Noel Ashton A Lifetime with Whales

THE JOURNEYS AV PRESENTATION

Overview of the Journeys talk

In May 2009 fifty-five whales stranded on a beach in Kommetjie, Cape Town and although enormous effort went into trying to save them, the day ended in sadness with the loss of forty-one whales. This became a pivotal moment in Noel’s life, marking a turning point in his approach to whale conservation and our relationship with the natural world.

This unique Audio-Visual presentation explores his fascinating journey and the insights gained along the way, with specific reference to the Kommetjie stranding and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s poignant address at the launch of Noel’s Sacred Ocean campaign. It offers a compelling approach to changing our way of thinking about environmental issues and our place in the living world, and is a message of hope for people and the environment.

“I have found that mankind’s complex relationship with the whale, ranging from a fascination which draws people to the edge of the sea, and the impassioned response to save stranded whales, in contrast to the brutality of explosive-harpoon whaling, has given me a powerful metaphor with which to explore our relationship with the world around us, and along the way to look closer at ourselves and our social and environmental paradigms.”

Components of the Journeys Programme

The Journeys experience is being created along different paths, to fulfil our vision of reaching out into the wider world with this crucial environmental message.

1. The Journeys in Search of the Whale AV Presentation
It is our vision to reach as many people as possible with Noel’s engaging presentation, taking audiences on a thought-provoking journey in search of the whale and man’s place in the living universe.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss presenting Noel’s talk within your aquarium or natural history venue, or to interested members of the corporate or public sectors.

The Journeys Dialogue is an opportunity for the audience to engage with the core Journeys narrative, beginning a vital dialogue around this important message. This is offered as an optional experiential component after each Journeys presentation.

2. Journeys for Learners
Noel’s journey in search of the whale has incorporated many diverse components, including science, art, research and the spoken narrative. This journey has also taken him along the road of the seeker, trying to better understand the complex social and environ-mental challenges of the modern world.
This talk is specially orientated towards learners and offers them an opportunity to explore how Noel has managed to synthesise his various skills, interests and passions into an interesting career, whilst at the same time sharing the core Journeys message in an engaging format.
‘Journeys for Learners’ is presented to school groups and we would be happy to explore ways to bring the talk to your school, to share this message.

3. The Journeys Workshop
A hands-on opportunity to engage with the core Journeys narrative through a one-on-one workshop experience, beginning a vital dialogue around this important message.

4. The Journeys Exhibition
Through a unique synthesis of science and art, we weave a fascinating story of hidden lives beneath the waves. The Journeys Exhibition comprises large printed panels that create a visual context to the Journeys Audio-Visual presentation.

5. The Journeys ‘Reconnecting with Nature’ Display
There is no better time to reach out to people with an important environmental message than when they are directly engaged in a nature experience. This display offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our place within the complex web of life.