Contact
- jimdonahue7@gmail.com
- 07557668601
Charges
- Travel expenses and sale of books at event - £50 speakers fee is requested but optional
- Online (e.g. Zoom) or Face to Face
Biography
Jim Donahue’s thoughtful research and stunning photography make his books colourful and engaging views of life in England. An American who moved to the UK as an adult, his books shine a fresh light on some of the wonderful things about living in England as exemplified in the Thames Valley. Not that everything is perfect – his books provide rare insights into some of the many challenges Thames Valley communities have been facing in recent years.
Jim was the winner the British Life Photography Award and is author of a number of photography-based books including A Portrait of Henley-on-Thames and the Thames Valley: Past, Present and Future – a Snapshot of English Life.
His keen interest in understanding what makes England tick can also explain why he has served as a local councillor in Oxfordshire for over 10 years giving him further insight that he shares in this book.
The research for the Thames Valley book included delving into countless local and national accounts of England’s history and framing them into a new story of the Thames Valley region, now told for the first time.
Talks - Presentation of excerts of new 2024 book: The Thames Valley: Past, Present and Future - A Snapshot of British Life.
- Part 1: The Past – A Timeline of Thames Valley History: The history of the Thames Valley as a region is told for the first time with fascinating stories of some of the most influential men, women, events and places that have made this area such a strategically important part of England for more than 5000 years. The stories show how some of the nation's most famous historical events and figures were centred around this part of the country – from King Alfred’s battles with the Vikings to William the Conqueror and the Civil War.
- Part 2: The Present and Future – Community Life and Future Challenges: The author takes a 75-mile journey along the meandering river from Windsor to Oxford to give the reader a feel for what it is like to live in the Thames Valley today. The case studies in this section both celebrate the area’s active community life and explore key challenges communities are facing. By better understanding some of the most important local issues, the reader will learn about significant trends shaping the area’s future.
