BRIAN Portch, a well-known East Devon-based speaker will give an illustrated talk at the Boniface Centre in Crediton on Monday, March 18.

His talk will be about the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, arguably the most famous engineer ever born and considered one of the most prolific and ingenious figures in engineering history.

In South West England Brunel was hugely important because of his involvement with the building of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, in Bristol, the Royal Albert Railway Bridge over the River Tamar between Plymouth and Saltash and the Great Western Railway.

This railway of course still attracts many headlines today given the ongoing issues with the very scenic section between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth.

Brunel also designed a series of steamships, including the SS Great Britain now at Bristol, and numerous dockyards, important bridges and tunnels.

Many of his designs helped revolutionise public transport and modern engineering. In 2002 Brunel was placed second in the BBC public poll to determine the “100 Greatest Britons”.

In 2006, the bicentenary of his death, a major programme of events celebrated his life and work under the name of “Brunel 200”.

This talk is in support of the Holy Cross Crediton Campaign Roof Appeal which has to-date raised the sum of £108,500.

The talk begins promptly at 7.30pm, admission is £6 which includes light refreshments. Further information is available by calling Bill Jerman on 01363 772865.