As seen on BBC2’s Monty Halls' Great Escape
15th July 2009
The event provided a unique opportunity to meet Monty Halls on board Brunel’s ss Great Britain, and guests heard him talk about his experiences as a modern-day beachcomber and crofter on the west coast of Scotland.
The talk covered Monty’s six-month stint in Applecross, which was the setting for the acclaimed series, BBC2’s Monty Halls' Great Escape, and Monty's easy but engaging manner made for a wonderful event. Guests gave a rapturous ovation at the end of the talk, after which they queued to meet Monty and to buy personally signed copies of his book, 'Monty Halls' Great Escape: Beachcomber Cottage'.
On being asked to do a talk on the ship, Monty's response was: "I am absolutely delighted and honored to be asked to speak on the ss Great Britain. It is one of Bristol's great landmarks, a monument to seafaring and the extraordinary vision of Brunel. The people Bristol should be justifiably proud of an attraction that draws in visitors from around the world. I'm very much looking forward to doing the talk, and hopefully having a quick tour of the ship afterwards!"
With all proceeds of the ticket sales going towards the charitable activities of the ss Great Britain Trust the event was a huge success.
About Monty Halls
Those who saw Monty Halls' recent BBC2 programme, Monty Halls’ Great Escape, will know that Monty’s experiences of living in a remote area on the west coast of Scotland made fascinating viewing. With a mix of natural and social history of one of this country’s hidden treasures, the programme followed Monty as he lived the life of a modern day beachcomber, and crofter. After he left his house in Bristol, Monty took his dog, Reuben, and headed to the tiny fishing village of Applecross, where he experienced a fantastic adventure, personally inspired by Gavin Maxwell’s book, Ring of Bright Water.
As a TV Presenter and Marine Biologist, Monty travels the world delivering inspirational talks to a wide range of audiences. With themes including this recent TV project and other challenges and expeditions, Monty is currently running a sell out speaking tour in the UK.
As a Bristol resident, Monty has passed the ship on numerous occasions, but only recently visited with his family. Amazed by what he saw, Monty thought it would be a great venue to hold a speaking event and book signing, and approached the Trust to book this event before he heads back up to Scotland for his next adventure.