Talks
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Steve Williams Talks Brochure 2011
World War One
A few lines spotted in the ‘In Memoriam’ column of Chorley Guardian, dated 17th June 1917, gave me the idea for this talk. I have put together some very poignant stories from my own research into WW1 over the years. As the title implies, they view the War through different eyes.
Combining research into WW1 with the interest in football. Numerous stories of professional and amateur footballers who fought in the trenches during the First World War – many with a Lancashire connection.
‘In the trenches, 90 years on’
A talk about visits to WW1 battlefields in France, Belgium and Turkey during 2006, featuring being on the Somme battlefield 90 years to the minute when the battle started at 7.30 a.m. on the 1st July 1916.
A visit to the Gallipoli battlefield in Turkey during September 2006 was more of a pilgrimage, searching out the lost graves of three men from my village. The talk covers the research and result, as well as looking at the beaches and battlefield; numerous photographs.
‘The Chorley Pals’
In September 1914 men from every walk of life around Chorley answered Kitchener’s appeal to join up and fight in WW1. The talk looks at the soldiers of Y Company, 11th (Service) Battalion East Lancashire Regiment – the Chorley Pals, part of the famous “The Accrington Pals”.
Misc & Travel
‘Who do you think I am?’ - NEW
Based on the format of the BBC TV programme, ‘Who do you think you are’, I chronicle my own family tree finding Huguenot roots in 18th century France, a Yorkshire wool merchant, a newspaper Editor, a Bolton tram driver and a Lady’s maid who supposedly was on the RMS Titanic.
‘For King and Country’
Covers WW1 & WW2 – a unique and personal talk, linking families (including my own) who fought in both Wars. Stories and photographs of the Somme, Ypres, Gallipoli, Dunkirk and Normandy.
I share some of the places I have visited in France over the years – not only on battlefield visits to Dunkirk, Normandy and the Somme but to Corsica, Paris, Bordeaux, Strasburg, Nice, Monte Carlo and Champagne country.
‘Battlefields & Poppy fields’
Covers the many battlefields in Northern Europe – from Crecy to Agincourt,from Ypres, Verdun and the Somme to Arnhem, Dunkirk and Normandy.
‘Death of a village – Oradour-sur-Glane, June 1944’
The small French village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the scene of the worst atrocity by the SS during World War Two; it remains today as they left it in 1944.
Railways
‘The railway from Cherry Tree to Chorley’
In steam days Cherry Tree, near Blackburn, was the junction for the railway to Chorley. There are numerous ‘then and now’ photographs of the country stations along the line, as well as Chorley ‘terminus’; the line closed in 1968.
‘Along the line through Brindle and Hoghton’
Opened in 1846, the line from Blackburn to Preston still sees trains passing through the two villages. Numerous ‘then and now’ images as well as stories of the people who lived and worked on or close to the line.
‘Lakeland Lines’
Looks at the railways in the Lake District, “then and now”. From the closed lines to Coniston and Keswick, the preserved line to Lakeside on Lake Windermere, the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale railway and the single track to Windermere.
‘Rails to the Lancashire Coast’
A look back at journeys to Blackpool, Morecambe and Southport during the hey-day of rail travel, mainly photographed in black and white.
Football
Stories from 29 years as a football Referee, including 12 years as Linesman on The Football League (1985 – 1996); numerous photographs.
‘The Blue & Whites in black and white’
As a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan, I illustrate the history of the Rovers from their beginnings in 1875 to 1990, just prior to the Jack Walker era.
‘Blackburn Rovers in the Bryan Douglas era’
A look at the Rovers during the era of one of its most famous players, Bryan Douglas. He played for his home-town club from 1950 to 1969.
‘Preston North End in the Tom Finney era’
Mention Preston North End and you have to mention “Sir Tom”. Sir Tom Finney was one of North End’s greatest players, playing for his home town club from 1946 to 1960.
Local / Social history
‘Brindle & Hoghton – then and now’
Looking at the two Lancashire villages over the years – “then and now”.
Marketing & fundraising
‘Marketing and fundraising for local groups and charities’
Over the years I have been involved in raising money and the profile of local charities, groups and societies, as well as running campaigns for my local village hall and the Chorley Pals Memorial. The talk gives some ideas on how to go about marketing and fundraising in the voluntary and community sectors.
Charges * :
Groups, Clubs and local Societies – £35
Historical Societies and Libraries – £45
Government, Education and Museums – £60
Other / Commercial organisations – £75
Talk & workshop – £90
Sportsman’s Dinner or similar event – £125
Conference / Day rate – £190
Workshop and educational material – by arrangement.
Travel expenses:
Within Central Lancashire I do not charge travel expenses. Outside this area I look for a contribution towards petrol / travel costs (see below).
* Talks to Government, education, museums and commercial organisations outside Central Lancashire – 33p per mile or rail fare + taxi & subsistence (as appropriate).
Terms & Conditions:
Payment is to be made at the end of a talk / event, unless by prior arrangement. If a confirmed booking is cancelled, for whatever reason, I will charge half-fee accordingly. I do not accept any liability for withdrawing from a booking or non-attendance at short notice due to reasons beyond my control (i.e.: illness, traffic accident / delays or similar). Copyright of all talks / presentations and supporting material rests with me as the author / presenter.
