Tony Ferguson

Location: Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
About The Speaker...

A highly accomplished, professional presenter, Tony Ferguson honed his presentation skills in the technology industry, working for Unisys and Accenture.
He has headlined major financial and technology conferences in UK, USA, Malaysia and across EMEA.
He is a regular speaker at U3A, Womens Institute and Club events. Many references available:
“I’m delighted to provide a reference for Tony Ferguson as a U3A speaker. I am co-convener of the Chalfonts U3A family history group. Tony recently delivered an extremely well researched and entertaining talk about his military ancestors which thoroughly engaged and interested the group. His performance was polished, and he is a fluent and charismatic speaker. I have recommended him to other groups and they have been delighted with his talks.” Marguerite Fletcher 2025.

About Their Talks...

Retiring in 2019, Tony conducted extensive research into the Battle of the Somme, the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, culminating in three books which tell the quite incredible story of his grandfather in the series “Andy Symington: Tyrone’s Most Wanted Man”.
Andy Symington volunteered to join the Royal Irish Fusiliers in 1916. Over the next seven years, he participated in the Battle of the Somme, the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, a trilogy of military service experienced by fewer than sixty men.

Fee:

£100-£150 including expenses

My Contact Details:
Phone:

+447769361795

Somme Story

Somme Story is about the experiences of a young Royal Irish Fusilier, Andy Symington. It uncovers a previously suppressed story of mutiny and officer murder in the trenches and reveals how the press covered it up. It also exposes a cover up in the War Diaries, as Army High Command sought to distance itself from an ill-conceived attack which cost the lives of 385 men, many killed by their own shells.

There is a poignant human-interest undercurrent, from Andy’s early days in a family of ten in Fermanagh to the post war impact of alcoholism and shellshock (today equating to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD) on a tortured family life. Over a century after the Somme, a remarkable twist of fate unfolds…

Irish War of Independence: Andy Symington- Tyrone's Most Wanted Man

Discover the untold story of Andy Symington and his comrades in the IRA’s Second Northern Division during Ireland’s War of Independence. From clandestine raids to barrack attacks,this gripping account uncovers lost stories from the fight for freedom from British rule. Outnumbered, badly armed and facing impossible odds,they took the fight to the British. Guerrilla warfare, internment, spies, informers, executions and police murder gangs feature in the orgy of attack and reprisal.

Women in War: the contrasting roles of Irish & British women 1916-1923

Countess Markiewicz- first woman to win a seat in the House of Commons (1918). Lady Astor- first woman to sit in the House of Commons (1919). Both suffragettes providing leadership roles for women in Ireland and Britain respectively. Yet through Cumann na mBan, Irish women played a key role in the Irish War of Independence whereas women in Britain were shackled by their society’s notions of propriety. The shocking treatment of Mary Allen who created the Womens Police Service and the FA ban on the England Ladies football team in 1921 are contrasted with Irish revolutionaries like Eithne Coyle who hijacked trains and escaped from prison twice!

Rebellion, Regicide, Graffiti and Body snatching: a colorful history of a Bucks village church

The stones of an ancient Parish Church can reveal many secrets- if you know where to look! Museum, Art Gallery, custodian of local history and place of worship- this talk is an entertaining and informative walk through 900 years of local history, occasionally grabbing centre stage in our national history.

*All Proceeds go the the Friends of Chalfont St Giles Parish Church, a registered charity.

Tony Ferguson Contact Details:
Phone:

+447769361795

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