
Workshop participants will be invited to participate in the Tas branch oral history project or may like to initiate their own local project. Further information on the Tas branch project can be accessed here.
If you are interested in attending, please contact the project co-ordinator (me!) or phone 03 6224 8573 preferably by the 20th December 2010. It is possible that limited local accommodation may be available to members from northern Tasmania or interstate. Please let me know if this would be of assistance.
Many thanks,
Ingrid Mcgaughey
posted 24/11/2010
The Tas branch of the ANARE Club is funding an oral history workshop. The workshop will be held in Hobart on Saturday 8th January 2011, from 10am -12.30pm at 1/24 Fitzroy place, Sandy Bay and is open to all ANARE Club members at no cost.
Ms Susan Gordon Brown, who has being photographing and interviewing a selection of Victorian ANARE tradespeople from 1950-1980 for a nationwide exhibition, will be our guest presenter.
The workshop will cover topics including preparation for the interview, developing questionnaires and interviewing technique. Practical experience with recording equipment recently purchased by the ANARE Club will also be available.
Handouts outlining course content will be supplied. A more comprehensive reference guide, the ‘Oral History Handbook’ by Beth Robertson of the Oral History Association of Australia can be ordered at the special member price of $20 in advance, or $28 including postage to your home address.
Workshop participants will be invited to participate in the Tas branch oral history project or may like to initiate their own local project. Further information on the Tas branch project can be accessed here.
If you are interested in attending, please contact the project co-ordinator (me!) or phone 03 6224 8573 preferably by the 20th December 2010. It is possible that limited local accommodation may be available to members from northern Tasmania or interstate. Please let me know if this would be of assistance.
Many thanks,
Ingrid Mcgaughey
posted 24/11/2010
Aurora Expeditions contribute to Oral History Project
I recently wrote to well known Antarctic based tourism operation ‘Aurora Expeditions’ requesting a monetary contribution to the oral history project. Aurora Expeditions has offered $2500 as a seed grant which is much appreciated.
Unfortunately the Tas community fund application was unsuccessful in round 21. We have been invited (like everyone else I suspect!) to reapply in the next round (February 2011.) I recently discussed the project with the grants co-ordinator to get feedback on project. It appears that the board liked the proposal per se, but felt the quoted transcribing cost was too high. I am now looking to source some volunteers for transcribing to reduce overall cost of the project. If anyone hears or knows of any grants or organisations where I can apply for financial contributions to the oral history project please let me know. The initial work is mainly voluntary, but I am looking for money to fund transcribing, and the cost of setting up the material in a format suitable for touring exhibitions.
Ingrid McGaughey
Co-ordinator oral history project.
I recently wrote to well known Antarctic based tourism operation ‘Aurora Expeditions’ requesting a monetary contribution to the oral history project. Aurora Expeditions has offered $2500 as a seed grant which is much appreciated.
Unfortunately the Tas community fund application was unsuccessful in round 21. We have been invited (like everyone else I suspect!) to reapply in the next round (February 2011.) I recently discussed the project with the grants co-ordinator to get feedback on project. It appears that the board liked the proposal per se, but felt the quoted transcribing cost was too high. I am now looking to source some volunteers for transcribing to reduce overall cost of the project. If anyone hears or knows of any grants or organisations where I can apply for financial contributions to the oral history project please let me know. The initial work is mainly voluntary, but I am looking for money to fund transcribing, and the cost of setting up the material in a format suitable for touring exhibitions.
Ingrid McGaughey
Co-ordinator oral history project.
