The Union Jack - A flag for all people

Ray Barrett


Regions:
West Mids, Warwickshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional, Organisational, Charity, and hobbyist
Fee:
Paid: £65
Category:
History
Updated:
8th April 2024

It may not be something to fight about any more but the Union Flag or Union Jack has been the cause of vexation for centuries as the peoples of four nations have been forged into one United Kingdom.

Let me lead you down the path of history to discover the vexed question behind the UK’s vexillological story*

Views: 59 | Enquiries: 0

About Ray Barrett

I was born, and raised in Bournville in the West Midlands but have been lucky enough to travel extensively across the world during my working life. I am now semi-retired and have been public speaking for about the last 5 years.

For many years I worked at the forefront of automotive technology helping to develop the newly emerging electronic systems that would eventually include the adaptive and augmented driving systems that were to become the building blocks and forerunners of today's self-driving and electronic vehicles. I now deliver talks and presentations covering many aspects of those technologies and future innovations in the automotive field. Please contact me if you require more details for a commercial booking.

However, now that I have 'slowed down' and have more time for research and writing, I have spent time developing a number of talks and presentations concerning some of my personal interests and passions.

Living in Bournville - the home of Cadbury - I have spent many years researching aspects of local history concerning the factory, the village and the people that made it. I am also a tour guide at the World famous Bournville Carillon and have published several books on various related subjects.

Additionally I also give a number of talks concerning my other two loves: English Heraldic Lore and Vexillology (the study of flags and pennants).

In many of my talks I speak from the point of view of an enthusiast, rather than an academic, so the talks are easy to digest and should appeal to people from every walks of life. Occasionally there's a little technical jargon but I always try to simplify it into everyday terms, and I am always happy to take questions at the end.

Most of my talks last approximately one hour and are general in nature. However, if you are particularly interested in a more in-depth understanding or would like to discuss other aspects or options of a particular subject, then please contact me.

I normally deliver in-person talks in and around the West Midlands area but will travel further by special arrangement. All of my talks are illustrated with PowerPoint slides. I have my own equipment, but will happily use yours if it’s already in place. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible or impractical, I can deliver all talks online, using Zoom, Teams or any other proprietary platform,


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