Chilly adventure for Ipswich electrician
LIFE in the Antarctic has not been all hard work for Ipswich electrician Asa Downing, who today spoke about his chilly adventures.Mr Downing, of Kitchener Road, off Norwich Road, returns from his three-month trip to the coldest place on Earth in February, but has been in contact with The Evening Star to let readers know what he has been up to.
LIFE in the Antarctic has not been all hard work for Ipswich electrician Asa Downing, who today spoke about his chilly adventures.
Mr Downing, of Kitchener Road, off Norwich Road, returns from his three-month trip to the coldest place on Earth in February, but has been in contact with The Evening Star to let readers know what he has been up to.
Both Mr Downing and Jason Faulkner, 21, his colleague from Inviron's Building Systems business, based in Portman Road, are carrying out electrical testing as part of a contract with the British Antarctic Survey.
The 24-year-old jumped at the chance to spend time in Antarctica, which has 24 hours of daylight at this time of year. The pair have already tried skiing, riding snowmobiles and using the base's climbing wall. Mr Faulkner, from Bishops Stortford, also took part in the New Year's Eve 10km run.
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Mr Downing said: “We are really enjoying the experience of working out here and have been lucky enough to go on boat trips around the surrounding islands and the gigantic icebergs.
“We have completed our field training, which meant staying out in a tent for a night, as well as learning how to travel over highly creviced glaciers. We have also seen some amazing wildlife particularly, the spectacular sight of whales in their natural environment.”
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The work they are doing ensures the electrical equipment used by scientists is in peak operating order.
While most of the testing is indoors, the intrepid pair have had to venture out into the frozen wilderness to work on circuits for the satellites, fuel depot and aquarium containers.
Colin Clements, Inviron's general manager at the Ipswich branch, said: “This contract, although in an unusual environment, is being handled in a 'business as usual' and professional manner by Jason and Asa. We cause minimal disruption to employees going about their daily jobs, wherever those jobs may be.”
Are you due to go on an exciting adventure soon? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
