Marja Timmers standing at the rear of the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby, with the Grand Turk and other ships in the background
In the lobby we met Alwyn Peel, secretary of the society. We got acquainted and he asked us to accompany him to the nearby Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. We agreed and went there with him and another member of the CCS. Alwyn had to check if everything was ready for next day’s Annual Meeting of the CCS.
That evening there was an informal dinner for members. We got to know several members from England and Germany and, to our great pleasure, another member from the Netherlands: Mrs Martha de Putter-Stuiveling. It was very relaxing and after dinner we sat quite a long time talking to each other. We did not go to bed too late, because we knew on Saturday morning the lectures would start at 10 o’clock.
These morning lectures were very interesting. For lunch we had delicious sandwiches and sweet cakes, a combination we do not have in the Netherlands. After lunch there were more lectures, and we were allowed to view books in the museum’s archives, which we did with great excitement.
Of course there was also the opportunity to look round the museum itself, which was very captivating. Later on we walked to the graveyard across the way from the Museum. It belongs to St Cuthbert’s, the little church in which James Cook had been baptised. Unfortunately, it was not open to the public.
On Saturday evening there was an auction of several items, especially stamps and coins. Afterwards we had a formal dinner. Everyone felt very close; we were just like a big family.
Sunday morning a number of members went home straightaway. Those who wanted to could visit the place near Aireyholme Farm, Great Ayton where James Cook’s family had lived whilst his father worked on the farm.
However, we went to Staithes and visited the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre. There were many interesting things about James Cook, including a video film.
Afterwards we went to the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum in Great Ayton, where James had attended school. Another very interesting place was the nearby little church where his mother and sisters are buried.
On Monday we went to Whitby and visited the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and the statue near the harbour. Both very beautiful.
Our weekend had been a great success. It was very nice to meet so many other members! It was surprising to discover that everyone has investigated more closely a different aspect of James Cook.
We hope to come back again.
Marja Timmers
Translated by Pauline Frossard
Marja Timmers standing at the rear of the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby, with the Grand Turk and other ships in the background
Originally published in Cook's Log, page 37, volume 30, number 1 (2007).