Looking for interesting speakers?

We know how hard it can be for a programme secretary to find entertaining speakers prepared to commit themselves months ahead – why not try us?

We are a husband and wife team who have been giving talks to various societies for a number of years. We are used to making (and keeping!) commitments a year or more ahead, and we can offer a wide range of unusual and interesting topics.

We bring all the necessary equipment for the presentations, requiring only tables and an accessible 13 amp power point. A CD player is provided for the musical offerings, and for the audio-visual presentations, a computer, data projector, screen and speakers. Most topics are supported by information sheets for the audience to refer to and retain if they wish. We also bring along appropriate objects. These include craft items, models, prints, books, posters, photographs, and even garments or medieval arms and armour which volunteers can try.

Most talks are planned to take between 45 to 60 minutes, but some audio-visual presentations are a fixed length, indicated in the descriptions below, and these can be broken by an interval if appropriate. Please note that for all audio-visual presentations we require time to set up the equipment, and health and safety considerations mean that placing tables and running cables needs to be done before the audience arrives.

The fee we charge for our talks varies according to the distance we have to travel, and the size of the audience, but we believe our rates are reasonable and in line with what most societies can afford. The basic fee of £45 covers an audience of up to 40 people (for larger numbers please contact us) and travel is 50p per mile (from Shoreham-by-Sea).

Presentations on Japan, Local and Family History,
and Musical Offerings

For more details contact us on 01273 454006
or Click to email us

JAPAN

We have both studied Japan for many years. We taught adult education classes in Japanese language and culture from 1988 and have travelled extensively, visiting parts of the country which our Japanese friends haven’t seen!
Japan’s culture is very different from the West, and we always find that audiences enjoy the insight we give into the way of life there.
The following list of topics is by no means exhaustive, so if your members are interested in any other aspect of Japan, please ask us – we may well be able to cover it. We have gained a reputation as entertaining speakers, so don’t be afraid to try a talk on one of the more unusual topics!

The Seasons & Festivals of Japan– Introduction to an exotic culture
The best introduction to Japan, as we take you through the year showing the culture and traditions, using artefacts you can handle and pictures (either printouts or projected)

The Elegance of the Kimono – How it’s made and worn
Gorgeous materials and elegant garments – we bring along a big range of items which you can handle, or even try on, together with books, pictures and many samples of material..

The Geisha – Fact & Fiction
Memoirs of a Geisha generated a lot of interest in the West. While good entertainment, the book and film are far from showing an accurate picture. In this talk, illustrated with pictures (either printouts or projected), music, artefacts and clothing, we give a glimpse into the real world of the Geisha

Japanese Dolls – Miniature Masterpieces
Japan has a long tradition of doll making, and many different styles have evolved over centuries. Handle several beautiful examples of the main types and learn their history. There will be pictures of many others (either printouts or projected) for you to admire.

Inspiration for the Impressionists and beyond – Japanese Woodblock Prints
In the late 19th century Japan was an exotic country newly opened up to the West. See how Japanese art, gardens, dress and culture influenced European painters of the time, such as Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh and Klimt. Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (either printouts or projected).

Ghosts and Monsters – folk tales of old Japan
Japan has a very rich heritage of folk lore, and this talk introduces some of the amusing, poignant and downright strange aspects. Includes practical tips on how to identify Japanese ghosts and gremlins, and how to chase devils out of your house! Perfect for Halloween or on dark winter nights! Illustrated with books, artefacts and audio-visual presentation .

In Praise of Shadows - Inside the Traditional Japanese House
Traditional Japanese houses are imbued with beauty, simplicity and calm. Listen to the story of these houses and what makes them so special. Illustrated with books, models and pictures (either printouts or projected)

Wives & Courtesans – Women in Japanese Woodblock Prints
Beautiful women in woodblock prints were the “pin-ups” of 18th and 19th century Japan, and the leaders of fashion. See how different artists portrayed them, and find out what a “castle breaker” was! Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (printouts or projected)

Strongholds of the Shogun - Japanese Castles
Amazing architecture in beautiful surroundings, see pictures of castles quite different from those in the West and hear about the adventures of  the people who lived in them.  Illustrated with books, models, artefacts and pictures (either printouts or projected).

Travels in Unknown Japan – memorable experiences off the beaten track
Japan is a country of many islands, but the main tourist trails are all on the main island of Honshu. Here we show you the beauties and wonders of some of the less visited parts of Japan, from frozen Hokkaido to balmy Kyushu, including the homes of the gods, the nature reserves where the tancho cranes gather, and the Shōgun’s gold mines. Illustrated with books, artefacts and audio-visual presentation

1001 Things to do with Bamboo – The plant that could save the planet!
The fastest growing plant, stronger than steel yet infinitely adaptable – a valuable and beautiful renewable resource. Hear how it can house, clothe and feed people, and handle many different types of articles made from it. Illustrated with books, artefacts and pictures (printouts or projected).

A saga with local interest, graphically telling the story of the dynasty of the Norman Lords who ruled the Adur Valley for nearly 300 years, through the voices of their contemporaries.

Although best seen in order, each presentation is self-contained, so there is no problem for anyone who hasn’t seen the earlier one(s).

Lords of Bramber - Part 1 – Daily Life in a Norman Castle
The ruined gate-house of Bramber castle still dominates the Adur valley, but what do you know of the man who built it and the people who lived there? Hear the story of the famous family of de Braose, and share the life of the castle’s occupants - even try your hand with a Norman shield and sword. Illustrated with computer-projected slides and information sheets to keep.
45-60 minutes