Bristol's George Clarke transitions from managing music festivals to taking on the challenge of running the world's southernmost post office in Antarctica, where he will experience life alongside a Gentoo penguin colony.
Festival Coordinator Takes on Unique Role as Antarctic Postmaster
Festival Coordinator Takes on Unique Role as Antarctic Postmaster
George Clarke embarks on an extraordinary journey to manage the world's southernmost post office in Antarctica, blending outdoor adventure with postal duties.
A unique opportunity has emerged for George Clarke, a 34-year-old festival site coordinator from Bristol, who is set to become the postmaster at the world’s most southerly post office located in Antarctica. With no prior experience in a post office, Clarke expressed enthusiasm for the adventure ahead, stating: “I’m accustomed to working abroad on festival crews, but this is unlike anything I've encountered before.”
The unconventional selection process included unexpected challenges, like assembling a tent while blindfolded and wearing oven mitts. Clarke will share five months on Port Lockroy with four other team members, living amidst a resident Gentoo penguin colony.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, he reflected on his passion for the outdoors, noting, “This experience is in a league of its own.” His interest in the role was piqued after reading about the previous Antarctic postmaster's experience. “It struck me as a wonderful opportunity, so I thought, why not give it a go?” he recounted.
Clarke and his fellow team members will be operating both the post office and a small museum on Goudier Island, situated off the Antarctic Peninsula. Even with internet access, they collectively decided to limit its use, favoring the isolation and tranquility of their remote surroundings. “Being somewhat disconnected from the outside world adds a certain joy to the experience,” he shared.
The crew plans to engage in creative hobbies such as drawing, knitting, and reading, with participants bringing their favorite books to share. Clarke described his upcoming postal duties, which include sorting letters and postcards from visitors arriving via cruise ships, as an exciting learning curve.
The team, comprising wildlife monitor Maggie Coll, base leader Lou Hoskin, museum manager Aoife McKenna, and shop manager Dale Ellis, is preparing to travel to Argentina before navigating the turbulent Drake Passage to their final destination. Approaching this new chapter with an open mind, Clarke anticipates savoring a morning coffee with stunning views of the Antarctic landscape and hopes to spot whales during his time there.
