Tristan da Cunha Talks Feedback

Solomon's Project		Talks Feedback
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Feedback from organisers of talks
Repeat bookings ~ Richard's Splendid Isolation introductory talk can be followed up with a second talk, so far booked by 30 organisations.
From Pamela Short of Somerton WI via the columns of the Central Somerset Gazette 18 June 2009 ~ 'Our speaker for the evening was Richard Grundy, a fine and interesting speaker who has spent years teaching on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha. ..... The slides were memorable and the talk inspirational.'
From Valerie Pyburn of Teign U3A following a talk in January 2009 ~ Thanks you so much for your excellent talk last week to the Teign U3A. We all enjoyed you talk very much and feel we know our way to and around Tristan da Cunha, and even know some of the people there. There were many very positive comments afterwards, I don't think anyone will go there, of course, but several said they thought it was a perfect paradise, although on with many challenges. Very many thanks.

From Christopher Brightman of RGS SW Branch after a talk in November 2008 ~

On behalf of the South West Region of the Royal Geographical Society, thank you so much for giving such an illuminating and inspirational talk at Kelly (Kelly College, Tavistock)

There was so much most of us did not know about Tristan and the way you mentioned so many names of islanders gave the personal touch, like a large family. It is amazing how the way of life on such an isolated island can be so productive in many ways.

The attendance of 60, which is more than usual for that area, was a reflection of the interest, it was also good to see some local people who saw the newspaper notice and to have some who had actually been to Tristan, in 1959 and more recently the RN doctor helping with the harbour wall.

Our thanks again for such an enjoyable talk.

From Valerie Horlock after a talk in October 2008 ~
Many thanks for your excellent presentation last evening to the Arthritis care Group here in Somerton. Everybody who attended found the talk and slides fascinating, and as you area ware we intend to book you again for next year.

From David Welch of Crewkerne Rotary Club after one of their Ladies Night Dinners in September 2008

I've had time to meet many of those who were at the Dinner - and there's a unanimous request to have you back for more. I hope we can make a date with you next year.

In the meantime, thank you - you made it a very good evening.

From Sindre Vandvik after a talk for Year 10 at Canford School Dorset in September 2008
Just wanted to send a quick email to say that Richard's talk on Friday was a great success. The kids' engagement was clear and I've had oodles of positive feedback over the last couple of days. Engaging and perfectly pitched. Thank you very much.

From Nicky Fisher following a second talk in April 2008 ~
...thank you for giving the North Cheriton WI such a fascinating and enjoyable talk. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and went away wanting to know more. So much in fact that all those who were there last week asked if I could book you for your other talk for our 2008 programme. We would like to open up the evening to everyone in the village as we feel it would be of interest to a much wider group than just the WI!

From Mary Horsley of East Coker Wine Circle

Just to say Thank You for a superb presentation. We all found Tristan da Cunha very interesting and somewhere we all knew very little about. We hope we will be able to book a return visit in the not to distant future for more of your talks.

From Jan Hewitt from Taunton Orchard Ladies Probus Group ~
...thank you so very much for giving us such a wonderful and enlightening introduction to these very special islands (in September 2007). It says it all that we have invited you to share more of your knowledge and experience with us.

From Jinny Addison-Smith following a successful audition for Devon WI in Exeter ~
All most impressed - will be suggesting you for the larger group meetings as well.

From Angela Hawkins from East Dorset Group WI ~
...thank you for a most enjoyable and informative presentation on Tristan da Cunha. I knew very little about the island so found the information, with the wonderful slides and your knowledge, extremely interesting. I am sure we will meet again to hear one of your follow-on talks.

From the Central Somerset Gazette re Ashcott and Pedwell WI ~
Our speaker was Richard Grundy who arrived early to set up his stare-of-the-art video (sic) equipment and was able to join us in the singing of Jerusalem. Mr Grundy is an expert on the island of Tristan da Cunha....and is full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life there - its history, wildlife and all the activities of the human population, even their annual "ratting" day and subsequent "longest tail" competition. All this made for an exciting and educational series of slides.

Newspaper report from Milverton WI following the second talk ~
Richard Grundy spoke enthusiastically, with excellent slides, about the remote island of Tristan da Cunha.....The integrated curriculum in St Mary's School, where Mr Grundy taught, includes 'hands-on' geography, mountain climbing, fishing in deep pools for octopus/catfish, water skills, mapping, scientific study of the rockhopper penguin...etc Many questions were asked and ....thanked Mr Grundy for an instructive, entertaining and well illustrated talk.

Further information or bookings preferably by EMail to: enquiries@solomonsproject.co.uk
Richard can send Heads a full CV, and details of current Enhanced Disclosure enabling independent work with children.