Reproduced by kind permission of the Cadogan Estate

Discovering Sloane: Frenchmans Cove, Jamaica. February 18-25, 2012

Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753)

DISCOVERING SLOANE: Portland, Jamaica-February 18-25, 2012

FRENCHMANS COVEThe conference will be held at the elegant Frenchmans Cove Resort in Portland, Jamaica surrounded by the lush sub-tropical environment that inspired Sloane and helped to create a view on the world that was instrumental to his success on his return to London. A private estate in an unspoilt part of the north east coast of Jamaica, it consists of 45 acres of rolling landscape with tropical trees and plants. A small river runs through the grounds down to its own sheltered white sandy beach. Dotted around the site are 17 spacious and secluded houses that sleep between two and six, plus a central building, the Great House, sleeping up to 24. Houses have a large sitting area, one, two or three bedrooms, en suite bathroom and a small kitchen. Many overlook the water and all have patios for sitting out. The weather in February is usually warm and sunny (25 degrees) with occasional heavy showers and sea temperature about 23 degrees. Frenchmans Cove was a favourite of Hollywood celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the 1950s and 1960s. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have also been guests of the property. However its present owner, Grainger Weston, developed the resort to provide maximum benefit to the local population and a venue for forward looking conferences. Grainger has been a great help to the Sloane Enterprise and the organisers are indebted to him for his encouragement and support.

It is now over 350 years since the birth of Sir Hans Sloane. The passage of time has obscured many details of the life and work of this fascinating character. The Sloane Enterprise is a concept designed to explore the various aspects of this extraordinary life and experience. The first phase of the project is Discovering Sloane and is launched by a conference on the Caribbean island of Jamaica where discussions and lectures will centre on Sloanes time in Jamaica and the influence of this experience on his life. Contributors to the discussion include: Arthur Macgregor: Senior Assistant Keeper (retired) at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Author of several books on the period and editor of Sir Hans Sloane, Collector, Scientist, Antiquary. Ian Foster: Currently writing a biography of Sir Hans Sloane. Lecturer on Sloane and related subjects.

ACTIVITIESActivities will begin each morning after breakfast, at the Great House with lectures and discussions, followed by a buffet lunch on the property. Afternoons will include visits to local places of interest and further discussions or leisurely relaxation at the beach. Evenings will include buffet dinner and entertainment on the property or in nearby locations. Also included will be chocolate and rum tasting sessions with discussions on the history and background of these products. Two days will include visits to locations related to Sloane and the history. You are free to extend or shorten your trip as you wish. To register, express an interest or request further details please email: sloaneenterprise@gmail.com

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVELThe cost of accommodation, meals, taxes and local travel in Jamaica will be included in the ticket price for the event, depending on your particular requirements. Flights from London to Kingston and Montego Bay cost about 599 although prices do fluctuate and early booking is advised. We would urge you to express your interest by the end of November, to secure the best air fares. The event is organised by Frenchmans Cove Resort in association with the Sloane Enterprise. Persons attending the conference are contracting with Frenchmans Cove Resort and not with the Sloane Enterprise. We recommend that you fly out with the group to Montego Bay on Virgin Atlantic Airways on Saturday 18 February and return on Saturday 25 February. Alternatively British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly to Montego Bay and Kingston on various dates depending on the length of your stay. The transfer from Montego Bay is slightly longer but a much better road. Registration cost is 200 per person or 350 for couples. Visit www.frenchmanscove.com for venue details.

Itinerary:Day 1: Day 3:

Voyage to JamaicaAn education The perfect opportunity A brave new world Time for change Day 2:

Breaking the CodeSloanes botanical Jamaica Sloane and his Jamaican relationships Send for the Doctor: Finding the cure Harnessing the power of history Day 4:

Chocolate, Rum and other secretsScience or Magic The food of life: Romancing the stone The secret of chocolate A rum diary

Making plans for the FutureA gift to the world The legend lives on Conclusion All rights reserved