Secrets, Myths and Legends of Treasure Island
David looks at how this classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel was created. Inspired by real pirates and hidden treasure but where is the location that is so accurately described in the novel. Which island is the map based on? This talk which will appeal to all age groups is informative, humorous and entertaining.
Agatha Christie and the influence of the Mediterranean
Agatha Christie loved travelling and the crime writer’s life was full of mystery and adventure, her novels even more so. This talk takes a closer look at the Mediterranean destinations that shaped the life and inspired the works of the legendary Queen of Crime.
The making of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
David looks into the story behind one of cinema’s greatest films and how it was made in the summer of 1946. We revisit Bedford Falls, the film set and the casting choices that Frank Capra considered as the Director of this well loved festive film.
Merry Christmas Mr Dickens
This festive talk tells the story of Charles Dicken’s amazing life and how he came to write the novella, ‘A Christmas Carol’. The book which was written in a very short timescale inspired by aspects of the Victorian Christmas that have continued to this very day. The talk looks at the many TV, film and stage versions that have been created from the story.
Costa Del Crime – the end of an era?
The end of the era when criminals on the run can find sanctuary on Spain’s ‘Costas’ is now a reality. David looks at the changes that have happened since those days when some of the villains attempted to escape there.
Where’s the “Who Done it” button?
This entertaining and informative talk tells the story of the history of the UK Police HOLMES major incident system. Clearly in the late 70s there was a clear need for a purpose built computer system to deal with the vast amount of information that is captured in the investigation of serious crime. David was instrumental in the development of the UK’s first Police Major Incident Computer System (MICA) with West Yorkshire Police and later with the development of the HOLMES system which is still operational today across all UK Police forces. The talk which David regularly gives is light hearted and as well as dealing with the serious aspects also relates to some of the more humorous moments he encountered from the incident rooms around the UK and the implementation of the Major Incident systems worldwide.
Working with Police Forces overseas
The demand for Crime Investigation solutions is as great worldwide as it is in the UK. David shares some of his experience and touches on some of the more humorous moments encountered in working abroad in a life of Crime.
We never forget a face
Facial recognition is now all around us. David worked on facial recognition solutions in Europe, Middle East and Africa. His talk considers the pros and cons and some of the weirder solutions that we might expect to see using the technology today.
The Life & Crimes of Agatha Christie
A look at the remarkable career of the indisputable “Queen of Crime”. David looks at her early life, some of the plots, her own real-life mystery and the creation of many of her characters.
The Life & Times of Hercule Poirot
David delves into those little grey cells and considers the creation and the background behind one of Agatha Christie’s most famous characters. Yet despite being familiar to millions Poirot himself has remained somewhat of an enigma – until now.
A Study in Sherlock
Who is Sherlock Holmes based on and who was Moriarty? Who is considered to be the most authentic Sherlock actor and who was the worst? Why did Conan Doyle try to kill him off? All these questions are considered and many more are revealed.
Avoiding Cyber Crime – Pitfalls, Dangers and Scams
The Internet plays an increasingly important role in all our lives today but using this resource should be used with care. This popular talk considers the pitfalls, dangers and many other modern scams and how to overcome them.
The Golden Age of Murder
A look at a real-life detective story, investigating how a number of famous crime writers including Agatha Christie formed a mysterious literary writers club and transformed crime fiction in the process.
Barnum & Bailey – the story of the greatest show on earth
The history of this world famous circus, the struggles and the triumphs, the successes and the failures. Examining the origins and the background of the people involved and the merger into the most famous circus of all. Some may know the background of P.T.Barnum but not many know the life of his partner James Anthony Bailey
