Talks

Looking for an interesting speaker?

We know how hard it can be for a programme secretary to find entertaining speakers who are prepared to commit themselves months ahead
– why not try us?
We are John and Jeannette Simpson,a husband and wife team who have been giving talks to various societies for a number of years,
and we are used to making (and keeping!) commitments a year or more ahead.
For most of our talks we bring along objects which can be passed round the group for closer inspection – craft items, models, prints, books, posters, photographs - and even garments which volunteers can try. For some we bring a CD player so that we can play appropriate music, and a data projector and screen where slides are included. For many topics we provide information sheets for the audience to refer to and keep if they wish.
Most of the talks are planned to take about an hour, including questions (which we are happy to deal with at any stage). If your meeting requires a different time scale just let us know as most topics can be adjusted to suit your requirements.
The fee we charge for our talks varies according to the distance we have to travel, and the size of the audience, but we believe our rates are reasonable and in line with what most societies can afford. For 2010 we have held the basic fee at £40 – this covers an audience of up to 40 people (for larger numbers please contact us) - and travel is 25p per mile.

Talks on Japan, Family History and Newfoundland

Our largest group of presentations are about Japan, a country with which we are very familiar. We have taught classes in Japanese language and culture since 1988 and have travelled throughout the country over frequent visits. Japan’s culture is very different from the West, and we always find that audiences enjoy the insight we give into the way of life there.
The following list of Japan-related topics is by no means exhaustive, so if your members are interested in an aspect not mentioned, please ask us – we may well be able to cover it. We have gained a reputation as entertaining speakers, so don’t be afraid to try a talk on one of the more unusual topics!

The Seasons & Festivals of Japan– Introduction to an exotic culture
The best introduction to Japan, as we take you through the year showing the culture and traditions, using artefacts you can handle and pictures (either printouts or projected)

Japanese Style – Beauty in Simplicity
The influence of Zen has produced a uniquely elegant Japanese style which we illustrate through art, clothing, gardens, architecture, and craft items.

In Praise of Shadows - Inside the Traditional Japanese House
Traditional Japanese houses are imbued with beauty, simplicity and calm. Listen to the story of these houses and what makes them so special. Illustrated with books, models and pictures (either printouts or projected)

Japanese Dolls – Miniature Masterpieces
Japan has a long tradition of doll making, and many different styles have evolved over centuries. Handle several beautiful examples of the main types and learn their history. There will be pictures of many others (either printouts or projected) for you to admire.

The Elegance of the Kimono – How it’s made and worn
Gorgeous materials and elegant garments – we bring along a big range of items which you can handle, or even try on, together with books, pictures and many samples of material.

The Geisha – Fact & Fiction
The book & film, Memoirs of a Geisha, have generated a lot of interest in the West. While good entertainment, they are far from showing an accurate picture. In this talk, illustrated with pictures (either printouts or projected), music, artefacts and clothing, we give a glimpse into the real world of the Geisha.

The World’s First Novel – Lady Murasaki at the Emperor’s Court
Histories of the novel usually trace its origins to Europe in the 17th century, but the first real novel was written by a woman 1000 years ago on the other side of the world. We tell the story of this work, and how it sheds light on everyday life at the Japanese court. Illustrated with books, pictures (either printouts or projected) and clothing.

Wives & Courtesans – Women in Japanese Woodblock Prints
Beautiful women in woodblock prints were the “pin-ups” of 18th and 19th century Japan, and the leaders of fashion. See how different artists portrayed them, and find out what a “castle breaker” was! Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (printouts or projected).

The Inspiration for the Impressionists and beyond – Japanese Woodblock Prints
In the late 19th century Japan was an exotic country newly opened up to the West. See how Japanese art, gardens, dress and culture influenced European painters of the time, such as Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh and Klimt. Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (either printouts or projected).

Land of the Gods – The origins of Japan
Every culture has its own creation story, and Japan’s is particularly rich and colourful. Hear tales of gods and goddesses, and see pictures (printed or projected) of the beautiful landscapes where these stories are set, and handle religious artefacts and votive objects.

The World of the Samurai – The warrior class of old Japan
Fearsome warriors with state of the art equipment; cultured men with a strict code of loyalty and honour – hear how these men and their families lived, and how their legacy lives on in the Japan of today. Illustrated with books, artefacts and pictures (printouts or projected).

Strongholds of the Shogun - Japanese Castles
Amazing architecture in beautiful surroundings, see pictures of castles quite different from those in the West and hear about the people who lived there and their adventures.   Illustrated with books, models, artefacts and pictures (either printouts or projected).

Sumo – Sport of the Gods
NOT big fat men pushing each other about but superb athletes keeping alive a tradition over 1000 years old with exciting trials of strength and skill. Illustrated by pictures, books and artefacts you can handle.

1001 Things to do with Bamboo – The plant that could save the planet!
The fastest growing plant, stronger than steel yet infinitely adaptable – a valuable and beautiful renewable resource. Hear how it can house, clothe and feed people, and handle many different types of articles made from it. Illustrated with books, artefacts and pictures (printouts or projected).

Classic Culture or Cats Chorus? – Japanese Traditional Music
Using a different musical system from the West, played on unfamiliar instruments, Japanese music at first sounds strange to our ears, but it encompasses a vast range of styles, and we’re sure you will find a lot to enjoy. Illustrated with models, pictures (printouts or projected) and music (on CDs)

You, too, can holiday in Japan - and it needn’t cost the earth
Many people are deterred from considering Japan as a holiday destination by perceived problems relating to language, food, and cost. We show how you can easily deal with these and have the most memorable holiday of your life. Illustrated with maps, books, pictures (either printouts or projected), music, artefacts and clothing.

Travels in Unknown Japan – memorable experiences off the beaten track
Japan is a country of many islands, but the main tourist trails are all on the main island of Honshu. Here we show you the beauties and wonders of some of the less visited parts of Japan, from frozen Hokkaido to balmy Kyushu, including the homes of the gods, the natures reserves where the tancho cranes gather and the Shōgun’s gold mines

Ghosts and Monsters – folk tales of old Japan
Japan has a very rich heritage of folk lore, and this talk introduces some of the amusing, poignant and downright strange aspects. Includes practical tips on how to identify Japanese ghosts and gremlins, and how to chase devils out of your house!

Another of our special areas is Family History, and there is a growing interest, fuelled by TV programmes, in knowing more about our ancestors. We have successfully traced our own roots back to Tudor times and beyond.
This research has taken us throughout the UK, to the USA and Canada, and frequently to Newfoundland, (where we found that their history and culture is celebrated in wonderful folk songs). We have taught classes on using computers and the Internet for family history research and have extensively studied the way of life of our ancestors.   Talks include:

Finding your Forebears – Getting Started with your Family History
The fascination of discovering who our ancestors were and how to get started on the addictive hobby of genealogy. Illustrated with computer-projected slides and information sheets to keep.

Farmers and Illegal Ale Brewers – Devon Life in Tudor Times
Understanding the everyday life of our ancestors adds an extra dimension to family history. From old records we create a vivid picture of village life which rivals any modern TV soap operas! Illustrated with books and pictures (printouts or projected).
NEW   Lords of Bramber – Daily Life in a Norman Castle
The ruined gate-house of Bramber castle still dominates the Adur valley, but what do you know of the man who built it and the people who lived there? Hear the story of a famous Norman family, and share the life of the castle’s occupants. Illustrated with books and pictures (printouts or projected

Newfoundland – its Story in Song
From its re-discovery in 1497 to the social problems of recent times the story of Britain’s oldest colony has been recorded in song. Here we tell that story, illustrated with CD’s of catchy and often amusing folk music, while you look at pictures of the glorious scenery of the island or sing along from the lyric sheets provided.

Here's to the Women of Newfoundland – pioneering partners
Just as with the early settlers, the modern fishermen of Newfoundland were dependent on their wives and mothers to keep the home and provide for the family during their long absences. The success of the colony is due in no small part to their efforts, and the island’s folk singers have paid them homage in songs which are sometimes moving, sometimes tinged with wry Newfie humour, but always captivating. See the pictures, listen to the music (from CDs) and sing along if you wish.

We do hope that some of these topics may be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to email us for further information on any of these subjects, or to explore the possibility of other topics.

Return to MCW home page    Return to Sussex Japan Society home page

Our largest group of presentations are about Japan, a country with which we are very familiar. We have taught classes in Japanese language and culture since 1988 and have travelled throughout the country over frequent visits. Japan’s culture is very different from the West, and we always find that audiences enjoy the insight we give into the way of life there. The following list of Japan-related topics is by no means exhaustive, so if your members are interested in an aspect not mentioned, please ask us – we may well be able to cover it. We have gained a reputation as entertaining speakers, so don’t be afraid to try a talk on one of the more unusual topics!
The Seasons & Festivals of Japan– Introduction to an exotic culture The best introduction to Japan, as we take you through the year showing the culture and traditions, using artefacts you can handle and pictures (either printouts or projected) Japanese Style – *Beauty in Simplicity* The influence of Zen has produced a uniquely elegant Japanese style which we illustrate through art, clothing, gardens, architecture, and craft items. In Praise of Shadows - Inside the Traditional Japanese House Traditional Japanese houses are imbued with beauty, simplicity and calm. Listen to the story of these houses and what makes them so special. Illustrated with books, models and pictures (either printouts or projected) Japanese Dolls – Miniature Masterpieces Japan has a long tradition of doll making, and many different styles have evolved over centuries. Handle several beautiful examples of the main types and learn their history. There will be pictures of many others (either printouts or projected) for you to admire. The Elegance of the Kimono – How it’s made and worn Gorgeous materials and elegant garments – we bring along a big range of items which you can handle, or even try on, together with books, pictures and many samples of material. The Geisha – Fact & Fiction The book & film, Memoirs of a Geisha, have generated a lot of interest in the West. While good entertainment, they are far from showing an accurate picture. In this talk, illustrated with pictures (either printouts or projected), music, artefacts and clothing, we give a glimpse into the real world of the Geisha. The World’s First Novel – Lady Murasaki at the Emperor’s Court Histories of the novel usually trace its origins to Europe in the 17th century, but the first real novel was written by a woman 1000 years ago on the other side of the world. We tell the story of this work, and how it sheds light on everyday life at the Japanese court. Illustrated with books, pictures (either printouts or projected) and clothing. Wives & Courtesans – Women in Japanese Woodblock Prints Beautiful women in woodblock prints were the “pin-ups” of 18th and 19th century Japan, and the leaders of fashion. See how different artists portrayed them, and find out what a “castle breaker” was! Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (printouts or projected). The Inspiration for the Impressionists and beyond – Japanese Woodblock Prints In the late 19th century Japan was an exotic country newly opened up to the West. See how Japanese art, gardens, dress and culture influenced European painters of the time, such as Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh and Klimt. Illustrated with books, prints and pictures (either printouts or projected).	Land of the Gods – The origins of Japan Every culture has its own creation story, and Japan’s is particularly rich and colourful. Hear tales of gods and goddesses, and see pictures (printed or projected) of the beautiful landscapes where these stories are set, and handle religious artefacts and votive objects. The World of the Samurai – The warrior class of old Japan Fearsome warriors with state of the art equipment; cultured men with a strict code of loyalty and honour – hear how these men and their families lived, and how their legacy lives on in the Japan of today. Illustrated with books, artefacts and pictures (printouts or projected). Strongholds of the Shogun - *Japanese Castles* Amazing architecture in beautiful surroundings, see pictures of castles quite different from those in the West and hear about the people who lived there and their adventures. Illustrated with books, models, artefacts and pictures (either printouts or projected). Sumo – Sport of the Gods NOT big fat men pushing each other about but superb athletes keeping alive a tradition over 1000 years old with exciting trials of strength and skill. Illustrated by pictures, books and artefacts you can handle. 1001 Things to do with Bamboo – The plant that could save the planet! The fastest growing plant, stronger than steel yet infinitely adaptable – a valuable and beautiful renewable resource. Hear how it can house, clothe and feed people, and handle many different types of articles made from it. Illustrated with books, artefacts and pictures (printouts or projected). Classic Culture or Cats Chorus? – Japanese Traditional Music Using a different musical system from the West, played on unfamiliar instruments, Japanese music at first sounds strange to our ears, but it encompasses a vast range of styles, and we’re sure you will find a lot to enjoy. Illustrated with models, pictures (printouts or projected) and music (on CDs) You, too, can holiday in Japan - and it needn’t cost the earth Many people are deterred from considering Japan as a holiday destination by perceived problems relating to language, food, and cost. We show how you can easily deal with these and have the most memorable holiday of your life. Illustrated with maps, books, pictures (either printouts or projected), music, artefacts and clothing. Travels in Unknown Japan – memorable experiences off the beaten track Japan is a country of many islands, but the main tourist trails are all on the main island of Honshu. Here we show you the beauties and wonders of some of the less visited parts of Japan, from frozen Hokkaido to balmy Kyushu, including the homes of the gods, the natures reserves where the tancho cranes gather and the Shōgun’s gold mines Ghosts and Monsters – folk tales of old Japan Japan has a very rich heritage of folk lore, and this talk introduces some of the amusing, poignant and downright strange aspects. Includes practical tips on how to identify Japanese ghosts and gremlins, and how to chase devils out of your house!
Another of our special areas is Family History, and there is a growing interest, fuelled by TV programmes, in knowing more about our ancestors. We have successfully traced our own roots back to Tudor times and beyond. This research has taken us throughout the UK, to the USA and Canada, and frequently to Newfoundland, (where we found that their history and culture is celebrated in wonderful folk songs). We have taught classes on using computers and the Internet for family history research and have extensively studied the way of life of our ancestors. Talks include:
Finding your Forebears – Getting Started with your Family History The fascination of discovering who our ancestors were and how to get started on the addictive hobby of genealogy. Illustrated with computer-projected slides and information sheets to keep. Farmers and Illegal Ale Brewers – Devon Life in Tudor Times Understanding the everyday life of our ancestors adds an extra dimension to family history. From old records we create a vivid picture of village life which rivals any modern TV soap operas! Illustrated with books and pictures (printouts or projected). **NEW Lords of Bramber – Daily Life in a Norman Castle** The ruined gate-house of Bramber castle still dominates the Adur valley, but what do you know of the man who built it and the people who lived there? Hear the story of a famous Norman family, and share the life of the castle’s occupants. Illustrated with books and pictures (printouts or projected	Newfoundland – its Story in Song From its re-discovery in 1497 to the social problems of recent times the story of Britain’s oldest colony has been recorded in song. Here we tell that story, illustrated with CD’s of catchy and often amusing folk music, while you look at pictures of the glorious scenery of the island or sing along from the lyric sheets provided. Here's to the Women of Newfoundland – pioneering partners Just as with the early settlers, the modern fishermen of Newfoundland were dependent on their wives and mothers to keep the home and provide for the family during their long absences. The success of the colony is due in no small part to their efforts, and the island’s folk singers have paid them homage in songs which are sometimes moving, sometimes tinged with wry Newfie humour, but always captivating. See the pictures, listen to the music (from CDs) and sing along if you wish.
We do hope that some of these topics may be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to email us for further information on any of these subjects, or to explore the possibility of other topics.