family historian and storyteller

I offer 14 talks and 3 quizzes to WI’s, Rotary, community organisations and church groups etc. My talks are listed below. The booking form is at the bottom of this page.

Please note: IN-PERSON talks will cease on 5th April 2027. Conferences, ZOOM talks, what is it quizzes, and family history research will continue for the foreseeable future.

NEW – Murder in C19th Derbyshire – Discover the 19th-century cases that intrigued and horrified our ancestors. Were the convictions safe? What evidence was presented, and would they be found guilty today?

A. I. Coffin, Doctor or Quack? Healing or Harming? You decide – Albert Isaiah Coffin portrayed himself as a Professor of Medical Botany, an M.D., a Physician, and a Herbalist. He was born in America and arrived in England between 1832-1838. Throughout the country, he delivered an array of lectures, published numerous books and leaflets, and actively recruited members for his friendly societies. Frequently called upon as a witness at inquests and trials, his practices drew the scrutiny of Dr. Henry Letheby, a Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology, who viewed Coffin as a perilous figure. The question remains: did his remedies lead to healing or harm? How will you assess his legacy?

Agricultural Labourers: lives, losses, loves – Many of our ancestors were underpaid, overworked agricultural labourers. This is a talk exploring their everyday lives and their fight for justice.

Annoying Ancestors – An anecdotal tale of what to look for and obstacles to be aware of when looking for your ancestors.

Australian Gold Rush – How some of our ancestors left these shores to go to a brave new world and seek their fortune. Many never returned home. The talk includes the story of 3 young men, who set sail from Liverpool to Melbourne Australia in April 1853.

Before the Welfare State – The talk mainly covers houses of correction, the workhouse, home remedies and quack doctors.

Forgotten Women – Together with an overview of life in an asylum, you will meet Emma and Catherine and hear their stories. You will also learn about Maud, who recovered and returned to her family.

History of the Postcard – In this presentation, we will dive into the fascinating history of postcards and explore their cultural significance. The focus will be on topical postcards, with a special emphasis on the world of humorous seaside cartoon postcards. The talk will examine the iconic work of Donald McGill, the “UK King of Saucy Postcards”, and explore some controversial topics, including George Orwell’s essay on postcards and the prosecution and banning of some of McGill’s more risqué designs.

History of the Telegraph – including a look at the invention, how it worked and the popular use of telegrams. Approximately 65 million were sent annually during the popular years of the 1930’s. including a look at the invention, how it worked and the popular use of telegrams. Approximately 65 million were sent annually during the popular years of the 1930’s.

How Many Children!!! – A presentation on the large families in the 18th / 19th and early 20th centuries. The talk will include the following:- the impact on parents, especially mothers, the Anglian Church and the medical profession.

Jack the Ripper – The Lives of his Canonical Victims – We remember the perpetrator, but do we remember the names of his victims? This is a talk about the five women reportedly killed by London’s notorious Jack the Ripper, exploring who they were beyond the headlines and the harsh realities of life for some women in the Victorian-era.

Jack the Ripper – The Police, Witnesses and Suspects – This talk follows on from Jack the Ripper – The Lives of his Canonical Victims and turns to the world of the investigation itself. It examines the immense challenges faced by the police, the limitations of 19th-century methods, and the maze of witnesses, rumours, and suspects that swirled through the streets of Whitechapel. And yet, despite the relentless pursuit, the fevered press coverage, and the passage of more than a century, the identity of Jack the Ripper remains one of history’s mysteries.

Rebecca and the Common Lodging House – In this presentation, we will explore the life of Rebecca and her family, who lived in common lodging houses in the slum areas of Derby. Among the working classes, transient workers, criminals, and prostitutes, these common lodging houses were preferred places to sleep over the workhouses or life on the streets. The lodgings provided cheap basic accommodation. However, they were crowded and unhygienic, with multiple people sharing living spaces. There was little personal privacy. Despite the challenging circumstances, Rebecca managed to survive, although she had to face the heart-wrenching loss of some of her children. The accounts of Rebecca’s experiences in court as a witness to various crimes will provide a unique insight into life in and around these lodging houses.

The Last English Peer Hanged for Murder – This presentation is perfect for those interested in history, true crime, or love a captivating story. It revolves around the life of Laurence Shirley, the 4th Earl Ferrers, during the 18th Century. The story involves inheritance, wealth, marriage, separation, and a murder that took place at Staunton Harold Hall in Leicestershire.

What is it quiz – Sets 1 to 3 – Each quiz is a collection of 20 antique / vintage household items. Can you guess what they are? Each quiz is a collection of 20 antique / vintage household items. Can you guess what they are?

FEE for April 2026/April 2027

• ZOOM presentations £50
• IN PERSON – £60 within 12 miles (24 -mile round trip)
• EQUIPMENT – I provide all the necessary equipment for the talks/quizzes, i.e. projector, laptop, screen, extension lead, quiz sheets and pencils.
• TIMINGS – All talks / quizzes last approximately 45 – 50 minutes – plus time for questions / answers. Please contact me to discuss timings as all the above can be tailored to suit your needs.