This is where Speaker Finders/Booking Secretaries who are familiar with the website will quickly be able to find speakers who are possibly new to the website since your last visit and also new talks by existing speakers. So if you use this website regularly, you’ll be able to quickly ascertain if one of your group’s favourite speakers has created another talk, or whether we have a new speaker who covers your area.
New Talks by Existing Speakers on the Public Speakers Corner Website
Williamina Paton Fleming
Williamina Paton Stevens Fleming never took a photograph of an astronomical object. She probably never took a photograph of anything. She however holds a place in the annals of Astronomy and Astrophotography for her discovery.
Roy Gunson
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Vaping – toxic or just hot air
Dr Graham Cope, a world expert in smoking-related diseases explains in graphic detail the background of vaping, how the devices work and what effect, if any they have on health.
Dr Graham Cope
Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.
Understanding Kestrels
Years of working face to face with kestrels in aviculture, monitoring and conservation projects has done nothing to dampen the excitement of spotting a wild Kestrels going about their work a few feet from the M4. But in the space of 30 years, that regular sighting has been rapidly replaced by that of a Buzzard or Red Kite.
Naomi Johns
Bath, Somerset
Life! A Library of Memories.
This is an opportunity to take a book off the shelf, turn back the pages of time, and recall the years of your childhood and growing up.
From sweet rationing, rock and roll, and the winter of 63, to colour telly, £sd, decimalisation, man on the moon, and the three-day working week.
Alan Jones
New Forest, Hampshire
Adventures of an Engineer in Foreign Lands
As a Chartered Engineer working for Scandinavian, UK and American companies, travel has been very much a part of my life over the years. There were many visits to companies in the USA (30+ US States over the years) as well as to Canada, Israel, Australia, Africa, most of Europe and to the Far East.
Alan Fitzgerald
Marlow Buckinghamshire
Divine Right? (Does Israel had a divine right to Palestine?)
Looking at Israel both ancient and modern. Using archaeological evidence and not the Bible I look at how Israel was established in ancient times, covering the Crusades, the Ottoman Empire, the conquest by Britain in WW1, the establishment of modern Israel and the following wars. Concluding with the conflict in Garza.
Mike Kelley
Alfreton, Derbyshire
The Downton Era - the start of modern Britain
Has your group visited Highclere Castle?
Would they like to know what the “Downton Era” was really like? Katharine’s talk will give them just that!
Her talk includes interesting insights into the period from 1910 through to 1925. Including the start of the modern working women, the birth of modern communications and development of modern entertainment.
Katharine illustrates her talk with sound clips, songs from the era and hats! Songs include “I’m forever blowing bubbles” and “won’t you come home Bill Bailey”
Katharine Collett
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
A Brief Review of Britains early Trading Company's
Britain's Trading Company's were established far earlier than most people realise. Several are over 500-years old and began trading around the world as representatives of the Government. One or two of them, like the East India Company and the Hudson Bay Company, laid the foundations for the early British Colonies that went on to become the bedrock of the Slave Trade and the British Empire. This presentation examines their histories and position in the world order.
Alan Fitzgerald
Marlow Buckinghamshire
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - A Reflective Talk about Mirrors in Our World
They can magnify or contract, predict the future and guard against evil.
They are a source of superstition and ritual.
See through the glass darkly, and they can divine the truth.
They are the scourge of vampires, and even Medusa lost her head because of one.
We stare into them every day, and yet… do we know their provenance?
This talk explores our enduring fascination with reflections of all kinds.
Justin Newland
Weston-Super-Mare, Avon
Subterranean London
This talk is Complimentary to "Hidden Rivers of London"
This presentation examines the many and varied underground Structures, tunnels and transport facilities under London. Since the Roman times many of these features were constructed for a variety of reasons - hiding Utilities, defence purposes, sewers, pedestrian tunnels under the River Thames and of course the famous London Underground train system which was the first in the world. The whole area under London is a maze of tunnels that go ever deeper underground
Alan Fitzgerald
Marlow Buckinghamshire
The History of Witchcraft
In my presentation my purpose is to educate, enlighten and entertain. My talk covers: – The History of Witchcraft, Wicca, Magick, and the Witch’s repertoire.
I hope to dispel 1000 year’s of misconceptions about witchcraft, including belief in the devil, hell and damnation and do some demystifying, debunking and fear busting on distortions the public still hold on jiggerry pokery
Francesca Summers
Urmston Greater Manchester
The Weald of Kent Canal
The Canal that Never Was
In 1800, a few good men came upon the idea of a canal that linked the Rivers Medway and Rother, opening up an inland route to the English Channel at the height of the war with France. John Rennie, the renowned canal engineer said that 'without exception, it is the finest piece of country to cut a canal through I ever saw'. Sutherland said that ‘it would be England’s answer to the Canal du Midi’.
This talk explores their ideas from the initial proposal, through the continual planning and surveying until the project literally ran out of steam with the advent of the railway. It would be the Canal that Never Was.
David Clarke
St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex
Help Our Hedgehogs
Our poor hedgehogs are in decline. In this talk I share lots of information about these little mammals and their habitat, reasons for their decline and how we can all help them.
I can provide my own AV equipment if necessary. I’m happy to deliver this talk via zoom if required.
Louise Camby
Tadworth, Surrey
Grape Expectations - Sparkling Wines
In this talk I share how wine originated, a potted history, how the bubbles are formed, where sparkling wine fountains originate, why the different glass shapes and the tasting techniques? It comes with tasting if you would like to taste two different sparkling wine options.
Louise Camby
Tadworth, Surrey
A Right Royal Couple
2022 saw our late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; 70 years on the throne before her death on 8 September 2022 following her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, having died 2 years earlier on 9 April 2021.
We have seen lots of footage of them both over the last 2 years in the media, but our talk looks at lesser known facts about them with humorous stories that we have witnessed at different events.
Mick Byrne
Tamworth, Staffordshire
Travels with my (great-great) aunt
This new talk (available for late 2023 onwards) explores the holidays of our ancestors – climbing pyramids, sliding down glaciers, cruising the Med… Illustrated with postcards sent home from holidays, just how far did our ancestors travel for their holidays?
Helen Baggott
Blandford Forum, Dorset
Bisons and Custer
Yellowstone National Park (the world’s first official national park).
• The dangerous pastime of “Hot Potting” in volcanic geysers
• How to survive a Black Bear attack: Hint: Don’t “play dead”
• How not to order your steak on a wild west BBQ
• The world’s largest stone carving
• How many bison are left in the USA?
• “Custer’s Last Stand” (the Battle of the Little Big Horn) the intriguing link between the famous massacre and a Sussex
headmaster.
• All this, plus a brief Wild West movie theme tune quiz……
Neil Sadler
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
The war that no one wanted: the origins of the First World War
This talk/course outlines the international developments that resulted in the First World War. It will cover the unification of both Italy and Germany, the domestic situations in the great powers and key European players, the impact of empire-building and the situation in the Balkans. The intricacies of international relations in the period are outlined to provide an understanding of why Europe was plunged into such a devastating war. Weaving these considerations together, it will put the First World War in context and explain why a dispute in south-eastern Europe was so quickly transformed into a fight to the death for the Continent’s great empires and powers.
Dr Stephen Goss
Reading, Berkshire
RADIO CAROLINE
Radio Caroline was Britain's first offshore commercial radio station which began broadcasting in March 1964. During this presentation you will experience how and why the station evolved. Listen to the original broadcasts and enjoy unique photos of the ship, the D.J's and hear the original jingles which heralded the 'sound of the nation' in the 60's offshore radio boom!
Brian Cullen
Mold, North Wales.
Operation Husky – The Invasion of Sicily
Operation Husky was the codename for the Allied Invasion of Sicily with landings taking place in July 1943. General Patton
commanded the US Seventh Arm and General Montgomery the British army. Despite the terrain favouring the defenders, the
campaign took just 39 days although the Allies failed to prevent the Axis evacuation across the Messina Strait.
David Bickerton
Waterlooville, Hampshire
Talks by New Speakers to the Public Speakers Corner Website
British 1820 Settlers to South Africa
In 1620 the Mayflower sailed to north America with 103 people on board (and about 30 crew). Today this is celebrated with plaques and festivities with a lot of fanfare. But, 200 years later almost 4,000 people left Britain (under a government scheme) to settle in South Africa, and yet few know about it.
Dawn A Denton
Frome, Somerset
'Being a Tudor Housekeeper'
The Housekeeper starts in a basic Tudor costume then puts items on while walking round the audience showing the pieces and talking about each one. When I am fully dressed then I talk about the Tudor food and the Dinner Service, using photos of some of the food and myself serving it in various places.
Eleanor Jenkins
Colchester Essex
Introducing Book Art
This is a new art form, having only recently gained popularity, book art gives old unwanted books a new lease of life! In this talk I will partially construct a book to show how I create this intricate piece of art and provide it's intriguing history.
Sageena Thakur
Leicester, Leicestershire
The Fascinating History of the Cryptic Crossword
The Fascinating History of the Cryptic Crossword - learn about how the crossword was developed from early word puzzles enjoyed by the Romans and the Victorians. An introduction to the crossword setters of the mid 20th century who developed the nation's favourite puzzles into an art form and who continue to influence the clue writers up to the present day.
Angela Bell
Ipswich, Suffolk
A Life in the Day of a holiday business in Brittany
During our nine years we completely renovated our property, (one house had a roof and 3 trees growing inside it) including building a swimming pool, which we ran as a B&B with 2 holiday cottages. So the trials and tribulations of French bureaucracy (they invented it!) and the fun and laughter which we enjoyed when things were going well and the tears which we endured when things went dramatically wrong
Lesley Cottrell
Portishead, North Somerset
Britain’s Atomic ‘V’ Bombers - The Ultimate Peacekeepers
For over a decade, The RAF V Bombers and their crews provided Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent and in so doing kept the country safe during the height of the Cold War. This is history, so amazing that it could be fiction.
aerorichardson@gmail.com
Weybridge, Surrey
A Wander Without Wellies
Sit back, relax and enjoy a wander across the British countryside without leaving the comfort of your chair. This talk uses images and sounds to take you on a verbal walk in the countryside, making use of some of our ancient pathways to cross landscapes and looking at the flora and fauna that live there.
Ruth B Kerr
Stockbridge, Hampshire
3 Tips To Build A Strong Body And A Strong Mind
I share some of my journey through heroin addiction and recovery, and the tragic loss of my brother. I talk about the positive lessons I have taken from the biggest challenges in my life, and give my top 3 tips that the audience can begin implementing immediately to begin to uplevel their mindsets and change their lives from the inside out.
Sophie Banyard
Todmorden, West Yorkshire
My Life in Falconry
Falconry is a way of life, I was lucky enough to find birds of prey and am now sharing my love for these incredible creatures on a daily basis through talks and experiences.
I will bring along a number of birds that are each unique and talk about them, so you understand how they each hunt and how they are different from one another. I will give an insight into my lifestyle and how I became a falconer.
Anita Ebdon
Alton Hampshire
It's Honorary, Bab - Poet Laureate in a Pandemic
Emma Purshouse talks about her role as the first Poet Laureate for the City of Wolverhampton, explaining what the work of a city laureate entails and sharing examples of the creative work she completed during her tenure. This includes poetry about local people and place, focussing on such things as Queen Victoria’s visit to Wolverhampton, Catherine Eddowes links to the city, Red Emma, and the ruminations of the Man on the Oss.
Emma Purshouse
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Sweat and Mugs and Rock and Roll
Attracted by the magic of stardust and a desire to avoid the 9-5, Steve Pottinger fell into work in the music business instead. He started out as local crew, unloading and re-loading trucks and helping to set up shows. He now works as a stage manager at some of the biggest festivals in Europe. It’s been quite the journey. Expect anecdotes, stories, and insights into how the industry has changed – for better and worse – over the years.
Steve Pottinger
Willenhall, West Midlands
THE SHROUD OF TURIN: A SCIENTIFIC ENIGMA
This 60-minute presentation provides an overview of this evidence, focusing in particular on the astounding findings revealed by scientific examinations of the image markings visible on the Shroud, which undermine the claim that a medieval artist could have simply “faked it up and flogged it”. It covers the findings of several eminent forensic scientists who concluded that the markings and bloodstains show that the cloth covered the body of a man who was tortured and crucified exactly described in the gospels.
Michael Kowalski
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Poems That Changed The World
A whistle-stop tour of some of the most significant poems from across the ages and across the globe.
We’ll take a look at the poems as well as the fascinating stories that accompany them from powerful verses to the bizarre.
Emilie Lauren Jones
Coventry, West Midlands
A talk on the life of a painter
A one hour talk on art, finishing with a free raffle for an original watercolour painting.
Liam O’Farrell discusses his life as an artist, delving into his background and revealing his approach to planning his work.
He proceeds to showcase the evolution of his painting of Cromer in Norfolk. At this point, he encourages attendees to explore their own artistic endeavours by taking up a bit of painting, underscoring the mental health benefits and the joy it can bring. Additionally, he provides a list of required items and an estimated budget to get them started.
Liam O’Farrell
Pilton, Somerset
Castles, History and Architecture
Everybody has seen castles, but do you really know them? Have a talk on any site or hear about their general development. Why not spend an hour or two being taken round one of the great castles, seeing the bits that people don’t normally see and hearing the history from the man who wrote the book? You name the castle and I’ve probably been there and written about it. See the castle on zoom and then know what to look for when you visit, or meet me on site, or why not hire me for both?
Paul Martin Remfry
Ceidio, Gwynedd
Escaping Hitler: A Jewish Boy’s Quest for Freedom and His Future
The true story of the remarkable and long life of a Kindertransport boy Günter Stern, who fled Nazi Germany, cared for by two very different British families, joined the British Army, opened a successful Travel business in Norwich from nothing, was an active fundraiser for Lions International for over 60 years, and was made Sheriff of Norwich in 1975. An uplifting true story of survival and success against all the odds.
Phyllida Scrivens
Norwich, Norfolk
The Assassination of President Kennedy
The Assassination of President Kennedy’ is a one hour minimum presentation given with a PowerPoint programme showing photographs and film of the event in Dallas, Texas on the 22nd November 1963. Information given is wholly factual from testimonies and statements from law enforcement agencies and witnesses.
Pete Mellor
Saddleworth Moor, Gtr. Manchester
It’s a dog’s life in my house…
In the last 15 years I have looked after approx.12 dogs, four of them being my own ones.
I started foster about 8 years ago and I have had gorgeous young puppies to and older statesmen 14-year-olds – shapes and all sizes. My talk covers what the charity does, the process of adoption and how we match the dogs and owner as well as my own experiences of fostering. I have lots of funny stories to go with my pictures and videos.
Beth Hilton
Copthorne, West Sussex
On and Off the Footplate
On and Off he Footplate gives me a wide opportunity to explore the many light hearted moments whilst train driving and the many Passengers I had the pleasure or displeasure to meet. I refer to the many cantankerous Drivers I worked with and some of the Hapless Managers who were supposedly in charge. Many foibles of other railway staff that we came into contact with. Dangers and tragedies along the line get mentioned if asked as they invariably involves tragic sudden death!
BILL DAVIES
Kempston Bedford
An Expert Guide to Air Traffic Confusion
Most folks wonder what goes on around them outside the aircraft as they sit in their airline seat. Nick’s talk about air traffic control assumes the audience has little knowledge of the subject and breaks down in simple terms the structure of airspace and the function of military and civilian controllers to manage the traffic in it. Nick will also talk you through some techniques controllers use to keep the skies moving, provide some exciting and light-hearted anecdotes from his career and reassure you that you are in safe hands.
Nick Clyburn
Teignmouth, Devon
American Presidents: The Good….The Bad…and the Ugly
A light hearted look at some of the more interesting Presidents, how they came to power and what was happening in their era. What did they achieve, why did they fail, does history show them to be exceptional, atrocious or just plain ordinary. The talk also covers the background to how the position of President evolved and its relevance with American History.
Simon Cork
Sheffield
HMS India and her men
My talk on HMS India is a condensed version of my book and website and lasts for 45-60 minutes allowing time for questions. The talk will be complimented by a Powerpoint presentation featuring photographs, maps and other relevant information. I will also bring archival material that can be perused by the audience at their leisure at the conclusion of the presentation.
Rebecca Clarke
Isleworth, Greater London
Secret London
An illustrated talk showing a collection of sites which are truly off the beaten London track but sometimes hidden in plain sight. Courtyards, alleyways, firemarks, bollards which tell a story, Parish boundaries, beautiful art works above and below our feet , hidden gardens and Roman ruins all feature.
Diane Burstein
London
Undercover Policing And The Corrupt Secret Society Within
My name is Garry Rogers and l am a retired police officer from Greater Manchester Police. I completed a total of 30 years in GMP (Greater Manchester Police) in a number of different departments, both uniform and CID including 6 years attached to the Regional Crime Squad dealing with criminals who transcend force boundaries. For six years l was a full time undercover police officer working on operations both at home and abroad.
Garry Rogers QPM
Manchester. Lancashire
The Development of Helicopters
A selective look at the endeavours of aviation pioneers to achieve rotary flight. Light hearted and generally non technical but can be more detailed for a specialist audience. Pictures and videos to demonstrate individual concepts.
