Events

I’m a regular daytime and evening speaker at libraries, local history groups, festivals, conferences and membership clubs and societies (e.g. U3A, Townswomen’s Guilds and the WI). You can scroll down to see my current speaking schedule as well as all my previous events.  If you’d like to come along to any of my talks then just email me and I’ll probably be able to arrange it with the organisers.

If you’d like to book me to speak at your group, library or festival please see my Contact page or email fiona@fionajoseph.com.

For more photos see my ‘Festivals and Talks’ gallery on Pinterest. Or you can read some audience feedback comments.

Forthcoming Talks, Readings and Workshops (2020-2021)

Lichfield U3A, The Guild Hall, Wednesday 8 January 2020, 2 pm

A return visit to this group to talk about Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Solihull Soroptimists, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Thursday 9 January 2020, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

St. Helen’s Church CAMEO group, Wednesday 1 April 2020, 2 pm

A return visit to talk about Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Halesowen U3A, Hasbury Methodist Church, Wednesday 22 April 2020, 10.30 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Gatehouse Theatre, Saturday 25 April 2020

A Creative Writing workshop inspired by tales of the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. More details to come.

An evening with Annie Murray, Carolyn Kirby and Fiona Joseph, Birmingham School of Art, Thursday 30 April, 7.30 pm

Birmingham City University’s Institute of Creative and Critical Writing presents an evening of lively book chat about Birmingham-based historical fiction with Annie Murray, Carolyn Kirby and me. Buy tickets here (all proceeds go toward the charity CRISIS).

Maney Probus Group, Sutton Coldfield, Wednesday 20 May 2020, 11.30 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury

Quinborne Garden Club, Thursday 25 June 2020, 10.15 am

A talk on the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire

Lichfield Civic Society, Tuesday 15 September 2020, 7.45 pm

A talk on the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire.

Catholic Women’s League, Olton Friary, Thursday 17 September 2020, 7.30 pm

A return visit to talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Solihull Central U3A, Solihull Methodist Church, Thursday 10 December 2020, 10 am

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Lichfield U3A, The Guild Hall, Wednesday 13 October 2021, 2 pm

Subject to be decided.

Past Events 2019

Library of Birmingham Archives, Saturday 23 November 2019, all day

As part of Archives Week I ran a day-long Creative Writing workshop (working with Archives & Collections Manager, Corinna Rayner) with the theme: ‘Politics, Power & People: How did Birmingham’s people gain & use the vote?’ We used archival material specially selected by the People’s Heritage Co-operative as a springboard to writing creatively. Read a participant’s write-up of the event here.

Ladies Luncheon Club, Crowne Plaza, Solihull, Monday 11 November 2019, midday

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1. Lovely lunch and conversation with this group.

Castle Bromwich U3A, Arden Hall, Wednesday 30 October 2019, 1.45 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A very friendly and welcoming U3A group.

Selly Manor, Bournville, Wednesday 3 October 2019, 7 pm

A return visit to give a Heritage Talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1. So fabulous to be back in the Bournville heartland – thank you Daniel!

Ipsley WI, Winyates Green Community Centre, Redditch, Wednesday 11 September 2019, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Thanks to this WI group for a very warm welcome.

Sutton Coldfield U3A, Sutton Coldfield URC, Thursday 27 June 2019, 10 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Great community venue and an excellent group.

Dorridge U3A, Thursday 20 June 2019, 2 pm

A return visit to this group to talk about Cadbury women workers in WW1. It was good to visit this group again.

Acocks Green Primary School, Monday 4 March 2019, 9-11 am

A talk on being an author for the school’s Aspirations Week. So pleased to be able to talk to the pupils at the school where I also serve as a governor!

Four Oaks Methodist Monday Fellowship, Four Oaks Methodist Church, Monday 25 February 2019, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A really lovely fellowship group – thank you for the welcome!

Lichfield U3A, The Guild Hall, Wednesday 9 January 2019, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a huge and very well-organised U3A group in a beautiful setting.

Quinborne Garden Club, Thursday 25 June 2020, 10.15 am

A talk on the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire

Past Events 2018

Quinborne Garden Club, Thursday 15 November 2018, 10.15 am

MOVED TO 8 NOVEMBER. Wonderful to return to this friendly group to talk about Comforts for the Troops (Cadbury women workers in WW1) for the last talk of 2018.

Southam Book Festival, Sunday 30 September 2018, 2-5 pm

Talk on ‘Cadbury women workers in World War One’ to the very first Southam Book Festival. The wonderful organisation and friendly stall holders made this a thoroughly enjoyable day. Already looking forward to next year!

Library of Birmingham Archives, Friday 14 September 2018, all day

As part of Birmingham Heritage week I ran a free day-long Creative Writing workshop using archives related to WW1 (working with Archives & Collections Manager, Corinna Rayner). Events details archived here. Corinna and I were both amazed at the quality of the written work produced and some of it will be showcased on The Iron Room blog.

Tanworth-in-Arden WI, Monday 10 September 2018, 7.30 pm

Talk on ‘More than chocolate bars and knitted socks: The role of Cadbury women workers in World War One’. A lovely and very welcoming WI group doing important campaigning work.

Balsall Heath and Moseley WI, Sunday 9 September 2018, 3 pm

Talk on ‘More than chocolate bars and knitted socks: The role of Cadbury women workers in World War One’. A fabulous way to spend a Sunday afternoon with this vibrant WI group. Plenty of tea and cake, too.

Hollywood WI, Wednesday 5 September 2018, 8 pm

A real pleasure to make a return visit to this warm and friendly group to talk about Comforts for the Troops (Cadbury women workers in WW1).

Balsall Common U3A, Thursday 5 July 2018, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to an active, well-run U3A group.

Quinton Local History Society, Tuesday 12 June 2018, 7.30 pm

An after-dinner talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a very friendly history society. It was a pleasure to be guest speaker.

Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy & Heraldry, The Methodist Centre Bromsgrove, Tuesday 8 May 2018, 7.45 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a very active and knowledgable group.

Moseley Royal Air Forces Association, Wednesday 2 May 2018, 12 midday

A talk on Comforts for the Troops (Cadbury women workers in WW1) to a very warm and welcoming association. Great lunch too.

Royal Rose Luncheon Club, Sutton Coldfield, Tuesday 1 May 2018, 12.30 pm

An after-lunch talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a lively and convivial group of ladies.

Birmingham Literature Festival, The Rep STUDIO, Sunday 29th April, 3-4 pm

A sheer pleasure to interview novelist Salley Vickers to mark the launch of her brilliant new book, The Librarian.

Codsall Ladies Group, The Parish Rooms, Tuesday 10 April 2018, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a lovely, caring group of ladies, who made sure I was able to catch the train back to Brum.

Elizabethan Luncheon Club, Moor Hall Hotel, Monday 19 March 2018, 2 pm

An after-lunch talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Britwell Townswomens Guild, Britwell Methodist Church, Tuesday 13 February 2018, 7.30 pm

Lovely to return to this friendly group to talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Ladies 232 Circle, Aston Wood Golf Club, Thursday 18 January 2018, 7 pm

A very convivial evening sharing Beatrice Cadbury’s story with the ladies.

Lickey Hills Local History Society, Lickey Church Parish Hall, Tuesday 16 January 2018, 7.30 pm

A very welcoming and knowledgeable group. A pleasure to talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Barston U3A, Tuesday 9 January 2018, 2.30 pm

Kicking off the new year with a talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a very friendly and well-organised group.

Past Events 2017

Gunmakers Arms, Birmingham, Tuesday 28 November 2017, 7 pm

A Historical Talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1, which took place in the actual brewery! Great audience and a lovely venue to finish this season of talks.

Kings Norton History Society, Saint Nicholas’ Place, Monday 27 November 2017

A return visit to this warm and friendly group to talk about the life of Beatrice Cadbury.

Droitwich Spa U3A, Norbury Theatre, Monday 20 November 2017, 2.30 pm

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 to mark Armistice Week. A terrific venue and I met so many interesting people.

Chaddesley Corbett Local History Society, Village Hall, Wednesday 15 November 2017, 7.30 pm

My first (hopefully not the only) time at this wonderful history group speaking about the life of Beatrice Cadbury.

Moving On Club, Solihull, Monday 13 November 2017, 10 am

My second visit to this small group of absolutely lovely ladies to talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Hagley Historical and Field Society, St Saviour’s Church Hall, Tuesday 7 November 2017, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to this friendly and knowledgeable group.

The Creative Library Conference, The Hive, Worcester, Monday 6 November 2017, 9 am to 4 pm

A conference for library staff organised by West Midlands Readers Network. I was pleased to take part in a ‘Meet the Creatives’ session and to chat to many front-line library staff from across the West Midlands region.

Arden (Solihull) U3A, West Midlands Bridge Club, Monday 9 October 2017, 10 am

My second visit to this group to talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1. Terrific welcome and post-talk questions and conversation. Thanks Arden U3A!

Lapworth Supper Club, Copt Heath Golf Club, Wednesday 4 October 2017

It was a real pleasure to give an after-dinner talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Four Oaks Ladies Friendship Club, Four Oaks Methodist Church, Tuesday 3 October 2017, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to this warm and welcoming ladies group.

Selly Manor, Bournville, Wednesday 13 September 2017, 7 pm

A Heritage Talk on Beatrice Cadbury as part of Heritage Week. Thanks to the hard-working team at Selly Manor Museum it was a sell-out event. Great audience, including two Cadbury descendants.

Christ Church Quinton Ladies Group, Thursday 6 July 2017, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a lovely and friendly ladies group. A very nice end to the summer season of talks.

Shenstone Library, Staffordshire, Saturday 17 June 2017, 11 am

I was honoured to be guest speaker at the launch of the new community-led Shenstone Library. An excellent turn-out from the village and I wish them every success in their endeavours.

National Writers’ Conference 2017, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham, Saturday 10 June 2017, 9.45 am to 4.30 pm

The National Writers’ Conference helps writers of all skill levels to develop their craft. It was great to be on a panel discussing the topic of ‘Making a career of writing’ along with Ian Billings and Cat Weatherill. They were both inspiring to listen to.

Quinborne Garden Club, Thursday 25 May 2017, 10.15 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to this really lovely group. Looking forward to going back there next year!

Kings Norton WI, Cotteridge Quaker Meeting House, Monday 15 May 2017, 7 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury in a very fitting location.

Kings Norton Library Coffee Morning, Friday 12 May 2017, 10.30 – 11.30 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury as part of Talkabout@Kings Norton Library. Very welcoming staff.

Moving On Club, Solihull, Monday 8 May 2017, 10.00 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a very nice group of ladies and I can’t wait to go back in November.

The Bournville Society, Dame Elizabeth Hall, Wednesday 3 May 2017, 8 pm

My second talk to this thriving society in the Bournville heartland on Cadbury women workers in WW1. It was fab to be back and thank you for such a warm and friendly welcome. (I wish I’d taken more books!)

Heart of England WI, Balsall Common, Thursday 13 April 2017, 7.30 pm

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 (plus quiz). The WI ladies were a lot of fun. Thank you.

Inner Wheel Club of Lickey Hills, Monday 10 April 2017, 8.30 pm

An after-dinner talk on Beatrice Cadbury to both the Inner Wheel and Rotarians. A lovely welcome and I was very well looked after.

Goldieslie Club (Bowls, Tennis and Social), Sunday 2 April 2017, 12.30 pm

An after-lunch talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A vibrant group, which has an interesting history and a very bright future.

Hall Green Local History Society, Hall Green Baptist Church, Tuesday 21 March 2017, 7.30 pm

Great to be back speaking to this group about Cadbury women workers in WW1.

Boldmere WI, Tuesday 14 March 2017, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a busy and thriving WI group.

Lichfield Literature Festival 2017, The George Hotel, Saturday 4 March 2017, 10 am

A festival talk on Beatrice Cadbury: The Heiress Who Gave Away Her Fortune. This was a sell-out event thanks to the efforts of the brilliant festival team!

Curdworth WI, Thursday 2 March 2017, 7.45 pm

Second time lucky with this really nice group speaking about Beatrice Cadbury (postponed from 2016).

Bobbington and Kinver Supper Club, Tuesday 28 February 2017

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Another well-organised and highly convivial supper club.

Olton and District U3A, URC Olton, Tuesday 14 February 2017, 1.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. This is a fairly new U3A branch and they are exceptionally friendly and well organised. It was also a pleasure to meet Samantha Mauger, the Chief Executive of the Third Age Trust.

Sutton Coldfield Association of Women Graduates, Monday 16 January 2017, 7.45 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. They are a great organisation aiming to promote educational and economic independence for women.

Britwell Townswomens Guild, URC Hall, Sutton Coldfield, Tuesday 10 January 2017, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lovely group and they have invited me back to talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 next year.

Yardley Local History Group, South Yardley Library, Monday 9 January 2017, 2 pm

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1. My second visit to this fantastic and friendly group.

Past Events 2016

Solihull U3A, Monday 21 November 2016

My second visit to this welcoming group to talk about Cadbury women workers in WW1 and my novel Comforts For The Troops.

Oswestry U3A, Memorial Hall, Tuesday 15 November 2016, 10.30 am

Lovely to be back in Oswestry talking about the life of Beatrice Cadbury.

The Friends of Temple Balsall Annual Lunch, Old Hall, Knowle, Saturday 12 November 2016, 12.30 pm

A very convivial lunch followed by my talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Tuesday Club, Erdington Methodist Church, Tuesday 8 November 2016, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a lovely group.

Kings Norton History Society, Monday 31 October 2016

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 in the stunning Saint Nicolas’ Place.

The Gridiron Club, St Faith & St Laurence Church Harborne, Tuesday 18 October 2016

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 to this friendly group.

Birmingham Literature Festival, Nest (Glenn Howells Architects), Thursday 13 October 2016, 6-7 pm

Utopias. I chaired a discussion with authors Gillian Darley and Jacqueline Yallop about their books on Utopias.

Central TV Pensioners Club, Ladywood Social Club, Wednesday 12 October 2016, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury to a really interesting organisation.

Monday Fellowship, St Andrews Church Barnt Green, Monday 10 October 2016, 2.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Birmingham Literature Festival, Waterstones Birmingham, Sunday 9 October 2016, 2 pm

A Birmingham Literature Festival event to mark the launch of the short story anthology ‘What Haunts The Heart’. I read from my short story, The Last Train To Soller.

BCUK Unconvention 2016, Birmingham Strathallan Hotel, Saturday 24 September 2016

A brilliantly-organised BookCrossing author event. I was delighted to be guest speaking along with author Katharine D’Souza about ‘The Women of Birmingham’. It was lovely to get to know the other guest authors Guy Fraser-Sampson and Simon Michael, as well as publisher Emma Wright of Emma Press. Congrats to the organisers for a wonderful celebration of books and reading all on home turf!

National Army Museum, Royal Marsden Conference Centre, London, Thursday 22 September 2016, 12.30 – 1.30 pm

‘From Fact To Fiction’. I spoke about the background research to my novel Comforts for the Troops for the National Army Museum’s Daytime Talks series. An excellent audience with some terrific questions. Hope to do another one.

Portershill Drive Sheltered Housing Scheme, Wednesday 14 September 2016, 3 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lovely afternoon of nostalgia with tea and biscuits afterwards.

Solihull Blossomfield Townswomen’s Guild, Royal British Legion, Solihull, Thursday 7 July 2016

My second visit to this lovely and welcoming group to talk about Cadbury women workers in WW1 (the inspiration for my novel Comforts For The Troops).

Hollywood WI, Wednesday 6 July 2016, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury with this lively branch of the WI. Great fun.

Hodge Hill WI, Friday 1 July 2016, 2 pm

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1. Some wonderful conversations followed by strawberries and cream.

Blackheath Townswomen’s Guild, Central Methodist Church, Wednesday 22 June 2016, 10.30 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A very welcoming group of ladies and I was sorry not to be able to stay for cake.

Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, Friday 17 June 2016, 7.30 pm

I went back to my old college (where I did A Level Maths) to speak at their Careers Fair about being a writer. I met some great students and the staff are as wonderful as ever.

Catholic Women’s League, Olton Friary, Thursday 16 June 2016, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury in a beautifully historic building. Thank you to the ladies for buying so many books!

Shirley U3A, Thursday 16 June 2016, 2 pm

A talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 (the inspiration for my novel Comforts For The Troops). My second visit to this friendly and well-organised U3A. Looking forward to going back again in the future.

Inner Wheel Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey, Aston Wood Golf Club, Thursday 2 June 2016, 7 pm

An after-dinner talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Lovely food (although the chocolate brownie defeated me!) and terrific company.

Blossomfield U3A, Monday 9 May 2016

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Great to see a number of familiar faces in this group.

Hagley Tangent Club, The Brasserie, Kidderminster, Tuesday 8 March 2016, 7.15 pm

An after-dinner talk on Beatrice Cadbury. This was a lovely night – very welcoming and friendly group.

Silhill Probus Club, Monday 7 March 2016, 2 pm

An after-lunch talk on Cadbury in the First World War. This was my second talk for this men’s business group and I’m looking forward to going back a third time.

Reading Group at Yardley Wood Library, Saturday 5 March 2016, 2 pm

The group chose my novel Comforts For The Troops for their March meeting and we had a very convivial afternoon of insightful book chat, tea and cake! Simply fab. Thank you Dean and co.

Foyles Bookshop Local Author Reception, Grand Central Birmingham, Tuesday 23rd February 2016, 6.30-8 pm

It was lovely to join authors Luke Kennard, Catherine O’Flynn and Mick Scully as we all read extracts from our work and mingled with the audience afterwards. Thank you Foyles and Writing West Midlands for organising this event. Some pics here on my blog.

Ladies Luncheon Club, The Granary, Kidderminster, Wednesday 17 February 2016, 12.30 pm

An after-lunch talk on Cadbury women workers in WW1 with a lovely group of ladies. Great to meet you all!

Solihull Ladies Probus, Hogarths Hotel, Thursday 11 February 2016, 12.30 pm

An after-lunch talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Delicious lunch and some great conversations before and afterwards.

Curdworth WI, Thursday 4 February 2016, 7.45 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. I was unable to get to Curdworth because of major traffic congestion so now rescheduled for Thursday 2 March 2017.

Acocks Green History Society, Acocks Green Library, Tuesday 12 January 2016, 2 pm

Wonderful to be back at AGHS, this time talking about Cadbury women workers in WW1 (the inspiration for my novel Comforts For The Troops).

Past Events 2015

Bournville Community Hub Live Arts Evening, Bournville Village, Tuesday 1 December 2015, 7.45 pm

A lovely evening of conversation with John Dolan OBE about my book on Beatrice Cadbury.

Olton Creative Writing Group (OCWG), Olton Library, Monday 30 November 2015

My third visit to this welcoming and supportive group, this time to talk about the the writing of COMFORTS FOR THE TROOPS. Thank you.

Hagley Free Church Fellowship, Thursday 26 November 2015, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury with a very lively and friendly group.

The Monday Club, Acocks Green Methodist Church, Monday 9 November 2015, 8 pm

Wonderful to be back on home turf to speak about Cadbury women workers in WW1 (the inspiration for my novel Comforts For The Troops)

Solihull Friends R Us, John Palmer Hall, Tuesday 13 October 2015, 2 pm

A wonderful and lively group for my talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Erdington Historical Society, St Barnabas Church Centre, Monday 12 October 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury in the newly-refurbished church centre with state-of-the-art projection facilities. Fantastic.

The Harborne Society, St Mary’s Parish Centre, Wednesday 9 September 2015, 7.30 pm

A terrific turnout for my talk on Beatrice Cadbury and I sold out of books.

Sisterhood Group at Digbeth in the Field URC, Yardley, Tuesday 8 September 2015, 2.30pm

My second visit to this group, this time speaking about Cadbury women workers in WW1 (the inspiration for my novel Comforts For The Troops). Lovely to be back.

Wednesday Ladies Group, St. Peter’s Church, Hall Green, Wednesday 15 July 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. The last talk of the summer season, with plenty of laughter.

Churchill and Blakedown Historical Society, Monday 13 July 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. This is a relatively new history group with some state-of-the-art IT facilities.

Hodge Hill Girls School, Monday 13 July 2015, 10.30 am

An author visit to talk about Beatrice Cadbury and Cadbury women in WW1. Inspiring to meet and spend time with Yr 9 pupils as part of their two-day extra-curricular programme.

Darlaston Library, Thursday 9 July 2015, 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Comforts For The Troops – author talk and signing. Thanks for a great ‘Darlo’ welcome!

Quinton Ladies Group, Tuesday 7 July 2015, 8 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A friendly group of ladies who do great work in their community.

Streetly Library, Wednesday 3 June 2015, 10.00 am to 11.00 am

Comforts For The Troops – author talk and signing. An enjoyable morning with one of the library’s reading groups.

Warwick Library Coffee Morning, Wednesday 1 July 2015, 10.30 am to 12.00 am

Comforts For The Troops – author talk and signing. A fantastic morning with this fun and lively group.

Brownhills Library, Tuesday 19 May 2015, 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Comforts For The Troops – author talk and signing. Very nice to chat and have a laugh with this lively group.

Readers Afternoon at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre, Saturday 16 May 2015, 1-4 pm

A very convivial afternoon in the company of fellow novelists Robert Ronsson and Samantha Hayes as we talked about our reading and writing lives. Author Justina Hart did a splendid job of chairing the panel. Thanks to Dudley Libraries for organising this.

Ludlow Quakers, Ludlow Meeting House, Tuesday 28 April 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Wonderful to be invited to speak at this group on the anniversary of Beatrice Cadbury’s birth.

World Book Night lunch at Impact Hub Birmingham Festival, Thursday 23 April 2015, 1-3 pm

Nikki Bi and I hosted a relaxed afternoon of lunch, book talk and the World Book Night Giveaway. ImpactHub Birmingham is a great place to meet.

Solihull Wives Fellowship, Balsall Common, Tuesday 21 April 2015, 2.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury at a lovely house group.

Silhill Probus Club, Monday 13 April 2015, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury for this men’s Professional Business Group. I had a very warm welcome and a delicious lunch.

Pheasey Library, Thursday 9 April 2015, 10.00 am to 11.00 am

The first of four events for Walsall libraries to mark the launch of my novel Comforts For The Troops. This is the second time I’ve spoken at Pheasey library and it was great to see so many familiar faces.

Hillside @ Alvechurch WI, The Ark, Wednesday 1 April 2015, 8.15 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. This was a very friendly WI group – some great questions and delicious coffee cake afterwards (homemade, of course).

Listeners’ Circle, Solihull Library, Wednesday 25 March 2015

Author talk on Comforts For The Troops. I had a lovely welcome from this group and the librarians, Doreen and Sue. Thank you all.

Hall Green Local History Society, Hall Green Baptist Church, Tuesday 17 March 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Very knowledgeable and friendly local history group.

Mere Green Ladies Club, St James Community Hall, Monday 9 March 2015, 8.15 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A very lively group of women who have invited me back to talk on Cadbury workers in WW1.

Shirley U3A, Shirley Methodist Church, Thursday 19 February 2015

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A really welcoming group with some great questions.

Association of Secretaries (Bham branch), Handsworth Golf Club, Wednesday 18 February 2015, 7.30 pm

A talk on Women Workers at Cadbury’s during World War One. Postponed. New date to be confirmed later in the year.

The Victorian Society (Bham and West Mids group), Birmingham and Midland Institute, Saturday 17 January 2015

“They made a difference: Some Notable women associated with Birmingham before the First World War.” A half-day school with 4 speakers: Sally Hoban on Florence Camm, Fiona Joseph (me) on Beatrice Cadbury, Nicola Gould on the Birmingham suffragettes and Brendan Flynn on Georgie Gaskin. Really enjoyable day sharing Beatrice’s story and hearing other memorable women of achievement.

Past Events 2014

Hall Green U3A, Highfield Hall Yardley Wood Community Library, Friday 5 December 2014, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lively and welcoming group.

Leisure and Learning, Westfield Court Hotel, Sutton Coldfield, Tuesday 18 November 2014, 10 am

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lovely welcoming group.

Birmingham and Midland Institute, Monday 17 November 2014, 1 pm

Monday lecture. ‘More than chocolate bars and knitted socks: The contribution of women workers at Cadburys during World War One’. (Note I’ll be back at the BMI in January 2015.)

Castle Bromwich Ladies Club, Monday 20 October 2014, 7.30 pm

A really lovely night – the second visit to this group, this time to discuss my new book on the theme of ‘Cadbury women workers during WW1’.

Heritage Learning Space, Library of Birmingham, Saturday 11 October 2014, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm

I led a WW1-themed Creative Writing Workshop, based on the Voices of War exhibition at the Library of Birmingham. Some of the writing generated will be showcased on the Voices of War and Peace website.

Birmingham Literature Festival, Library of Birmingham, ‘Writing from the Home Front’, Wednesday 8 October, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

A panel discussion with the team of BBC Radio 4 drama Home Front (with editor, Jessica Dromgoole, writer Shaun McKenna, and actor Bella Hamblin). I was also on the panel speaking about my forthcoming novel, Comforts For The Troops, inspired by four women working at Cadburys during WW1. The panel was chaired by Professor Maggie Andrews, historical advisor for Home Front. Bella kindly read an extract from my book!

St. Helen’s Church CAMEO group, Wednesday 3 September 2014, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Another lovely and super-friendly group.

Redditch U3A, Tuesday 2 September 2014, 2 pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lively U3A group with some great Cadbury tales of their own.

Leominster Festival, Monday 2 June 2014, 7.30 pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury at Grange Court. Thanks to Leominster’s Historical and Civic Societies for sponsoring my event. I had the best time ever!

Etwall Road Friendship Circle, Wednesday 28 May 2014, 7.30pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A small and lovely group.

The Pen Museum, Wednesday 21 May 2014, 2-5pm

I ran a workshop on working with museums and archives as a springboard to Creative Writing. What a talented group of writers. More details here.

St. James Mothers Union meeting, Mere Green, Saturday 17 May 2014, 3pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Another fantastic afternoon with great chat (and scones!)

Kings Norton Supper Club, Thursday 8 May 2014, 7.30 pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Dorridge U3A, Thursday 17 April 2014

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Another very large and welcoming U3A branch.

Bromsgrove U3A, Thursday 3 April 2014, 2 pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. An excellent U3A branch.

The Bournville Society, Wednesday 2 April 2014, 8 pm

A lovely evening speaking in the Cadbury heartland! It was great to see the Bournville archive staff there too.

Yes Women Will, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Saturday 22 March 2014, from 11am to 4pm

I ran a writing workshop, Unleash Your Writing Skills, for attendees at the 3rd annual celebration of International Women’s Month. I did a write-up of the morning on my blog.  More details in the event archive here.

West Bromwich Local History Society, Friday 7 March 2014, 7.30 pm

A lovely welcome from this history group. We even had Cadburys creme eggs to go with my Beatrice talk!

St Mary’s Church Ladies Group, Acocks Green, Tuesday 4 March 2014

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury with many familiar faces from around AG.

Studley Village Hall, Friday 28 February 2014, 7.30 pm

An Evening with Fiona Joseph, talking about my Beatrice Cadbury book. Poster here. This is a very successful community-run library and I urge all authors to go and visit.

Quinton WI, Quinborne Community Centre, Monday 10 February 2014, 7.30 pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. This was my second WI group and I had a really enjoyable time!

Library of Birmingham, Wednesday 5 Feb 2014, 6 pm

An evening with Tindal Street Fiction Group authors – Gaynor Arnold, Alan Beard and me – where we discussed our stories from ‘The Sea in Birmingham’ anthology.

Writing West Midlands Writers Networking Day, Evesham Library, Saturday 25 January 2014

An afternoon of networking for writers in the region with Archers writer, Tim Stimpson, and Writing West Midlands Chief Executive, Jonathan Davidson. I shared my experiences of self-publishing projects.

St Michael’s Ladies Group, Hall Green, Thursday 23 January 2014, 7.30 pm

Talk on ‘Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker’. A lovely group!

Past Events 2013

Birmingham Jewish Community Care Luncheon Club, Aubrey and Betty Lines Suite, Tuesday 3 December 2013, 12.30pm

Delicious lunch followed by my talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Soroptimist International Stourbridge Club, Literary Dinner, Kidderminster, 29 November 2013

I was one of three guest authors at the organisation’s Charity Literary Dinner. The other speakers were novelist and friend, Gaynor Arnold, and the playwright and poet, David Calcutt. It was a wonderful night and I sold out of books!

The Writers’ Toolkit Conference 2013, Saturday 23 November 2013

Annual networking and professional development day for writers. I spoke on a panel about ‘Alternative Publishing Models’ along with Ian Billings and Greg Klerks. I blogged about the day here.

Castle Bromwich Ladies Club, St Clements Church, Monday 18 November 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lovely evening with a very friendly group of ladies. Looking forward to coming back soon!

Trefoil Guild, Hall Green Baptist Church, Monday 11 November 2013, 11am-12pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. What a nice morning where I met people with interesting connections to Cadburys.

Reading Group at Yardley Wood Library, Thursday 24 October 2013, 5.45 pm

I shared some great conversation about my book, BEATRICE, with members of this reading group.

The Midland Adult School Union, Friends Meeting House Kings Heath, Tuesday 22 October 2013, 2 pm

The Beatrice Cadbury Story. Lovely lunch and chat!

Hazelwood Residents Association, Tuesday 15 October 2013

A members-only talk on Beatrice: The Cadbury Heiress Who Gave Away Her Fortune. It was a pleasure to speak to friends and neighbours.

Birmingham Literature Festival, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham, Saturday 12 October 2013, 6pm

Fantastic launch of The Sea in Birmingham short story anthology from Tindal Street Fiction Group. Wonderful readings from Mez Packer, Mandy de Waal, Mick Scully and Anthony Ferner.

Whitestone Beer and Wine Club, Tuesday 1 October 2013

A members-only talk on Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker.

Shirley Library Local History Group, Shirley Library, Saturday 21 September 2013

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Pow-Wow LitFest 2013, Prince of Wales pub in Moseley, Birmingham, Sunday 15 September 2013

I took part in a panel debate on the future of self-publishing, alongside fellow writers, Mark Edwards and David Wake.

Western Front Association (WFA) Wolverhampton, St Peter’s School, Saturday 14 September 2013, 2pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury and the First World War.

Solihull Blossomfield Townswomen’s Guild, Royal British Legion, Solihull, Thursday 5 September 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Sisterhood Group at Digbeth in the Field URC, Yardley, Tuesday 2 July 2013, 2.30pm

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Thanks for inviting me and will look forward to coming back.

St Philip’s and St James’ Ladies Fellowship, Dorridge, Monday 1 July 2013

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A lovely evening of debate, chat and fellowship with a very interesting group of ladies.

Sutton Park Tangent Ladies, Aston Wood Golf Club, Tuesday 25 June 2013

A talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Great to dine and spend time with this dynamic group.

Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Ardencote Manor Hotel, Warwick, Friday 7 June 2013

I was guest speaker at the Enterprising Women’s Lunch, where my talk was: ‘Beatrice Cadbury: A Heroine For Our Times’. View the flyer here here. Excellent venue, delicious lunch and wonderful women.

Polesworth and Dordon Community Association, Wednesday 22 May 2013, 10am

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury with a lovely group of ladies.

Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry, St Peters Church Hall, Stourbridge, Tuesday 21 May 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury (and my research) with a thriving genealogy group.

Olton W.I., Olton, Thursday 9 May 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. Thank you for such a warm welcome.

Halesowen U3A, Hasbury Methodist Church, Wednesday 1 May 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Hobs Moat Library, Tuesday 23 April 2013, 6.30pm to 8pm

A World Book Night celebration where I talked about my life as a reader and a writer and the importance of libraries, as well as reading extracts from BEATRICE.

Bilston Writers, Bilston Library, Saturday 20 April 2013, 11am – 1pm

A creative writing workshop on short stories with Simon Fletcher’s writing group, with Roz Goddard, Jeff Phelps and me.

Moseley and Kings Heath U3A, All Saints Church, Tuesday 16 April 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury. A new and very lively U3A group!

Middleton Cheney Library, Banbury, Saturday 13 April 2013

A Meet the Author event organised by Friends of Middleton Cheney Library.

Pheasey Library, Great Barr, Thursday 11 April 2013, 10.15 – 11.45am

Author visit with readings and book signings.

YLG Ladies Group, Solihull, Wednesday 3 April 2013

A members-only talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Yardley Wood Library, Friday 22 March 2013, 11am to 12.30pm

A Literature On Your Doorstep (LoYD) event on my book BEATRICE.

Bromsgrove Words, Artrix Centre, Friday 15 March 2013, 8pm

‘New Local Writing: Robert Ronsson and Fiona Joseph’ hosted by Bromsgrove Words, with talks, Q and A’s and book signings.

Oswestry LitFest at Oswestry Library, Wednesday 13th March 2013, 7pm

A festival event on the life of Beatrice Cadbury, wonderfully supported by Hereford Library, the Jools Payne Partnership and West Midlands Readers’ Network. SOLD OUT.

The Women’s Fellowship of St. Faiths & St. Laurence Church, Harborne, Monday 4th March 2013, 7.30pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Western Front Association, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Saturday 16 February 2013

Talk titled ‘Beatrice Cadbury and Kees Boeke: The War Years 1914-18’. I’m looking forward to speaking at the WFA Wolverhampton branch later in the year.

Solihull U3A Book Club, Friday 15 February 2013

A wonderfully lively book club discussion on BEATRICE.

Jewellery Quarter Bookwormers Group, The Drop Forge, Thursday 24 January 2013 at 7pm

‘An Evening with Local Author Fiona Joseph’. A smashing welcome from a lovely host Simon Stokes for this book group event here. Note to authors: get yourself over to JQ Bookwormers – one of the most vibrant groups I’ve met.

South Yardley Local History Society, South Yardley Library, Monday 14 January 2013

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury with lots of tea, biscuits and Cadbury chat/nostalgia.

The Wesley Guild (Literary and Cultural), Solihull Methodist Church, Friday 11 January 2013

A talk followed by a lively discussion on Beatrice Cadbury.

Past Events 2012

Lye Library, Stourbridge, Wednesday 28 November 2012

A talk on my book BEATRICE with members of the Lye Down With A Good Book reading group. Wonderful welcome from this group of avid readers.

Walsall Readers’ Day, Bloxwich Library, Wednesday 21 November 2012

I took part in a panel discussion (chaired by Roz Goddard) on Reading Lives, along with Simon Fletcher and Cath Staincliffe.

West Midlands Readers’ Network @ The Copthorne Hotel, Birmingham, Tuesday 20 November 2012, 7-8.30pm

‘Seven Minute Stories‘ was a showcase event of all the stories resulting from a project where six authors (Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn, Richard Lakin, Helen Cross, Jeff Phelps, Polly Wright and me) worked collaboratively with reading groups.

South Birmingham College, The Writers’ Toolkit 2012, Saturday 17 November 2012, 10.30am to 4.30pm

Annual networking and professional development day for writers. I was on the panel discussion with Tom Bryson, Bert Flitcroft and Roz Goddard discussing ‘Self-Publishing and Self-Promotion’.

Northfield Talkabout, Northfield Library, Monday 12 November 2012, 11am to 12pm

Reading group talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Baddeseley Clinton, Warwickshire, Wednesday 7 November 2012, 9.45am

As part of the Autumn Brunch Lecture series, I spoke about the life of Beatrice Cadbury.

Midlands Co-operative Society, Birmingham and Midland Institute, Tuesday 30 October 2012, 11am – 12.30pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Balsall Heath Local History Society, Thursday 25 October 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Bewdley Library, Friday 19 October 2012, 2.30pm

As part of Bewdley Book Week (15-20 October) I gave a talk about my book, BEATRICE, at Bewdley Library. SOLD OUT.

Birmingham Book Festival, South Birmingham College, Digbeth, Saturday 13 October 2012, 10am to 12.30pm

A Creative Writing Workshop on the basics of writing non-fiction in a more creative way.

Men’s Supper Club, Shirley Methodist Church, Monday 1 October 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Kingswinford Library, Tuesday 25 September 2012

A Literature On Your Doorstep (LoYD) event on my book BEATRICE.

Dorridge Ladies Circle, Dorridge Methodist Church, Wednesday 19 September 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Solihull Local History Circle (Solihull Society of Arts), Monday 17 September 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Hereford Library, Saturday 15 September 2012

A Literature On Your Doorstep (LoYD) event on my book BEATRICE. For more info on how libraries and West Midlands publishers are working together, have a look at the LoYD flyer.

Henley-in-Arden Club (Warwickshire Association for the Blind), Wednesday 12 September 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Acocks Green History Society, Acocks Green Library, Friday 7 September 2012, 2pm

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

The Monday Club (Ladies), St Barbara’s Church Hall, Earlsdon, Coventry, Monday 3 September 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Age Concern 55 Plus Group, Bulkington, Warwickshire, Wednesday 29 August 2012

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

St John Ambulance Fellowship Birmingham/Sutton, Saturday 4 August 2012

A fascinating afternoon (with lots of tea and cake!) talking to members of SJA about Beatrice Cadbury.

Make A Noise In Libraries (MANIL) Coffee Morning, Solihull Library, Monday 18 June 2012

An Action for Blind People/RNIB event looking at eBooks and eReaders.

Alcester Ladies Luncheon Club, Thursday 14 June 2012

A trip to lovely Alcester (where I had my first teaching post) to give a talk on Beatrice Cadbury.

Fox Hollies Neighbourhood Forum, Thursday 13 June 2012

An open meeting for local residents, where I gave a brief talk on BEATRICE and the Cadbury heritage.

Olton Creative Writing Group (OCWG), Monday 11 June 2012

A talk on the writing of BEATRICE followed by readings from this very talented group.

Solihull u3A, Monday 28 May 2012

This talk on ‘Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker’ was for members of the Solihull branch of the u3A.

BBC Radio WM, Sunday 29 April 2012

I talked to historian and radio presenter Carl Chinn on his Sunday morning show about my Beatrice Cadbury book.

World Book Night, Solihull Library, Monday 23 April 2012

‘An Evening of Books … to celebrate World Book Night 2012’. Together with fellow authors Gaynor Arnold, Andrew Killeen, Sybil Ruth, Amanda Smyth and Mez Packer I shared the books that have inspired me.

Arden u3A, Monday 23 April 2012

This talk on ‘Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker’ was for members of the Arden branch of the u3A.

Birmingham City University, Wednesday 28 March 2012

‘Should you go-it-alone?’ I gave an hour’s lecture to students on BCU’s MA in Writing programme about the creative and business decisions involved in setting up my own publishing imprint, Foxwell Press.

Dickens Heath Library, Monday 26 March 2012

A talk about the writing of my book ‘BEATRICE The Cadbury Heiress Who Gave Away Her Fortune’. View the poster for the event.

Stoke Library, Wednesday 29 February 2012

As part of ‘Have a Heart Day’ I gave a talk celebrating love in all its forms and read extracts from my work.

Solihull Scout Fellowship, Monday 9 January 2012

A members-only talk on ‘Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker’.

Past Events 2011

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury, Chelmsley Wood Library, Wednesday 23 November, 2011

This talk was for members of the Chelmsley Wood Local History group, but was open to others.

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury, Acocks Green Methodist Church, Monday 5th September, 2011

A talk for members of the Monday Club.

Birmingham City University Summer Show, Birmingham Conservatoire, Wednesday 29 June 2011

Launch event for the Extremus anthology of new writing, and a talk by guest speaker Sophie Hannah.

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury, Castle Bromwich Library, Tuesday 28 June 2011

A talk for the library users’ group.

Free Creative Writing Workshop, Solihull Central Library, Tuesday 17 May 2011

As part of Adult Learners’ Week I ran a taster session for people who wanted to get started in Creative Writing.

Talk on Beatrice Cadbury, Solihull Central Library, Saturday 5 March 2011

This was an introduction to Beatrice’s life story and ran as part of World Book Night and International Women’s Day.

‘A W.I. Evening with Tony Sheppard’, Perry Beeches Womens’ Institute, March 16th 2011, 7.30 for 8pm.

My friend and fellow author Tony Sheppard kindly invited me to share the stage with him for an evening of chat.

Past Events 2010

HAIR POWER SKIN REVOLUTION Book Reading, 13 November 2010

Along with Pauline Walker and Nicole Moore, I read at the Small Publishers’ Fair at Conway Hall in Red Lion Square, London. (l to r: Pauline Walker, Nicole Moore and Fiona Joseph)

BBC Radio WM, 17 October 2010

I was interviewed by historian and radio presenter Carl Chinn on his Sunday morning show about Beatrice Cadbury’s story.

Greenbelt Festival, Cheltenham, 28 August 2010

I gave a talk called ‘Celebrating Beatrice Cadbury: The Radical Quaker’ at Greenbelt 2010.

Teaching Creative Writing, Jan to July 2010

I worked with Year 5 pupils from a local primary school to help them with Extended Writing.

National Academy of Writing End of Year Showcase, Birmingham Conservatoire, 30 June 2010

Together with my fellow NAW students I read from our latest anthology, The Spiral Path.

Launch event, Edmonton Green Library, 11 June 2010

A celebration to mark the publication of the Hair Power Skin Revolution anthology. Read the write-up here on editor Nicole Moore’s blog.

Writing tutoring, 15 March 2010

I was a guest tutor at Olton Creative Writing Group (OCWG).

Events in 2009

National Academy of Writing Showcase, 28 October 2009

As part of this Birmingham Book Festival event I read an extract from my short story, The Hills and the Fortune.

Young Writers’ Festival, Coventry University, September 2009

(l to r: Lorraine Blencoe, Joanna Bolton, Rena Brannan and Fiona Joseph) Together with three other NAW students, I ran a Creative Writing session with secondary school pupils on the Gifted and Talented scheme. This was part of a four-day series of events to encourage and develop young people’s writing.

ETAS SIG Day conference, Basel, Switzerland, September 2009

I gave an online presentation, via Skype video link, to English Language teachers about the use of literature in the exam classroom: ‘From Reading to Writing: the case for (and against?) the set text option in the Cambridge exams.’ The event was written up on the ETAS blog.

Foyles Bookshop, London, June 2009

Book launch for Book of Numbers Anthology, where I read an extract from my story, Room Nineteen at the Montrose Club.

Birmingham Conservatoire, June 2009

NAW End of Year Showcase at the New Generation Arts Festival. Here I am reading Room Nineteen at the Montrose Club. The show is reviewed here.

Events in 2008

Birmingham City University, December 2008

At the NAW Winter Showcase I read a ghost story called The Lady in the Chair.

Birmingham Conservatoire, October 2008

For the Birmingham Book Festival I read a first person piece called Hair Wars: growing up frizzy in the 1970s.

BBC Radio WM, July 2008

Along with award-winning author Nicola Monaghan (former NAW Fellow) I was interviewed by Ed Doolan about getting started in Creative Writing.