Public speaker available.
REG.A.WATSON
AUTHOR * JOURNALIST* HISTORIAN * RESEARCHER*
A seasoned speaker on a number of subjects (as listed) Reg will stimulate interest in Tasmanian history by bringing it alive . His stories become clear and entertaining; living proof that history is NOT “dull”. Reg is an experienced writer and journalist of 40 years standing with ample media, (including television and radio) experience. He has spoken extensively to many groups ranging in size from twenty to hundreds.
AUTHOR.
Reg has been writing on all facets of Tasmanian history for 40 years. His first book, “ Churches of Van Diemen's Land (a history)” was published way back in 1976. His latest works include John Bowen RN, the founder of the first British settlement in Tasmanian in 1803. This was followed by “ Tasmania! - a saga of a pioneering family” He is very well known for his work on military history, but also for social, parliamentary, colonial, and criminal history.
His speaking style is to entertain the audience, adding from time to time mild humour. He is also sensitive and appreciative of the sacrifices experienced by those who made history.
In all, he has a number of books published, one of his best sellers is The Life and Times of Thomas Francis Meagher – Irish Exile to Van Diemen's Land ”, which is one of his address subjects.
AS A JOURNALIST.
Reg has worked for many magazines and newspapers over the years. He has extensively contributed to the three leading newspapers in Tasmania, which are The Mercury, The Examiner and The Advocate . He has worked with the Tasmanian Mail, The Southern Star, The Community Express, and The Eastern Shore Sun.
He has also contributed to mainland newspapers such as Adelaide Advertiser, Canberra Times, Daily Telegraph and The Australian. He has had many years experience in trade reporting, which included working as a medical reporter for the Medical Observer and Australian Dr . He has contributed to numerous other magazines. Whilst being widely published with Australia, he also has hadwork published in Ireland, Canada, the USA and Great Britain.
HISTORIAN.
Reg is a recognised historian being a guest, on numerous occasions, on both television and radio. He has participated in several ABC television documentaries, the last being “ For Valour ” concerning Tasmanian Victoria Cross winners. He is often consulted by various bodies for historical advice and is called on by various sources to do research on their behalf. He has had work extensively published on historical matters, in books, papers, and articles.
RESEARCHER
Reg has often been requested to research material for various clients, including those who contract him to undertake genealogical work for their families. Writing history, in anycase, means much research and as he states, “ a great deal of the enjoyment is in the research ”. Over the decades, he has established many contacts assisting him to do thorough research, much of which is original. Research naturally is important especially for historical accuracy. Reg has been contracted in the past to do research on various parliamentary bills so that the parliamentary representative may address those bills with a better understanding in the Houses of Parliament.
For forty years, Reg has been working with many research bodies, libraries and archive departments to develop clear, constant and relevant views of history.
“ It has taken years of hard work to achieve what I have,” said Reg. “ It has not come easy, but it is personally pleasing to move to the stage of my career where many individuals or institutions look to me for advice, guidance and help.”
DISTINCTIONS
Mentioned in various “Who's Who” books worldwide, including Thorpe's “Who's Who of Australian Writers”. He has been awarded a number of awards such as “Men of Achievement” and “Men of Distincion” from around the world.
HIS SUBJECTS FOR ADDRESS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
PLEASE REQUEST REG'S RATES. HIS ADDRESSES CAN LAST UP TO ONE HOUR.
“People say history is boring”. WRONG! “We may not be fully aware that it can come alive and we can be entertained by it. For that we must have an effective speaker and writer. History is important; to avoid the mistakes of the future we must learn from the mistakes of the past. Sadly, we seem not to do that.”
PERSONAL DETAILS.
Reg is a sixth generation Tasmanian, an ancestor, John Wade, arriving with David Collins in 1804, which resulted in the first permanent British settlement of Tasmania. (Bowen's settlement in 1803 was a failure). He is also a descendant of a First Fleeter (1788), Richard Morgan. Reg has worked all his life within Tasmania and knows the island State well. He describes himself as a “passionate Tasmanian” and works from his office and home on the eastern shore to Hobart.
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Phone:03/62438597 Mobile:0409 975 587.
Email: reg@regwatson.com Website: www.regwatson.com