1) "A detective story; the re-discovery Parlington Hall" The history of the Hall, Aberford, Yorkshire, including scarce pictures (some from as early as 1850's) and analysis of the mansion's demise. Extensive information on the topic can be found on the website, including many pictures of the locality.
2) The former lake, the story of the lost lake at Parlington, and the many events that took place, including mock battles.
3) The Gascoignes of Parlington. A tour through the family history, picking up on some unusual events.
4) Aberford Railway, a private line built to transport coal from Garforth to Aberford.
5) The Garforth Mines, a detailed talk on the massive accident that occurred in the 1870's and the Gascoigne mines in general.
6) 'War Games in Parlington', The Gascoignes' and the Military from 1797 to Present Day! Yes? sham fights in the late nineteenth century, with opposing forces battling it out for the possession of Parlington!
7) 'Aberford Then and Now', a revisit of the local Countryside Publication from the 1980's with lots more old and new photographs.
8) A plot to kill King Charles... the second that is, a seventeenth century conspiracy.
9) A picture extravaganza of photographs by George Fowler Jones an architect and competition level photographer, from the 1850's until the 1890's. Jones worked extensively with the Gascoignes from his earliest commission of Aberford Almshouses, through to Craignish Castle in Argyleshire and Clonodfoy (Castle Oliver) in Ireland. Along with views from many other places in Yorkshire and beyond, not related to his Gascoigne connection.
10) Lord Armstrong, Victorian Industrialist par excellence, and his house, the masterpiece that is Cragside at Rothbury in Northumberland.
All talks given via a computer and projector, offering dynamic presentations, which over the years have drawn many favorable comments. A screen is required to get the most from the projected images. (I can provide one if not available at the venue) Also, new for 2025, I make use of my own PA system to overcome sound issues often present in venues.
