Julie is an engaging and approachable speaker, creating accessible talks on a wide variety of topics. She is an extremely versatile speaker as she lectures in both history and the arts, as well as conservation and ecology for the Open University.

On the science side, she holds a degree in ecology, is a trained Marine Mammal Observer and a WiSE and Adventure WiSE accredited wildlife guide. She also undertakes ship-based surveys of whales, dolphins and bird life in UK waters and further afield for several charities and has been a Conservation Ranger supporting bird life migrating to the North Kent Marshes.

On the history side, she holds a master’s degree in Classical Studies focusing on Ancient Greek and Roman society. Her PhD. covered Elizabethan social and theatrical history. As a result of this research, she published an award-winning book on child actors on the London stage in the time of Shakespeare.

She has been a speaker and guide on a variety of ships over the last five years. These range from small private vessels catering for only half a dozen guests, through to tall-ships where she has also crewed. Her engagements on larger cruise ships have included Fred Olsen, Saga, Hurtigruten, Ambassadors and Cunard, travelling around the British coast and islands, Scandinavia, the Arctic circle and the Mediterranean.

She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy with a specialism in teaching adults in non-traditional environments. A ship is definitely classed as that...

Below are talks which are already prepared and available to be presented at short notice. They can be tailored to fit any specific requirements. Other subjects can be covered on request. New topics coming on-line regularly.

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ROMAN HISTORY / AMALFI COAST/ SPAIN X 9

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1) Roman theatre in Malaga
The Romans loved to feel at home in any area they moved to, they adored their home comforts and entertainment... Malaga is no different. Here they created a beautiful theatre in the first century BCE when the Empire was ruled by Augustus. Join Julie to explore why theatre was so popular and what shows you might have seen there.

2) The Romans in Sardinia
During the First Punic War, which began in 264 BCE, the Romans tried to capture Sardinia. It took them until 238BCE to succeed! However, once they were there, they held it for 694 years. It was important to the Romans as it provided a vast amount of grain, salt, wine and olives. We find out about this and the legacy they left behind.

3) Gladiators in Rome
Rome, the heart of the Empire. Join Julie to explore The Colosseum, an amphitheatre where gladiatorial events were held to entertain the populous. Find out where the fighters for these spectacles came from and their different styles of combat which were used to thrill the crowds.

4) Ostia: The port of Rome, an undiscovered gem.
Ostia a Roman town at the mouth of the River Tiber. It has amazing ruins to rival Pompeii and Herculaneum. Join Julie to explore the mosaics, frescos and architecture of this special place, which few tourists know about.

5) Romans with money on the Amalfi coast
The elite Romans loved to leave the city and travel to their country villas. Sorrento was the place to reside with its stunning coastal views. We explore the villas built by wealthy Roman citizens, such as Pollius Felix. What were the things a chic villa owner could not live without?

6) What Vesuvius covered in ash…
The most famous excavation in the world… Pompeii. In the last five years academic staff have been undertaking new work. These excavations have shed a fascinating insight into the last hours of the residents of the area. Join Julie to find out about a recently discovered tortoise, a harnessed parade horse and an unfortunate man who came to a sticky end.

7) Roman gods: Which one should you choose?
The Romans, as they expanded their Empire adopted gods from many different places around the world. Each god was responsible for overseeing a different part of life, ensuring their worshippers were successful. Join Julie to find out which gods would have been most useful to you in daily life, and meet her favourites the Genii Cucullati.

8) Romans in the North of England.
Liverpool, known to the Romans as Portus Segantiorum. Find out how it was once the centre of the Roman building trade in the north, supplying the material for Chester fort. Forts were essential for controlling the north, so join Julie to explore Roman life in the North of England...

9) Don’t miss the Romans in Britain…
On our travels we have seen some fabulous and fascinating Roman ruins, as well as finding out more about the people who lived and worked within them. The exploration doesn’t have to stop once we reach home. There are some amazing places to visit around the UK. Join Julie to find out where to go next.

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VIKINGS X 6

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1) Vikings in fact and fiction.
Join Julie to explore whether Viking shield maidens really existed, how exactly a Viking became Duke of Normandy and whether Ivor the Boneless really was boneless…

2) Meet the Viking Gods:
Join Julie to find out about the trickery of Loki. The strength of Thor. The skills of Freya and how Odin lost an eye. Meet the Viking gods and see which one you would have worshipped.

3) Harald Fairhair: How to become a Viking King.
Harald ‘s proposal of marriage to a princess was turned down. She said she would only marry the King of all Norway. We find out how he made this happen...

4) Viking ships: Scourge of the sea
Excavated Viking ships reveal a wealth of information about the lives and travels of their crews. Join Julie to find out more...

5) Vikings in Britain
Vikings arrived in Britain in 793, sacking Lindisfarne priory and creating a wave of terror. Join Julie to find out what happened next.

6) Vikings in Orkney
Welcome to Kirkjuvágr, the Viking name for Kirkwall. Join Julie to find out how Viking Norway took control of the islands and how they became part of an embarrassing and unplanned dowry payment.

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BRITISH ISLES X 3

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1) Welcome to The Small Isles:
This tiny group of islands consist of the Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna. Find out about the way the locals live and the unique wildlife with Julie, as she introduces you to: The red deer of Rum. The rabbits of Canna and the rare bird life of Muck.

2) Skara Brae and Neolithic Orkney
Skara Brae, a collection of eight houses, was built 5,000 years ago. This special place forms only part of Orkney’s collection of prehistoric monuments. Join Julie as she looks at the richest Neolithic landscape in Western Europe.

3) The Scilly Isles our southern defence
In the 16th century England realised how strategically important the islands were Join Julie to hear all about how these defences were shaped and developed through to the second world war.

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NORWAY/ARCTIC CIRCLE and SVALBARD X 6

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1) The legend of the Northern Lights.
Join Julie to find out about the cause of this mysterious winter phenomenon and hear the stories which Northern residents have told to explain its presence over many centuries. There are Viking legends, sad tales from Greenland, Inuit theories and Sami accounts.

2) What is the Arctic Circle and why is it so special?
The Arctic Circle officially begins and ends at a latitude of 66°33′45.6″. Join Julie to find out why this particular place has been chosen as the boundary. Also, learn how the geography within the circle is changing and the implications this has for the Suez canal....

3) Meet the puffin, geese and eider ducks of Svalbard.
There have been 237 different bird species sighted in Svalbard, but everyone’s favourite has to be the Puffin. Join Julie to find out how they live, how they feed, what their homes look like and who they need to avoid in the skies. Let her also introduce you to the amazing migration of Brent, Barnacle and Pink- footed Geese and the story of the Eider Duck

4) Prolific Polar Bears and scared seals...
On Svalbard Polar Bears out number people! They are also categorised as marine mammals rather than bears because of their lifestyle... Find out how well they are adapted for life in the Arctic realms, all about the seals they hunt and how fast you have to swim to avoid being their dinner.

5) Living on Svalbard.
There are rules for living safely on Svalbard. Why for example do you have to show your insurance documents to the Governor if you want to go for a long trip? How should you manage your sledge dogs? Why did Tom Cruise find it Mission Impossible when he wanted to land his helicopter on Svalbard? Why are there no new-born babies on the island? And why are you OK there if you have a cat allergy. All these questions and more will be answered...

6) Reindeer, voles, walrus and other mammals of the Arctic.
The island of Svalbard may be devoid of trees and is a little exposed, however a variety of mammals still call it home. Join Julie to find out about the unique species of reindeer resident there and how it has changed its diet due to global warming. Discover how and why a Russian vole can be found along the coast and just why do walrus keep appearing in the UK when they should be lounging on Svalbard ice flows.

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EUROPE/ CHRISTMAS X 4

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1) The Netherlands: a place for flowers
Think of Holland and you inevitably think of tulips. However, they didn’t originate here, they came from the Ottoman Empire. Join Julie to find out more...

2) Christmas in the Netherlands
For children of the Netherlands it’s the 6th of December they look forward to. The day Sinterklaas brings presents. Join Dr Julie as she explores how he became patron saint of children.

3) A German Christmas:
Join Julie to find out how the Germans celebrate Christmas and the history of some special traditional gifts you can find in the Christmas markets.

4) Gods, Saints and Christmas Stories
There is more to Christmas than Santa Claus. Hear about Saint Lucy and St Francis of Assisi who both inspired some lovely Christmas traditions. Also, discover the Roman god who shares his birthday with baby Jesus.

I have been a guest speaker for:

Fred Olsen, Borealis:
Christmas in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Normandy and the Channel Islands.
Tall ships in the Baltic.
Norwegian Fjords.
The Western Isles of Scotland and Orkney.
Italy's Amalfi Coast and Roman History.

Cunard, Queen Mary II:
Viking Norway.

Saga, Spirit of Adventure (inaugural cruise season)
Wildlife of Britain
Wildlife in the bay of Biscay and Mediterranean.

Ambassadors, Ambience:
Norway and Svalbard (Spitzbergen)
Norway, Denmark, Sweden.

Plus a variety of privately owned ships covering the Western Isles of Scotland, including a tall ship.

World wide travel insurance (cruise) held.
Full STCW certification Including 'Cruise ship crowd management.'. Valid until October 2026
ML5 medical certificate no endorsements .