Author Archives: Simon Pipe

About Simon Pipe

Former print and BBC journalist, running St Helena Online news website about British territories in the South Atlantic at www.sthelenaonline.org and blogging occasionally on other sites.

Historian wants to bring Great War wreck back home

Posted on 19 June, 2013

A rusting trawler in South Georgia is thought to be the last surviving boat of its kind to have served in the First World War – and now a historian wants to return it toEngland. The Hull Daily Mail says … Continue reading →

Posted in Heritage, Shipping, Sister islands, South Georgia | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Doubts voiced as Napoleon death mask is auctioned

Posted on 19 June, 2013

A death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte is being auctioned by Bonham’s in London today (19 June 2013) with an expected price of £40,000 to £60,000 – but historian John Tyrrell has questioned its authenticity. The Bonhams online catalogue says it … Continue reading →

Posted in Heritage | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Island’s eco warriors need a new chief. Salary: £43k

Posted on 18 June, 2013

A new person is being sought to lead the team protecting St Helena’s environment. The post is being advertised with a £43,000 salary, plus allowances – but the job description makes it clear the role will be demanding. It says: … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Tristan da Cunha | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Gravity Rush 2013: it’s a photo-finish

Posted on 18 June, 2013

Click the pic to see a gallery of shots by NEIL GEORGE from Jamestown’s first-ever kart racing event – including drivers getting splatted with wet sponges on the Bridge.

Posted in Culture, Pictures, Sport | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

25 days after setting out, Tristan passengers still couldn’t land

Posted on 18 June, 2013

Three and a half weeks after first sailing from Cape Town, passengers on the beleaguered MV Edinburgh finally reached Tristan da Cunha on Monday 17 June 2013 – only to find they could not go ashore. Sea conditions were too … Continue reading →

Posted in Shipping, Tristan da Cunha | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

18 June 1815: the date that changed St Helena for ever

Posted on 18 June, 2013

The 18th of June is not seen as a significant date on St Helena, but perhaps it should be: it’s the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, which had immense ramifications for the island. Without it, Napoleon Bonaparte would not … Continue reading →

Posted in Heritage | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Going downhill fast: Cable & Wireless claims kart trophy

Posted on 18 June, 2013

Seven improvised vehicles careered down the hill into Jamestown in St Helena’s first ever kart racing event, organised by the disability charity SHAPE. Cable & Wireless was declared the overall winner at the end of a series of races in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, News, Sport | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ascension coin toasts The Iron Lady… in silver

Posted on 17 June, 2013

Ascension Island has issued a special £2 coin to mark the passing of Baroness Thatcher, the former UK prime minister who sent a task force to the South Atlantic to wrest the Falklands from Argentine invaders. Wideawake Airfield on Ascension … Continue reading →

Posted in Ascension, News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

And on the 26th day, they finally stepped ashore…

Passengers on the MV Edinburgh have managed to land on Tristan da Cunha, three and a half weeks after they first set out from Cape Town. Read more Video: 5,000 tonnes of explosive – St Helena’s airport blasts off 

Aside | Posted on 15 June, 2013 | Leave a comment

VIDEO: 5,000 tonnes of explosives and fuel by the shipload: why St Helena’s airport builders are careful with matches

Posted on 15 June, 2013

About 22 million litres of fuel and 5,000 tonnes of explosives will have been shipped out to St Helena for the island’s airport project by the time it is finished. The scale of the challenge is brought home in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Airport, News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment