Neil is a successful author with 70 published books. As well as his own works, he’s also a “ghost writer”. His clients include an American showbiz legend, an England legendary cricketer, a famous actor, a decorated soldier, an England football manager and a man who turned his family’s bakery into Britain’s biggest fast-food chain. There are also less celebrated men and women who have achieved remarkable things.

A hugely engaging storyteller and award-winning speaker, Neil has entertained audiences at every type of occasion - corporate events, conferences, festivals, luncheon clubs, dinners and banquets - throughout the UK and right across the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

His talk “The Ghostwriter” gives us privileged glimpses into the hidden worlds of his ghostwriting clients, including some very famous names and some ‘ordinary people achieving extraordinary things’, and also reveals the truth behind one of the most earth-shattering events

Christmas Party and quiz

The speaker is our friend, Ian Gray, who was our former Chair and leads many of our discos. It will include our normal favourites, a raffle, Christmas jumper competition and performances from some of our groups. As always, bookings will have to be made in advance.

Apply via the webpage or contact Hilary by telephone 01733265769 or online at events@peterborough.org.uk

Requested by members to return following successful visit a few years ago. They will discuss money matters of all kinds.

Bharat Patel was one of the first Asian reporters on British radio and TV. His family left India for Zambia and then migrated to England. By the age of eight, he had lived on three continents and arrived in Leicester armed with just a few words of English. A teacher told him that Indians always speak with their teeth clenched, whereas the English speak with their mouths open and enunciate. This advice helped him to get a job at the BBC at a time when accents of any sort - Indian or Brummie or Geordie - were frowned upon.

My talk begins with me leaving school . . .
I talk about how my career began as a chef and hotel manager.
My 17 years working the oil rigs in the North Sea.
Followed by operating projects in Algeria & Nigeria..
My time in Kazakhstan & Russia was particularly exciting.
Not to mention the most dangerous place of all . . . Baghdad.
My career culminated in Dubai where I ran an oil services company.
The talk is full of interest, anecdotes, humour, and inspiration.

Rob Brewer had been a Supporting Artist (more commonly known as a TV/Film Extra) for 8 years

in retirement. He will explain how got involved in the industry, (a chance visit to his local library)

and some of the films and TV shows that he’s appeared on. From Hollywood Blockbusters, Low

Budget Films, TV Soaps, a musical and even a couple of adverts.

He will open up the intriguing world of a TV Extra and explain how anyone can