Cannock and District Ladies Probus Club members hear about the perils of public speaking

A lady of many talents, she has been a public Speaker for over 20 years and the content varies from The Craft of the Silversmith; From Behind Bars; The Perils of a Public Speaker and Dig it; one all about Gardening and Plants. Perhaps it is this variety of both her Talks and her Passions, which occasionally leads to the confusion, described by Penny as a common thread throughout her public speaking career. All her talks are described as amusing, lively and lavishly illustrated but despite her experience of teaching silversmithing and jewellery, for 36 years and being a published author – all of which takes a lot of organising and requires many skills, the common theme seems to be that she continually got lost wherever she went and she felt it was actually a miracle she arrived anywhere.

Penny has many interests including cricket, gardening, music, current affairs, literature and theatre and amongst her commitments, are being a member of a pastoral care group and volunteering in the chaplaincy team at the local prison. This last interest, which caused confusion for one Talk, is based on her experiences of 30 years as a prison visitor. Penny was invited to give a Talk to a local Housing Association but the items brought in her ‘box,’ to illustrate the Presentation, was filled with item such as pliers, saws and wooden mallets. This was wholly inappropriate for, arriving there, confusion reigned because she had packed to associate with whom she was giving the Talk, yet they expected a Talk about ‘Visiting men in Prison !’ On another occasion, she was due to give a Presentation to Brownies at a school but actually went to the wrong school. She says she can laugh about it now but a Speaker’s life is never easy.

To illustrate the amusing Talks, there is always a Treasure Chest of goodies with ‘tricks of her trade’ and at the Chase Golf & Country Club, the members of Cannock and District Ladies Probus Club, were in awe of what she shared. One tapered, oval item gave amusement when they were asked to guess what it was. Many suggestions were made yet no one was correct because of its shape but it was a small ‘etui’ an exquisite case, fitted with scissors, bodkin, and a thimble. 

Retired or Semi-Retired, professional or business ladies meet 1^st Thurs each month at Chase Golf Club, 12 noon, to share meal, fellowship and Speakers with Outings and other Activities. New members are welcome: Annual membership is only £16 and two course lunch £22. Further information contact: Membership Secretary, Barbara on 01889 882 166 or Chairman Anne 01922 418