New Talks
07th August 2025
Hello everyone! I finally have a day to get some admin work done, amidst the clearing and decluttering that is going on in readiness for my big move!
I thought I would write a little about the talks I give. They are all illustrated with a Powerpoint full of lovely images.
There have been two that have been doing the rounds of the Herts, Beds and Bucks WI circuit for a few years now and have proven to be big hits with all the groups I have presented them to, much to my delight!
The first is one called "The Patterned Path to Freedom" and tells the history of how the Underground Railroad was set up and the quilt blocks that formed the codes the enslaved people used to make their long journey into Canada and Freedom. It's a story of bravery, selflessness and ingenuity and is accompanied by a big hand stitched quilt I made from a lot of recycled scraps, just as those folk did all those years ago.
The second is inspired by some family history and tells of the quilts and embroidered cloths made during the two World Wars to raise funds, help those who lost everything and were created to pass secrets out from internment camps.
This one comes along with beautiful examples of 1920's and 1930's linen that would have been the basis of the work done.
The third is a product of my career as a Photography Tutor of over 25 years and explains how Photographic Composition works - perfect for any mode of capture, from phones to larger SLR cameras.
The fourth is the story of 'Living with Luna" - the tale of the rescue and rehabilitation of a very traumatised Border Collie puppy. I go on to talk about the work I do, inspired by her journey, with rescue and adoption kennels in my role as a canine behaviourist and finally how you can be involved if you so wish.
The fifth is in progress and called 'Life on the Cut" The first half tells the history of Women on Working Narrowboats, the stories, the life and the boats. The second half is about living on a narrowboat now - working and navigating our modern day life on the cut.
All these talks can be booked in my webshop. Check the available dates as some are only available from January 2026.
I thought I would write a little about the talks I give. They are all illustrated with a Powerpoint full of lovely images.
There have been two that have been doing the rounds of the Herts, Beds and Bucks WI circuit for a few years now and have proven to be big hits with all the groups I have presented them to, much to my delight!
The first is one called "The Patterned Path to Freedom" and tells the history of how the Underground Railroad was set up and the quilt blocks that formed the codes the enslaved people used to make their long journey into Canada and Freedom. It's a story of bravery, selflessness and ingenuity and is accompanied by a big hand stitched quilt I made from a lot of recycled scraps, just as those folk did all those years ago.
The second is inspired by some family history and tells of the quilts and embroidered cloths made during the two World Wars to raise funds, help those who lost everything and were created to pass secrets out from internment camps.
This one comes along with beautiful examples of 1920's and 1930's linen that would have been the basis of the work done.
The third is a product of my career as a Photography Tutor of over 25 years and explains how Photographic Composition works - perfect for any mode of capture, from phones to larger SLR cameras.
The fourth is the story of 'Living with Luna" - the tale of the rescue and rehabilitation of a very traumatised Border Collie puppy. I go on to talk about the work I do, inspired by her journey, with rescue and adoption kennels in my role as a canine behaviourist and finally how you can be involved if you so wish.
The fifth is in progress and called 'Life on the Cut" The first half tells the history of Women on Working Narrowboats, the stories, the life and the boats. The second half is about living on a narrowboat now - working and navigating our modern day life on the cut.
All these talks can be booked in my webshop. Check the available dates as some are only available from January 2026.