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In this talk, Graham Hutchings introduces Sir Cecil Clementi, one of Hong Kong’s most distinguished governors. He focuses on Sir Cecil's exploits as a traveller and explorer – both in China and in British Guiana. Here, in 1916, his pioeering wife Penelope, Lady Clementi, made the first female ascent of Mount Roraima.In October 1906, Cecil Clementi, then still a junior but already highly regarded official in the Hong Kong government, went on home leave. Instead of travelling in comfort by ship he chose to journey alone across Southwest China to Burma before going on to India and catching a ship for England.
In June 1907, he left London for Moscow, travelled by train through Russia and entered Chinese Turkestan on foot. From Kashgar he rode on horseback or marched through the interior of China on a journey that ended in Kowloon.
Throughout his travels, Clementi made detailed geographical and astronomical observations, and in 1912, the Royal Geographical Society awarded him its Cuthbert Peek prize for services to geography.
In 1925, Sir Cecil became Governor of Hong Kong and served through a troubled and politically fascinating period in China. His governorship was not without controversy, though his many achievements included the building of Kai Tak Airport, modern water supplies and the first Chinese members of the Executive Council. In 1930, he was promoted to the governorship of the Straits Settlements (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei).
Graham Hutchings of Oxford University’s China Centre is an Honorary Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham. He was previously a foreign correspondent based first in Beijing and then Hong Kong before taking on the role of Director of Analysis and later Managing Director of Oxford Analytica, the global analysis and advisory company. His books include China 1949: Year of Revolution and Governor, Traveller, Scholar, Spy: The Career of Sir Cecil Clementi.
Members of the RGS, their guests and others are most welcome to attend this event, which is HK$200 for RGS Members and HK$250 for guests and others. This talk is free of charge for student members.
The Royal Geographical Society - Hong Kong wishes to express its thanks to The Executive Centre for being the Venue Sponsor of this talk.
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The opinions expressed in this event are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Royal Geographical Society - Hong Kong.
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Event venue
The Executive Centre, Level 43 & 44, Champion Tower, No. 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Tickets
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