Jonathan's second book, 'The Portsmouth Connection', had its launch at Eggesford House, Devon, on 29 November 2024.
He will be giving an illustrated talk about the book and its history to Chulmleigh (Devon) Local History Society at Chulmleigh Pavilion on Friday 21 November at 7pm.
Jonathan's previous talk about 'The Portsmouth Connection' was at The Bookery in Crediton, Devon at 3.30pm on Thursday 20 February 2025. (Free event - no registration necessary.) https://thebookery.org.uk/
Jonathan's last talk on his first book was hosted by RiBRA (Richmond Bridge Residents' Association) on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at Cambridge Park Bowls Club, East Twickenham.
Jonathan's in-person talk to Richmond Local History Society, 'Meadows, Mansions and Munitions: a history of Cambridge Park, East Twickenham', has been made available on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m8M1k9Q-wI&t=1s
Jonathan's online Talk, 'Mysteries, Meadows and Perspectives around Marble Hill', has been posted by English Heritage on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q86CoCkFEps
Jonathan's first online Talk (via Zoom) was hosted by the Friends of Marble Hill on Thursday 4 March 2021 - Cambridge Park Revealed - and is now available on YouTube:
Meadows, Mansions and Munitions - a talk by Jonathan Crofts - YouTube
Jonathan's Talks to Turner's House Trust Members' Circle, RiBRA (Richmond Bridge Residents Association), together with TPRA (Twickenham Park Residents Association), and English Heritage Volunteers were also recorded and can be accessed by members by contacting the relevant organisation.
REVIEWS OF ZOOM TALKS:
'ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT Zoom session with Jonathan Crofts and thank you so much for organising! I have his new book and am devouring this local history! My Grandmother was employed by ‘one of the Belgians’ and owned our property in Roseleigh Close on the site of the old ‘Cambridge House’ so I felt such an affinity with the talk tonight! I have also ways wanted to know about why and whom the place was named after! Thank you, thank you for bringing history alive for me! I can’t wait to teach my kids (7and 4) all about their heritage and look forward to engaging them with the local history of Marble Hill and beyond!'
'Thank you for a most interesting webinar ! We will buy the book and look forward to really understanding our area !'
'...thank you so much for your talk this evening: it was quite fascinating as well as being entertaining, which is exactly what is wanted for these things ... I was following every word and really enjoying it. As too were all your audience, who I hope will all go straight out tomorrow to buy your book at Charles Harry's.'
'I have just spent a fascinating time watching your talk about Cambridge Park. I feel I have to come back now we are more “free” and walk about the area again. Number 14 Cambridge Park, (top floor flat at £7.00 a week in 1962), was our first home where our first daughter was born and then Christened at St Stephen’s church . I would take her to Marble Hill Park where I would sit and write letters to my new husband who was then on a weather ship in the Atlantic. Lovely memories, thank you so much.'