The programme will feature our usual mix of contemporary and historical vexillological presentations. SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED… Graham Bartram FFI FVAST, Chief Vexillologist, Flag Institute A Flag for a Polluted World: Antarctica Flag Redesign Proposal Graham designed the flag for Antarctica in 1996 to symbolise its role as a hub for scientific collaboration, peaceful co-existence and nature conservation. Yet Antarctica now has another distinctive attribute – it is facing a serious threat from plastic pollution, which is harming its wildlife, its environment and its future. John Cartledge, Flag Institute Flags and the Law in England John will explore the principal regulations and protocols governing the design and use of flags in England. Although there are some statutory requirements, in domestic and/or international law, most flag-related “rules” in England are the product of tradition and common practice, which in some instances can be traced back for centuries and are derived from the medieval science of heraldry. Geoff Parsons, The Heraldry Society Flags of the Southern Regions of South America and of the Antarctic Territories Geoff will report on his recent trip to an area of the globe rich in history and flag culture. After boarding the MS Oosterdam in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Geoff visited the Falkland Islands, transited the Drake Passage and took in several Antarctic research bases. Geoff will review the national and local flags flown at the ports of call, the flags flown by the MS Oosterdam and those flown at the Antarctic bases. Brian Cham, North American Vexillological Association Unravelling the Tino Rangatiratanga Flag through the Eyes of Its Designer The Tino Rangatiratanga flag is the flag of the Maori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Designed in 1989, the flag has come a long way from a napkin doodle to a national icon but has also garnered controversy. Brian talked with Linda Munn, its last living creator... See more >