2026 Welcome Party for the SA Agulhas II
Report by Kelly Green with additional photos from Paula Swain
The annual SA Agulhas II community party took place on Saturday 3rd October 2026, with Administrator Philip and his wife, Louise, hosting an evening of good food, good company and plenty of dancing!
The evening got underway with drinks at 7:00pm, and Philip giving a warm speech, thanking the community for what has been a wonderful three years on Tristan.
Philip Kendall (right) delivering his speech. Photo: Kelly Green
Philip Kendall's Speech
"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the passengers of the Agulhas II. This is my fourth annual Agulhas welcome reception, and I have a feeling it could be the best yet.
We are especially delighted to welcome Tristan family members returning home for the first time in years - it is wonderful to have you back, albeit briefly. Alongside you, we have our usual array of experts ensuring that our eyes, teeth, and general health are all in good order. Sean is here keeping the crane in shape, while Dainah is bravely checking for asbestos in my house and office.
I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Tinus and Richard, who are assisting with the smooth handover at the factory. And of course, Andy Wells, who claims to be my successor! I welcome him too, though you still have me as Administrator for the next two weeks until Louise and I depart on the Agulhas. So, although it's not quite goodbye just yet, I would just like to say thank you to the whole community for your friendship over the last three years.
We have achieved a lot together. Thinking back to when I first arrived three years ago, people used to complain constantly about not being able to download their emails. Now the complaint is that Netflix freezes occasionally. That's progress!
We have also been through a lot together, especially in the last six months, with Hantavirus and the storm. There is one person here I would like to personally thank, for his support and guidance from afar during the Hantavirus outbreak. Dr Matt Dryden was behind the scenes, but very much at the forefront of the UK response. Dr Alex has something for you Matt. Please come forward.
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| Dr Matt Dryden, visiting UKHSA Infection Consultant, took the opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Dr Alex, Dr Silvio and the entire hospital team during this year's hantavirus emergency. Dr Alex Wonner presented him with a gift from the community. Photos: Kelly Green |
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Before I hand over to Andy and Ian to say a few words, I have the honour of presenting some well overdue medals. These are mostly for those who were off-island at the time they were first awarded.
- First, the well-deserved Platinum Jubilee medals for Her late Majesty, presented to the Police Service.
- And then, the Coronation medals, presented to our Fire, Search, and Rescue Services.
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| Philip Kendall presenting medals. Photos: Paula Swain & Kelly Green | |
Congratulations to all and thank you once again for joining us tonight.
Thank you all again. Enjoy the rest of the evening, and now Andy, over to you."
The incoming Administrator, Andrew Wells, said a few words, expressing how excited he is about his new posting and looking forward to getting to know everyone and becoming part of island life. He will be sworn in before officially taking up his new position just before the Agulhas departs.
Andrew Wells speaking to the community. Photo: Paula Swain
As a special thank you from the community, Chief Islander Ian Lavarello presented Philip and Louise with a model longboat to mark their time on the island and their contribution to the community.
Philip and Louise Kendall being presented with model longboat to mark their time on Tristan. Photo: Paula Swain
After the speeches and presentations, it was time to relax, catch up and enjoy the evening. The food kept coming from a delicious spread prepared by the Seven Seas Catering team, including some much-loved Tristan lobster. Conversations continued and, before long, the lights were turned down and the music was turned up!
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| Socialising after the speeches. Photos: Paula Swain | |
The dance floor soon filled up, with plenty of dancing, laughter and a few impressive moves keeping everyone entertained well into the evening.
The 'Jerusalema' line dance was a lot of fun. Video still: Paula Swain
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| Tristan's ever popular Pillow Dance. Photos: Paula Swain | |
The dancing continued into the night. Photo: Paula Swain
It was a great night for the community to come together, celebrate Philip and Louise's time on Tristan, welcome Andrew and simply enjoy each other's company.
A big thank you to Philip and Louise for hosting such a fantastic evening, and for everything they have done for the community over the past three years. We wish them both all the very best for the future!