presented by

Swythamley Historical Society

Wednesday February 7th at 7.30 (doors open 7pm)

Warslow Village Hall, SK17 0JL

Many people round here have heard of Sir Philip Brocklehurst of Swythamley Hall and his exploits in the Antarctic, when he sailed with Shackleton on the Nimrod in 1907. Less well known is the story of his journey across the Sahara by car from Algiers to Khartoum, accompanied by Lady Brocklehurst and George Gratton as mechanic. The year was 1930 and the ‘Transsaharien’ people in Algiers tried to put them off; it was difficult to find the track, there was danger from sand storms and it was madness to attempt the crossing without wireless or guide. However, with eight tin tanks for water, 100 gallons of petrol, and a few bottles of whiskey on board, the adventure began on 27th January, in pelting rain on a road engineered by the Foreign Legion.

We are lucky to have access to a copy of Lady Brocklehurst’s diary along with wonderful photos taken by Sir Philip on the 5,000 mile journey. Join us at Warslow to enjoy this epic tale as it unfolds.

Doors will open at 7pm to give you time to have a drink, a cake and a chat! No need to book – just turn up. Entrance is just £4 including refreshments. 

N.B. Important plea:

We all love the home bakes provided by our volunteer catering team but we could really do with some more bakers – either as a ‘one-off’ or regularly. If you would like to contribute a cake please let Elspeth know at the latest by the weekend before the Wednesday meeting so that she doesn’t have too many – or disastrously not enough – cakes for us all! Email her on [email protected] or ring 01298 83282. Free entry to the talk if you bring a cake!!!

Finally, our friends at Buxton Local History Society have asked me to let you know about their new Facebook page which looks really interesting. Search for it on Facebook or click on the below image.