What is going on in America?

In this talk I look at the great country from an unusual perspective – two road trips on Greyhound buses half a century apart.

I draw on diary entries and original photos (no selfies!) to show how in 1969, as a 22-year-old student, I was blown away by the sights I saw and the people I met.

In 2019, by then a retired journalist, I was ambushed by a crazy notion to go back and do it again. It was too good an idea to pass on, though I quickly realised that I would have to make allowances for a 72-year-old’s antiquated skills and aching body.

On the second trip I took photos on my mobile phone and wrote a book. I still loved the country and its people, though this time the divisions were so bitter and so resolute that I felt I was travelling through parallel universes.

I came back with many questions about the country’s future, and this invariably leads to an interesting discussion at the end.  

Copies of Two Summers: Nixon and Trump by Greyhound Bus will be available to buy at a special rate.

'A very interesting talk about the changes that America has experienced in the past 50 years, some good and some not so good - a great insight into how things are and what the future might bring.‘ – David King, Speaker Secretary, Bookham & Horsley Rotary 

‘A fascinating talk. It brought back some happy memories - and some scary moments in bus depots, late at night!’ - Sue Eggleton, Treasurer, Rotary Club of Shepperton Aurora 

Timing: The talk normally runs for about 40 minutes

Speaker’s details: I was a journalist on national and medical newspapers and magazines, and after that ran a business teaching written communication skills to health professionals. I have written four books on medical writing and a memoir. I am an experienced public speaker and former chairman of Mole Valley Speakers Club.

Standard fee: £50

Two Summers Zoom talks scheduled for 2021*

January 13:  Rotary Club of Shepperton Aurora

January 14: Purley Cross WI

February 15: Shepperton & Sunbury Rotary

February 18: The Wimbledon Society

March 4: Walton Rotary Club

March 10: WordFest, Crawley Festival of Words

March 11:  Cobham WI

April 14: Bradwell-on-Sea WI

April 21: Seaford Rotart

May 18: Box Hill Dames 

June 15: Wrington Vale Probus

July 12; Woodhatch WI

September 20: Ashtead Probus

September 21: Croydon South Probus

*Some of the later talks may be in person!