06/08/2026
In anticipation of their upcoming appearance at the 2026 Chiltern Open Air Museum, for which this year’s theme is Britain at War, here are a few of the authors who are part of Jasami’s incredible roaster of creatives!
Freedom Matthews grew up around storytellers, men and women of Romany origin, who would tell tales of people and traditions long since lost to annals of time. It was only natural that she too would weave tales, only hers would be noted down with paper and ink, rather than by word of mouth. Freedom lives in rural Hampshire UK with a hotchpotch of family members, ponies, chickens and wonky bookshelves. When she’s not curled up with her laptop and a cup of tea, she enjoys crocheting, period dramas and fantasy TV shows.
Maaika van der Wel is a Dutch born, British writer who won’t allow dyslexia to stop her from writing her stories. Originally trained as a goldsmith/designer, she’s travelled the world during her career as a flight attendant for over two decades during which she started writing on the encouragement of her husband. Now, with her feet firmly on the ground, she focuses on looking after the bereaved and her novels. She has a passion for art, music, languages & history, especially WW2 (though doesn’t claim to be an expert in any of these), and a love of nature in it’s many shapes.
Collette brings a distinctive perspective to writing World War II social history, shaped by a lifelong fascination with how people endure, adapt, and connect under pressure. For over twenty years, she worked as a transformation expert and executive coach, helping leaders navigate complexity, crisis, and change across government, education, and the charitable sector. A lifelong member of Girlguiding, from young participant to international trainer, Collette’s personal connection to the movement inspired her interest in its wartime role. Her work explores how women and girls sustained communities, purpose, and hope during the darkest years of the conflict.
Freedom, Maaika and Collette will present their stories, perform readings and answer questions at this year’s Chiltern Open Air Museum - Heritage Attraction ! Will you be there?
