A way with words
Make yourself comfortable and enjoy a captivating talk from a seasoned Blue Badge speaker.
Whether it's a virtual exploration of one of our guided walks, a peek inside Sussex stately homes and gardens, or a light-hearted discussion on the quirks and charms of South East life, each talk is meticulously researched, confidently delivered, and always entertaining.
Known for her creative use of visual aids, audience rapport and infectious enthusiasm that brings each topic to life, a talk from Frances promises to inform and entertain!
The following is just a sample selection. If there is a specific subject you are interested in, please contact Frances.
A History of Gardens in South East England
Two thousand years of gardening! Delightful illustrations of some of the country’s most beautiful gardens plus stories about where some of our most popular plants came from and who collected them. Find out about the greatest garden designers and what inspired them.
Portsmouth Harbour and the Three Ships
Why did the Mary Rose sink? What did the men in Nelson’s navy have for lunch? How much did a Second Class Boy earn on the Warrior? Find the answers to these and many other questions in the talk which also takes you through the history of this Royal dockyard.
The Greatest Treasure House in England?
The owners of Petworth House have been art collectors for over five hundred years. Turner, Blake, Van Dyke, Lely and Reynolds, to name but a few painters. Antique statues plus specially commissioned works grace the sculpture gallery. But what about the people who lived here? Who was the wizard Earl? How did the 3rd Earl spend his time? This talk will educate and entertain you.
South East Scenery
Coast, countryside, castles and gardens. Revive old memories and discover new places with this gentle tour around our glorious county.
Guided Walks From The Comfort Of Your Chair
The most relaxing and “green” guided walk you will ever take - as well as the easiest! Please choose a town from my list of guided walks.
Sussex Writers
Rudyard Kipling, AA Milne, Virginia Woolf, John Goldsworthy, EF Benson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We are very lucky to have such a galaxy of stars who chose Sussex as their home. Choose one or two and find out a little more about them.
Commentary only.
The Olympics, Ancient and Modern
Find out about the history of the Games. Who won the tennis in 1896? What did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and EF Benson have to do with the 1908 Games? Please also see my guided tour to the Olympic Park.
Commentary only.
The Great Plant-Hunters
Learn a little more about the men responsible for introducing many of our favourite garden plants. Who was a spy? Who was trampled to death by cattle? What trials and tribulations did they suffer? Which plants did they find?
Follow Me, I Think I Know Where We’re Going!
A look at the training to become a tourist guide, what to expect when you start out and amusing experiences.
Families, Friends and Foreigners
A light-hearted look at twenty years of running a bed and breakfast business. What it’s like sharing a home with total strangers, the extraordinary things that guests do and say plus the lowdown on tourist board inspectors!
Commentary only.