Author of new book 'Vet at the End of the Earth'

Vet Joe Hollins to speak at Annual Gathering

Annual Gathering Update 1st February 2024

Sheep Shearing Day December 2017

Unfortunately, Fishing Company Ovenstone Managing Director Andrew James is unable to give the talk on 16th March 2024 as previously advertised.

Instead, we are delighted to announce that the keynote talk will be given by Dr Jonathan Hollins (Joe) whose book Vet at the End of the Earth has recently been published. A review by Ian Mathieson appears in the February Newsletter.

Jonathan with Jonathan in the grounds of Plantation House on St Helena

Like Andrew James, Joe was recommended as a speaker to us by Sean Burns during 2017 when Joe was doing work as a vet on Tristan. The book's chapter At the End of the Earth recalls his time on the island and inspired the book's title. Like the rest of the book, it is rich with entertaining stories of his time on Tristan. We have also invited him to compare his experience of being a vet in the Falklands, on St Helena and Ascension Island to contrast with Tristan's unique farming system. Joe will bring copies of the book for sale.

In the 2024 New Year Honours list Joe (properly Dr Jonathan Hollins) was awarded The British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to veterinary science and animals on St Helena after serving as a vet there for over nine years.

Joe will have copies of his new book available to purchase and sign during the Annual Gathering.

We publish a collection of his Tristan photographs sent to accompany his article in the February 2018 Newsletter to give an idea of the quality of his images and the breadth of his travels around the Tristan da Cunha Islands as well as the book cover and a photo of Jonathan with Jonathan on St Helena.

Right: Cover image of Joe's 2023 book
Vet at the End of the Earth.

Joe celebrated his 60th birthday on Tristan in September 2017.
He hopes to join in the Pillow Dance at the Annual Gathering as he did in the Prince Philip Hall that night.

The Agriculture Team at The Caves in June 2017

Fishing with Wayne Swain in November 2017

Cliff Swain at the helm of a RIB returning from Nightingale Island in October 2017


Bookings are again very strong, and we urge people to book their accommodation and day tickets by 18th February. We had to close further bookings in 2023 after exceptional demand.

See: https://www.tristandc.com/assoc/gatheringnext.php for more details.

Ensure you hear Joe's stories as a Vet at the End of the Earth at the Tristan Annual Gathering.