Ian Bellard Presentations
Welcome
Based in Runcorn in Cheshire, I deliver presentations to history societies and social groups in Cheshire as well as Merseyside, Wirral and North Wales. I’m prepared to travel elsewhere depending on the distance.
Announcing – My New Novel
Across Two Oceans is a maritime adventure set in the 1890s, based on the true story of my great-grandfather’s account of sailing from Liverpool to San Francisco, 1897 to 1899.
“In 1897 in Liverpool, Joseph signs aboard a merchant sailing vessel bound for San Francisco. As an ordinary seaman expecting no more than maritime adventure, Joseph is unwittingly drawn into a conflict between a network of crimps, who shanghai sailors, and the Seamen’s Mission who work to protect seafarers.
Amidst storms, treachery, kidnapping and murder, the conflict draws the whole ship’s crew into a confrontation spanning two oceans and involving not only ruthless crimps, but the captain’s old nemesis bent on revenge.”
Across Two Oceans is available from Amazon: CLICK HERE
or via the publishers : CLICK HERE
ISBN: 978-1-326-81046-7
My Talks
I’m fascinated by maritime history, especially late 19th century sailing ships, the tall ships of the day.
Inspired by my great grandfather’s memoir of his sailing voyage 1897 to 1899, I’ve sailed on tall ships in various parts of the world.
Enhanced by extensive research, I present my ancestor’s and my sailing experiences to audiences.
Previous talks have been given to various Cheshire history societies, WI, Probus and U3A groups, a library literature event, the TWG, a wine club and (of course) aboard a tall ship at the Isle of Mull !
Talk 1
Cloch – a 19th Century Tallship Voyage
A first hand account of a voyage aboard a 19th century sailing ship. Drawn from my great-grandfather’s 1897-1899 account of two years in the Atlantic and Pacific, I carried out extensive research, location visits and interviews to create this illustrated presentation.
Cross the equator and round Cape Horn to reach San Francisco, Cape Town and Chile aboard the Clyde-built barque Cloch.
To book this talk, contact me via: ianbellard@hotmail.com
Talk 2
A Pacific Tallship Voyage
Inspired by my great-grandfather’s adventures, I spent three months on a tall ship voyage aboard the brigantine Søren Larsen crossing the Pacific Ocean.
This presentation encapsulates that voyage from Panama to Tahiti, calling at Galapagos, Easter Island, Pitcairn and the Marquesas.
To book this talk, contact me via: ianbellard@hotmail.com
Feedback
“An excellent presentation.” ”An absorbing and graphic account.” Runcorn Weekly News.
“I enjoyed the subject matter and historical connections very much. The presentation identified very well, the life and times of sailors in the 1890s.” Bill, Widnes Historical Society.
“I really enjoyed Ian’s talk. It is so much more interesting to hear actual accounts written by people with the lived experience.” John, Widnes Historical Society.
“Thank you for a most enjoyable talk, such an adventure and your glimpse into it for us was so very good. You held the audience in thrall.” Southport U3A.
“Very interesting talk and thoroughly enjoyable.” Thelwall History Group.
“Enjoyed the talk immensely, he had obviously done a lot of research.” Thelwall History Group.
“Liked how he quoted some entries from his Gt Grandfather’s diary, made you realise how hard life at sea was.” Thelwall History Group.
“Thanks for such an interesting and informative presentation. We have always strived to engage Guest Speakers able to inform, educate and entertain, and it is fair to say you ticked all boxes emphatically!” Tony, Deeside Lecture Society.
My Tallship Voyages
I have worked as a member of the voyage crew on several tall ship voyages throughout the world:
Søren Larsen – Cornwall to Tenerife
Søren Larsen – Panama to Tahiti
Eye of the Wind – English Channel
Lady of Avenel – Scottish Islands
Søren Larsen – Sydney to Hobart and return to Sydney
Søren Larsen – Sydney / Hawkesbury River / Dangar Island
Florette – Italian Aeolian Islands inc. volcano Stromboli
For 2026 – Shetland and Orkney aboard Lady of Avenel
Inspired by my sailing experiences, I have produced a book of maritime poetry, which can be found using the links:
Photographs © Ian Bellard
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Ian Bellard Presentations 