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
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
Tax Care and The New Guy
Estate Planning may not be as fun to think about as booking a trip or checking out a restaurant review, but without it, could you imagine losing everything you worked so hard for? Silvertime Legal is here to offer an informative group community talk. The talk we would like to deliver is called Tax, Care and The New Guy.
Sam Passi
Nuneaton
"Toxic Projects"
After Grenfell, just about all of us know now what a "Toxic Project" is. Whether it's a building, a film, a play or a book, it's the project destined to fail due to incompetence, inadequate funding, dishonesty, ruthlessness, an impossible programme, lack of experience and corruption.
Julian Richard Le Good
Portsmouth, Hampshire
The Battle of Agincourt
The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 was the third and last of the three great English victories in the Hundred Years War. It was a victory achieved against fearful odds by King Henry V and a small army, trapped, weakened by fatigue and hunger, and facing almost certain death in the face of overwhelming numbers.
James Porter
Sturminster Newton, Dorset
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
Magnificent Women and Flying Machines
Sally's talk is about her latest book, Magnificent Women and Flying Machines, published by The History Press.. The book covers the first 200 years of British women in flight, telling the personal stories of the amazing women who were real pioneers in all forms of aviation, from ballooning, parachuting, gliding, airships and fixed wing flight right up to the story of Britain's first ever woman in space. Sally's talk gives an entertaining insight into the lives of these amazing women. Some of the stories are poignant, such as the story of Britain's first ever female parachutist who was brought up in a Victorian workhouse; some are very entertaining, such as Britain's first ever balloon pilot who had almost more crashes than successful flights and the two Lady Mary's, who were flying biplanes across Africa in the 1920s which ended up in sarcastic rivalry when they met in Khartoum.
Sally Smith
Somerton, Somerset
Disaster at Isandlwana 1879
On the same day as the Battle of Rorke's Drift in January 1879, just a few miles away, a force of British regular redcoats plus native colonial troops was surrounded and destroyed by a massive Zulu army of 25,000 men. Some 1,500 or more British and colonial soldiers and ancillaries were killed, with few survivors. The disaster came as a complete shock to an Army and a Government that had fatally underestimated the military power and organisation of the Zulu. This talk covers the background to the Zulu War, the strengths and weaknesses of the two sides, and the events leading up to and including that fateful day. The talk lasts about an hour, but can easily be shortened or extended.
James Porter
Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Howzat? The Six Sixes Ball Saga
This whodunnit? – but with a cricket ball instead of a body – begins with a DVD of Garry Sobers’ feat of hitting the historic six sixes off six balls at Swansea in 1968 before going on, via poems and songs, to reveal the amazing fate of the battered ball sold by Christie’s for a staggering £26,400 in 2006.
Despite the world record auction price, all was not as it seemed. That particular ball was never delivered by Malcolm Nash on that memorable day at St Helen’s and I can tell you why. Fact: the ball that was sold was not the ball bowled..
Grahame Lloyd
Cardiff, Wales
Treading The Wards
Tales from beyond the bedpan! My mother was a strong-willed Irish woman who was determined that I should follow her into Nursing - I wanted to be a Pilot!
Reluctantly, I complied and, as a result, experienced some of the best years of my professional life!
From Carry on Nurse to Oooh Matron, you'll hear about my experiences and adventures in the early 1970s at Bart's Hospital in London.
Lottie Dale
Weston Super Mare, Somerset
COCO CHANEL – Her life, loves and lies
• What name was entered on the birth certificate of Gabrielle Chanel?
• How did she acquire the name Coco?
• Who described her singing voice as that of a crow?
• Who was the true love of Coco? Did they marry?
• Why was one of Coco’s lovers deported from Russia?
• How many ingredients are there in the fragrance Chanel No.5?
• How did a famous Hollywood actor decorate his garden to welcome Coco?
• Why did Coco have to alter the costumes of Gloria Swanson?
• Who was rumoured to have had a hand in her release from prison?
• What was Coco’s response when asked if she consorted with a German Officer?
Steve Herra
Southampton, Hampshire
Flying Past - A History of Aviation in Kent
Maybe surprisingly, Kent has been at the forefront of aviation since the 1880’s. This talk will explore the history of balloons, airships and aircraft in the county. It includes information about Kentish airfields past and present and gives suggestions for places of interest which you may like to visit. A new talk for Autumn 2021 offering something for everyone who has an interest in either Kent or aviation
Guy Bartlett
Maidstone, Kent
The Falklands Conflict
2022 sees the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Our story looks at the reasons why Argentina chose to invade the Falklands in 1982 and all the political wrangling behind the scenes to avert the conflict.
The Falklands War is the last conflict since WW2 to see all the branches of our Armed Forces in action together.
We chart the British Task Force, their victories and losses, the incredible acts of valour by our service personnel including two Victoria Cross recipients.
Concluding with the eventual recovery of the Falklands Islands.
David Bardell
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
The Pursuit and Sinking of Bismarck
The pursuit and sinking of Bismarck is one of the enduring stories of WW2 which continues to fascinate. More than a hundred British warships were involved in the 5 day, 1,750 mile hunt. The British battlecruiser, HMS Hood was sunk within 10 minutes of engaging the mighty Bismarck which disappeared for more than 24 hours and she was almost within reach of safety before the British won the day.
I was inspired to delve further into this historical event as my father was a crewman aboard HMS Dorsetshire which was involved in the final showdown and I have compiled a 60 minute PowerPoint presentation. A shorter presentation can be offered on request.
It is worth noting that 2021 sees the 80th anniversary of this event.
David Bickerton
Waterlooville, Hampshire
Horsemanship 4 Humanship
Applying the principles of great horsemanship to our human relationships offers huge insights – for the workplace or at home. The horses’ pure, honest, and in-the-moment feedback acts as our mirror – they have no hidden agenda, they say it like they find us. There is no requirement for any specific equestrian knowledge: crocodile-whispering works just the same! Suitable for specialist training with companies and organisations, or for general interest.
Lynda Thompson
West Swindon, Wiltshire
Legal Cannabis. The health benefits of CBD and Hemp
CBD, THC, Hemp, Marijuana! You may have heard of one or all of these and might be wondering what the differences are and whether there are any health benefits for you or your family. In my talk I shed some light on it all, why Hemp is a phenomenal plant, how CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system, and about the company that single-handedly created the exploding market we are witnessing today.
This talk presents very well with illustrations via a projector and screen. I have the necessary illustrations if a projector and screen can’t be provided. If the venue does not have viewing facilities I can bring laminated A4 size photos to show around during my talk. (21.2)
Louise Camby
Tadworth, Surrey
Singing My Way to the Stars
Leaving the Black Country to seek my fame and fortune in London during the 'swinging sixties,' I soon learned that fame can be fleeting and fortunes can falter! Choosing a show-biz life was not without its challenges and my talks describe the ups and downs I encountered as a singer as well as the rewards. Overall, I feel my whole life has been enriched by my experiences and I wouldn't change a thing! (20.2)
Val Wiseman
Twickenham, West London
Obsession, Enterprise and Death: the Industrial Revolution and three men's lives'
Economic success came at a high price for individuals – even those who appeared to profit from it most.
Dr Frances Hurd
Chichester, West Sussex
From Simon Cowell to Dragons Den
Just what does it take to make it in the music industry? And how did I get the chance to appear (and be successful) on Dragons Den?
My life has been a roller coaster ride of which I have been signed to Simon Cowell, managed top ten chart acts and invented a new patented technology, taking it through to market. I am also the lead singer for Urban Cookie Collective – who had a number 1 hit with "The Key The Secret" and I tour the world to this day, singing in front of hundreds of thousands of people! I will tell you my life story.....
Danielle A Barnett
Romford Essex
'Staff Nurse Emily Connell’s Autograph Book'
Emily Connell was a remarkable woman; hailing from Bootle and having enrolled in the Territorial Force Nursing Service in 1908, she was appointed as Staff Nurse at 3rd Western General Hospital in Cardiff when war broke out in 1914. As well as serving there throughout the First World War, she kept an autograph book in which her patients drew and wrote messages. This is the story of her own highs and lows and struggles with the system. It is also the story of the remarkable work the TFNS did with Shell Shock sufferers and sheds light on some of the soldiers who left their incredible pictures and anecdotes in her book.
John Griffiths-Colby
Reigate, Surrey
"An Odd Thing Happened Today at the Airport"
International airports are fascinating places to pass through. But have you ever wondered what happens if you work at one……especially as a police officer at Britain’s second busiest airport,London Gatwick.
· Where was the 1917 Grand National horse race held?
· What have Vinnie Jones, Naomi Campbell and Peter Buck got in common?
· Do you know your LAX from your LHR airport codes?
· The “Golden age” of air travel
· The very expensive sleep-over or The stowaway to freedom;
Neil Sadler
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
It Wasn't All About the Pankhursts
An in-depth, illustrated talk about the suffragette movement and other, conflicting movements of the time. Please note! This is not only for women’s groups
Charlotte Gringras
Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Elizabeth Barton: The Maid of Kent 1506 -1534
This young visionary of Aldington in Kent was so dangerous to Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon that she had to be executed. Hear why in this commissioned talk. The talk includes the work of artist Lauren McMahan.
Melanie Gibson-Barton
Dymchurch, Kent
Baked Alaska or Mexican Chilly? Climate change explained.
In July 2019 people sunbathed in a baking Alaska as temperatures soared to an unprecedented 32oC. In the same month the normally baking city of Guadalajara in Mexico shivered beneath chilly 3 foot blanket of freak hailstones. Both events made the headlines. What is going on here? Some blame climate change. Others shrug and say “That’s what weather does. Always has done and always will.”
What climate change does to weather is just one of the topics covered in this talk. It will also present the fascinating history, science and politics of climate change in a clear and entertaining way so that your opinions, whatever they may be, are fully informed. The speaker talks from a background of providing environmental advice and training to multinational company.
Nick Cook
Ruislip, Greater London
A Cleaner Greener Life
How to reduce plastic and your toxic footprint
Do you want to reduce plastic in your life but don’t know where to start? Do you ever think about the chemicals you use and worry about the impact on your health?
Everyone is talking about plastic pollution at the moment and the impact on our oceans and the micro-plastics that end up back in our food chain.
If you want a no-nonsense, practical session on easy to implement ways to:
· Reduce plastic
· Detox your environment
· Detox your body
· Have a cleaner greener life
Let’s face it, who wants to use a cleaning product that warns not to use it in an enclosed space. Yet the alternatives are healthier for you, your environment and your purse.
Helping you on your way to better health.
This is a 45 minute talk and can be done as part demo.
Alison Charles
Southend-On-Sea, Essex
Fashionable Fashionistas
An engaging, fascinating and fun perspective into how a group of women, determined to look fabulous, have fun into their 60`s, 70’s, 80`s and 90`s are redefining the ageing process and in some cases carving out new careers for themselves.
Brenda Cameron
Farningham, Kent
Talks by New Speakers to the Public Speakers Corner Website
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.
