"Much appreciated talk on Monday. Really well researched and delivered".

Stumperlowe Probus Group, Sheffield, April 2015 (HTS)

"Thank you Mike for your splendid presentation.... last Friday".

Bassetlaw Cardiac Support Group, March 2016 (HTS)

"The subject was particularly interesting and the illustrations excellent. Thank you for a most stimulating presentation of the subject".

Mexborough Probus Group, Doncaster, January 2017 (PBR)

"....a huge thank you for the talk yesterday evening. The feedback has been very appreciative".

Tickhill Historical Society, Doncaster, March 2017 (HTS)

"Brilliant talk, fantastic pictures. Thanks for a really fascinating and informative presentation. I'm sure it will go down well with any group".

Eckington Probus Group, March 2019 (STL)

".....thank you again for your splendid talk last night. I can honestly say that it is one of the best presentations I have seen, and everyone said how much they enjoyed it".

Treeton Historical Society, Rotherham, June 2017 (PBR)

"Thank you so much for today's presentation. Everyone enjoyed it immensely".

Bassetlaw Parkinson's Support Group, July 2017 (PBR)

"The talk.....was very well put together as a seamless tour, taking in the wide diversity of both the canals and the environment, something for everyone".

Bradway Agewell Group, Sheffield, August 2017 (TSR)

"Thank you so much for getting our 2018 programme off to such a good start. Our group thoroughly enjoyed your presentation....."

Rother Valley Retired Teachers' Association, February 2018 (PBR)

"Thank you very much for giving [us] such an enjoyable and entertaining talk...."

Wheatley Hills Senior Citizens' Club, Doncaster, Feb 2018 (TSR)

"I have pleasure in inviting you back..... with your presentation Hotels in the Sky. We all greatly enjoyed A Palace by a River....."

Dore Probus Group, Sheffield, March 2018 (PBR)

"Some 40 members attended the June meeting and enjoyed a splendid talk by Mike Ogden on the royal bloodline".

Bassetlaw Parkinson's Group, June 2018 (TSK)

"Many thanks for your presentation....which, as you witnessed, was very well received. Your images were first-class, and you kindled a real interest in British monarchical history...."

Hardwick Probus Group, Chesterfield, August 2018 (TSK)

A Palace by a River was so informative, interesting and at times amusing, and your diction was perfect. I think it was the most professional presentation we have ever had.   [PBR]  Aston Ladies' Circle, Feb'22

 By Tyburn Tree the story starts, casting a chill within our hearts.

Where Rivers Thames and Tyburn met, the fearsome gallows stood -- a threat

To traitors who committed crimes, in early medieval times.

On Thorney Island, wild and harsh, was built a church beside the marsh:

A minster to the west  of London. Now you've guessed. 

That was the origin of its name: the Palace of Westminster' it became. 

King Knut's Royal residence was there. Now today it's Parliament Square.

With his richly  illustrated show,  beginning one thousand years ago,

Mike guided us from this foundation, to the pulsing power house of our nation. 

Intriguing tales in detailed fact. And how Guy Fawkes was caught in the act.

Then utter destruction! A terrible fire! But a great new building rose even higher.

People submitted their many ideas;  The building works took thirty years.

We are proud they used our Anston stone, from the local quarry we call our own.

Further ruin took place in the war; yet still we have - just as before, -

A House of Lords and the Commons too, where each MP knows what he/she would do!

,So now beneath the Big Ben Tower,  we watch the Corridors of Power

On our Tv's. As you well know,  we see Prime Ministers come and go!

'Mid major matters, gloom and scathing wit, elected leaders of our nation sit

With pomp and circumstance carry out tradition; but return to shouting down the opposition.

In spite of all the shouting and the fuss, democracy still reigns! Thank God it does!

[PBR] Enid, Woodsetts Local History Group, Jul'24