Talk Reviews

"Well what an evening you gave us last night. The feedback was tremendous - it was so informative, interesting and entertaining - thank you so much once again.”

Helen Lewis, Whitchurch Hampshire WI (Feb 2024)

Marjory Stark from the Scottish Women's Timber Corps laying in with the axe at Bowmont, 1944/5

Lumberjills Talks

Joanna Foat is available for public talks on The Lumberjills at corporate events, festivals, schools, colleges & Women's Institute meetings. She has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour, BBC South Today, the BBCs Great British Menu and Channel 5's Walking Wartime Britain. Please get in touch if you would like to invite Joanna to talk, please visit the contact page.

Upcoming dates

11^th March 2026 – Claygate WI, Surrey

31st March 2026 - Forestside WI, Southampton

9th April 2026 - North Waltham WI, Basingstoke

13^th April 2026 – Woking History Society, Surrey

14th April 2026 - Fairlands WI, Surrey

18th April 2026 - Hart Group WI, Surrey

11th May 2026 - Hampton Ladies Probus Group, Middlesex

Past Talks

25^thSeptember 2025 – Bordon Belles WI, Hampshire

23rd October 2025 - Guildford Book Festival, Surrey

14^thOctober 2025 – Bransgore WI, Hampshire

16^thOctober 2025 – Whitchurch WI, Hampshire

5^thNovember 2025 – Basingstoke WI, Hampshire

8^thJanuary 2026 – Hook and Chessington WI, Surrey

14th January 2026 - Cranleigh WI, Horsham

10th February 2026 - Ashurst Wood Historians, East Grinstead

12th February 2026 - Cobham Cedar Club WI, Cobham

23rd February 2026 - Ladies Wessex Network, Hampshire

4^thMarch 2026 – Ladies Everton Group, Hampshire

"Thank you so much for coming over to Long Sutton last week and entertaining our WI with your interesting and amusing talk on the Lumberjills. You certainly got a big tick from all of us. Rest assured those amazing women will not be forgotten by this WI. With best wishes."

Mary Lou Warren, Long Sutton WI

More Reviews

“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk today, absolutely brilliant. I’d like to think that I would have been a lumberjill all those years ago. I learnt so much; at 68 I can’t believe I’ve never heard any of this story. Quite honestly, if you are speaking again in the area I have friends that would love to go.

continued...

... “How sad that it’s almost swept under the carpet, and should be absolutely talked about in junior schools upwards. Anyway well done you, your passion and enthusiasm was very contagious. I wanted to buy your book but as with WI we all talk and socialise and time goes quickly. So I have managed to order it online. Please keep doing what you do, it was so interesting.”

Sue, Worplesdon WI

Lumberjill laying in with an axe. Journal of the Forestry Commission, no. 36, 1968-69, plate 3.

Women's Timber Corps planting trees at Kielder Forest

Lumberjills felling trees in the Women's Timber Corps at Alice Holt Forest

Joyce Elizabeth Gaster, one of Lumberjills at Alice Holt Forest, driving a caterpillar tractor during haulage work

Discover the Inspiring Stories of the Lumberjills

Engage with History Through Talks and Lectures

Join Joanna Foat, acclaimed author and expert on the Lumberjills, as she brings to life the untold stories of the Women's Timber Corps during WWII. Through captivating narratives and in-depth research, her talks illuminate the significant contributions these incredible women made to Britain's war effort.

Book a Private Talk:

Are you looking for a unique and educational addition to your next event? Joanna Foat is available for private talks and workshops tailored to schools, universities, community groups, and corporate events. Discover the power of these stories to inspire, educate, and resonate with diverse audiences.

Customisable Topics
- Each talk can be tailored to the interests and needs of your audience, ensuring a relevant and engaging experience.
Interactive Sessions
- Our talks include Q&A sessions, interactive discussions, and detailed presentations, enriched with historical artefacts, photographs and film.

To book Joanna Foat for a talk or to enquire about scheduling and fees, please visit our Contact Page. We look forward to bringing these compelling historical stories to your audience.

Thank you for your interest in our talks. Join us to explore and celebrate the legacy of the Lumberjills and their mark on history.

Joanna Foat

Celebrating Women in History

LASTING LEGACY OF THE LUMBERJILLS

‘Many of the Lumberjills I met were upset that they had not been recognised for their contribution to the war, so I wanted to make sure they were remembered. Now their incredible feats of physical and mental endurance and stories inspire women today. Given the freedom and opportunity to work together out in the forest, the Lumberjills became very strong and were a huge success.’

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