Group Talks with TML Travel Group
At TML Travel Group, we proudly welcome groups seeking a more discerning travel experience - one shaped by heritage, storytelling, and a deep connection to place.
To this end, we offer a series of evocative talks for groups, originally centred around the rich history of Brooklands near Weybridge in Surrey — the birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation. Brooklands was home to Vickers Aircraft, later British Aircraft Corporation / British Aerospace, and the iconic Concorde. Today, the site hosts Brooklands Museum, Mercedes-Benz World, and a country park, with 70% of the original racing circuit still intact alongside the motoring village, aero clubhouse, and part of the concrete runway.
David, our Director and long-standing Volunteer Steward at Brooklands since 2009, delivers these talks with passion and precision, in return for an attendance fee to cover time and travel.
Now, we’re delighted to expand our offering with a new talk that journeys beyond Brooklands — to the waters of the Clyde and the legacy of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
This marks a new chapter in our group talks: one that continues to celebrate British innovation and emotional connection to place, whether by land, air, or sea.
More details on the individual talks — including our latest addition, The Waverley: A Journey Through Time — can be found below the video link.
Talks Available In The Series
THE HISTORY OF THE BROOKLANDS MOTOR RACING CIRCUIT & BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY (DURATION - 50 MINUTES)
UPDATED APRIL 2024
Brooklands was the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, constructed at Weybridge, Surrey in 1907 and was more than a great sporting arena. Brooklands was the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, home of Concorde and the site of many engineering and technological achievements throughout eight decades of the 20th century.
This talk covers the history of Brooklands from 1906 to present day! That's 118 years of history to be exact ... and counting!
THE CONCORDE PROJECT & BROOKLANDS CONCORDE G-BBDG - THE FORGOTTEN CONCORDE (DURATION - 60 MINUTES)
This compelling talk offers a deep dive into the British contribution to one of the most iconic aircraft ever built — Concorde — and the pivotal role Brooklands played in its development.
Drawing on the first-hand experiences of Sir George Edwards, who led the British team through the formative years and customer delivery, David brings Concorde’s story to life with insight, warmth, and historical precision.
Part One traces the origins of the Concorde Project from 1956 through the 1960s, exploring the technical breakthroughs, political challenges, and international collaboration that culminated in the first passenger services in 1976 and 1977. The talk also briefly reflects on Concorde’s retirement in 2003 — marking the end of an era in supersonic travel.
Part Two shifts focus to Brooklands Concorde G-BBDG (Delta Golf) — the “forgotten Concorde.” Audiences will discover her vital role in the test programme that led to the Certificate of Airworthiness in December 1975, and her post-flight journey: from quiet retirement to a remarkable 18-month cosmetic restoration, culminating in her public unveiling at Brooklands Museum in 2006.
'FROM BOUNCING BOMBS TO CONCORDE' - THE LIFE OF SIR GEORGE EDWARDS (AVIATION PIONEER & INDUSTRIALIST) - DURATION 75 MINUTES
This richly layered talk charts the extraordinary life of Sir George Edwards — a self-made visionary who shaped British aviation across four transformative decades.
Beginning his career on the London docks, Edwards rose through the ranks at Vickers Weybridge, working under legends Rex Pierson and Barnes Wallis. From Design Draughtsman in 1935 to Managing Director of Vickers, and ultimately Chairman & Managing Director of British Aircraft Corporation, his journey is one of grit, brilliance, and quiet leadership.
His name became synonymous with the Vickers Viscount — the world’s first turboprop airliner — and with Concorde, the supersonic icon that redefined civil aviation.
Beyond the boardroom, Edwards was knighted in 1957, awarded the Order of Merit in 1971, and served as Pro-Chancellor of Surrey University from 1964 to 1979. Yet his passions extended far beyond aircraft: he was a keen cricketer, yachtsman, countryman, and music lover. In later life, his artistic spirit flourished — culminating in the honour of having a painting accepted into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
This talk blends technical achievement with personal insight, offering audiences a moving portrait of a man whose legacy continues to soar.
THE VICKERS MILITARY AIRCRAFT OF SIR GEORGE EDWARDS (1945-1955) - DURATION 35 MINUTES
While Sir George Edwards is widely celebrated for his civil aviation achievements — most notably Concorde — this focused talk explores his equally significant contributions to British military aviation in the post-war era.
Between 1945 and 1955, Edwards oversaw the development of several key aircraft that served the Royal Air Force with distinction:
• Valetta – A versatile multi-transport aircraft used for troop movement, cargo, and paratroop operations.
• Varsity – A reliable twin-engine trainer that prepared generations of RAF crews for service.
• Vickers Valiant – The world’s first operational V-bomber, this high-altitude jet bomber formed part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent in the 1950s and 60s. Later adapted for air-to-air refuelling, the Valiant remained in service until 1965.
• V-1000 / VC-7 – A visionary jet-powered strategic transport aircraft, designed to support the V-bomber fleet. Despite its promise and near-completion, the project was abruptly cancelled in 1955 — a decision Edwards later described as “the biggest blunder of all.”
This talk offers a concise yet powerful look at a decade of innovation, ambition, and missed opportunity — all through the lens of one of Britain’s most influential aviation leaders.
THE CIVIL AIRCRAFT OF SIR GEORGE EDWARDS (1945-1975) - DURATION 75 MINUTES
For three decades, Sir George Edwards stood at the helm of British aviation — a visionary whose influence spanned both civil and military aircraft from 1945 to 1975.
This talk explores his pivotal role in the development of several landmark civil aircraft, each representing a chapter in Britain’s post-war aviation story:
• Vickers Viscount – The world’s first turboprop airliner, bridging the gap between piston-engined and pure jet aircraft. A triumph of engineering and commercial success.
• Vickers Vanguard – Introduced as the Viscount’s successor, the Vanguard arrived just ahead of the jet age and was largely overlooked by the market. Only 44 were built, yet its story remains a poignant lesson in timing and innovation.
• VC-10 – Designed for long-distance routes from shorter runways, the VC-10 excelled in “hot and high” conditions, making it ideal for African operations. Its elegant design and performance earned it a loyal following.
• BAC 1-11 – A British short-range jet airliner that became a workhorse of the skies from the 1960s to the 1990s. Conceived by Hunting Aircraft and developed by the newly formed British Aircraft Corporation, the One-Eleven was a symbol of post-merger ingenuity.
This session offers a rich tapestry of technical achievement, commercial ambition, and the human stories behind the aircraft — all delivered with David’s signature blend of insight and emotional resonance.
THE ILL FATED TSR.2 - DURATION 75 MINUTES
TSR-2 (Standing for "tactical strike and reconnaissance Mach2") - was a cancelled Cold War strike and reconnaissance aircraft developed by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The TSR-2 was designed to penetrate a well-defended forward battle area at low altitudes and very high speeds, and then attack high-value targets in the rear with nuclear or conventional weapons.
This new talk tells the story of TSR.2 from the perspective of Sir George Edwards, who led the consortium selected to build it, which led to the creation of British Aircraft Corporation. It forms the final talk in the series, which tells the story of the background leading up to TSR.2, it's development & the events & circumstances, which led ultimately to it's cancellation & the politics encountered along the way. The last section of the talk, also looks briefly at the effect TSR.2's cancellation had on the newly established BAC, which was very much a 'life after death, but only just' scenario.
This latest talk has been eight months in the making and the presentation lasts 75 minutes, but gives a very detailed & gripping account of TSR.2.
The Waverley: A Journey Through Time
New Group Talk Duration: 70 minutes
Step aboard history with David’s captivating new talk exploring the legacy of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer — the iconic Waverley. From her maiden voyage in 1947 to her enduring role as a symbol of Scottish maritime pride, this 70-minute session brings the Waverley’s story to life through rich narrative, archival detail, and personal reflection.
Perfect for heritage enthusiasts, travel lovers, and groups seeking a meaningful shared experience, this talk invites audiences to rediscover the romance of steam-powered travel and the communities shaped by it.
Whether you're planning a club gathering, society event, or private group experience, this session offers a powerful blend of nostalgia, insight, and inspiration — all delivered with David’s signature warmth and storytelling finesse.
Available for group bookings now.
A NEW TALK FOR 2026?
And there’s more to come. A brand-new talk is currently in development for release in August 2026 at the request of a long-standing groups client. While the subject is still under wraps, David is exploring several exciting ideas — each rooted in heritage, storytelling, and the spirit of discovery.
Watch this space for further announcements.
