As a county-born historian and author, I have long had a fascination for the Great War which is another name for the First World War of 1914-18. And I have spent 15 long years researching the Women’s Land Army, to me a particularly fascinating aspect of the Great War.

The result is my book ‘Voices from the Great War Women’s Land Army' discovering interesting and hitherto unknown stories relating to the 56 recipients of highest honour that could be awarded to its members.

The bravery on display relates to this county and beyond – each recipient is listed, along with the details that demonstrate their individual devotion to duty or a daring deed that resulted in recognition – and I am so pleased that my book has recently been published by military publishers Pen and Sword.

I have become a well-known, established speaker who gives illustrated talks on aspects of the Great War, I currently deliver three illustrated talks which are informative, lively, interactive and thought-provoking. Each illustrated talk features the role that Northamptonshire played and/or links to people that have been largely forgotten about in the intervening century.

I am often told by people at the talks that they had no idea that these things took place, hence the importance of bringing these more neglected areas of local and national history to audiences.

I always try to pinpoint something quirky and unusual in the hope that audiences are captivated by the content as so much of it is totally fresh to them.

My deep love of the land and countryside and of the old traditions and customs passed down the generations helps me to understand more fully the hard work that was carried out by those that worked on and in it. I am totally dedicated to remembering the legacy left behind by those that served and like nothing better than paying a visit to a church that I have never visited before.

So many centuries of history means that something new is always learnt and I am so proud to share Northamptonshire’s fascinating and often under-stated history to friends that live elsewhere.

Maybe I’ll see you at an illustrated talk soon! If you are interested in coming along, please do feel free to contact me at helenfrost1914@gmail.com or alternatively find me on the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum website’s list of speakers.