Further School References

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International Schools

Australia

John Paul College, Brisbane

Rob gave his presentation to years 6, 7, 8 and 9 and all the students were thoroughly impressed by his stories of camping in Siberia, cycling through China, and carrying his bicycle across the Kokoda Trail. He also gave them strong motivation to think about their dreams and goals in life. A very worthwhile speaker to have in school for the day.

- Eddie O’Toole, Head of Middle School

Wesley College, Melbourne

Your anecdotes, images and use of quotes all contributed to a terrific presentation. The questions have kept going since you left too. We often talk with the students about being risk takers and to take action in support of others – you are clearly doing this.

- Peter Dickinson, Head of Middle School, Glen Waverly

Carey Baptist Grammar School, Melbourne

Rob Lilwall presented at two assemblies at Carey Grammar. On both occasions, he was outstanding. His story of adventure and challenge is exceptional and his delivery is captivating to students and staff alike. We wish him well on the remainder of his remarkable journey and look forward to following his exploits on his website. I can thoroughly recommend him to any school.

- Phil De Young, Principal

Haileybury College, Melbourne

Thank you for a sensational presentation at today’s assembly. Your slides were fascinating as was your story of your journey. Your delivery was clear, and very, very engaging. The number of questions the students asked and the prolonged applause tells you how much our students enjoyed what you had to say. It was extremely worthwhile and I am sure that they have had their horizons expanded by you!

- Joan Gill, Head

Box Forest College, Glenroy, Melbourne

Rob’s presentation was an eye opening experience for our students and it engaged even our most restless Year 9s. Not only was it informative and entertaining but it allowed our students to see that life exists beyond their suburb and that they too could be adventurers. It was clear that Rob was a teacher in a former life as he controlled the groups marvellously. Highly recommended to all.

- Bernadette Cronin, Teacher

Nambour Christian College, Queensland

I would like to thank you for a truly touching experience. I cannot determine what it is that makes you so much more inspiring than other guest speakers we have had in the past, but yes, truly amazing.

- Email from Year 12 student

St Hilda’s, Southport

Thank you for visiting St Hilda’s. The girls were inspired by your talk and engaged with your presentation. Your journey provided a model for perseverance, tenacity and following your dreams

- Kay Campbell, Head of Senior School

SHORE School, Sydney

A very engaging discussion that most certainly made a huge initial impression on the boys – they were mesmerised – and I’m confident it will be a long-term inspiration for them.

- David Henderson, Geography Department

Derrinallum P-12 College, Victoria

The feedback I have received from staff and students has been overwhelming. In particular, thanks for communicating to our students that the world is full of wonderful people and that almost anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

- Michael Castersen, Principal

China

Shanghai American School

Rob Lilwall is an extraordinary man on an incredible journey, and lucky for us, SAS was one of his stops! He mesmerized our fifth graders with his tales and photos of his exhilarating challenge. In addition, he inspired us all with his courage, perseverance, and motivation

- Anne Hefte, Head of Year 5

Nanjing International School

Rob visited our school for a day while in the course of his travels. He gave a presentation to our Grade 2-10 students and effortlessly managed to keep all the students’ attention and interest for over an hour.  His presentation was very interesting and his communication style included humor which engaged the entire audience.  I am sure that several of our teachers and students will follow his progress over the next couple of years.  I only wish that we could have the opportunity to hear his presentation once he has completed his journey.

- Denise Walsh, Head of Secondary School

International School of Tianjin

Thank YOU for taking the time to share your experiences with us. The students really enjoyed it and you certainly left them with something to think about with regard to following dreams and embracing a challenge.

- Steve Moody, Deputy Director

Hong Kong SAR

Hong Lok Yuen International School

Rob Lilwall gave us a fabulous presentation about his trip “Cycling home from Siberia” in July 2005. Out students from age 6 through to 11 were all amazed and thrilled by his pictures and fun and informative dialogue. He brought in many aspects of history and geography as well as showing different cultures which made a large impact on our multicultural school. I would recommend that if you are interested in his presentation for your school or he contacts you that you snap up the opportunity to bring in a professional and friendly speaker.

- Mike Watson, PE Teacher

Korea

British School, Seoul

Thank you for the presentation. We try to take advantage of opportunities as and when they arise and we are never quite sure what we’ve let ourselves in for! In your case it was a great success!

- Matt Simmons, Head Teacher (British School)

Seoul Foreign School, Seoul

Rob’s presentation to our students was excellent. Anyone who rides a bicycle through Siberia in the winter deserves at least a half-hour of assembly time, period. Rob’s PowerPoint is full of amazing shots from his bicycle odyssey, and his background as a Geography teacher was obvious the moment he stood up in front of our students. Our lower school students loved it, and were captivated from beginning to end! If Rob happens to be pedalling through your neighbourhood, I highly recommend that you to bring him in to meet and talk with your students. His message of living your dreams is something that students of all ages need to hear.

- John Switzer, Assistant Principal, Seoul Foreign School

Malaysia

St. Christopher’s International Primary School, Penang

Rob visited our school on 24th November and gave a moving presentation to approx 350 of our children aged 5 – 11. For an hour he kept their interest as he shared some of his amazing and exciting adventures so far on his trip around the world. His presentation was both motivating and engaging for both staff and children alike and we would have him come back to our school again. The children gained so much from his visit.  His presentation skills are powerful and his experiences communicated in a way that is accessible to children of all ages.  Rob was a guest speaker at our Early Years assembly, inspiring our younger children aged 3 -5.  I would have no hesitation recommending Rob to any school.  One of the best visiting speakers I have had the pleasure of listening to.

- Sarah Lewkowicz, Head Of Infants

The Philippines

British School Manila

We invited Rob into school to speak to both our KS 1 and KS 2 children and I have to say he was inspirational. The younger ones did not stop clapping at the end and our older ones all clambered round him for autographs. Our teachers also were very impressed and were eager to find out more information. Rob is a lively motivational speaker, who has a great adventure story to tell that comes to life with some excellent photography and witty quips. He is thoughtful about what he says, and his insights open up the world outside for children to wonder at, and often they were left open mouthed! I would highly recommend him as a speaker to any group.

- Glenn Hardy, Primary Head

International School of Manila

Rob Lilwall visited the International School of Manila in mid October at a very busy time of the year, when the children’s routines are disrupted for Filipiniana week celebrations and are consequently quite restless. Rob arranged two sessions, the first to a group of 240 grade 4 and 5 students, the next to 220 grade 2 and 3 students. To say that the children were “in the palm of his hand” is somewhat of an understatement; they were absorbed in his presentation, astounded at some of his stories and slideshows, thoroughly enthusiastic when asking questions and yet at times when Rob was talking you could almost hear a pin drop- his command of the room was excellent. Rob’s talk was educational for students and teachers alike and many of the staff still had questions to ask beyond the time allotted. This is the story of following your dreams, never giving up, appreciating what we have and realising that we can all make a difference to people’s lives in this amazing world we live in. Rob Lilwall’s presentation is a must see, and hopefully coming to a school near you soon!

- Steve Ayling, Head of Year 3

Brent International School, Manila

I must say your presentation at Brent today was fabulous, the best I’ve witnessed my whole six years at Brent.  I along with all my friends admire you so much, for doing what you’re doing and helping a cause.

- Pupil, Brent International School

Singapore

German European School Singapore

Rob Lilwall is a very gifted and talented speaker. His report about his cycling journey from Siberia to London at the German European School saw 200 primary students glued to his lips. He caught the student’s attention from the very beginning and the first pictures of his extraordinary trip until the end. He has left a very deep impression with his talk and the message he delivered.

- Frank Sauer, Head of Primary

Thailand

Shrewsbury School, Bangkok

I just wanted to repeat my sincere thanks for all the talks you gave to the various age groups when you came to visit us at Shrewsbury.  I was blown away by your tales of the road and you reminded me of what’s so important, i.e. helping those less fortunate. The Bangkok Post newspaper wrote a lovely article about you – a full front page with 3 large coloured photos! Good Luck and Bon Voyage for 2007!

- Chris Lynn, teacher co-ordinating visit

Bangkok Patana School

Rob Lilwall presented at our Key Stage 3 assembly to 480 students aged 11-14.  His story captivated our students and staff alike – his pictures and anecdotes made for a fantastic presentation.  The students were asked to think about their dreams and goals for the future – very motivating.  I would strongly recommend Rob to come and speak to your students and let them hear his truly amazing story. Rob, we will follow your progress home on the internet with interest.

- Helen Thew, Assistant Principal Student Welfare

USA

Browning School, New York City

I want to thank you again for your splendid talk last Friday. I enjoyed the presentation immensely, and the boys were quite taken with your story and with you. They responded to the high adventure of your travels, and I think the apt quotations you sprinkled throughout made an impression as well. I’m sure that had you asked me before the trip what I thought of your plans, I would have tried to discourage you, but I’m so glad you dared and succeeded.

- Mike Ingrisani, Dean of Faculty

Collegiate School, New York City

Rob spoke to an audience that went from 5 upwards and engaged us all with his tale. The combination of his wit, his storytelling ability, and the sheer wonder of his journey, kept us all enthralled and wanting more. Luckily there is a book for us to fill in the details! I was most surprised by the way our students held on to his story and referred to it in the months to come. He had obviously instilled in them a deep understanding of what it was like to experience different cultures and the dangers of such a journey. After the teachers observed the effect Rob had on our students,  they used Rob’s journey as an inspiration for a model of learning while planning a unit of study.

- Melanie Hutchinson, Lower School Curriculum Coordinator

Vietnam

Hanoi International School

Rob presented at our school on the first day after our winter break and it has set the tone for a productive quarter. The students were enthralled with all aspects of his talk. Highly recommended for a presentation – I’m sure it will have a lasting impression on many students.

- Shane Sheddon, Vice Principal

British Senior Schools

Blundell’s School

Thank you very much indeed for your wonderful lecture last Friday. The Upper Sixth thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and the feedback has been wholly positive (with some commenting that it was the best lecture they had seen at their time at Blundell’s). I was personally struck by the numerous and varied challenges you overcame while on your quite remarkable journey…. indeed your talk proved to be nothing short of inspirational to students who are currently struggling with important decisions regarding their futures. I might add that is one of the smoothest presentations I have seen, and it was so refreshing to see someone talk sans notes. It is a compliment to you that not only were you able to keep the attention of the Upper Sixth throughout your lecture, but that the questions kept coming; given that this was a Friday evening, that is no mean feat.

- Matthew Hawkins, teacher in charge of visiting lecturers

Bryanston School

Rob’s talk was absolutely excellent. He engaged 120 sixth form students for an hour and half on a Saturday morning with his story. It was a great balance of inspirational and amusing. I highly recommend him to anybody looking for a school speaker.

- C. Bentinck, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Burgess Hill School, Sussex

Rob was a really accessible speaker who related well to the students. He had a lot to say about living life to the full, taking opportunities, living the dream. His values were spot on, and he communicated them really well. Our girls thought it was one of the best talks they had heard.

- Tim Butterworth, Head of Sixth Form

Charterhouse

Rob’s presentation was pitched exactly right for a mixed audience of 13-16 year olds, and was delivered with fluency and humour.  The story and images of his adventure certainly caught the attention of the students and the poignant tone of his message about global poverty and life’s Big Questions certainly gave them something to ponder for the future.

- Nick Mills, Coordinator of the Mallory Society

City of London Freemen’s School

The children are still talking about your visit and asking questions. Thank you so much for the professional and inspiring presentation.

-  Evelyn Guest, Head of Upper School

Clifton College

What an excellent way to start the New Year’s Lecture series! The Sixth Form and staff thoroughly enjoyed your enlightening and interactive insights into your travels, and there has been a buzz around the senior pupils following it. Pupils of this age are often reticent to get involved; you obviously fired them up and I am sure that there would have been more questions had time allowed. I wish you every success in your future career and other expeditions that you undertake. You have an exciting message for the young of today and I am grateful to you for sharing it with our Sixth Form.

- J P Middleton, Deputy Head

Emanuel School, Wandsworth

Your talk today was much enjoyed by the pupils and staff. Thank you for sharing the story of your journey with us. I thought that you struck exactly the right balance. You can always tell a good talk by the quality of attention during the talk and the number and quality of the questions at the end. You scored very highly on both measures. Even the staff who sit at the back marking had to lay down their pens!  I very much liked the way you dropped in the key life and moral messages – I can’t think of the appropriate phrase! – into your talk, and the  quotes that accompanied many of the photos. You told us not only a really good story but gave us lots of things to reflect on too. Inspiring.  Quite how you escaped being taken for a complete head case bicycling through Siberia in winter I am not sure, although outwardly you came over as refreshingly normal!  I would be delighted to recommend you for any talk.

- Richard Marriot, Head of Sixth Form

Eton College

I unreservedly recommend Rob Lilwall as a speaker. He is a hugely enthusiastic and inspirational speaker. His epic ride is a humbling lesson about what can be achieved with a bit of determination, common sense and, of course, a bike.

– Dr Ed Russell, Eton College

Haileybury

Rob Lilwall came to give his presentation to an audience of over 100 sixth form pupils here and it certainly lived up to its billing. He spoke with conviction and engagement, blending information and entertainment with moments of reflection. The presentation combined some superb photographs with video clips which created variety. The pupils were clearly impressed by the talk, asked good questions at the end and were still talking about it after the Half Term break. I would recommend Rob and his story wholeheartedly.

- Rob Turnbull, Second Master

Hampton School

Rob Lilwall gave an excellent talk to our Upper Sixth boys; not only does he have a wonderful and epic adventure of stamina and endurance to recount, but he manages to extend its relevance way beyond cycling. His thought-provoking comments about poverty, hospitality, and the need to work to make the world a better place were well made and well received. He achieved a sound balance between telling a story and illustrating a point. At its heart though, was the tale of a young man setting himself the challenge of doing something inspirational, time-consuming, and difficult, and achieving it. This key message was not wasted on our pupils.

– Mark Mortimer, Head of Sixth Form

Hutchesons Grammar, Glasgow

Rob Lilwall made a very impressive addition to our Sixth Form lecture series.  The students were enthralled at how a little imagination and courage can lead to such an enviable adventure.  I look forward to welcoming him back in years to come.

- David Campbell, Co-ordinator of Lectures

John Lyon School

Rob Lilwall is an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker. Not only does he introduce us to his wonderful journey and opens our eyes to places we might want to visit, he makes us think about life and humanity. His stories about the people he met and the warmth and generosity of those in the most unlikely places were eye opening. He makes us reflect on life and challenges us to think without any sense of lecturing. My 150 sixth form boys warmed to him and were engrossed in his stories.

- Deborah Gibbs, Head of Sixth Form

Kings School, Worcester

Thank you so much for providing us with an inspirational and absorbing presentation.  We could have listened to much more.

- John Walton, coordinator of lectures for the Himalayan Club

Lancing College

Many thanks for a great talk – a good deal of positive feedback from students. I liked the way in which it wasn’t just a travelogue but contained sound advice and ethical issues. Hope to see you again next year

- Anne Stone, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Loretto Senior School

The students learnt about following their dreams and never giving up. An hour was perfect for the students and they talked about his journey after he left, having found it to be inspiring and courageous.

- Anna Peak, Head of Geography

Malvern St James

The girls’ faces as they were listening to Rob’s talk said it all.  They were totally absorbed by his tales and anecdotes from around the world and it was great to see them relaxing and listening to something totally different from their everyday lessons.  It helped them to realise what was “out there” and the many questions at the end reflected their interest.  Rob was inspiring, thought-provoking, funny and knowledgeable.  I would certainly recommend him to any school group.

- Jenny Mann, Head of Geography and co-ordinator of visiting lectures for PSHE

Manda Portman Woodward, London

We were very impressed with Rob’s inspirational account of endurance, dedication and adventure. A measure of a good talk is the amount of questions students ask; Rob elicited more questions than any other speaker we have had and could have dealt with far more if we had had more time. The students were really engaged by his tale which was delivered with wit, enthusiasm and a real sense of audience.

- Seán Buckley, Vice-Principal

Moreton Hall, Oswestry

The Sixth Form girls thoroughly enjoyed your talk, finding your manner charmingly unassuming and the content of your talk exciting and illuminating. You left an obvious buzz around the place and a flurry of activity ensued as the students debated the reasons and meanings behind their projected Gap Year projects and also discussed the relative importance of spending time and effort supporting others.

-Helen Collier, Head of Sixth Form

New Eccleshall School, Norfolk

Rob’s lecture was most inspiring and interesting and also illustrated to the pupils how they too could plan and carry through an adventure of a lifetime.

- Sean Simington, Head Teacher

Northwood College

School schedules are busy things, but if you can find time to lift your students out of their normal day for just an hour, Rob Lilwall’s stories will fill them with optimism, courage and self belief.  Our girls, particularly in the senior school, were enthralled from start to finish – and left feeling empowered to pursue and to achieve their dreams.  This, together with gaining a memorable lesson in geography history and humanity, made it an experience I wholeheartedly recommend.

- C. J. Simister, Director of Thinking Skills Programme and author of ‘How to Teach Thinking and Learning Skills’

Portsmouth Grammar School

I would thoroughly recommend Rob Lilwall’s talk on Cycling home from Siberia. It was very inspirational, excited and aroused the interest of 170 pupils who could not wait to ask him questions at the end. Our students admired his courage, sense of adventure, perseverance and his ability to tell of kindness and hospitality from strangers all over the world.

- Joanna Deeks, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Roedean School

I would be happy to wholeheartedly recommend Rob Lilwall’s ‘Cycling home from Siberia’ presentation.  Our students thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his adventures, and his serious, yet gentle message was charming.

- Sarah Bakhtiari, Head of Business Studies, Co-ordinator of lecture programme for gifted and talented students

Royal Grammar School, Guildford

Rob transported our Sixth Form students away from the world of school life in Guildford to provide an inspirational, personal, global presentation which showed that dreams can become reality and that obstacles should not stand in the way of ambition. I would highly recommend Rob.

- Jimmy Pressley, Head of Sixth Form

Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

Thank you so much for coming to speak to our Sixth Form – it was truly an inspirational journey that you took us on!  To not only keep the attention of the boys for over an hour, but to get them so engaged that they were asking question after question until the bell went for the end of the day… very impressive indeed.  The mixture of amusing anecdotes, jaw-dropping tales of extraordinary bravery and courage, and motivational lessons was perfectly suited to the audience, and every student went away telling everyone they met about the talk! Thanks again for a perfect start to our programme of Sixth Form Lectures!

- Tom Bennett, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Rugby School

Our students found Rob’s presentation interesting, inspiring and thought provoking as a very honest yet factual account of his journey. His experiences in a range of environments and meeting a variety of people told in a relaxed but visual manner maintained the students’ interest throughout the lecture and beyond

- Annette Took, Geography Teacher and co-ordinator of geography society lectures

Sedbergh School

On Monday 3rd March 2008, Robert Lilwall delivered a truly inspirational lecture to a L6th audience at Sedbergh School. In a refreshingly understated manner, he described the geographical, mental and physical extremities that he faced on his 37 month epic bicycle ride from Siberia to London. In the questions from the floor, each drew a particularly passionate and illuminating response from the speaker. In short, I wholeheartedly recommend Rob to speak to pupils at your school.

- Dr P. R. Hoskin, Coordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Seven Kings High School, Newbury Park

Thank you for your message and thank you for being an inspiration to our sixth formers!

- Tina Servante, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Shiplake College

A fascinating tale of adventure and endurance, where perseverance and stamina – both mental and physical – are the key themes. Rob Lilwall’s story is that of an ordinary person achieving an extraordinary mission. He tells vividly of the people and places he encountered, all with the greatest of humility; here is a person who sees the world not as a playpark but as the seething mass of humanity that it is. The ‘global village’ is rightly consigned to the dustbin of flippancy in Mr Lilwall’s genuine vision of our increasingly precarious and sensitive world. I recommend his talk to schools and all year groups.

- Dr T S Purser, Head of Teaching and Learning

Shrewsbury School

Rob Lilwall spoke to 130 of our Lower Sixth. He gave an inspirational, thoughtful and above all a very personal slant on his three years of travel by bike. Our Sixth formers were captivated and I would definitely recommend Rob as an excellent and very approachable speaker.

- Nick David, Head of Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, Shrewsbury School

South Hampstead

Our pupils sometimes get a bit bored with talks, but Rob Lilwall was a breath of fresh air. The pupils [Years 9 to 13] felt that they could relate to him and vice versa. They were very sad to have to leave the Theatre at the end. That’s quite something!

- Kato C Harris, Head of Geography, Educational Visits Co-ordinator

St Edmunds College, Herts

Rob Lilwall was one of the very best speakers we have had over the past few years. Our sixth form students hung on his every word! They were fascinated by his traveller’s tales and by the generosity of spirit and broadmindedness that underpinned them. His delivery was excellent and his pace was just right. I will certainly ask Rob to come to our school again and I commend him most highly to other schools.

- Maggie McCann, Head of Sixth Form

St Edwards, Oxford

Rob has an outstanding experience to talk about, and for this alone I can recommend asking him to come to address school audiences; but it is the manner and quality of his delivery that most deserves comment. Rob is an excellent story-teller, and combines his narrative with inspirational and thought-provoking reflections on the purpose of life, risk-taking, commitment and self-belief.  Rob’s account of his journey is as much a story of inner travel as geographical, and it is this that recommends him so highly. His talk has an obvious and exceptional appeal for sixth form audiences.

- Robert Fletcher, Coordinator of Sixth Form lectures

St Paul’s Girls School

Thank you once again for fitting in the talk at St Paul’s today. You were a great hit with the girls as a witty, engaging and motivational speaker with an instinctive feel for your audience.

- Clarissa Farr, High mistress

Taunton School

Thank you very much for giving such an excellent presentation. The entire Sixth Form, 240 students, were totally absorbed and many were inspired to consider similar adventures. The presentation style was excellent with a very good mix of serious messages and fun!

- Mary Mason, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Lectures

Tonbridge School

I have no hesitation in recommending your talk which was interesting and worthwhile. I particularly appreciated the way you informed the boys about your experiences of different cultures and races and exploded a few myths and stereotypes about race and colour. For me this was a very important lesson for the boys which you presented in a way that was neither condescending nor made them feel pressurised or lectured to.

- Jonathan Arscott, Head of 3rd Year Seminar

The Harrodian School, London

I wanted to thank you again for the talk you gave us at the end of term, the kids absolutely loved it!

- David Paton, Head of Sixth Form

Trinity School, Croydon

Many thanks for your fascinating talk, which many of our students referred to as being “inspirational”. The positive, life-affirming message was backed up with some real moral and political substance that certainly gave the students food for thought, and all of this wrapped up in a thrilling adventure story. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to other schools.

- Mark Aldridge, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Uppingham School

Rob’s presentation was excellent – a great mix of facts, personal anecdotes and superb photography, which enabled the pupils to fully engage with his amazing adventure.  It was of particular interest to the group of school cyclists in the audience who are themselves preparing to cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu in the summer.  It has certainly inspired them to keep up with the training and fulfill their ambition.

- Nicola Hunter, Head of Geography

Whitgift School

Rob Lilwall gave a thoroughly stimulating talk on his expedition across Siberia and other challenging zones across the world. The sixth form students were genuinely engrossed by his account, which was accompanied by a lively powerpoint and video… Rob gave genuine insights into the nature not only of travel, but also of our capability under extreme conditions. His philosophical and humane outlook elevated the talk beyond a simple travel narrative. I would heartily recommend him, especially if you are putting together a General Studies programme for sixth formers

- E. A. Poole, Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Woodhouse College, North London

Rob Lilwall came to talk to the students at Woodhouse College about his adventures “cycling home from Siberia”; the students thoroughly enjoyed the talk. They found Rob’s delivery engaging and were enthralled by his picture of life on the road in so many different countries. His talk has certainly fired up several students (and some staff!) to consider not just taking a gap year but to do something extraordinary with it. A very inspiring talk and we would welcome him back again in the future.

- Amanda Forshaw, Co-ordinator of lectures

British Junior Schools

Alleyn’s Junior School, Dulwich

Rob Lilwall spoke informatively to children aged between 5 and 11 years at Alleyn’s Junior School. Rob was invited by the Geography department to talk about his three year cycling trip around the world. It was a fascinating account that kept children and teachers interested and inspired by his achievements. He gives a good background to the different national settings and he gives an optimistic account of his dealings with populations that live in some of the politically off-limit zones for the normal tourists or travellers. We recommend him as an ideal speaker with a humane and Christian message.

- Mark O’Donnell, Head Teacher

Cargilfield, Edinburgh

Having looked at Rob’s excellent website, I had an inkling of what to expect, but in fact, his lecture about his unbelievable adventures cycling home from Siberia was better than we could have hoped.  He spoke for over an hour and the time absolutely flew by: the children were entranced by his powerful visual presentation and he pitched it at just the right level for the age group of the audience.  An easy way to gauge the success of such a lecture is the number of questions that the children feel inspired to ask at the end and the sea of thrusting hands desperate to ask Rob about his experiences told its own story.  A wonderful lecture, a fascinating story and one which I would highly recommend to any school.

- David Walker, Assistant Headmaster, Cargilfield School, Edinburgh

Beechwood Park School, Herts

On Monday 21^st of September the Senior department was taken on a virtual 30,000 mile bike ride, starting in the depths of Siberia and ending in North London.   Rob Lilwall delighted us for over an hour with tales of his adventure that he embarked on in September 2004 and completed in September 2007, covering 30,000 miles and on the same bike!

Rob’s journey took him to China, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, in fact across 28 countries. He experienced campsites at – 40⁰C, sailed the South China Sea in the Typhoon Season, got lost in Papua New Guinean jungles, contracted Malaria, dodged Police checkpoints in Tibet and rode through the Hindu Cush in Afghanistan to name just a few of the highs and lows he shared with us.  Why? Well, he had an overwhelming desire to find out more about the world and when he was offered the challenge, he found it hard to refuse. It may also have been something to do with the fact that he was a Geography teacher in his previous life. He also raised the amazing sum of £21,000 for the charity Viva, supporting Children at Risk.   The pupils were gripped by his tales, which seemed like an Adventure Story to some of them; but to have a real live explorer talking to them in person was so exciting. He left us all hungry for more and a desire to go and explore, after all there is an exciting world on our doorstep!

- Jane Formston, Co-ordinator of visiting speakers

Dulwich Hamlet Junior School

The children from Year 3 to Year 6, parents and teachers were hugely engaged in the amazing stories Rob told us of his travels from Siberia back to the UK. He managed to cover geography, citizenship, social issues and so much more, in an incredibly meaningful way – we just wish we could have had more time to hear even more. His message was simple and powerful – that there are adventures out there for the taking – go for it!

- Sonia Case Head Teacher

Dragon School

Thank you so much for visiting us at the Dragon last Friday and delivering two such interesting talks. It was a real pleasure to hear about your travels and I felt that your engaging style and slick presentation really captivated the attention of the pupils and helped to instil in them a desire to explore and an awareness of their place in the wider world.

- Ed Phelps, Deputy Headmaster

Great Ballard School, Chichester

I would just like to say a very big thank you for your inspiring talk on Tuesday.  The children were obviously interested in the many places that you visited!  There was a gentle ‘opening of eyes’ for some of our children, to the conditions that less privileged families live in, but humour was never far away. While I am not expecting a mass exodus for Siberia, your journey has certainly provoked a great deal of thought and discussion.

- Richard Jennings, Headmaster

Greshams Prep

Our audience of 250 Prep School children were gripped from the moment Rob began his talk; you could have heard a pin drop as he engaged both adults and children alike with his captivating stories, delivered in a calm, yet alluring manner, and supported with some fantastic photography… by the end of a fascinating hour, we discovered insights into the countries he visited, as well as an understanding of the positive relationships that he forged en route …Perseverance in the face of adversity tests an individual and Rob shared with us his thoughts about the importance of having determination to carry on… questions afterwards were wide ranging and reflected the genuine interest which he inspired amongst the pupils. For some time afterwards, the ripple effect having heard what Rob had to say was far reaching and I would recommend him as an enlightening speaker.

- Kim Quick, Co-ordinator of visiting speakers

Hallgrove School, Surrey

Many thanks for coming to Hall Grove this week to deliver your ‘Cycling Home from Siberia’ talk to the children and staff. They are still talking about it in reverential terms and I have been getting a steady stream of very positive feedback ever since.

The presentation was exciting, stimulating and perfectly pitched to the age range of the pupils. I thought your delivery was excellent and you never gave them a moment’s chance to lose interest – they were absolutely captured by your enthusiasm and by your carefully constructed presentation. The story of your journey gave everyone an enormous amount to think about, from pure geography, travel and cultural differences to the philosophy of human nature.

Thanks again for all your effort with this and best wishes for future expeditions. I would unreservedly recommend your talk in the most glowing terms to any school.

- Ian J Adams, Deputy Headmaster

Horris Hill School, Newbury

We all thoroughly enjoyed your fresh and enthusiastic account of your epic journey, told in a modest, knowledgeable way which the boys thoroughly enjoyed.  They were all talking about it at breakfast in very positive fashion which is always the indicator as to whether or not a lecture has worked.  Their questions at the end also showed that they had related well to you and your tale and I am sure that you will have inspired some to explore the world, maybe even on a bike!

- Jon Phillips, Headmaster

Loretto Preparatory School, Edinburgh

Rob’s talk illuminated a dark winter’s afternoon, the children’s imagination was fired and educationally it was a great way to show young children the varied culture, climate, flora and fauna of several continents all packed into one engaging hour. A super way to end the term and we learned a lot in class by following the journey on a World map. The children truly enjoyed Rob’s presentation.

- David Pearce, Year 7 Teacher

Parkgate Preparatory School, Clapham

Rob’s talk was excellent, the children were captivated by his story – most inspiring!

- Malcolm McKinlay, Head of Prep

Pilgrim’s School, Winchester

The Pilgrims’ School was delighted to welcome Mr Rob Lilwall to talk on his epic journey from Siberia. For one hour, 120 boys, parents and guests of the school were amazed by his story of discovery, danger and delight. And even after a 20 minute question and answer session, boys thronged to meet and chat with him informally later. A wonderful experience.

- Geoffrey Hammond, Deputy Head

St Aubyns, Rottingdean

Rob addressed children at St Aubyns in Years 3 to 8 and pitched his talk at exactly the right level for all the children to benefit. His experience as a teacher was evident in the way he spoke and controlled the audience. His fascinating experiences and exploits certainly stimulated the imaginations of the pupils and gave them a fund of information about many countries.

- Simon Hitchings, Headmaster

Saint Edmund’s School, Hindhead

Rob provided a talk that was hugely entertaining and fully engaged an audience of 100 children aged from 8 – 13 years of age. The talk was presented with a powerpoint full of super photos and anecdotal accounts of his experiences with the natives he met on his journey. This is a thought provoking and inspiring talk that I would recommend to any school putting together a lecture programme, for children of any age.

- Toby Wright, Deputy Head

St Lawrence College, Junior School, Ramsgate

I am very happy to recommend Rob Lilwall’s marvelous presentation to any school looking to teach its pupils a memorable lesson. Rob was invited as Guest of Honour to our Speech Day at St Lawrence College Junior School in June 2008.  Having presented the prizes, Rob gave his presentation to an audience of 7-11 year-olds, who sat spellbound for half an hour (a much longer attention-span than when listening to the Headmaster during assembly!).   His message was clear: if you really set your mind to something, you can achieve it – but it may take a long time and a great deal of hard work!   Since the event, I have received many appreciative and complimentary remarks from parents, who (to quote an email from one) found Rob “truly inspirational”.  Now I’m left with the problem of an almost impossible act to follow for Speech Day 2009!

- Simon Whittle, Head of the Junior School

Swanbourne House, Milton Keynes

Rob came to speak to our children, aged 8-13, about his incredible journey and had them captivated from the very beginning. He was a confident and humorous speaker and his rapport with the children was great. He caught their imaginations wonderfully and his positive outlook on life was infectious. I would highly recommend a visit from Rob.

- Hester Curtis, Co-ordinator of visiting lecturers

Willington Prep School, Wimbledon

Your visit was one of the great hits of the Festival and your talk was a very happy mix of anecdotal information, good fun and conveying an irresistible sense of adventure to the boys.  I cannot imagine any audience that would not become thoroughly engrossed in your tales of derring do… if you are ever back in lecture mood and want to come to Willington again, we would jump at the chance.

– Graham Hill, Headmaster

Woodcote House School, Surrey

Rob’s lecture on his epic 30,000 mile bicycle ride is an informative insight into the World in which we live. It is a story of survival, endurance and the fascinating Geography of our World. The pupils at our school were fascinated by the whole adventure and left planning journeys of their own.

- Ed Lyddon, Head of Geography