Letters

23 May 2009

Spectator readers respond to recent articles

Beagles lead the way

Sir: The historic vote at the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) on 18 May marks an important moment in the campaign to restore balance to one of this country’s greatest institutions (Letters, 16 May). The Beagle Campaign (www.thebeaglecampaign.com) was thrilled and honoured to receive a smidgen under 40 per cent of the vote. We have moved from 80 signatories to 1,600 supporters in the space of just two months and would like to thank our supporters wholeheartedly for their generous backing.

Our campaign to get the RGS to mount its own expeditions again has always been about bold and innovative science and discovery. At a time when we are faced with so many environmental challenges, we would like to see the RGS resume its position at the forefront of scientific research. The RGS has always been much more than a grant-giving institution and must continue to be so. Its vision, leadership and direction need to reflect the interests of the broad church of its membership.

Academic geography is an important part of the Society and quite rightly always will be. It must not be allowed to predominate, for the very good reason that this alienates a large proportion of the Fellowship. Many feel the Society, to its detriment, has become a professional association of geographers from the Council down. The RGS has called this a ‘vote of confidence in the Society’s policy and leadership’. With 40 per cent support behind us, we do not think this is a helpful analysis. We sincerely hope that the Council now listens to the many voices of those who feel disenfranchised.

Justin Marozzi
The Beagle Campaign, London NW3