Chris is a local historian and writer with two published works, A Short History of Newton Hall, Chester and The Chester Book Club, 1824. His talk, to more than 100 members, was based on a review of Chester newspapers published in the mid - to late 18th century, when newspapers were in their infancy. He looked at human interest stories which relate serious occurrences, illustrate how people lived at that time or are simply amusing to the modern ear. Signed books were available to buy after the talk.