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The lectures support our ethos of encouraging independent learning and intellectual curiosity and are as valuable for inspiring debate and discussion at home and in the classroom as they are for being thought-provoking and imparting knowledge.
Our lectures are completely free of charge and are run as part of our commitment to supporting lifelong learning within our community and beyond. However, we welcome voluntary donations and the money you donate will go to supporting our bursary programme for local children.
Iona Bain is the founder of the pioneering Young Money Blog and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading voices on millennial and Gen Z finance. She serves as the resident financial expert on BBC Morning Live and appears regularly across major TV and radio platforms, including as the “Money Hacker” on Radio 1’s Life Hacks.
A prolific writer, Iona pens a weekly column for the i paper, contributes to the Financial Times, and has written for outlets including VICE, Vogue, and The Times. She is the author of Own It!, a practical guide to investing for young people. Passionate about financial education, Iona has worked with BBC Bitesize, Young Scot, and the Lloyds Banking Academy, and is the youngest-ever governor of the Pensions Policy Institute.
Poorna Bell is a journalist, author, and motivational speaker. Known for her work in women's issues, mental health, and fitness, she has contributed to publications like The Guardian, Red, and Women's Health. Her books, including 'Chase the Rainbow' and 'Stronger', have received critical acclaim. Poorna is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Henrik's journey in the cruise industry began in 1997 when he joined Royal Caribbean Cruises as a cadet. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, gaining invaluable experience as a marine officer on various ships across the globe. In 2010, Henrik achieved a significant milestone, being appointed as Master of a cruise ship. Today, he stands at the helm of the world's largest cruise ship, "Icon of the Seas," a colossal vessel that accommodates nearly 10,000 people.
Will Gompertz is an acclaimed English journalist, author, and art critic. He is the Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Known for his engaging and accessible approach to art, Gompertz has written several influential books, including What Are You Looking At? and Think Like an Artist. His work often explores the intersection of creativity and everyday life, making art more approachable and understandable for a broad audience.
As a respected expert in her field, Kerry has supported numerous high profile police investigations, worked in maximum security prisons and has appeared on various TV programmes including Judge Rinder’s Crime Stories and Faking It: Tears of Crime. Alongside her passion for forensic psychology, Kerry is a huge advocate for better conversations about mental wellbeing. She is a patron of The National Centre for Domestic Violence and Talking2Minds.
Dame Claire is recognized as one of the most influential female nurses of all time. Her work in Ethiopia in 1984 inspired Band Aid and subsequently Live Aid, the biggest relief program ever mounted. She won the Florence Nightingale medal in 1991, in 2005 she was made Women of the Year and 2007 received the Human Rights in Nursing Award from the International Centre for Human Rights and Nursing Ethics.
Henry is the co-founder and former CEO of Leon restaurants. He also co-founded the Sustainable Restaurant Association and the charity Chefs in Schools, which brings restaurant chefs into school kitchens. In 2013, he co-authored The School Food Plan, a blueprint for government setting out actions to transform what children eat in schools and how they learn about food. He also led an independent review for Government, the National Food Strategy.
Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, was the first competitor to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Olympic Ski jumping, despite having very little skill for his sport. Eddie’s heroic failures won the hearts and minds of the British public at the time making him more popular than most gold medal winners.
A plasma physicist, speaker, writer and adventurer, Dr Melanie Windridge has a PhD in fusion energy from Imperial College London, is Communications Consultant for fusion company Tokamak Energy, Founder of Fusion Energy Insights, is a STEM Ambassador and the author of Aurora: In Search of Northern Lights.
Kevin Fong is a consultant anaesthetist at University College London. He holds degrees in astrophysics, medicine and aerospace engineering, he has worked and trained with NASA, and he’s an award-winning BBC presenter and author.