Staying at Shackleton's

Staying at Shackleton’s! 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Last Tuesday I flew to Edinburgh to speak at a banking conference. On the flight, I had been filling the journey listening to the story of polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. I was surprised by the number of parallels I could see between our preparations and his, despite a 100 year gap. Although I don’t consider our expedition to be in the same league as those of the polar pioneers, there were common strands and from these I drew inspiration - team selection and motivation, kit verses weight compromises, training and nutrition strategies, and the all important fund raising.

Shortly after 10 pm I arrived at The Channings Hotel, (after my usual impersonation of the parcel in pass the parcel – from air hostess to security guard to taxi driver to hotel receptionist.) 

I had only booked the room at 5:30 that evening and so Jen, on reception, did not see my booking coming up on the system. As she tried to find my reference, I fished around in my bag for one of the South Pole Flag flyers. The delay gave me the opportunity to give Jen the South Pole Flag sales pitch and so I handed her the flyer and began the hard sell…

But, just as I was in full flow she interrupted me with, “What a coincidence - this was Shackleton’s House!” I couldn’t believe it. Sir Ernest Shackleton, born in Ireland, is one of the most famous polar explorers of all time and I was going to spend the night in his house!

She continued, “The hotel is made up of five connected Edwardian townhouses and the one on the end, No.14, was where Shackleton and his wife Emily lived. I think it was from 1904 to 1910.”

So, there I was in Shackleton’s old house in Learmonth Gardens and I felt fantastic for it. I’m not much of a believer in signs or fate, but this is perhaps as close as I get to either. Somehow it felt right being there. Everything about this project in the recent weeks has been uncertain. But, as I settled down for the night in my room, with the spirit of Shackleton, it seemed to validate our decision to take on the challenge.

Whatever it was, Sir Ernest Shackleton has just joined our expedition team – if only in my head!