Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Magsolo 2007 Magnetic North Solo Expedition  (Magsolo 2007)

Outline
Magsolo 2007 is a solo attempt to reach the Magnetic North Pole by Dale McKenzie. Setting off in February, Dale hopes to reach Magnetic North in its 2007 predicted position within 6 weeks. Dale will “broadcast” to the media and schools in the northeast England region via Satphone during his journey from Isaachsen to the Magnetic North Pole. A travelog will also be kept and updated on the expedition website www.magsolo.co.uk As part of the expedition Dale will also take 4 pupils from Thornhill Secondary School in his home city of Sunderland in northeast England on a once in a lifetime educational trip to Resolute Bay where they will have the chance to interact with Inuit culture and meet the residents of Resolute. The expedition will also be raising the profile of Grace House Hospice, a Sunderland charity that supports terminally ill children and their families.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Yet to be established

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Yet to be established

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Resolute Bay, Isaachsen, Magnetic North Pole (all Canada)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 02/07 – 04/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Fixed Wing Transport Aircraft - Ken Borek Air will provide transport to drop off point at Isaachsen and also collection at Magnetic North Pole. More than happy for other expeds etc to jolly on board if they need a lift and we can share costs.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No but it will feedback to and encourage other educational establishments in the North East region to broaden their outreach contacts in the polar regions.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own support
Other sources of support

Corporate sponsorship will be sort for the bulk of the costs.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not as yet but PR is not fully developed and the expedition has not been made public. Press is embargoed until 1st September 2006

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
Magsolo is a new concept that aims to put Dale McKenzie into a list of people that have reached all four magnetic points on the earth’s surface. Each expedition will be purposeful, educational and charitable.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organised and managed by Dale McKenzie and Ian Redford. Ian will be expedition manager at base camp when Dale begins his attempt.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Magsolo aims to take children from inner city areas of the North East of England to the polar regions for “once in a lifetime” opportunities. It will remove them from their usual environments and teach them the importance of teamwork, environmental restraint and the cultural aspects of polar communities. All expedition projects will be communicated via the Magsolo website and schools etc will be invited to join mailing lists to keep track of the journeys. Web blogs will be made available at a later date.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
None established as yet.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Magsolo will seek it’s own corporate sponsorship and grant funding.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Dale McKenzie
Magsolo Expeditions
1 Kesteven Square, Downhill
Sunderland
SR5 4AU
England

Tel: 0191 5481034
Mobile:
Fax:
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information