This talk looks at the ways knitting was used during war, in songs, propaganda, in the field, as information. We explore the ideas of make do and mend and the importance of knitting during WW1 & WW2

The FANYs trace their origins back to the early 20th Century. They are a voluntary organisation with a rich and comple history. From nurses on horseback dashing across the lines in WW1 to rescue the injured to the SOE.

In this talk we explore the good, the bad and the ugly of the Santa tradition. What forms has he taken and who accompanies his in his worldwide journey.

You may know the origns of the names of the seven days. But have you ever wondered why there are seven of them ?

Soldier's, wives and camp followers in  the 18th C & the  Peninsula War era. This talk looks at the life of the soldier's wife why they followed their men to war, what their daily life was like and their family life, as well as that of the soldier. The hardships and the benefits to the English Soldiers and wives and those of the French, who was treated the best ?

How our ancestral past affects our behaviours of today such as the science behind love at first sight.

Discover the world of the intertidal fish, the Blenny, the remarkable adaptations it has made to survive in a every changing environment of two extremes

A short history of beekeeping, hives and bee lore. From ancient time to modern sustainable beekeeping.

A brief look at keeping personal information safe and secure online. Hackers are after your data, on computers, tablets and phones you can be vulnerable to attack. In simple lay terms we look at why this happens and ways to keep yourself and your children safe. 

Some of the history and fashions from the British seaside holiday.

During the Second World War, women of the ATS were highly sought after for their help in the work needed to be done in Signals & Cipher work. This talk expolres theearly connection of the Royal Corps of Signals with the Women's service the ATS. 

Leicestershire Heritage apples are those which originated in Leicestershire in the past and have unique properties ideally suited to growing in our county. My talk explains how new apple types occur and will to describe the properties of the cultivars and tell some of the history of the origin of each tree. The Leicestershire Heritage Apple Project, which was formed to save, propagate and protect Leicestershire Apples.

Women & the vote. And why are the men who couldn't vote at the time so often ignored ?

This talk explores the differences  of the two movements. More on www.suffragette.me.uk

A look at the massive changes the world experienced during this time. An expolration of the changes in psychology, the challanges and the digital divide and the repercussions that are still felt from the pandemic effects.

Looking for a talk for a special event or festivity? Contact me with your thoughts, I am happy to provide a bespoke talk on a subject of your choice.

How to make alcoholic drinks from apples

Beads spam the human experience and have been found at Neanderthal site, we will explore the history of beads through the ages.

Looks at the evidence found in the bones where sharp weapons (swords, axes, daggers and spears) have inflicted an injury.

Expolration of differeing traditions worldwide including some surprising commercial links to things we think are traditional. 

Exploring how the experiences we had as children can affect our own and our childrens' physical and mental health and how to reverse the cycle.

A talk exploring the roles and risks of the women and men who delivered aircraft during WW2

An overview of the biology, habits and history of the otter in the UK