Speaker’s Name: Helen Frost

Speaker's Name	Helen Frost
Are you an Individual or represent an Organisation / Company?	Individual
Email	Email
Telephone / Mobile Number	Mobile number: 07986 536277
Would you be able to present In Person, via Zoom or either?	In Person
What equipment do you need to be provided by hosts? eg Screen, laptop, projector	I have my own laptop, projector, leads etc. I require a screen or a blank wall to project my slides onto and two or three long tables to put my laminated displays on that accompany my illustrated talks. I can bring along additional items such as a reproduction Women’s Land Army uniform and pull up banner which really complement the illustrated talk itself. If a hand held microphone could be provided that is often useful too. I am more than happy to provide suitable photographs should a group require them for further information or publicity. Thank you.
Any travel restrictions? Such as Time or Distance	Once a booking enquiry has been received a decision is made thereafter as to whether the distance is viable.
What are the charges? Such as Travel Expenses, Charge for talk.	My fee is £80. Travel costs are only calculated once the destination of the venue is known.
Speaker's Biography	I am an individual who delivers illustrated talks to a range of different groups, history groups and societies, Rotary, PROBUS, WFA, farming groups, WIs etc. With each illustrated talk, I can bring along some additional items, (upon request) such as laminated photographs which can be laid out on tables, a mannequin with a reproduction Great War Women's Land Army uniform on and contemporary facsimile documents and other items. I can supply photographs of these all set up in a venue should any group require them.

Title	Duration	Summary
The Women’s Land Army during the First World War.	1 hour	Be enthralled by this new army doing their National Service; one that made such an incredible contribution to the war effort at home, but that have, in the intervening decades been all but forgotten. The pioneering Women's Land Army of the Great War years aimed to recruit women largely from wealthier backgrounds for the first time although this was not always the case! For the many women who worked in mainly towns and cities in well-paid jobs or didn't work at all prior to the war, they were strongly encouraged to come and work on the land, (often for the first time) in large numbers. The years 1914-1918/19 however, gave women from all classes in all counties and regions of Britain opportunities that were simply unthinkable of before the Great War. Officially formed in February 1917, the women that eventually went on to join the Women's Land Army during the First World War enabled vital food production to continue on the Home Front. Their efforts attempted to fill the enormous void left by men who had gone to serve overseas; men who had previously worked in farming and agriculture. The chief purpose of the Great War Women's Land Army was to stave off the very real threat of starvation to the British population by turning more land over to cultivation whilst continuing to farm existing land. This threat to food supply was caused by the devastating impact German U-boat attacks had on Allied merchant shipping. From its infancy, pre-1917 through to its peak and subsequent demobilisation, this illustrated talk will take any audience on a captivating journey of the history of this rather neglected aspect of the First World War's history right from when the earliest branches of the Forage Corps and Forestry/Timber sections were set up right up until it was 'officially' formed in February/March 1917. Then finally, right the way through to November 30th 1919 when it was officially demobilised.
Keeping Faith at the Front during the First World War.	1 hour	Some people had a faith and some did not - so how did the men and women who served in the Great War cope with the constant mental and physical strain that years of war perpetuated? So many cultures and faiths came together to serve. So many different nationalities served together. The Great War was truly a shared history. This illustrated talk focuses on two particular aspects: Firstly, the extraordinary and unusual true stories and accounts of the unarmed chaplains and how they not only took and delivered ministry and faith to the soldiers and nurses at the front lines during the Great War but also how many went far beyond their calling to deliver kindness, reassurance and care during their service. Many were awarded medals for their bravery. Secondly, there are also true stories and first-hand accounts told by the people that served their country and kept faith, (in a non-religious sense) who trusted in each other during these terrible years of war. Stories of simple, heart-warming acts of kindness given during times of immense stress. Acts that eased the suffering and nerves shattered by the horrors of war. It is a fascinating, thought-provoking, inspiring, funny and yet incredibly moving illustrated talk.
When the landships came to town: What happened during a typical ‘Tank Week’ in WW1?	1 hour	This illustrated talk is about the incredible story of the 'Tank Banks' which aimed to raise as much money for the war effort through investments in War Bonds and War Savings Certificates. This talk will take any audience on a whirlwind journey as they find out about the excitement the tanks whipped up as they visited towns and cities all over the country. The atmosphere of 'tank fever' will be recreated with the assistance of vivid contemporary accounts and music. What were the final totals raised? Can the audience match the towns and cities to the totals that were raised? There are sure to be some surprises as they test themselves! They will have the chance to pit their wits in the true or false quiz, learning weird and wonderful things about Tank Weeks. What else happened during Tank Week and who took part in them? What was the money spent on? What was the return of interest for investors? Audiences will see the fascinating spin-offs and merchandising that was sold to promote Tank Weeks too. There are SO many quirky and unusual stories connected to this initiative and plenty of opportunities for groups to engage in the subject. They will be hooked by the stories of Drake, Egbert, Iron Ration, Julian, Nelson and Ole Bill! Are you ready to invest in this fun, informative and fact-filled illustrated talk?
Convalescing at a country house during the First World War. Please note: This illustrated talk is available to book now but will only be delivered from May 2026 onwards.	1 hour	This illustrated talk describes and brings to life, (as much as it is possible to do so) what it was actually like to convalesce in a country house, (such as Cottesbrooke Hall in Northamptonshire). What illnesses, injuries and cases were treated in these country houses? Where were they located in Northamptonshire? What social activities were provided for the men? My illustrated talk has uncovered wonderful stories of courage and dedication from staff and patients alike and funny stories of what else took place in these houses to help men recover from their physical injuries as well as try to begin to heal the mental scars caused by war. It is a heartwarming and interesting illustrated talk, full of surprises and is moving and funny in equal measure too!