in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
November 30, 2022
BY BARRY PENHALE, FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH GREY MUSEUM — For those feeling bushed already by winter, the Friends of the South Grey Museum warmly extend an invitation to join with others in a “live” setting on the evening of Saturday, December 3. Annesley United Church in Markdale is the designated site of a much-anticipated premiere showing of the new locally-produced documentary “No Bed of Roses: Agnes Macphail’s Life in Politics.” Doors open at 6:30 pm with the program to be emceed by Terry Mokriy and scheduled to start at 7:00 pm. A Q&A session will take place after the screening, followed by light refreshments. The program is free, however, freewill donations at the Friends Welcome Table would be greatly appreciated.
It was 100 years ago when a Ceylon-area farm girl made her way to Ottawa to find her desk in the House of Commons, having made history by virtue of her election as Canada’s first female Member of Parliament. Her survival in a less-than-welcoming all-male setting has often been credited to parental influences. Both parents were proud Scottish-Canadians, and Agnes would often say she owed it to her farmer/auctioneer father's 'gift of the gab' that she was initially elected, and it was due to her mother that she had the courage to stick it out in the often-chaotic House of Commons.
The repeated telling of now well-known stories concerning Agnes Macphail have continued over the years. But there is so much more to learn. It was the desire to expand the knowledge of 'The Lady from Grey,' that propelled the direction taken by the producers of No Bed of Roses. Taking a fresh look at Macphail’s political career has turned up a plethora of highly revealing information concerning a very unique individual who once was one of us and whose destiny found her becoming a woman of national importance. Come celebrate Aggie’s life and accomplishments as a special seasonal treat before Christmas. Everyone is welcome to join with other Macphail boosters in Markdale on December 3. Tickets are also available at the door.
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