On January 31 2009 high tea was taken at The Tobacco Factory in Bristol with the legendary explorer and adventurer Colonel John Blashford Snell OBE DSc(Hon) DEng(hc) FRSGS; otherwise known as "Blashers". 

Born in 1936, the Colonel has been conquering the far-corners of the globe since before most of us were even a glint in our parent's eyes. The first descent of the Blue Nile (1968); the first north–south vehicular journey from Alaska to Cape Horn (1971/2), including the first navigation of the Darién Gap; and a complete navigation of the Congo River (1974/5) are just a few of "Blashers" expeditionary triumphs. He also founded the Scientific Exploration Society and launched Operation Raleigh.

Over two hundred Adventurists journeyed from as far and wide as Scotland, Canada, Cornwall and Essex to come and listen to Blashers' enthralling tales of adventure. We listened rapt as he recounted meetings with Haile Selassie, bullet dodging on the Nile and ingenious ways to cook tinned sardines. Not only was the Colonel a mighty inspiration but also a hilarious speaker and we shall definitely be asking him for tea again soon in the not too distant future. 

To read more about JBS check out http://johnblashfordsnell.org.uk/