Talks . . .
Perhaps you are looking for a speaker for your local society's programme. I have lived and worked in the Black Country for over sixty years and have always had a nosy interest in the area's past. I enjoy giving talks on a variety of subjects - sometimes with a marked Black Country bias, sometimes from a more "general" perspective. Talks are usually illustrated with slides and can usually be adapted to run for a duration to suit your requirements.
An illustrated journey through the world of architectural gems created in corrugated iron.
An account of unlikely railway journeys in remote parts of Queensland and Argentina.
Generally of interest to railway enthusiasts, but others have been tempted to try and understand the complexities of our local railway system!
With the aid of slides I can show you what there is to look at when you stop to consider shops "historically", and "trade by trade", from corner shops to department stores.
A look at domestic architecture - both historically, and from the point of view of what the contemporary householder does with his house (Warning - some of the scenes shown can cause offence!)
Using examples in the Black Country, and nationwide, this show traces the development of the cinema - not the films themselves, but the architectural environment in which we have viewed them.
A look at over 150 years of history of the Co-op in Britain - the shops and the co-operative movement in general - from baking bread to brass bands.
The story of a Walsall-based showman - his life and the life of his fairgrounds - "all the fun of the fair"....
An introduction to complex world of the funfair - the shows, the rides and the candyfloss - focussing on the family lives of the people who present the fair.
The story of just one annual fair! (Not much to do with onions!) The fair was held in Aston from 1875 until 1968 - find out all about it.
A survey of today's lively circus scene and a glimpse of circus history.
A colourful survey of banners - trade union banners, Sunday School banners and Co-op banners, including scenes at Warrington Walking Day and Durham Miners Gala.
A pictorial survey of non-conformist places of worship in the Black Country and the activities associated with them.
An illustrated analysis of show business advertising over the years - the posters used to persuade you to come to the fair, cinema, circus or theatre.
The story of two invasions of Tibet - the British in 1904 and the Chinese in 1950-62
Other subjects considered, or variations on the above! Travel Talks also possible - such as "Egypt for the Elderly", or "America: Coast to Coast". Talks are always been devised and added to the repertoire. Subjects recently added have included: Alms Houses, Prefabs, Railways of Cuba, New aspects of cinema and theatre interest, New aspects of Fairground and Circus.
I am willing to lead workshops or run short courses on a variety of topics including subjects like those listed above, but also matters like:
Oral History Photographs as a historical source of information The changing face of the Black Country Writing and researching local history and /or community history Creative writing Small scale publishing And it may not seem to have much to do with the above, but I can also run courses on basic counselling skills'
If you you would like me to come along and speak to a small audience for anything between an hour and two hours, speak to a large audience in a large hall, or undertake special preparation prior to speaking, please get in contact and I will give you an appropriate quote.
Why not contact me with any queries.