Author Bio©
Sister Mary Joy Langdon BEM is a member of the religious congregation Infant Jesus Sisters, founded in 1662 by Father Nicolas Barré, whose mission was to transform lives through education and compassion for children.
Sister Mary Joy’s life has been one of dedicated service — to others, to nature, and to faith. In 1976, she became Britain’s first operational female firefighter, breaking new ground for women in public service. In 1989, she founded the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, a charity devoted to helping children through therapeutic contact with horses, which she led for 36 years.
Today, she continues her mission with the British Horse Society’s Changing Lives Through Horses programme, empowering young people through the discipline and joy of horsemanship. This year has been extremely full she has written several books, including “Under the Same Moon”, A Journey of Service” The Alphabet Animal Adventures”, The Unknown Artist” and “A Brief History of Battle Fire Station”.
A keen gardener and vegetarian, Sister Mary Joy grows much of her own food and tends a happy flock of hens. Her deep love for the natural world often inspires her poetry, reflections, and outreach. She hopes her story will encourage others to embrace courage, compassion, and faith in their own journeys.
Join Me at Battle Community Fire Station on Saturday 22nd August 2026 To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of women in the Fire Service. It all started at Battle Fire Station in 1976 + the 70th Anniversary of Battle Fire Station
Tales of MaryJoy 