The Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society invites members of the public to a talk by Ted Barris this Monday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tec-We-Gwill Women’s Institute Hall in Newton Robinson.
Barris is an award-winning author, journalist, and broadcaster, who was recently appointed Member of the Order of Canada.
He will share stories from his latest book, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour. It was published this September by Sutherland House.
One of the purposes of the Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society is “to present programs … to build support for the preservation of our heritage in the future.”
Monday’s meeting is an opportunity for members and the public to learn more about Canada’s involvement in a significant world event, and to appreciate the individuals who participated in this 1940 battle.
Barris is an engaging speaker who was invested as Member of the Order of Canada in October “for advancing our understanding of Canadian military history as an acclaimed historical author, journalist and broadcaster.”
Mark Burchell is the program coordinator and said he’s always looking for dynamic speakers who can share Canadian history.
“Our November programs typically have a military flavour. Personally, I am looking forward to Ted sharing stories from his latest book. My father fought in the Battle of the Atlantic, and his brother served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, so I am very excited to learn more about Canada’s involvement in the Battle of Britain,” he said.
Barris is based in Uxbridge. Among his many accolades is a recipient of the Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022. The citation reads, in part: “Your peers have spoken, and you represent and inspire members of our community by demonstrating Her Majesty’s qualities of public service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving our community. Thank you for your wonderful work.”
Barris is the author of 22 bestselling, non-fiction books, including a series on wartime Canada. In this latest book, Barris “assembled unknown stories of Canadian airmen, ground crew, as well as engineers, aeronautical designers, medical officers and civilians, who answered the call and turned back the very real threat of Nazi invasion,” according to his website, tedbarris.com.
Books will be available for sale for $40 on Monday evening.
The Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society meetings are held in the Tec-We-Gwill Women’s Institute Hall in Newton Robinson, 4380 Line 10, Bradford West Gwillimbury, at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are free for members and $5 for guests. All are welcome. No reservations are required.
For more information, contact Burchell at [email protected] or 705-458-8964.
Rosaleen Egan is a freelance journalist, storyteller, and playwright. She blogs on her website, rosiewrites.com.
