SOCIAL CLIMBING
Lectures at The Royal Geographical Society

 At £117, the annual individual membership for the Royal Geographical Society is pricey.  Do the lectures justify the cost?

The backbone of the society’s programme is its Monday Night Lecture Series, which is aimed at those who don’t have a habit of trekking across Antarctica every week sustained by four oatcakes and a flask of brandy.  Often the lectures will be delivered by explorers, who will relate their experiences in the warmth of the lecture theatre. There are also discussions of cultures, with lectures being given on Libya and Iran, for example, which are very interesting in today’s post Arab Spring climate. The RGS is a hub for prominent travellers such as Colin Thubron or Robin Hanbury-Tenison.  Members can book a set supper (with wine) after these Monday night events.

The society is active in supporting its more energetic members with workshops, lectures and exhibits.  Perhaps something to inspire the children if they have unimpressively vague plans for “doing some travelling.”  The RGS also runs rather drier workshps for teachers and fieldtrip leaders, such as a course in “off-site safety management” and the like. Membership brings with it the Geographical magazine, use of the Foyle Reading Room and advice on planning fieldwork and expeditions. Previous lectures are available online. Because there's nothing wrong with living vicariously through others every now and then.