It seems ages since I last posted anything, so this is by way of an up-date. 

 As you can see from my programme I have added a new talk, Highwaymen, the story of those famous, and infamous, 'Gentlemen of the Road'; Dick Turpin of course but also Claude de Val and that well-known highwaywoman, Lady Katherine Ferrers, made famous on film by Margaret Lockwood. 

And who exactly was it who rode from London to York in a single day? Book this talk to discover the truth behind the legend. 

 So what else has been happening in my 'speaker's world'? 

 I am still very busy giving talks to a great variety of organisations, some new and some old friends although the Zoom talks are mostly at an end now the Covid emergency is behind us. I'm not sorry about that as one of the pleasures of doing this job is meeting new people face-to-face. Chatting on a computer is a poor substitute. 

 I do still have three Zoom regulars, but only because they are too far away for realistic travel; two in Lancshire and one in south Wales. 

 I have a very full programme for 2024 and am now taking bookings for 2025 but there are still some vacancies this year, so if you need a speaker, even at short notice, give me a ring or drop me an email, I will always do my best to accommodate you. 

 I am giving some thought to another talk to add to my repertoire; 'Witches, Wizards and Warlocks'. I'd be interested to hear what you think, is that something that might interest your members? 

Please let me know, and if there are other topics you might like me to cover I'd welcome your suggestions. 

 I know it's a little late in the day but I hope you and your members have a happy and peaceful New Year.

I've had a very busy two weeks giving some very well received talks in places as diverse as Ripon, York and Doncaster.

As things are a bit quieter just now I've decided to write two new talks, one is finished, provisionally called 'When the Saints go marching in'. 

It's not about the song but the stories behind all those saints we think we know so well, Christopher, Valentine, Nicholas and the four patron saints of the British Isles - George, Andrew, David and Patrick, as well as two other saints, one of which might qualify as the patron saint of Yorkshire.

The talk is presented in a non-religious manner making it suitable for all audiences. 

As with all my talks it is well illustrated with colourful and informative PowerPoint slides.

In preparation is the second new talk, this one is to be about highway men, the myths, the legends and the truth, at least as far as I can determine it.

It will of course cover that most famous of highwaymen, Dick Turpin, and look in detail at the oft-repeated tale of his supposed ride from London to York in just one day. Did he really do it, or was it some other highway man? Book the talk to hear the true story. 

 Two really enjoyable talks this week, 'So You Want to Trace Your Ancestors' 

to Newmillerdam WI, then 'After You're Dead' 

to Marston Moor YCA Group.

Both really nice friendly groups and a pleasure to talk to them.

Four more talks this month, and all on the same subject, the Gunpowder Plot, aka the story of Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night.

My New Walks

 So here are the details of the two walks around Pontefract that I'm now offering

 I'm pleased to say my guided walk around Pontefract for the Boroughbridge Historical Society went off very well, well I would say that wouldn't I?

A new venture for me and I enjoyed the challenge of condensing a millennium of history into a 90 minute talk/walk.

                                                  Pontefract Buttercross

In other news, it being August a lot of societies aren't meeting so it's a quiet time for talks. One this morning to Thorner Probus but nothing now until September when things are back to normal, four in September and no fewer than nine in October, with the Gunpowder Plot being the most requested.

It also includes a few new organisations, the Escrick Heritage Project and West Cowick Ladies Guild being just two whom I've not spoken to before.

I'm starting to think about putting together a new talk, the History  of the British Coinage System is one possibility, an explanation of just where did we get those pounds shillings and pence from, now long-gone since the advent of the decimal coinage we now use every day.

                                                      George III Gold Guinea

 Last April I gave a talk to the Boroughbridge and District Historical Society and when they mentioned they were planning an organised society trip to Pontefract, my home town, I offered to be their guide for the day.

Consequentially, I am now in the process of putting together a morning's tour of what I  hope will be the most interesting parts of the town.

This will be similar to the tour I had planned around the town's almshouses, before the Covid restrictions made such things impossible, but which I may now resurrect.

Both these are new ventures for me. although I have done the Almshouse tour once, for the Pontefract Family History Society, and  I have offered to repeat it for the Pontefract Civic Society's annual Heritage Programme.

In other news, the talk programme is progressing satisfactorily, with some old friends such as Harrogate Probus and Thornton Antiquarian Society, and new ones like Hemsworth Probus and West Wolds U3A, all booking talks for this year, and Aireborough Civic Society and York Probus getting in early with bookings for 2023.

I am constantly revising and fine-tuning my talks, both to meet groups expectations or to impart some new aspect, such as a recent revision to Votes for Women to describe the difficulties, especially for women, in obtaining a divorce prior to 1857.

 

Things, it seems, are gradually getting back to normal.

Since Christmas I've given face-to-face talks to, amongst others, Ackworth Heritage Group; Harlow Hill Men's Forum; Craven U3A; Leeds Probus and Shadwell Country Womens' Association.

I still have a few Zoom bookings left over from more restricted times, Carmarthenshire 50 have been steadily working their way through my entire repatoire, but it does seem that a measure of normality is now returning, long may it continue.

I certainly haven't been without bookings throughout the Covid years and Model Villages, The Story of the English Canals, The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun and Crime and Punishment continue to top the charts.

Between now and the end of June I have over 20  talks booked, all but 3 of them will be in-person and I'm pleased to welcome some new groups including the Probus Club of Worksop; Aireborough Civic Society; the Beverley National Women’s Register, the Marston Moor YCA Group and the Worsbrough Wifes group.

I look forward to meeting them all and making some new friends.

Thank you to all the groups who have contiued to support me despite the troubled times we've been through.

Oh and I've got a brand new screen, slightly bigger than my old one so my presentations should be even better.