BBC reporter and writer John Sweeney has appeared as a guest speaker at Bournemouth’s Skeptics in the Pub on Wednesday evening, as part of a talk event focused on Scientology and Sweeney’s running with the church’s members.

The event took place in the Brunswick Pub, Charminster, where more than a hundred people gathered.

“What gets me out of bed and out of the pub, is powerful people telling not powerful people to shut up,” said Sweeney about what motivates him as journalist.

Sweeney gave an engaging and humorous talk about the Church of Scientology, asking members of the audience to take on the roles of people involved with Scientology, including founder L. Ron Hubbard and actor Tom Cruise.

After the 45-minute talk, a short interval took place where the reporter’s books were available to buy and be signed.

A question and answer session then took place, where Sweeney regaled the audience with stories of his journalistic pursuits. This included stories from his time in Tibet, Iraq and Kosovo.

“It’s great to be in Pong Yang by the sea,” joked the journalist about his time in Bournemouth.

Skeptics in the Pub meet on the second Wednesday of every month. Their next talk to be held is ‘An atheist’s guide to the Alpha course’.