Murder, Madness and Mayhem? - The Belgian Royal Family  

For a monarchy that has only been in existence since independence in 1830, be assured there’s lots to tell.  Explore, too, their links with the British Royal Family.

“Prima!” said a Belgian audience member in East Grinstead.  “Brilliant!” St Lukes Ladies, Rochester.

Eva Braun – victim or contriver?

Hear the story of the woman who devoted her life to Hitler.  The material of the talk is sensitively presented in order to appeal to a wide audience.  Reassuringly Jewish audience members regularly tell me that this talk could safely be given at a synagogue.  

Three women, one man – glamour, wealth and heartbreak

A thought-provoking talk revealing how the lives of four mystery icons intertwine in their pursuit of wealth, status and power.  Can money ever buy love and happiness?

“I joined the Rotary to hear intelligent, well-researched talks – and you just gave one!”

The History of Morris Dancing 

Hear the story of one of England's oldest traditions.  Hear the truth about the 'black face' tradition.  

Hear about the history of the most English of dances … or is it? A fun talk giving the story of the many different style of Morris danced in one of England's oldest traditions and hear the truth about the 'black face' tradition.  An opportunity to understand the dancing seen at Sidmouth Folk Festival, the Rochester Sweeps Festival, Tenterden Folk Festival and Faversham Hop Festival – and a pub near you !    

And so to Ted ... a History of Teddies and other bears

A wide-ranging, fun talk of Bear Essentials to appeal to arctophiles and bear lovers!

Be sure to bring your bears along to hear the talk!  It adds to the fun and it's amazing what people have in the back of cupboards.

Be assured this talk works well in mixed audiences.   “A brilliant presentation - the members’ feedback was hugely positive” Croydon U3A

From Passchendaele to Peace?  Did the war end in 1918?

An illustrated talk providing an overview of the events of the final months of The Great War, the 1920s through to 1939.  From the Battle of Passchendaele, the Russian Revolution, the Germans' Spring Offensive, the arrival of the Americans, the Last Hundred Days, the Armistice in 1918, the rebuilding, the Treaty of Versailles and the aftermath.  Did the war end in 1918 or did it only pause?

‘Really interesting’. ‘Lots to make us think’ Canterbury Cathedral Friends Society

Dear Chairman: Just wanted to say how impressed I was by Melanie Gibson-Barton's lecture tonight.  She packed so much WW1 info' into just one hour and also info' concerning Hitler in both the First and the Second World Wars.  As a member of the Western Front Association for 15+ years, I have watched literally hundreds of lectures on the Great War - so I'm not easily impressed!  However I want to congratulate Melanie on her lecture tonight.  Thanks for booking her for our History Society.

The Suffragettes and the Suffragists - Votes for Women

A popular, thought-provoking talk. Originally commissioned for the centenary of Leigh WI.  The term ‘Suffragette’ will always be associated with women’s fight to win the vote but this talk will present a much wider insight into the struggle, including the early, often overlooked, pioneers of women’s rights.  

                                                              “Tremendous research and local stories too!”

                                                              “Delighted!” – members of Leigh WI

Elizabeth Barton – the Maid of Kent - 1506-1534

Ostend - it's more than just fish and flip-flops  

An insider view of the history this popular City by the Sea to explore sandcastles, ferries, royalty, artists, architecture, wars and herring.

‘Fascinating!’ Wanstead & Woodford U3A

Your extensive research made it a most interesting talk. I certainly gained knowledge on a subject of which I knew little. Tangent Club Chairman

From Princess to Queen
The story of the childhood of Princess Elizabeth of York to the placing of the crown on her head on 2nd June 1953 which made her the Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms.  A talk commissioned by the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral society

– "still buzzing from the success of your talk for the Friends".

Curious Flanders – off the beaten track in Belgium.  

The tiny country of Belgium, and especially Flanders, has lots of quirky sights to offer.  A colourfully illustrated talk to entertain your audience and provide ideas of places to visit in Flanders – including further parks and gardens to enjoy.  Please enquire about availability

The Story of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

A talk commissioned by a London Family History Society keen to inform their visits to CWGC war graves in France and Belgium.  Both well-known and less well-known sites are illustrated and described using personal knowledge from extensive field work.  Please enquire about 

                                                                      availabiliy

Relics of World War II in Europe

A wide-ranging talk, visiting what remains in the landscape today in Europe of the Second World War.  The armchair traveller will see the remnants of architecture built by the Third Reich regime in Belgium, France, Germany.  The material of the talk is sensitively presented so as to appeal

                                                                      to a wide audience.  Please enqure

                                                                      about availability.