Talks & Lectures

Peter is an experienced, informative, and passionate speaker who has given talks to clubs and organisations ranging from local archaeological societies to U3A groups.

He has given lecture tours both in the UK and in the US, where he spoke at locations such as the Turkish Cultural and Tourism Office in New York.

Radio

Peter has appeared on international, national and local radio, from BBC Radio Devon and the Simon Mayo programme on Radio 5 Live, to the Mike Mendoza show on talkSPORT radio, the C-FAX Travel Show in Canada with Terry Spence, the Erik Hastings travel show on 77WABC New York, and Around the World Travel Radio in California.

Peter is happy speaking on a range of different subjects - Turkey, travel, archaeology, history, and documentary filmmaking. A couple of his most popular talks are:

Tales from the Green valley: the making of the BBC TV series

Peter was the Producer/Director of this acclaimed history series shown on BBC2 in the autumn of 2005. Illustrated with video clips from the 12 programmes, he reveals how five historians tried to run a farm as it would have been 400 years ago, and what it is like making an epic documentary series. For more info about the series click Tales from the Green Valley.

In the footsteps of Alexander the Great: exploring Turkey’s archaeological wonders

In 1994, Peter walked 2,000 miles across Turkey, from Troy to Iskenderun, retracing the route of Alexander the Great, and in the process fell in love with the country, its people, and its ancient civilizations. In this talk, illustrated with a range of stunning photographs, Peter explores Turkey’s ancient past and what it is like to travel in this beautiful country. You can read an article his expedition here: Alexander the Great walk

Drawing on his knowledge as an archaeologist, film-maker, and tour leader, Peter uses contemporary sources and historical insights combined with personal anecdotes and humour to deliver talks that entertain, enthuse, and inform the audience.

Testimonials from recent talks

“I would like to thank you on behalf of the members and committee of EDAS for the excellent talk you gave. The wonderful locations in Turkey and the fascinating history of Alexander the Great along with the interesting archaeology, combined with your undoubted enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and personal anecdotes made for a most enjoyable and interesting talk.  I’m sure many of the audience (our largest to date this season) will want to either visit, or re-visit, many of the locations you described. Again, many thanks for a most interesting and enjoyable evening.” Steve Smith, East Dorset Antiquarian Society

“Peter Sommer delivers public talks of the highest quality, offering audiences insight into historical subjects from new and unique viewpoints. He is well informed with excellent storytelling skills, keeping audiences enthralled and entertained throughout. His expertise as a filmmaker also equips him with a good sense of visual communication, which he uses to great effect in his talks. With regard to practical issues, Peter Sommer is well organised, accommodating to the venue’s needs and is very easy to work with.” Morrigan Ellis, Curatorial Officer, Bodelwyddan Castle

“A big thankyou for a superb evening. I think it was very clear that everyone enjoyed your presentation. Please come back in the Autum and tell us about Turkey.” Felicity Taylor, Chepstow Archaeological Society

“Peter’s lecture was keenly anticipated by all in attendance, as their prior knowledge of his popular television series “Tales from the Green Valley”, gave some initial insight into the evening’s subject.  The lecture did not disappoint with Peter’s natural speaking style and factual knowledge, combined with sections of the lecture presented in video format, produced a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging presentation.  Despite the detailed and precise nature of his lecture, Peter also managed to bring the lighter side of the subject matter alive to the audience with his sense of humour. In short, it was a very successful evening which was enjoyed and also recommended by all.”
Sarah Hodgson, The Winding Wheel

“I have been asked by our members to write and thank you for the very interesting and enjoyable talk you gave to them a few weeks ago. Everyone has said how wonderful it was and that could you come back again.” Mary Hopper, Thame & District U3A

“thank you very much for your recent talk. It really was a most fascinating, well presented and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, which was universally appreciated. I have since been inundated by our members asking me to invite you back for your talk on Alexander the Great. Once again, many thanks for your talk.” Rae Cross, Ambleside & District U3A

“The talk was fascinating and one of the most enjoyable we have ever had. I recommend that if you are interested in a historical topic for your talk choose Peter Sommer and Tales from the Green Valley.” Jim Davidson, Richmond U3A

“Peter took us by the hand and led us across the terrain of Turkey in the company of Alexander The Great.  The story of the young man and his soldiers unfurled as we sailed into ancient harbours, walked along old roads, and visited the ruins of once great temples. We finished our journey enthralled and exhausted, and with a strong desire to visit this beautiful land.”Maggs Latter, Royston Pike Lecture series, Elmbridge Borough Council

“Peter Sommer is exceptionally gifted at enchanting an audience. We became so engaged with his talk - a joyful experience - that we were sad to find it ended. As a long established group we have enjoyed the company of many good speakers, but Peter is definitely top grade. We can’t wait to invite him back.” Anthony Williams, Towy Valley Association

“Peter’s talk gave a lively insight into the story behind the making of “Tales from the Green Valley”. His enthusiastic presentation held the audience’s attention throughout. The length of the subsequent question and answer session was a testament to the interest his presentation had generated.” Trevor Davies, Chichester Archaeological Society

“Thank you so much for coming and talking to us ladies. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and thought you were an extremely accomplished speaker.” Sue Porter Davison, Wives Fellowship Abergavenny

“I can without reservation recommend Peter Sommer as a lecturer, having had speak at a meeting of the Usk Civic Society where I have organised talks for some 25 years. He proved to be erudite and amusing to such an extent that I am going to ask him to return. As a member of the Gwent County History Committee I intend to recommend him to the rest of the local society representatives who attend.” A.G.Mein. Lecture Secretary, Usk Civic Society

“May I thank you once again, on behalf of all of our members who heard your most interesting and amusing talk and presentation yesterday. It was really one of the best we have had this year.” Jean Kenton, Harrow U3A

“Thank you very much for your talk last night, it was very well received...a really vibrant and interesting talk – we look forward to more lectures.” Alison Fearn, Donington le Heath Manor House

“Peter’s talk at Esher for the Royston Pike Lecture Series presented the audience with a glorious trip back in time. Drawing on his BBC series ‘Tales from the Green Valley’ they watched and listened to our ancestors farming life in the sixteenth century. From images of long horned oxen pulling a plough, to collecting human waste for manure, and from the making of detergent from ash to doing the laundry they were delighted, suprised and dumfounded. A fascinating and informative evening.” Maggs Latter, Elmbridge Borough Council

“Thank you once again for coming to talk to us. It was most interesting and entertaining and I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The members would very much like you to talk them again at some future date.” Sylvia Wiseman, Taw Barnstaple, U3A

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your excellent talk and presentation… extremely interesting...Thank you so much...I loved the programmes (Tales from the Green Valley).” Anita Saunders, Abergavenny U3A

“Your talk on 10th July was excellent...it was enjoyed by all those present...I hope that in the future we can call on you again” Patricia Stringer, Plymouth U3A

“Thank you very much for your excellent presentation on ‘Tales from the Green Valley’. It was varied and full of interest with fascinating insights as to what happened behind the scenes. We all enjoyed it very much. We will be delighted to have you back for a talk on the archaeological sites in Turkey.” Norma Williams, Monmouth U3A

“Mr. Sommer gave an absorbing account of the making of his series ‘Tales from the Green Valley’...our members enjoy programmes which are historically correct, delightful to watch, quiet and informative. What a pleasure! We look forward to seeing more of his work.” Malvern U3A

“The combination of beautiful clips from the series ’Tales from the Green Valley‘ and technical and humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes gave a vivid insight into all the work which goes into a seemingly effortless production. His talk was very well received both by admirers of the programme and by those who knew nothing about it. Feedback from members was enthusistic.” Bath U3A

“The content of Tales from the Green Valley was extremely interesting in itself, but Mr Sommer added his own expertise, knowledge, and humour, to make this a really memorable talk. It was obvious from the questions and interest shown afterwards that our members appreciated it. We would have no hesitation in recommending Peter as a speaker to other groups.” Pat Franklin, Bromsgrove U3A

“Peter’s talk was very well received by members, many having already watched the series ‘Tales from the Green Valley’. It was fascinating to hear about the problems that arose during the filming. Definitely one of our better presentations!’”
Nev. Haskins, Chichester & District Archaeology Society

Past speaking engagements