An Usk-based charity working to raise awareness of British Antarctic heritage has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special birthday tea at the Houses of Parliament.
Run by husband and wife team Tudor and Rachel Morgan from their home in Kingcoed, the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) was set up to conserve Antarctic buildings and artefacts and to promote the legacy of Antarctic science.
Supporters and MPs from across the UK gathered in the Jubilee Room of the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon (19th March) for a tea party to help the Trust mark its achievements over the past 20 years.
They were joined by Monmouth MP David Davies, who hosted the event, and Wales Office Minister Stephen Crabb MP. Several members of the Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic) All Party-Parliamentary Group were also in attendance.
Mr Davies said: “I am extremely proud of the fact UKAHT is based in Monmouthshire and I would like to wish this remarkable charity a very happy and well-deserved 20th birthday.”
Rachel Morgan, Director of UKAHT, added: “We have achieved a huge amount in the last 20 years.
“We have saved five historic bases on the Antarctic peninsula, run the world’s most southerly Post Office, supported many other UK polar institutions and run an oral history project to preserve the stories of those who have made Antarctica what it is today.
“We look forward to continuing our exciting work for the next 20 years to come.”
For further information, visit www.ukaht.org
*Pictured are Philippa Foster Back OBE, Chairman of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, with Wales Office Minister Stephen Crabb MP and Monmouth MP David Davies, all wearing Antarctic tartan ties.