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Testimonials from past talks |
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The originals, or the contact details of the organisations, can be provided on request. Testimonials from David's talks to schools, clubs and societies:
"We greatly appreciated your talk - it was refreshingly unbiased, educational
and put forward in a manner that lay people could understand. I know
that many found it very thought provoking - issues I certainly hadn't connected
to the energy dilemma! I think the questions could have gone on all night, judging by the interest aroused!
Thank you again - hope we'll see you back in Stirling soon."
Katy Haddock, Royal Scottish Geographical Society
(Stirling committee)
"...it was excellent. Clearly and interestingly presented, well researched
and coherently put together. I doubt if anybody left the Council Chamber regretting
their choice of what they had done with their evening."
Richard Munday, Royal Scottish Geographical Society
(Inverness committee)
"As we pay our speakers for their presentations, it is rare for me to
write and thank them. In fact this is only the second occasion I have
written in my ten-year tenure as programme secretary, and believe me,
we've had some excellent speakers. An unprecedented number of our
members commented to me on the all round excellence of your
presentation. I feel sure it won't be long before we are welcoming you
once again - the members will make sure of that!"
Ed Milius, Heaton Chapel Literary & Philosophical
Society "Just thought I'd let you know that 148 people attended
your talk - by far our biggest audience this season and the biggest I
can recall for a January meeting. I have spoken to many people since the
talk and everyone was effusive in their praise for your presentation - I
can't recollect such a positive reaction before. Like many, I rate your
talk as one of the best if not the best in the 5 years I've being going
to the RSGS. I'm sure you will have been aware of people's reaction -
the volume of the applause at the end was a strong indication of how
much they had enjoyed the experience."
Tom Russell, Royal Scottish Geographical Society
(Dumfries committee) "It was an excellent evening and I know the members
greatly enjoyed your presentation. I hope we can keep in touch as I am sure
members would very much like to have another visit from you, perhaps in 2012?"
Paul Spencer, The Abinger Eighty Club "On behalf of the Lecture Series Committee, I would like to
thank you very much for speaking at the RDS yesterday. We had the largest
audience we have ever attracted for a travel lecture. I had some wonderful
feedback on your talk from Members as they left the room, and have had calls
from Members today telling me how much they enjoyed it. I look forward to
inviting you back to the RDS in the future."
Brooke Beales, marketing manager, Royal Dublin
Society "I write on behalf of the Derby Women's Luncheon Club to
give our most sincere thanks for the excellent talk you gave us yesterday. I know that
it was greatly enjoyed by those who have already visited the Grand Canyon, as well as
by those of us who have never been, but whose appetite has now been well and truly
whetted!
Your extremely interesting talk and superb photographs, encompassing so much information about the history, geology, geography and botany gave us a very full picture of the area, as well as a lot of practical information which will help those planning a visit." Daphne Thornhill, Derby Women's Luncheon Club "It was a privilege to hear such an experienced and
professional speaker. He was so familiar with his subject that the whole
place came alive, we were enthralled with the words and pictures and
enthused with the desire to visit this spectacular and special place."
Mary Bratton, Barton Ladies Luncheon Club "...your splendid talk on the Grand Canyon. There was a
buzz of excitement from members afterwards and demands that we invite
you back soon, which I hope to do. Your comprehensive presentation of
the Grand Canyon, covering so many aspects, historical, environmental,
geographical and personal experiences made for a fascinating evening.
Very many thanks again."
Jacky Fox, The Bowdon Sixty Club "David Edwards transported the Grand Canyon to Esher. He
held the audience captive with delight with his superb photography and
informative narrative: a lecture not to be missed."
The Royston Pike Lecture Series "I am writing to thank you once again for the
outstanding talk you gave here on The Grand Canyon. Many students have
commented on the lecture since last Tuesday - they clearly found it as
inspiring and exhilarating as I did. Your commentary really brought home
the uniqueness of the place. Your use of anecdotes and humour was
greatly appreciated by us all, and I thought one of the most important
features of the talk was the invitation to consider the broader
environmental issues."
John Allinson, Senior Master and Head of Sixth
Form, Leighton Park School "Thank you so very much for giving us such an
entertaining and informative lecture. We enjoyed your company - you must
come again! Once again many thanks for a memorable evening."
Kevin Fryer, Lecture Series Co-Ordinator for
Guildford borough
"Sincere thanks for a superb evening last night;
everyone enjoyed it. The slides were good and some absolutely
beautiful, the story was good and you are a born storyteller, being
able to play and hold an audience so well. These are, I think, the
prerequisites of a successful evening but grafted in amongst this
was 'nitty gritty' geography so that we learnt much as well as being
entertained."
Joan Gaffiney, International Travel and Holidays
Association "Having Mr. Edwards spend time on our campus was super.
His interaction with students and his knowledge of environmental issues
provided us with a unique opportunity. It is obvious from David's
intense interest in such issues and his ability to tell a great story,
that he enjoys sharing his experiences and insights, and indeed feels
that such interaction is vital to solving problems."
Don Eno, Academic Outreach Coordinator, University
of Maine at Fort Kent "..your lecture was the perfect balance between
factual, historical and geographic information and personal
reminiscences and experiences. It takes a lot of skill to entertain as
well as educate and you did it to perfection."
Alasdair Galbraith, Higham Hall "David Edwards proved to be a real winner.....an
excellent mix of stunning images and hard fact and pitched at just the
right level."
Margaret Imrie, President, Hull Literary and
Philosophical Society "Your presentation was the best I have ever heard."
Nigel Winser, Deputy Director, Royal Geographical
Society "Your engaging manner, superb slides and sly sense of
humour made this a real highlight of our season. I have seldom heard
such a warm reception for a speaker and I hope it will not be too long
before you visit us again."
James Lloyd, Chairman, Eastbourne Ashridge Circle "Many thanks for a memorable presentation … feel free to
mention that I have recommended you.”
John Norman, Programme Secretary, The Everyman Club
of Great Grimsby "..such a splendid lecture...one of our best ever in our
50 year history."
Dr Dennis Claridge, ICI "All agree that your Grand Canyon lecture was quite
outstanding.”
Dr Frederick Moore, Cork Literary and Scientific
Society "Thank you for your excellent presentation. Our patrons
were impressed with your slides but most of all enthralled.”
Chris Norcliffe, Chesterfield Borough Council "May I take this opportunity to thank you again for such
an enjoyable and informative talk which for those who have already been,
must have enriched their perspective; and for those of us who haven't as
yet, moved it up the list of where to visit next!”
Liz Barron, Chester Literature Festival organiser "What an enjoyable time we had seeing your wonderful
slides and bringing so much alive to us the time you spent at the Grand
Canyon. So many people have approached me since to say how very much
they enjoyed listening to you and saying it was a long time since we had
had anyone as good as you in fact! Here's to the next time!”
Mrs E.H. Bell, Driffield Ladies Luncheon Club "The boys, both age groups, were fascinated by you and
all you had to say.”
Sara Hirst, Sedbergh School "Your lecture was undoubtedly one of the best we have had
this season, and we look forward eagerly to a return visit.”
Susan Holmes, Guildford Travel Club "On behalf of the Council, Members and guests of the
Institution, thank you for giving such a vivid and superbly illustrated
talk. It was clear that you have developed an affinity for Montserrat
and the people who live there. I hope that we can arrange another talk
in the future.”
Peter Sanderson, Hon Sec, Grimsby Institution of
Engineers and Shipbuilders "...thank you for a first rate lecture - stimulating,
extremely informative - covering so many aspects - and enhanced by your
anecdotes and lovely humour. Haste ye back to Dundee, we did enjoy the
evening with you.”
Mrs Joy Ingram, Royal Scottish Geographical Society "Thank you very much indeed for coming and giving us
such a wonderful lecture last Friday, which was hugely enjoyed by all
present. It ranks among the very best we have had in our Centre.....boys
and parents have been talking about it since in glowing terms.”
Ian Argyle, Headmaster, Aldro School "We enjoy your idiosyncratic style which includes so
many amusing as well as illustrating anecdotes and your own enthusiasm
for place and subject matter transmits itself to the audience, engaging
full attention......so many members commented on the excellent content
of the lecture..."
Maureen McAuley, International Travel and Holidays
Association "This is just to say how thoroughly everyone again
enjoyed your visit, and the President told me afterwards that a third
visit had been requested. "
Elizabeth Bell, Driffield Ladies' Luncheon Club "Congratulations on such a well constructed and
entertaining talk. You certainly used your time well while working at the
Grand Canyon, and your depth of knowledge of the area was one reason for the
audience's enthusiastic response. We intend to invite you to return quite
soon."
Peter Hadkins, Hon. Sec. Keswick Lecture Society "Kathleen and I (and many others) thought it was a superb
evening. We will be inviting you back very soon (i.e. in next season’s
brochure) to do the Grand Canyon lecture.”
John Spawton, Wilmslow Guild "You gave the Association a really superb evening."
Maureen McAuley, International Travel and Holidays
Association “Many thanks for a superb lecture which was both
entertaining and informative. Everyone enjoyed it enormously. We
discussed the possibility of you paying us a return visit next year
to talk about your experiences on Montserrat. Would any of the
following dates be convenient……”
Jeff Pattison, Grange Lecture Society (Grand Canyon talk) “Thank you for another splendid talk which was much enjoyed by everyone.
You certainly tell an excellent story with the right balance of humour and factual information
and of course the wonderful slides helped.”
Jeff Pattison, Grange Lecture Society (Montserrat talk) “Your talk was interesting and entertaining and I
know our audience enjoyed it too as we have had terrific feedback
from a lot of them. I am interested in your talk on Montserrat for a
future booking……”
Cindy Hardy, Clacton & North East Essex Arts &
Literary Society “The Grand Canyon in all its glory - told to us with
absolute enthusiasm and insight into an extraordinary part of the world
- without pause for well over an hour - and all the ladies still seated
at the end absolutely enthralled !!...- the ladies were very
appreciative and were still talking about you several days later - this
I heard via our Health Club & Beauty Salon and from a speaker at another
local group !! …”
Sheila Alblas, Grand Hotel Eastbourne “Thank you so much for making the long haul to
Sheffield on Wednesday and giving such a splendid talk to our club.
Everyone enjoyed hearing you so much and I hope you enjoyed their
enthusiasm! Regards and I really hope we will see you again talking
about Montserrat.”
Margaret Kerry, Sheffield Women's Lecture Club “We all greatly enjoyed your visit and excellent
lecture. We have been having lecture series for a number of years but
one of our members said to me after your lecture - 'This is the best we
have had!' Our good wishes...”
David Morris, Richmond Civic Society "Dave’s talk was absolutely excellent. I was really impressed with
how he constructed his talk in such an intelligent and thoughtful way. He structured
his material to hold the attention of his audience. He held back on arguably the most
exciting part of his journey and captivated his audience right to the end. The students
came from a range of backgrounds and experiences and all thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Deborah Gibbs, The John Lyon School "Dave Edwards went down really well on Friday. The students
felt his talk to be one of the very best this term. He was very entertaining, interesting
and judged their appetite for information very well indeed.”
David Bryson, Monkton Senior School “What can I say? You gave us a brilliant evening and
I cannot thank you enough. I am sure that you gave great pleasure to
all who were there. We enjoyed your tales and your slides and will
look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the future.”
Celia Rust, Guildford Travel Club "Many thanks for last night's lecture - it was so well
received by everyone I have spoken to since. No doubt we shall be
entertaining you again and you us with another of your talks!"
Pam Wilkinson, President (2007), Hull Literary and
Philosophical Society “Thank you so much for a splendid lecture last night.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed it and were keen to take part in the
questions afterwards. Depending on your future programme, perhaps you
would like to give us your Grand Canyon talk? How about October next
year...”
Margaret Croston, Chester Society of Natural
Science, Literature and Art "Many, many thanks for your wonderful Montserrat talk
yesterday at Hall Grove. The pupils haven't stopped talking about it all
day! It was a fascinating insight into how so much physical change can
happen in such a short period of time and how the community responded to
the disaster. Your very personal take on the events made it all the more
compelling. We'd love to have you back in the New Year for one of your
other talks!"
Ian Adams, Hall Grove Preparatory School, Surrey "The Head couldn't have been more complimentary about
Dave's talk. He thought it was excellent, and Dave had a brilliant rapport
with the kids. We would definitely like to book him again."
Emma Graham, St Bees School, Cumbria
"On behalf of the committee and, indeed, everyone who attended your talk
last evening, I write to thank you for a most interesting and thought provoking session.
You raised a number of issues which require a lot of thought and no easy answers!
Your presentation was very well put together, well delivered and held the audience's
attention and interest throughout - no easy task. I hope you enjoyed your visit to
our centre and we look forward to welcoming you back on a future occasion.
"
Hazel Macfarlane, Royal Scottish Geographical Society
(Inverness committee) "I wanted to write formally to thank you very much indeed
for not only acting as a judge at the Festival of Postgraduate Research,
but for your superb keynote speech at the award ceremony. Student
presenters, academics, and external sponsors alike, have said how
impressed they were with both the content and the delivery of your talk.
To use the words of the Graduate Dean, your presentation was
"exemplary". I know the brief had presented you with some challenges,
but hearing your presentation on Friday made me realise just how much
thought, hard work and commitment you had given it, and for all of that,
I am incredibly grateful. Above all, just as it was back in 2000 when I
first heard you present in Chester, it was your sheer passion and belief
on Friday that once again left the greatest impression. My sincere
thanks once again for contributing to the success of the Festival, and I
hope that it's not another seven years before I have the pleasure of
working with you again."
Elizabeth Newall, Postgraduate Events Manager,
University of Leicester
"What I liked about your Talk was the clarity with which you put over an extremely complex subject,
first giving it a strong structure which broke it down into manageable chunks so that everyone could
understand and everything made sense. Also you had just the right number of images and text in your
presentation and a very good variety of just the right type so people could pick up the message quickly, had time
to read or interpret them and therefore didn't get bored. There's so much misuse of PowerPoint in the lecturing
and business world, and yours was a model of how to use it to best effect."
Margaret Wilkes, Royal Scottish Geographical Society (Co-Chair Edinburgh Centre)
"Just to thank you so much for your talk here last night. It was such a wonderful evening and everyone enjoyed
it immensely. There were many other appreciative comments from the audience, in addition to our 'feedback' forms and
we look forward to welcoming you to Alton Library again in the future."
Rosemary Hawkins, Hampshire Library Service
"Thank you very much for the interesting and entertaining talk on Wednesday. We have had lots of positive comments
on the feedback forms. I will be happy to recommend you for other talks in Hampshire libraries and would be happy to
see you here again for a different talk."
Lesley Cox, Hampshire Library Service
"I just wanted to thank you very much for coming to Petersfield last week to talk about the Grand Canyon.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. I hope we will be able to invite you back next year."
Julia Nelson-Tomsen, Hampshire Library Service
"Just to thank you for the excellent talk you gave last night at Chandlers Ford Library. As I
said feedback from the audience was very positive, everyone enjoyed it."
Rose Ratcliffe, Service Development Librarian, Chandlers Ford Library
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