Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Talks Available for Groups

You may or may not be aware that I have a wide range of talks available for groups. Women’s Institutes, Rotary, Townswomen’s Guilds, Lions, churches, social clubs, historical societies – it doesn’t matter what sort of club, I’m happy to come!

Most of the talks that I give, but not all, are about aspects of local history and heritage.

Here’s an idea of some of the available talks.

“The Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager” – an account of my first few years in the entertainment business, which I joined as a Trainee Manager in 1963. Glamour, fun and very hard work!

“Leicester’s Place in English History” – Leicester is one of the oldest towns in the country. All major periods and events in English history have a Leicester involvement.

Leicestershire Legends and Traditions” – The county’s wide range of folklore, involving stories about John of Gaunt, Richard III and the terrifying Black Annis.

“The Street Names of Leicester” – Leicester has a collection of odd and frankly eccentric street names. This talk investigates their meanings.

Haunted Leicester” – Leicester has far more than its share of ghosts. Here are stories about some of them.

Essex – the Land of My Birth” - The Kingdom of the East Saxons has Britain’s oldest town, the sites of two hugely important battles in the pre-Norman period, several very ancient churches, more islands than any other English county and the longest pier in the world.

“The Oldest Part of England” – The amazing Isle of Thanet, where Hengist and Horsa landed and later on St. Augustine arrived on the same spot.

“England’s Island City” – Portsmouth, England’s premier maritime city, built on an island, with many and varied fortifications, loads of history and its own seaside resort.

The Holly and the Ivy” – the background to many of the customs that have been added to the Christian festival of Christmas.

“Ding Dong Merrily on High” – The stories behind everybody’s favourite Christmas carols, some of which were written by famous poets or famous composers.

“Who is Santa Claus?” – The many strands, some dark and frightening rather than cute and cuddly, that go to make up this much loved but enigmatic character.

“Jingle All the Way” – The background to some of the most popular seasonal Christmas songs.

“Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny and the Cross” – An exploration of some of the things we mean when we say “Easter”.

Any group wanting to discuss any of these is very welcome to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.