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

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...

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 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

20th February 2025 - Chichester U3A, West Sussex

1st March 2025 - Hampshire Coppice Group, Fordingbridge

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

25th April 2025 – Leatherheard Community Association, Surrey

Past Talks

5th February 2025 - Worplesdon WI, Surrey

14th January 2025 - Hersham Evening WI, Surrey

2nd January 2025 - Sway and District Probus Group, Milford-on-Sea

7th December 2024 - Writers Showcase, Carbon Zero, Guildford

28th November 2024 - Milford-on-Sea Historical Records Society, Hampshire

26th October 2024 - The Guildford Institute, Surrey

24th October 2024 - Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Hampshire

20th November 2024 - East Yorkshire Roses Virtual WI, Yorkshire


"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




... “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

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 artifacts, photographs and film.


    Contact Us for Booking:

    To book Joanna Foat for a talk or to inquire 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.