Talks/ lectures all last for 40 minutes, but can be
shortened or lengthened if required.
I give a talk about my career, entitled "From RSC to Birds Eye Peas - the peculiar
business of being an Actress". I have been an
actress for over thirty years now, successfully combining extensive stage and
screen work with TV presenting for the past fifteen of them - so I have a
few stories to tell! I've also been lucky enough to work with a number of
famous faces, which is always of interest to an audience. This can be combined
with a Q+A session at the end if desired - I'm very happy to answer any
questions. A favourite one is 'How do actors remember their lines?’ - which
sparked the idea for the Memory Makeover lecture!
"Memory Makeover - Tips and Techniques for
maximising your powers of Recall". This is a lecture on improving
your memory skills and 'age-proofing' your memory, with masses of practical
techniques for remembering names, numbers, what it was you went into the
kitchen for, and where you left your car keys! I also look into 'smart' foods
and the best supplements to boost your brain-power, mental aerobic
workouts to increase agility and efficiency, as well as simple balancing
exercises to sharpen your mind. (The part of the brain concerned with memory is
also used for balance, so the more often we put our balance to the test, the
more exercise this part of the brain gets). How to get your mind over the
muddle!
"The Bear Essentials – Teddy Bears as a
Collectors Item." This illustrated talk covers the origins of the Teddy
Bear, its history, and the astounding prices some of the earliest bears can
command. It’s a Powerpoint
presentation, with a showcase of famous, valuable, unusual or just extremely
funny bears from their 'birth' in 1902 until the present day. Also
includes tips and advice on what to look out for if you are interested in
Arctophilia (collecting teddies) or just want to know a little more about this
much loved toy with universal appeal.
"Clever
Collectables – the Fortunes of the Future” - takes a
closer look at some of the most desirable antiques and bric-a-brac to be found
in Fairs and Bootsales. I also give 'insider' knowledge (gleaned from a range
of experts in differing fields ) as to what’s wise to invest in. There's not much that isn't collectable nowadays, and some items can prove
to be surprisingly valuable. Discover what to save or collect to turn your pennies into pounds – the
everyday bric-a- brac that might make you a fortune in the future. An
illustrated presentation, finishing with a novel mystery item which the
audience has to try to identify.