I offer several talks to WI, Rotary, community organisations and church groups etc. My talks are listed below. The enquiry form is at the bottom of this page. Nearly all of my presentations have a connection to a family ancestor.

Agricultural Labourers: lives, losses, loves (new for 2022)

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.

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.
• The medical profession, including lying-in hospitals and the rise of the Man-midwife. 

NEW – 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, petty 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.

The talk uses trial transcripts to take the audience through the events leading up to the Earl’s hanging at Tyburn after a trial at The Palace of Westminster. Despite the known outcome, the presentation offers a unique opportunity to delve into the intriguing details of the Earl’s life and death.

NEW – The lives of the victims of Jack the Ripper

We remember the perpetrator, but do we remember the names of his victims. This is a talk about the 5 women reportedly killed by London’s notorious Jack the Ripper.

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?

FEE for 2024 inc travel mileage to venue

• Zoom meetings £50
• £55 – £60 within 10 miles (20 mile round trip)
• Happy to travel up to 50 miles (100 round trip) as may be able to combine with a visit to the area.

For large groups, conferences or small groups (under 15 people) please call me to discuss the fee. Thank you.

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.