Celebrating women in history
Talks

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

14th May 2025 – Mole Valley Probus, Surrey

15th May 2025 – Bake, Natter and Roll, Farnham, Surrey

19th May 2025 – Bookham Belles WI, Surrey

20th May 2025 – Holbrook Horsham WI, West Sussex

5th June 2025 – Egham WI, Surrey

10th June 2025 – Churt WI, Surrey

11th June 2025 – Women of Washington Group, East Sussex

17th June 2025 – Camberley U3A, Hampshire

23rd June 2025 – Kempshott WI, Hampshire

14th July 2025 – Newbury U3A, Berkshire

29, 30 & 31 July 2025 – New Forest & Hampshire County Show

Past Talks

4th March 2025 - Farnham Ladies Group, Surrey

18th March 2025 - Salterns WI, New Forest, Hampshire

18th March 2025 - Oxshott WI, Surrey

8th April 2025 - Horley Active Retirement Group, Surrey

22nd April 2025 – Danehill History Society, East Sussex


"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.


    Contact Us for Booking:

    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.

    Privacy policy

    OK