nonnyjames.com

Go straight to Gigs

ABOUT!!

Someone asked me for a CV the other day. How do you write curriculum vitae when you've been self-employed since you were nineteen? I shall attempt a potted history intead.

EDUCATION: Private school for girls where I spent most of my time writing "I must not talk after the silence bell" very quickly and very often. I also spent quite a lot of time in detention for either talking after the silence bell or making people laugh. I now earn a meagre living talking and making people laugh.

FURTHER EDUCATION: I had to support myself from seventeen years old as my parents left home! Completed a two-year secretarial course in one year, graduating with R.S.A. Stage 3 in Shorthand (150wpm) and Typing (90wpm).

WORK EXPERIENCE: Aha! This is ridiculously varied due to my low boredom threshold. I did have a proper job for two years as a Private Secretary but I didn't really like it.

Having been brought up with horses and dogs, I managed to gain a British Horse Society A.I. qualification and I also possess a Diploma in Horse Psychology. I had a business training young or unruly horses, and I also had a riding school. When the bottom fell out of the horse market in the 70s, I retrained as a Canine Beautician in London. I had a very successful dog grooming (and dog products) business for 13 years.

Then the baby came along.......

I realise at this point that I forgot to mention music! I was classically trained and have Grade 8 piano and Grade 8 theory of music....BUT I love blues/jazz/folk rock, etc., and song writing. I have been a performer (part time and full time) for nearly 40 years.

BBC: I was actually discovered by my local radio station in 1989 and invited to become a specialist music producer/presenter. There followed 18 years as a freelance (I turned down the offer of a BBC contract) producer and presenter of news, magazine, arts, and 'alternative' programmes. In addition, 300 applicants applied to present a short series of early morning Radio 2 shows. Peartree Productions asked me to be their presenter and we were successful in our bid. I have also had features on Radio 4 and Radio 5 (as it was then).

WRITING: I love it. As a full-time musician and entertainer, I have time to tap away at the computer during the day. I love people and I love words.

TEACHING: I forgot to mention the 5 years I spent teaching 'short people' (3-11 year olds). If you want to know more, then you'll have to come to one of my gigs!!! I've said enough already.

BLOGGING!

Sorry but I'm really not into facebook and twitter, etc., but I do like writing/blogging. If you'd like to join in then please visit nonnyjames.wordpress.com. Apologies for the old stuff in there at the moment. Let's get communicating!

RALPH!

Ralph (the dog!) now has his own blog at
www.ralph-o-blog.blogspot.com

MAD SUE - WHERE ARE YOU?

These things just happen sometimes and I need your help
I moved several times and she moved several times and now my best friend and I have lost touch. I used to own a dog grooming salon in Worcester and SUE HEMMING (I can't remember her maiden name unfortunately) was the first person I employed. This was in the 70s/80s. Her nicname was 'Snooks'. She married ROGER HEMMING but they divorced. We became firm friends because we are both bonkers and kept in touch after she left THE DOG SHOP in The Butts, Worcester, to have babies. She lived in Malvern and moved to Ledbury - but I lost touch soon after that. (2002/3?). If this rings any bells, please alert her to this announcement. My contact details are all on this website. Thank you.

FRETWORK AND THE AGEIST AUNTY!

If you are a Fretwork fan then you will have noticed that I have gone. This is because I have finally had enough of a/ a campaign of bullying and ageism and b/ because I no longer wish to work for a corporation that treats people so badly (and not just me - oh no!). If you want to know more then please email me (nonny@nonnyjames.com)

RECORDINGS

For details of my CDs please visit the MUSIC page.

GIGS

email for bookings and enquiries

nonny@nonnyjames.com

or call 07809-102494

Thursday 2 September

Music and comedy
7.30pm. St. Michaels Village Hall, Nr. Tenbury Wells
Tickets/info from Jill on 01584-811389

Monday 6 September

Music and comedy
7.30pm. St.Nicholas Church Hall, Swindon Lane, Cheltenham
Tickets/info from Gwen on 01242-529019

Wednesday 8 September

2.30pm. Music and comedy
Kington, Herefordshire
Venue details/tickets/info from Rosemary on 01544-230986

7.30pm. Music and comedy
Uley Village Hall, Nr. Stroud
Tickets/info from Barbara on 01453-860494

Thursday 9 September

7.30pm. Music and comedy
Haytons Bent Village Hall, Nr. Ludlow
Tickets/info from Rosemary on 01584-875615

Thursday 16 September

7.30pm. Music and comedy
Duntisbourne Abbots Village Hall, Glos
Tickets/info from Louise on 01285-652917

Monday 20 September

Absolutely no gig. Will be sharing this momentous day with my lovely bloke and my wonderful dog in the Gower Penninsula. Momentous because I will be 50-10. Can't bear to say S***y! How did THAT happen? Still 27 in my head!!

Thursday 30 September

Private function for Hasbury & Cradley Rotary

Wednesday 6 October

Private function for Stourbridge and District Tangent

Thursday 7 October

7pm. Music and Comedy
English Bicknor Village Hall
Tickets and info from Maggie on 01594-837834

Tuesday 12 October

7.30pm. Music and Comedy
The Narth Village Hall, Nr. Monmouth
Tickets and info from Jan on 01600-860576

Wednesday 13 October

7.30pm. Music and Comedy
Upleadon Village Hall, Nr. Newent
Tickets and info from mayo@upleadon.freeserve.co.uk

Friday 15 October

8pm. Music and Comedy
Stourbridge and District Scottish Society
No - I'm not Scottish!
The Carlisle Hall, Stourbridge
Tickets and info from Trish on 01384-394464

Tuesday 19 October

7.30pm. Music and Comedy
Woolaston Hall, Nr. Chepstow
Tickets and info from Esme on 01594-529572

Saturday 30 October

7.30pm. Music for a Gala Dinner
A brilliant local one for me. It's at 'No.1' in Bromyard. Words cannot describe the wonder of the food here. It's raising funds for Age Concern and a local festival. Tickets are £20 for a 3-course dinner and I'll be there with my piano singing quality songs for a discerning audience!!
Tickets from Mary on 07723-423354

Details to follow on these gigs:-

Nov 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 26
Dec 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 20