Lifting the Lid

Miranda Pender


Regions:
Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Perfect for WI, U3A, TWG, Probus, and all kinds of friendship/social clubs
Fee:
Paid: £40 + 45p/mile for groups up to about 50.
Category:
Hobbies
Updated:
30th April 2024

The darkly comic aspects of researching family history – stories and songs of love, loss, jealousy, betrayal, revenge…..often funny, sometimes poignant, occasionally shocking.

A forebear deported to Australia for sheep-stealing can, after a couple of hundred years, acquire a certain raffish glamour, but how do you feel if the uncomfortable truth you discover is closer to the present day?

A set of original songs woven around some of the more bizarre stories unearthed from my family history. This talk is illustrated by a slideshow, for which I will need a screen or suitable blank wall.

Two of the stories in this presentation are expanded upon in my talks 'Censored' and 'One Gun: Two Dead'.

Views: 1660 | Enquiries: 12

About Miranda Pender

ABOUT MIRANDA PENDER

Who Am I?

I'm a singer and songwriter who presents entertaining talks based around songs that I’ve written. Raunchy, romantic, heartbreaking, humorous, my subjects range from pretentious garden designers to a 16-year-old boy killed at the Battle of the Somme; from the hero on a cereal packet to that awkward situation where you discover your lover's name sewn into the back of his underpants.....

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.

Typical comments include: It was so nice to be able to hear all the words you were singing, and We really enjoyed something that was a little bit different.

Where And When Do I Perform?

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.

The standard talks are 45 minutes plus time for questions at the end, but I can make adjustments to suit your requirements.

What About Equipment?

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

Three of my talks are illustrated, for which I can use my own projector, but the venue will need to supply a screen or suitable blank wall.

Why Choose Me?

At £40 per talk + £0.40/mile for travel, my rates are very competitive. You can listen to my songs on Spotify and watch me perform on YouTube - search for Miranda Pender – or find out more on my website: www.mirandapender.com.

If you need any further encouragement, just read the following testimonials!

Testimonials

Everyone enjoyed it so much because it was very different from our usual talks. Salisbury Ladies' Probus Club

Thank you for bringing so much joy to our members yesterday. This was quite a departure from our usual talks and obviously much enjoyed.
Parkstone Probus Club

It was a pleasure to welcome you to our WI, and great to have something so different on our programme.
Gillingham Evening WI

Wow did my ladies enjoy your performance today, you were absolutely great. If only all my speakers could be half as good!
Harbour Ladies Luncheon Club

Everyone enjoyed your songs and left with a smile. FIL Group, Fovant

What a wonderfully inspirational talk with songs.....you will be highly recommended. The Orchards & Margaret Marsh WI

Thank you very much for your session today - we all enjoyed it and I have had some lovely feedback. Lyme Regis U3A

Such an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Castle Hedingham Women’s Group

Very many thanks for a delightful afternoon. Lea Valley U3A

Humorous and warm.
Springfield WI

We all really enjoyed the diversity of your material. After Eight Ladies’ Group, Ware

It was nice to have something a little bit different from our normal speakers! The 95 Club, Sudbury

Thank you again for the delightful evening. Woodditton & Saxon Street WI

Your songs are so delightful and enjoyable. Hartford Hundred Probus Ladies Club


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