“I am a passionate communicator, presenter, and life strategist based in Oulton Broad, Suffolk, England. I enjoy meeting people and sharing engaging talks that go beyond boring PowerPoints”.
Communicator, Presenter & Life Strategist.
With a clear but simple mission of helping and inspiring others, rWtalks is a proud to be a Speaker that is known for making a memorable impact.
My Profile
Mission: Helping and inspiring others through engaging and memorable talks.
Philosophy: "My Audience will only be interested if I am interesting."
Experience: Extensive experience in the UK Extractive Industry, providing insights into untold stories and personal/professional success.
Unique Approach: Combines a clear mission with exceptional guidance and contagious enthusiasm, making talks perfect for a variety of audiences.
Expertise: Occupational Health & Safety professional with experience in leadership and human behaviour.
Angels in Drab - Nurses Personal Experiences in WW2 This Talk came about when visiting Papua New Guinea and discovering within the Port Moresby 'Bomana' Commonwealth War Cemetery the headstone of Sister Marie Eileen Craig (1913-1946) who was an Australian Nurse. 1946, the Douglas DC-3 “Dakota” aircraft in which she was travelling, and carrying patients back home from Biak (Indonesia) to Townsville, Australia, crashed into Mountains of West Irian (Papua New Guinea). The 9 crew members, Sister Craig, and also the 27 Australian soldiers, all sadly perished in the horrific air crash. This prompted me when back in the UK to research the full story of Marie Eileen Craig and then producing a Talk covering Nursers Roles from around the world during WW2. Hence the title Angels in Drab (Drab being a military term).
A Soldiers 500 Day Odyssey   The 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army, in World War 2 had more combat days than any other U.S. unit and served in Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. This is about one man's part in what he called 500 days. Felix Sparks came from the ‘Dust Bowl’. Miami, Arizona. Born August 2nd 1917. Sparks took off to San Antonio and found himself joining the Army. Becoming a Corporal in the US. Army Coast Guard Artillery at Camp Kamehameha, 1936.
He returned back to resume his college qualifications, and after this he returned back to Officers training summer camp in early 1940.
September 1940 he received a letter ‘Greetings’ letter informing him he was being called for active service. Sparks joined the 157th Regiment, 45th Infantry Division serving as a 2nd Lieutenant. He loathed his time a Fort Sill but admired his Commander Colonel Charles Ankcom (a Flanders veteran)… Also this year he married his Wife Mary. (Becoming pregnant as he just left). Sparks left Hampton Roads, Virginia on the USS Charles Carol, a 500ft Transport ship. There was debate as to where they were heading to France or via the Panama Canal to the Pacific. He ended in landing in Sicily, onto Salerno into the toe of Italy towards Naples. Soon after he was wounded and then sent back to Algiers. From this he managed to get back to Italy to join his Company at Anzio. Then onto St. Maxime, France to head towards eventually Nuremberg thinking at this point the war was nearly over for him he then received a message from divisional level ordering him to secure was described as a “concentration camp” Located on the outskirts of a town called Dachau!
Upon returning to civilian life, Sparks attended the University of Colorado Law School, graduating in 1947. After opening a law practice in Delta, Colorado, he was elected district attorney there, running as the Democratic Party candidate. Following his reelection loss in 1952, Governor Ed Johnson appointed him to fill an unexpired term on the Colorado Supreme Court. At the end of that term, he returned to his law practice in Delta. He was also in the Colorado Army National Guard, notably during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and, between 1968 and 1979 served as its commander, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General.
On September 25, 2007, 8 weeks past his 90th birthday, Felix Lawrence Sparks died in Colorado from complications due to pneumonia.
"Micky" Martin - One of the Greatest WW2 Bomber Pilots   The story of a courageous pilot who participated in the Dambusters raid.On these 2 nights , 19 specially adapted Avro Lancaster's growled into the Lincolnshire skies - under each hung a Upkeep mine. Bound for the dams of the Ruhr Valley and subsequently the history books.
The pilots dropped low level as the guys ‘down the back’ went about their duties, for them it was just another mission. Eight of those aircraft, or 42% of the force, failed to return…
Contact Information
Email: rogerwoodard@icloud.com
Phone: +44 7397192299
Social Media: Facebook, X (@RogerOB49), LinkedIn
Website: https://roger2018.wixsite.com/website
Additional Notes:
Fee starts from £45 plus travel expenses within 100 miles.
Flat rate for virtual presentations.
Own equipment available.
Other talks subjects can be arranged and available on request.
My other talks available are:
Europe and the Aftermath in 1945: Explores the devastation and challenges faced by Europe after World War II.
Fearless Elsie MacGill - 'Queen of the Hurricanes': The story of Canada's first female aeronautical engineer who played a key role in World War II.
Elizebeth Friedman who Broke Up a Nazi Spy Ring: Highlights the contributions of America's first female cryptanalyst during World War I & II.
The Battle for Moscow (1941): Examines this pivotal battle and its impact on the Eastern Front of World War II.
The Battle of Kursk (1943): Delves into the largest tank battle in history and its significance in the Eastern Front.
The Battle for Smolensk (1943): Highlights the fierce resistance of the Red Army during the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
Leadership - Speeches: Explores the power of leadership speeches to inspire unity, camaraderie, and trust.
Life as an Occupational Health & Safety Officer: Insights into the importance of workplace safety, engaging the workforce, and leadership in the extractive industry.
The History of the UK Extractive Industry: Explores how this industry has changed over time.
Perception and Reality: Why the Extractive Industry is so Important to the UK Economy: Discusses the vital role of the extractive industry, especially after COVID-19.
What is a Quarry?: Explains the process of starting, producing, and restoring a quarry.
Investigating Major Accidents: Why it's so Important: Why investigating accidents is crucial to prevent future tragedies.
Piper Alpha and Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig disasters. Has there been any lessons learnt?
Most can also be presented over media platforms such as Zoom/Teams.
Can possibly also do short notice if asked.
I offer talks, presentations and lecture on different subjects. I am also trained in being a Facilitator
Regarding lectures. These relate to specific subject on Human Behaviour in Occupational Health & Safety.
“I appreciate some talks I do, may not be to everyone's liking, but usually people are quite surprised when it comes to perception rather than fact”.