Is that the Caird Christmas shopping?

Visitors to one of London’s trendiest shopping streets must have feared they had been overdoing the Christmas spirit when the world’s most famous lifeboat trundled past them on the King’s Road earlier this month.

What on earth was the James Caird doing in Sloane Square?! It turned out not to be the plucky 23-footer herself (the original is still safely berthed at Dulwich College) but a faithful replica created by Seb Coulthard, JCS member and veteran of the 2013 Epic Expedition.

Seb’s replica J. Caird, until recently a resident of his garden, has now taken pride of place in an Endurance-inspired shop, opened on 2 December by JCS President, The Hon Alexandra Shackleton.

The shop, simply called ‘Shackleton’, is the brainchild of Ian Holdcroft and Martin Brooks, long-time admirers of Sir Ernest and his optimism and courage.

‘Shackleton’ sells a huge range of outdoor expedition-ready gear, as well as knitwear, sweaters, gloves, scarves and beanies – perfect Christmas presents for anyone planning a trip to the South Pole, or even no further than South Kensington.

You can find out more on the website. Or pop along and pay the Caird a Christmas visit.