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Areas:
Dorset Hampshire West Country Wiltshire
Categories:
Fees £51 - £149 After Dinner Speaker Educational Famous People History Sea/ Maritime/ Naval Virtual/Remote presentations War and Conflict
Talk Topics:

Marc Heighway

Location: Beaulieu, New Forest
About The Speaker...

I live in the New Forest, and regular give about this fascinating landscape that I’m lucky enough to call home. I’m also proud to serve as a trustee of a couple of historical charity groups, and regularly support schools and museums by appearing as a guest speaker. I’m also involved with history societies and as part of this, I host talks to raise funds for the upkeep and regeneration of East Boldre village hall, the last surviving building from a former First World War airfield. Additionally, I serve on the committee of the long-established Beaulieu History Society, which aims to stimulate and increase interest in the history of Beaulieu and the surrounding area.

I have a particular passion for the Second World War history of the New Forest, particularly the airfields constructed during that time, which have left a lasting impression on the landscape and which also had a huge impact on local social history.

As a keen writer, my history articles regularly appear in papers, where I share my research on a variety of topics. I was also recently a guest on the History Hit podcast with renowned historian Dan Snow, which averages three million listeners a month and have advised on some TV programs.

About Their Talks...

My talks currently focus on Second World War and aviation history, focused on the stories the people and their experiences. My presentations are highly visual, fast paced, and have stories and emotional hooks running through them.

I have listed 5 talks below, but I do have more which can be provided upon request.

Fee:

Within the New Forest, I charge £80. Further afield I will add mileage costs. For virtual talks and presentations, please ask for a price.

My Contact Details:
Phone:
Email:

mheighway@hotmail.com

View Talks by Marc Heighway

Hidden in Plain Sight: Reminders of WW2 in the New Forest

During the Second World War the New Forest area saw a huge amount of activity. It was home to several airfields, training areas, D-Day camps and an embarkation point, a secret spy school, a POW camp, traps were set for invading armies, and it was also the scene of the biggest ever bomb dropped on UK soil. This presentation takes the form of a photo tour and talk on areas of the New Forest you will be familiar with, but showing you things left over from the war you might not have noticed before, and the stories behind them.

Noor Inayat Khan: A Spy Descended from Royalty, Trained in Beaulieu, Murdered in Dachau

Hear the extraordinary true story of Noor Inayat Khan – code name “Madeleine”. She was the first female wireless operator sent undercover into occupied France. This talk traces her Sufi upbringing and family background descended from Indian royalty, to her training in Beaulieu, before her perilous missions for the SOE, capture, and ultimate sacrifice at Dachau concentration camp where she was executed.

History of RAF Beaulieu: Airfield Stories & What Remains

The incredible history of Beaulieu Airfield from the lead-up to its construction during WW2, into wartime, and through to modern day. The talk includes never before seen photography and film from the airfield, tales of bravery, inspiring stories and strange events that happened at the RAF and USAAF Station, plus tributes to the many men who lost their lives. It also includes a visual tour of what remains today.

RAF Needs Oar Point: A Story Rarely Told

For just three short, yet eventful months in WW2, the peace of farmer’s fields south of Buckler’s Hard was shattered by the arrival of four squadrons of Typhoon fighter bombers and lorries full of men. Some have said that this was the busiest airfield on D-Day. But just how true is this? Learn how agricultural land near Park Farm and St Leonards was converted into a wartime airfield. The story of RAF Needs Oar Point is one that has rarely been told despite the role it played in wartime. The talk includes never before seen photography and film, tales of bravery, inspiring stories, and how tragedy and high casualty rates struck the young men who flew from these local fields of green.

The Beaulieu River at War

Prior to war the Beaulieu River was a sleepy waterway, but once requisitioned by the navy, witnessed an incredible amount of activity. The fear of invasion also led to the village being set as a trap for invading forces. As war progressed, the estate was used to prepare for D-Day, including secret tests being conducted on the water. Aspects of the Mulberry Harbour were also constructed locally, and the historical Buckler’s Hard shipyard pivoted to the production of naval vessels. The talk also includes the defence of Beaulieu Village, explaining how this idyllic New Forest village was set as a trap for an invading army, whilst showing the remains of the Second World that are hidden in plain sight. The next time you drive or walk or drive through Beaulieu, it will completely change your perception of the village.

Marc Heighway Contact Details:
Phone:
Email:

mheighway@hotmail.com

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