Our second speaker is Dr David Parker. Members may recall Dr Parker’s presentation in 2016 on World War I. Dr Parker is a former head-teacher and former Masters Programme Director and International Masters Project Manager developing partnership programmes in several European countries. He was also a member of three EU projects in the Czech Republic and Slovakia examining educational leadership and curriculum reform. Dr Parker’s research and publications are all concerned with late Victorian and early twentieth century British social policy. His presentation, on 22 May, will be on the key themes of his new book Early Victorian Devon: An Age of Opulence & Optimism. Copies will be available to purchase, at a discounted price, on the day. The presentation and book contain several Topsham references, among them paddle-steamers, fairs, schools and chapels.