Charlie was born in the UK but now lives in New Zealand for most of the year, while spending the summers in the Northern Hemisphere. He has had a charmed and varied life. Amongst other work activities, he has been an entrepreneur, a windsurf instructor, a high school teacher, a big firm trained accountant, hospital porter and university lecturer.
His current role as a speaker and lecturer takes him around the world. He has delivered numerous lectures (at sea and on land), after dinner speeches, seminars and courses (China, Czech Republic, Mauritius, Australia, Malawi, Mongolia, India, UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, Baltic Sea, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Western Mediterranean, Hong Kong, Pacific islands and Bay of Biscay) and to widely differing groups. His great strength is to deliver lectures in an interesting and entertaining manner which are tailored to his audiences.
ENRICHMENT TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Infamous Criminals – the stories behind the Headlines
- The How to Series of personal enrichment
- Western Mediterranean
- The Baltic
- The Bay of Biscay
Sample Topic… Pirates of the Mediterranean
Every child knows what a pirate looks like: a swashbuckler with an eye patch and a parrot perching on his shoulder. This perception of pirates and piracy, still deeply influences modern culture. The reality is very different but equally fascinating.
This blast through history highlights the extraordinary tales of adventures in the Mediterranean, the incredible characters and their stories.
Areas covered in a light and amusing manner:
• The modern view of piracy – literature and films
• The early maritime raiders
• Piracy in the ancient world
• The golden age of piracy
• Colourful characters – William ‘Captain’ Kidd, ‘Calico’ Jack Rackham, Bartholomew Roberts and the fearsome Blackbeard
Testimonials
“Charlie was interesting – used interesting examples and mixed in a couple of laughs.”Dawn TownsendExel
“Excellent. I particularly enjoyed Charlie’s style, it brought the subject alive.”James ClarkeAston Martin
“Very relevant; examples were great.” Marcus Grennell – Adcorp
“Excellent and very approachable. Perfect balance in style.”Claire Brewster LandRoverJaguar
“Very Enthusiastic. Interesting examples and stories.”Jeremy BakerEY
“Really enjoyable. Love Charlie’s humour! “Jane Coleman, Tauranga City Council.
Interactive, fun, easy, comfortable. Maree NewtonTauranga City Council
“Great presenter, helpful content, enthusiastically presented”. Kevin Norris – Stonewood Homes Tauranga Ltd
“Very enjoyable course, well presented”. Rob Gibson – United Containers Limited
“Thought Charlie was a great facilitator”. Susan Northey – APN Regional Newspaper
