Devon-born and Devon-bred (with the DNA to prove it – 87% Devonian!), I write and speak about the county I love. Whether I’m sharing ancient legends, celebrating local storytellers, or uncovering the secrets of hidden rivers and wild swimming spots, I bring my deep-rooted enthusiasm and knowledge to every talk.
🟡 Rivers of the Dart
Created to accompany my recent book, this illustrated talk explores the River Dart and several of its most important tributaries.
We look at the etymology of the river’s name, its dramatic landscapes, and its rich history, including key historical sites along its course. The talk also weaves in stories of the river’s relationship with people over time — and includes insights into some of the best wild swimming spots for those who love experiencing rivers first-hand.
🟡Blue & Green: Nature as Medicine
How water and landscapes support recovery, calm and wellbeing. How nature helped me recover from a serious back injury and operation to getting fully back up to speed with my tea business and being an active firefighter.
🟡Whispers of Devon
An ongoing talk linked to my book exploring the origins of stories and storytellers in Devon.
This talk delves into Devon’s deep narrative roots — its legends, folklore, and myths — alongside the writers and storytellers who have been inspired by the county. From ancient tales to literary voices, Whispers of Devon uncovers how landscape, memory, and imagination combine to shape a place’s stories.
🟡 Wild Swimming in South Devon, the South Hams & Dartmoor
This talk can be adapted to suit the location and audience, making it ideal for local groups, festivals, and special interest events.
We explore some of the most beautiful wild swimming locations across Dartmoor, South Devon, and the South Hams, alongside the history, folklore, and landscape stories connected to each place. It’s a celebration of water, place, and the powerful pull of swimming outdoors.
🟡 Steeped In History: A Tale of Tea (and possible tea tasting)
This one has two versions. One will be a tea tasting event, with teas from Proper Devon Teas.
The other version will be an illustrated talk.
Both will take us through the history of tea and other infusions from the distant past to the modern day.
🟡 River of the Teign (coming late 2026)
A companion talk to Rivers of the Dart, focusing on the River Teign.
This forthcoming talk will explore the Teign’s landscape, history, stories, and tributaries, continuing my exploration of Devon’s rivers and their enduring influence on the people and places around them.
I believe storytelling is more than entertainment – it’s how we connect with our landscapes, our past, and each other. That belief comes through in every event I do. My talks are lively, rich in local colour, and tailored to the setting and audience – whether it’s a large heritage venue or a cosy local WI.
You’ll get a speaker who is:
🟡 Passionate about Devon’s unique stories, places, and people
🟡 Warm, engaging and happy to interact with the audience
🟡 Happy to adapt talks for all ages and interests
🟡 Reliable, experienced and easy to work with
As well as my own talking events, you will find me selling my books at the following events.
Thu 6th – Honiton Show
Fri 7th-Sat 8th August – Taunton Flower Show
Thu 13th August – Okehampton Show
Sat 15th August – Christow Show
Thu 20th August – Chagford Show
Sun 23rd August – Totnes Eat Festival
Mon 31st August – Lustleigh Show
Sat 5th September – Bovey Food Festival
Tue 8th September – Widecombe Fair
More to follow
🪶 “Learning and laughing, brilliant talk!”
🪶 “Finally, someone who knows their stuff but also knows how to entertain, when is your next talk?”
🪶 “A sign of a successful talk is when the audience all want to speak with the speaker afterwards – and that certainly was the case yesterday afternoon!”
🪶 “Brilliant, inspiring talk – thank you so much, Simon.”
🪶 “It was very informative and funny too! Thank you and wishing you well.”
🪶 “We really enjoyed it and learnt a lot – thank you so much 😊”
🪶 “Really enjoyed it! Started my book already!”
🪶 “A fascinating talk about Dartmoor’s rivers, wild swimming spots, history and more.”
🪶 “Very interesting talk, very enjoyable and informative – thank you!”
🪶 “An interesting talk, enjoyed by all.”
