I’ve been presenting my musical talks since 2016, and they’re guaranteed to add a bit of fun to your club meeting or event! Even my darker topics have a humorous edge.

Based in Dorset, UK, I’m normally prepared to travel throughout Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire – but will certainly consider bookings further afield.

Perfect for social clubs, WI, u3a, Probus, etc.

You can see a video I made for the WI Summertime tWIst festival in June 2020 by clicking HERE

Please scroll on down to see descriptions of all the talks, plus fees etc.

Five talks to choose from:

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How I overcame a life-threatening illness to reinvent myself as a singer/songwriter. 

In the summer of 2008, I had just turned fifty, was bumbling along in life, contented but without any strong sense of ambition or purpose. I enjoyed listening to music, but it never occurred to me that I might be able to sing, and I certainly didn’t envisage myself performing solo with a guitar, and playing songs that I’d written! Not only that, but that I’d record my own albums, the first one of which was produced by my teenage hero, the musician and entertainer Richard Digance, who became my friend and mentor.

This is a story of how it may never be too late to change direction; the importance of ‘seizing the moment’; and how, with a bit of determination, you might be able to achieve things you never dreamed of!

The intriguing tale of the banned author, Norah C James

Norah James was my grandfather’s first cousin. She was a prolific and successful author of romantic fiction from the 1930s through to the 1970s, but her first novel, Sleeveless Errand, was banned under the Obscene Publications Act.

I tell the story of how she went from being a well-brought-up young lady from a respectable family, to making headline news in an obscenity trial, and how ideas of what is and is not acceptable have changed over the years.

This musical talk is illustrated by a slideshow, for which I will need a screen or suitable blank wall.

My fee for community groups of up to about 50 people is £40 + 45p per mile travelling expenses. For larger audiences and commercial organisations, please contact me to discuss.

I live in Sherborne, Dorset, and am normally prepared to travel throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Please contact me to discuss the options for bookings further afield.

From March to October I am available mornings, afternoons and evenings; November to February, daytime only. I will always consider a short-notice booking to cover a cancellation.

I play an acoustic guitar, unplugged in small venues, or through an amplifier and with a microphone for larger ones. I can supply all the equipment, which is PAT tested, and I hold Public Liability Insurance.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss any of the above, on 07896 354616, 01935 815497, or email info@mirandapender.com