Recent News

I have welcomed a new speaker: ROSIE TROUGHTON

She trained the ball boys and girls at Wimbledon for 20 years and talks about the training, how they have to know the game, stand still and not get the balls mixed up! It is rigorous, precision-led and as disciplined as a boot camp!

More new speakers for 2019:

Gill Perkins is the CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

“The Plight of the Bumblebee”

Gill’s inspiring and entertaining talk on these special insects explains why their numbers have so sharply declined in recent years, why they are so important to us and what can be done about it.

Jenny Mallin “A Grandmother’s Legacy”

Jenny’s story covers the lives of five generations of women from her family, beginning with her great great great grandmother down to her own mother and a handwritten recipe book containing over 500 dishes, mainly Anglo-Indian which have been handed down from generation to generation.

Siobhan Clarke – Historian

A very well received talk at Luton Hoo when Siobhan gave her “Crown and the Cradle” talk:

An excellent lunch today – the speaker was very good – several regulars were in the audience and have told me ‘the best historical speaker we have had!’ – they enjoyed the talk (and pictures) which went with it – all quiet throughout – you could have ‘heard a pin drop’ as the saying goes’ Please pass on our thanks. Luton Hoo

NICHOLAS OWEN– BBC Newsreader and Classic FM Host

“Many people commented on how enjoyable it was: humorous and inspiring at the same time – and enthusiastically applauded at the end of his talk. An excellent evening!” Leatherhead Community Association.

“On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I just want to say a big thank you to Nicholas for hosting our event last night. He was a true pro, very amusing and managed the over excitable guests very well! It was a pleasure working with him.”

NHS Foundation Trust – Dudley – Hosting Staff Awards – March 2016

“Thank you so much for a really enjoyable and stimulating session this morning”.

“The event went fantastically and everyone I have spoken to has said how much they enjoyed the morning, so thank you”.

Reigate Manor – Breakfast Networking Event for local businesses – April 2016

JANINE ROEBUCK – Deaf Opera Singer

Inspirational speaker Janine has been honoured with a Passion in Action Award – South East of England Volunteer Award Winner 2016 for her work with Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNIB).

It was awarded for ‘demonstrating positive energy and healthy ambition, deep personal conviction, being willing to go the extra mile, being ‘fired up’ to do the best possible job – and being compelled to fight for our cause and maintain high standards and quality’.

Well done Janine!

MARK CURRY – Actor and Presenter

Congratulations to veteran Blue Peter presenter Mark in his pivotal role as The Wizard in the hit musical Wicked.

This is the 10^th anniversary of one of London’s longest running musicals and Mark will be staying in the show for the foreseeable future having gained favourable reviews for bringing his ‘pleasing new energy’ to the show.

ROSEMARY CONLEY CBE – Diet and Fitness

Recent feedback from a Ladies Luncheon at Chewton Glen:

Rosemary was so inspiring, such a natural speaker, honest and really down to earth – from sharing with us the secrets of her make-up bag, to the costumes she wore for ‘Dancing On Ice’. I could have listened for hours – it was so enjoyable.
Meeting Rosemary in person was a great pleasure – she was so friendly and chatted to everyone who attended. Her talk was informative as well as being fun and we were very impressed and found it most enjoyable.
The talk was very interesting and I learnt a lot about what happens as we age and how to stay fit and healthy.