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Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961

Documenting an expedition, organised by Dr Catherine Delano-Smith. Of the Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961.

1961 16 mins Silent

Overview

This film documents the Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961. It begins with the expedition’s arrival in Madeira and relates expedition life and the group’s investigations during the journey. Scenes include camping, views of the countryside, botany, local people repairing a river bank, walks by the team in Madeira’s mountainous areas. Scientific observations include the Geology of the area and the taking of blood samples for inspection.

The expedition was led by Catherine Delano Smith with Julia Papworth (geographer) as treasurer and Anne Coleridge (botanist) as quartermaster. The other members were Ann Hailes (biochemist), Janet Carruthers (geographer) and Henrietta Cooke (ornithologist). Originally, the team planned to visit the Cape Verde Islands, but due to political circumstances had to relocate to Madeira. Most of their research was on the remote north side of the island. They spent four weeks at Queimadas, up in the mountains above Santana on the north-east coast and two weeks on the south-eastern side, which included Funchal.