I offer talks and lectures on mathematics, philosophy,

 statistics, computer science, linguistics and early jazz 

Alan Turing, the man and his legacy

Alan Turing was a man of many achievements. Most notably, he was one of the founders of computer science, and he played a major part in code-breaking during World War Two. I have given this talk many times to local history groups, Probus clubs and the U3A.

Lies, damned lies and statistics

This talk, aimed at general audiences, exposes the misuse and misunderstanding of statistics in the media. It also gives some guidance on how to avoid being misled in the future.

We need to talk about statistics 

This lecture began as the 2019 Teaching Statistics Trust Lecture. The theme is the importance of language in interpreting and communicating statistical findings. 

A video of the lecture as given at the Alan Turing Institute is on Youtube here.

The Roaring Twenties

Based on my radio shows, this talk presents the music of the jazz age. It explores the often extraordinary lives of the players who defined the decade, and the music is accompanied by photographs and news items from the time.

The Swinging Thirties 

Based on my radio shows, this talk presents the music of the swing era. It explores the often extraordinary lives of the players who defined the decade, and the music is accompanied by photographs and news items from the time.

English, a very curious language

A look at some of the more amusing aspects of the English language. From interesting etymologies and evolving meanings to eggcorns and mondegreens.