White Christmas guaranteed for Welsh Ship's Cook preparing Christmas dinner for Antarctica crewmates
Cook Steward Steve Carpenter from Caerphilly is part of climate change research mission on board RSS Sir David Attenborough
Last updated 22nd Dec 2021
A cook from Wales will enjoy the ultimate White Christmas – serving up turkey and trimmings to crew aboard exploration ship RRS Sir David Attenborough on its maiden voyage to Antarctica.
Cook Steward Steve Carpenter will spend the festive period near the South Pole on a mission to support UK scientists conducting climate change research.
The 49-year-old sailor from Caerphilly is part of the team that will prepare a festive feast for around 45 crew.
They have the task of cooking 4kg stuffing, 20kg of roast potatoes, 300 sprouts, 10kg of Christmas pudding and 500 mince pies for hungry shipmates.
Former Royal Fleet Auxiliary seaman Steve said:
“We have everything we need for the Christmas Dinner and have even made sure we have plenty of Brussels sprouts, whether people like them or not.
“We have two freezers that are bigger than most peoples’ houses so we could stock up enough food to last two years.
“We don’t need to dream of a white Christmas because where we are at the moment, it is guaranteed.
“It’s likely Christmas Day will be a full-blown working day so the plan will be to hold a Fakemas dinner on a quieter day, where we get to enjoy turkey with all the trimmings and a Secret Santa. We’ll make a good day of it.”
Frozen Antarctic landscape
The state-of-the-art ship will dock at Signy Island on Christmas Day having unloaded supplies at Rothera Research Station on Friday December 17.
World famous naturalist Sir David Attenborough visited the vessel named in his honour as part of a send-off for crew in London before they departed on their seven-week journey to Antarctica.
The £200million ship is part of a major UK Government polar infrastructure investment programme designed to keep Britain at the forefront of world-leading climate change research in Antarctica and the Arctic.
RRS Sir David Attenborough was commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – part of UK Research and Innovation - and is operated by British Antarctic Survey (BAS).
It is experienced Steve’s first trip to Antarctica.
He said:
“I am so proud to be on this voyage. I’ve never worked on a ship that has generated so much interest.
“Everyone I know – friends, family, neighbours - is fascinated because it is a very famous ship thanks to the connection with Sir David Attenborough and the fact we have Boaty McBoatface on board.
“To have Sir David himself on board was fabulous. He is one sprightly guy. You just would not believe his age and you could tell he was utterly proud to be on board a ship that bears his name.
“The baker made cinnamon buns and I’m sure Sir David had two, but you wouldn’t grudge him that after all he’s done to highlight climate change.”
Steve was a chef shoreside before starting his career at sea on P&O passenger ships before joining the Royal Auxiliary Fleet, where he served in the Gulf War.
He said:
“I think that was my scariest moment at sea. We were anchored just a mile from Kuwait City with scud missiles flying over the ship. The chemical weapon threat saw us dressed up in NBC suits and hiding in a shelter.
“Antarctica is relaxing in comparison to the Gulf. Of all the places I’ve ever been, this is the most beautiful and you cannot take photos that do what we’re seeing justice.”
Minister for the Polar Regions, Amanda Milling said:
“This magnificent ship is something everyone across the United Kingdom can take immense pride in. I’d like to wish everyone on board for its maiden voyage a Merry Christmas.
“The UK Government’s commitment to further investment in our Antarctic scientific infrastructure is putting British scientists at the forefront of polar research, as we lead the world on getting to grips with climate change.
“The UK’s presidency of COP26 in Glasgow last month, and our ongoing investment in science, demonstrates our determination to drive forward a greener future to save our planet.”
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