Christmas traditions and tales 6 December 2022

A jolly Christmas talk explaining Christmas traditions and, most importantly, taking the mystery out of mince pies - I hope it persuades you to try one!!!

Suez 2 - 29 November 2022

After the bulid up to the crisis, this talk looks at what actually happened in the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the consequences for Britain's place in the world order. 

Suez 1  - 22 November 2022

Background to the Suez crisis; Britain's involvement with Egypt; the Cold War and its implications for the Middle and Near East and how all this led to the invasion of 1956 which re-defined Britain's place in the world. 

India 3 - 15 November 2022

The final part in which we look at how Britain's relationship with India has given the UK some of its peculiarities.  Starting with the obsession with team sports in British Public schools, often at the expense of education, then via the Koh I Noor diamond to curry, from 18th century coffee houses, Queen Victoria to 8 Michelin Starred restaurants.  

India 2  - 8 November 2022

Continuing the story of the East India Company we look at the movement of Indian people through indentured labour after the abolition of slavery;  the growth of Indian Independence which led to the 1947 creation of Pakitana and India;  a brief look at the history of Rishi Sunak's family, and the Indian diaspora - the largest in the world.

India 1 - Big country big topic!  1 November 2022

The first part of my talk explaining the history of India and the British, the relationships between the Britain and her Empire and what it means today.   

Part 1 takes us from the birth of the Empire to the British Raj in the 19th century.

Sussex 11 October 2022

Fabulous Brighton, elegant Chichester, historic Arundle, all an easy journey from London.  This talk also includes two brilliant places you can study and take part in making and conserving .  

Hertfordshire 4 October 2022

From the Great Bed of Ware to the Beech forests of Ashridge this is a beautiful, easy county to exlore from London.  

Surrey 27 September 2022

Lots of lovely gardens, great walks and loads of things to do, just an hour from London.  What are you waiting for!!!

Berkshire Part 2    20 September 2022 

Second part of our lovely discovery of Berkshire. 

Berkshire Part 1  20 Septemer 2022

Take a lovely easy trip from London to Royal Berkshire - loads of things to do and see.   Beautiful countryside, history, great pubs and wonderful walks. 

The Monarchy 13 September 2022

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, this talk looks at the purpose of monarchy and its role in the Constitution and life of the nation.

Kent 2 - Beaches and castles

Kent has some of the most fantastic castles in England, all within easy reach of London.  Coupled with some of the best beaches, some trendy and hipstery and some sleepy, it makes for the perfect break. 

Kent 1 - The Garden of England

The perfect day, weekend or week long trip can be found in Kent.  Beautiful countryside, 26 Castles, stately homes, long walks and beaches and the White Cliffs of Dover.   The first part of a two part talk. 

Essex 10 May 2022

A rather misunderstood county, at the mercy of stereotypes and cliches.  From The Only Way Is Essex to Britain's oldest town of Colchester and everything in between.  Discover for yourself what the county is really made of. 

Suffolk 3 May 2022 

One of the UK's prettiest counties, with medieval villages, windswept beaches, stately homes, music festivals galore and great real ale.  

Norfolk 26 April 2022 

This vast East Anglian country has everything for a wonderful holiday - The Queen and Cambridges at Sandringham give Posh Norfolk glamour, miles of beautiful beaches, medieval towns and churches, the Norfolk Broads and the delicious Cromer Crab. 

Cricket 22 March 2022 How on earth does this great English game really work - what are the rules and how can you paly for five days and still get a draw.  Find out here!!

Football 15 March 2022 The beautiful game.  A backgrounder to make sure you know the rules, a bit of the history and understand the game in Europe.  Just enough to keep up with the banter!

Regent's Park 3  1 February 2022 

Amazing villas, a great house that might have been called Woolworths, the Zoo, Primrose Hill and railway tunnels.....it's all here!