Testimonials
David and Mick returned to Burntwood Family History Group for their 5 th visit. That in itself is a testament to how good their talks are. With David and Mick, you think you know what you are going to get, a thoroughly researched and polished presentation, full of depth and detail. But you get so much more, additional information that you did not know before and – most significantly – a genuine feeling for the men who served, the sacrifices that they made and the hell on earth in which they fought. This particular talk covers the history of the poppy, now such an important symbol of remembrance each year on Armistice Day; Talbot House, the soldiers’ rest and recreation centre founded in Poperinge, Belgium in December 1915; the construction of the cemeteries that would house the Commonwealth war graves; the nightly ceremony at the Menin Gate; and the thought and care that went into planning and preparing the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. All this and so much more. We cannot recommend David and Mick’s talks too highly. It goes without saying that we are already arranging for them to join us again in the near future.
Chris Graddon
Unknown Warrior, Burntwood Family History Group on 13th January 2025
Mick and David gave their talk Crimson Fields to the members of Solihull Central U3A on Thursday, 28th November 2024
The talk was professionally delivered and was so full of content and wonderful pictures. The stories were amazing and the audience were engrossed all the way through
All of our members found the whole presentation fascinating and very moving indeed
Thank you Mick and David
Teresa Smith
Crimson Fields, Solihull Central U3A on 28th November 2024
In The Ballroom welcomed back David and Mick for our July social. The talk, which featured lesser known facts about our late Queen and her husband Philip, had the audience spellbound.
Several guests were seen dabbing their eyes when the late Queen’s funeral was shown.
David and Mick have a wonderful way with words and bring their stories to life. The 63 guests were delighted with the marvellous and moving afternoon and declared they were proud to be British.
Everyone stood up up at the end when God Save the King was played. Well done David and Mick!
Unlocking Warwick
A Right Royal Couple on July 2024
Mick’s talk was both informative and moving. It was very professionally presented with old photographs and voices used to good effect. His wide-ranging stories and anecdotes kept everyone spell-bound. There is something to interest everyone in this talk.
Alstonefield & District RVS Friendship Club
Crimson Fields on April 2024
Many thanks to you and Mick for coming to our branch and speaking to us on such an evocative subject in respect of which people will inevitably hold differing views. As the meeting broke up I picked up a general sense that members had enjoyed the talk and had found it informative. A couple of emails have also been received to that effect.
North Staffs / South Cheshire Western Front Association
Shot At Dawn on March 2024
Having read the reviews on Crimson Fields we eagerly awaited David & Mick’s talk , and we weren’t disappointed. The fact that you couldn’t hear a pin drop spoke volumes. It was so professionally delivered and our members were engrossed. The amount of information and individual stories were amazing and it was obvious that they were passionate about the subject.
A big thank you for a wonderful evening from all our members, looking forward to another talk next year.
Marston Green 50+
Crimson Fields on November 2023
David and Mick paid their fourth visit to Burntwood Family History Group last night. That comment in itself shows what brilliant speakers they are. On this occasion, they presented their talk on “The Forgotten Army”, a harrowing description of the war in the far east. They handled this topic with sensitivity and respect, above all telling the true story of the cruelty and harsh reality that the British soldiers and civilians went through. Interlaced with anecdotes of a more personal nature, their presentation gave us a fascinating insight into that dark period in British history. Their use of a wide range of media really added to the poignancy of the evening, especially so given the harrowing nature of the content. It was a very special evening and our members were universal in their praise for the talk. Little wonder that we have already booked them for a return in 2024.
BURNTWOOD FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
FORGOTTEN ARMY on 9th October 2023
I first met David Bardell and Mick Byrne last year when they came and gave a talk on the Forgotten Army, which went down very well, because one of our members husband served in Burma during World War Two.
They came back this April 2023 and the talk was “Crimson Fields”, all about the Nurses and Surgeons that served on the front line in the Great War.
They both have such a knowledge of the subject.
They are both funny entertaining and knowledgeable, a great afternoon was had by all.
All our members have asked if they will come back and give a talk on the The Royal Family, which is a new talk
Barbara Chambers
Crimson Fields on 13th April 2023
Your talk was well planned, well presented and held members attention, especially a couple of the older ladies. It was great that you brought along all your own equipment, which meant that everyone could hear and see you clearly. I personally thought the ties were fabulous.
Sue Horsfall
A Right Royal Couple – Albric WI on 14th March 2023
B/B History Revisited returned to Lichfield 41 Club in November to present “Shot at Dawn”, following their well-received Falklands War presentation in April. Both events were well presented, illustrated and audible, thanks to the use of their own dedicated equipment. Our members were very pleased to be both educated and entertained by David and Mick and wish me to pass on our sincere thanks.
Roger Hartley
Shot At Dawn – Lichfield 41 Club on 9th November 2022
David and Mick came to Banners Gate T.G. to present a talk named “Crimson Fields”. They were very well prepared with up to date use of technology. Members were able to see and hear everything clearly.
You think you know a lot about the first world war. Think again!!! Book this talk for your members and you will not be disappointed.
Sue Nation
Crimson Fields – Banners Gate Townswomen’s Guild on 21st July 2022
Today’s talk was a double act with a difference. In a week which saw the 40th Anniversary of the conflict in the South Atlantic, our two speakers displayed their extensive research in a presentation which intertwined the facts regarding the logistics of the campaign and personal stories of individuals who had significant roles in the events and their aftermath. Although many of the audience will have known some of the facts, names and events of 1982 the extra background details and particularly the personal stories in key individuals such as Simon Weston – individuals whom they have met – brought a personal insight into the suffering of those involved on both sides of the conflict.
This was one of those talks which at seventy five minutes did not have the audience fidgeting in their chairs wanting to get off for refreshments. We were enthralled by the content.
Bob Ireland
Falklands Conflict – Solihull Widney U3A on 17th June 2022
Your talk was really interesting and informative with humour to offset the more sombre aspects. You were both very professional, punctual and your love of the subject was clearly demonstrated. You had an audience of over 70 people and kept their attention throughout the hour long talk which was supplemented with a slideshow and audio including music and poetry.
Beverley Peet
Crimson Fields – Olton & District U3A on 14th June 2022
David and Mick came to give their talk ‘Shot at Dawn’ for Tamworth u3a yesterday at the Assembly Rooms. Although the topic is very moving there was appropriate humour in the way they delivered it. The talk is well illustrated with a power point presentation and the information is shared between them. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this talk, and found it very thought provoking because it raised questions that will probably never be answered after all these years.
We will certainly consider asking David and Mick back at some time in the future to present one of the other topics they specialise in.
Judy Nestor
Shot at Dawn – Tamworth U3A on 19th May 2022
Mick and David were very professional from the booking stage and throughout the presentation. They arrived with all the equipment needed and with plenty of time to set up. The presentation they delivered was `Warriors All`. It had been well researched and was very informative with some nice personal touches. It kept the members attention and nobody got their knitting out. Always a good sign at our club that they were enjoying the morning.
Jan Mayhew
Warriors All – Hadley Five-O on 1st November 2021
Loading...
