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Who Remembers Toast Toppers? A Community History of Forgotten Edibles and (In)edibles

Neil Mach SpeakerNet Sponsor


Region:
South East
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
author and social historian
Fee:
Expensed: 60
Category:
History
Updated:
14th July 2026

When Heinz officially discontinued Toast Toppers in the UK in 2015 —much later than you might think— a playful sociological theory emerged: “everything went downhill after they were discontinued.” Was the end of Toast Toppers a genuine turning point in our social history?

Community historian and popular author Neil Mach takes his audience on a whistle-stop tour of discontinued (yet still much-loved and fondly remembered) forgotten foods and snacks of yesteryear.

Starting with the original "Humble Pie," Neil takes his audience via tapioca and snoek, sago pudding, and powdered ice cream, to arrive at tinned (but weird) delicacies, the rise of frozen dishes, and the wonder of dried food!

  • Findus crispy pancakes
  • Heinz West End Grill
  • Hedgehog flavoured crisps
  • Junket
  • Cornbeef pie

Whether you were a Slimcea girl, a Noodle Doodle Man, or simply remember tinned sausage rolls, Smith’s Cheese Moments, Shippam’s spread, and Terry’s Neapolitans, this amusing and instructive tour into the bizarre comestibles of our bygone days is bound to spark lively discussion in your group and is sure to bring back a whole wave of nostalgia!

Views: 5 | Enquiries: 0

About Neil Mach

Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is, this speaker has delivered his entertaining illustrated presentations to audiences large & small, from theatres to living rooms, from care homes to first schools!

Neil has given his amazing presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and neighbourhood associations big-and-small for over five years.

With over 20 books written, Neil is a published ethical author and he describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad' and 'community historian.'

His home is Staines by the River Thames but Neil is willing to travel in the South-East and the Thames Valley and has given his slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.

After retiring from over 35 years in public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.

During 2021, Neil curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of the pop record charts in British music history. In 2024, Neil arranged a temporary exhibition that focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject, and wrote a book on the 'history of suburban rock 'n' roll'.

Neil hosts his own podcast show (now in its fifth year, with over 125 episodes broadcast) and he makes regular appearances on TV and frequent guest appearances on radio and podcast.

If you need him quickly Neil is often available at short notice (less than a week).

Neil is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so he offers his illustrated talks for free, but he'd appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.

Neil brings mementos, artifacts, costumes (!) and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.

What audiences are saying...

"Grateful thanks for your entertaining and informative presentation on Wednesday. It really was enjoyed and much appreciated!"

  • Mole Valley Stroke Club

"Thank you so much for your talk today. It was just what we wanted..."

  • Wadhurst Probus

"Lots of great feedback today Neil. We’d love to have you back..."

  • Time2Meet, Carshalton

"I just wanted to thank you again for your talk. I had some great feedback, everyone found your talk interesting & entertaining..."

  • NHS Retirement Fellowship, Reigate

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Links:

https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach

https://www.neilmachauthor.com/

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