Blue Plaque unveiling at Fisherman’s Gardens today arranged by Cllr Kevin Watson with Felpham Community College.

Felpham is well known for its association with poet William Blake and now another former village resident has been honoured with a blue plaque memorial stone. Few people have ever heard of Antarctic Explorer Captain Ernest Joyce but – thanks to Felpham Parish Council and Felpham Community College – he will now always be remembered in the village where he was born.

Ernest Joyce was born in one of the 15 Coastguard Cottages in Admiralty Road, Felpham, in 1875. He went on to become a highly decorated explorer, taking part in some of the world’s most notable Antarctic expeditions alongside Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

He was awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery during the Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the Polar Medal with 4 bars by the Royal Geographical Society – something only one other person has ever achieved.

The blue plaque memorial stone, which recognises Ernest Joyce’s bravery and pioneering spirit, has been placed in Fisherman’s Gardens, which is also part of the Old Coastguards historical area of Felpham village.

Amateur historian and parish councillor Kevin Watson uncovered the amazing life of Ernest Joyce after Felpham Community College students said they wanted to name their new activity playground after this historical person. “Once I started to research Ernest Joyce, I realised just what an incredibly courageous man he was,” said Kevin. “I wanted to make sure he was properly recognised as part of Felpham’s heritage.”

Joining the navy at just 15, Ernest Joyce joined Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition in 1901. Six years later Shackleton recruited him to join the Nimrod Discovery Expedition and in 1914 Shackleton asked him to join the Ross Sea party which resulted in several deaths and heroic acts. He died in 1940, alone and in near poverty.

Felpham Parish Council Chairman Dave Smart said: “Ernest Joyce is a true son of Felpham, and it is only right that his achievements are recognised in the village where he was born and where his family lived so people will never forget his contribution to some of the world’s most famous, and heroic, explorations.”

A special thanks goes to all those that helped us achieve our goal; Michelle Kelly Deputy Head FCC and her students, Anton Matthews, Memorial Stone Centre and Joyce Pritchard of Felpham Village Conservation Society.

The memorial stone cord pulled by Felpham Community College mascot Margot, chosen in recognition of Ernest Joyce’s love of his sleigh pulling dogs and the lost dog which led to him meeting his wife Beatrice.

The ceremony was also attended by Felpham Artic Fox Explorers, Mark Anstiss, FCC Head and Parish Councillors and members of the parish.

William Blake and Ernest Joyce are just two of Felpham’s famous past inhabitants. Kevin Watson and Felpham Parish Council are currently investigating other notable people linked to the village and the possibility of a heritage trail. For a Ernest Joyce info pack please email clerk@felphampc.gov.uk