Blue Umbrella Walks
talks
Although I love leading guided walks, I also offer a number of illustrated talks to U3A groups, local historical societies and any group who'd be keen on listening to them. They usually last around an hour with some time for Q&A afterwards. Some of the talks I give regularly are listed below, although I can always produce a bespoke talk solely for your organisation on one of our walks or a topic of your choosing. If you'd be interested in a talk please get in touch and I'd be delighted to work with you. I also have some of my talks listed on Speakernet where you can get in touch.
From craven cottage to plough lane: a history of london's football grounds
London is home to a number of football grounds, from the oldest at Craven Cottage to the newest at Plough Lane. Over the course of an hour I'll take you on a trip through the history of these temples of sport.
As a football fan myself I have a unique passion for this talk and also a significant personal connection to one of the grounds we'll see and visit.
The talk will include some of the other sports also held at the venues and some of the famous games played at them.
The talk will end at the place every football fan wants to hopefully end at come the end of the season - Wembley.
Peabody & The Housing Revolution
During the 1800's an American businessman did more to change the face of social housing in Britain.
George Peabody saw how bad some areas of London truly were and in a philanthropic gesture which is still felt today founded the Peabody Trust to provide affordable housing to the masses.
This talk will trace the story of Peabody's origins in America, through to his business career and then the charity that made his name famous in this country.
We'll tell you about the fascinating requirements to be a Peabody tenant and why losing your front door was a real source of shame.