Gill Thompson proved an inspirational speaker at the Haslemere Morning WI. Having taught English at local Sixth Form Colleges for many years, she wrote a novel in 2010, which was inspired by Gordon Brown’s 2010 apology for the forced migration of British children to Commonwealth countries. Gill immediately began researching the ill-judged scheme and had material for her first novel. Three other books have now been written all taking place in World War II settings.

In every case the backgrounds and characters are completely authentic. Gill's firsthand accounts came from people who she tracked down who actually lived through the events she was writing on. This included talking to several who had actually escaped Nazi-occupied Europe on the Kindertransport trains to London or who endured German occupation on their island of Guernsey.

There was a rush at the end to buy copies of her books, all of which have become best sellers. Judy Avens gave the vote of thanks.