The Antarctican Society, based in the United States, has produced a medallion (Fig. 1) in recognition of the centennial of the discovery of the South Pole by Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert Falcon Scott, in 1911 and 1912, respectively. This item is representative of both expeditions.

The occurrence of two basal sections of southern beech trees (Nothofagus sp.) embedded in raised cobble beaches and exposed by receding icefields at widely separated locations on islands off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is reported. These are the most southerly records of naturally occurring driftwood. Both are of Fuegian or southern Patagonian origin but whether they arrived at their destinations directly from the north or by circumnavigating the Southern Ocean eastwards is uncertain. While their stranding probably occurred several centuries ago this can only be speculated.

The accompanying table gives a pragmatic indication of current national interests in polar research and other activities through association of states with four international agreements. Two of these are inter-governmental treaties and the two committees are non-governmental scientific organisations. One of each pertains to the Arctic and the others to the Antarctic. Each agreement has two classes of association, which are indicated in the table.

After learning in the first week of September 1909 that the North Pole had been claimed, the career and prospects of the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen hung in the balance. Scheduled to lead an exploration of the north polar basin, Amundsen suddenly found himself without adequate funding or a clear objective. His self-described ‘coup’ to turn southwards and reach for the South Pole was perhaps the most dramatic and best-kept secret in the history of polar exploration. Amundsen shared his decision only with a very select few, including his brother and manager, Leon Amundsen, a scene dramatised in the 1985 television mini-series The last place on earth. The location used in the film is identified at the unusual grave markers of the Ingier family outside Oppegård kirke in Oppegård, Norway, about five km from the site of Amundsen's home on Bunnefjorden, a branch of Oslofjord.

Sir Ian Gourlay had a distinguished career in the Royal Marines. He was born on 13 November 1920 and died on 17 July 2013, aged 92. During World War II, he took part in the landings in North Africa and fought in the Adriatic, in Italy and in Yugoslavia. He was appointed Commandant-General from 1971 to 1975, during which years he organised the change in training from jungle and desert warfare to the Arctic, in order to defend NATO's northern flank against possible Soviet aggression. He retired in 1975 from the Royal Marines, when he became Director General of the United World Colleges, at the request of Lord Mountbatten. During his fifteen years in office, this educational foundation for the world-wide development of international understanding expanded considerably. On its website on 30 September 2013, UWC's Executive Director recorded that the movement was transformed by Sir Ian, who proved to be an inspiration to very many people.

Each year Polar Record calls upon numerous scholars to assist in the demanding and intensive refereeing and peer-review procedures for manuscripts submitted for publication. These individuals give generously of their time and expertise to help ensure that a high academic quality is maintained in Polar Record. During the preparation of the four issues for 2013, the following individuals participated in the review and refereeing process. Our deep appreciation for their assistance is offered to all.

On 27 May 2014 the polar community was saddened to learn that the eminent glaciologist Dr Charles Swithinbank had died after a brief illness, at Hilton Park Nursing Home in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire. He was 87.