Bigger’s not better

The first indications were the odd-coloured new signs. All of a sudden, the regular logo where we normally make our deposits, pay our bills and withdraw our cash, began disappearing in literature, pamphlets and, as I say, on the signage inside and outside the building. Then, we received email notification.

“We’re making changes so that you can experience the good in banking,” the email said. “We’re transitioning banking systems.”

As of the July 1 holiday weekend, the Credit Union, at which we have conducted the majority of our financial dealings since we arrived here in 1988, is no more. (more…)

The Great Escape presents The Great Escape

GREAT_ESCAPE@FOX_EIt’s still the third most popular war movie Hollywood ever made. It’s still can have a movie theatre audience on the edge of its seats 50 years after the film was made. And now, one of Toronto’s most loved bookstores will show you why. On Sunday, April 6, 2014, “The Great Escape” (bookstore) presents “The Great Escape” (movie) at The Fox theatre in the Beach.

Ted Barris, author of the National Bestseller The Great Escape: A Canadian Story, hosts the afternoon screening and talk… because, you see, as compelling as the movie is, Hollywood never let facts get in the way of telling a good story. What’s more Barris sets the record straight – the escape was very much a “made-in-Canada” phenomenon.

Ted Barris is an author, journalist and broadcaster. As well as hosting appearances on CBC Radio and regular contributions to the National Post and Legion, Air Force and Zoomer magazine, he is a full-time professor of journalism and broadcasting at Centennial College in Toronto. He has authored 17 published, non-fiction books. In 2011 he received the Canadian Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Commendation and in 2012 the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Barris joins Fred Hacker in Midland, Ontario, celebration of Great Escaper Tommy Thompson

GREAT_ESCAPE_JACKET_FINAL_FRONT_EOn Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, the popular Midland (Ontario) Cultural Centre series “A Day in the Life” will celebrate the life of RCAF airman Alfred Burke Tommy Thompson. Continuing his unique interviewing tradition, Fred Hacker will sit with Tommy Thompson’s son to reflect on his father’s life and times. To add to the festivities, Hacker has invited Ted Barris to join the conversation. Broadcaster, journalist and author Barris will offer perspectives from his brand new bestselling book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 7:30, Wednesday, December 11, 2013.

Where: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, Ontario

Contact: Fred Hacker, fhacker@hgrgp.ca

Barris offers a bit of theatre in Great Escape tale

GREAT_ESCAPE_JACKET_FINAL_FRONT_EThe Theatre Museum of Canada has invited Ted Barris to speak to a special gathering at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. While his topic focuses on his new bestselling book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story, Barris offers Theatre Museum members the fascinating tale of the role the full-service theatre at Stalag Luft III played in the most celebrated POW escape of the Second World War. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. In particular, at the Arts & Letters Club appearance, Ted will present images and stories associated with the Stalag Luft III theatre and the escape itself. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

Where: Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, Toronto, 416-597-0223

Contact: Michael Wallace, Director, Theatre Museum of Canada, mwallace@theatremuseumcanada.ca

Barris speaks at RCAF 429 Wing Christmas banquet

GREAT_ESCAPE_JACKET_FINAL_FRONT_EThe RCAF 429 Wing welcomes returning guest, Ted Barris, to speak to the Wing’s Christmas banquet. On Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, broadcaster, journalist and author Barris will talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 5:30., Friday, December 13, 2013.

Where: The Briars, 55 Hedge Road, R.R. 1 Jackson’s Point, Ontario

Contact: David McCarthy, 905-640-5678, dmcc@rogers.com

Durham Genealogical Society invites Barris for Great Escape talk

Ted Barris has spoken to the Durham Genealogical Society before. But on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, Barris returns, to talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2013.

Where: Oshawa Public Library, corner of Bagot and Centre streets, Oshawa, Ontario

Contact: Joyce Lintner, 905-728-5686, jlintner@sympatico.ca

Uxbridge Legion Remembrance features Barris talk on Great Escape

Ted Barris returns to Uxbridge branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, to speak to the Remembrance banquet. On Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, he’ll offer a short talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 6 p.m.., Saturday, November 9, 2013.

Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 170, 109 Franklin Street, Uxbridge, Ontario.

Contact: Barb Hughes, 905-852-7046.

Barris brings Great Escape saga to Lunch at the Legion

Last year’s Lunch at the Legion event was so well received, Ted’s been invited back. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, he’s back to talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: Noon, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013.

Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 170, 109 Franklin St., Uxbridge, Ontario.

Contact: Pam Noble, 905-852-9747, pamela.noble@uxlib.com

Remembrance week talk at 408 & 437 Wing on Great Escape

The RCAF 408/437 Wing welcomes one of its members to speak on Remembrance night. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, Ted Barris will talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 6:30., Tuesday, November 12, 2013.

Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 527, 948 Sheppard Ave. W., Toronto.

Contact: Jack Lumley, program chair, 416-449-9389, lujack_1@sympatico.ca

Barris brings Great Escape talk to Aircrew Remembrance Saturday

Longtime member and speaker for the Aircrew Association, Ted Barris returns to speak to the membership. On Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, he’s back to talk about and present visuals from his brand new book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Great Escape, (with Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, etc.). But as Ted will demonstrate drawing from his book, the most famous WWII POW breakout was not a story of British heroes and Yankee know-how. The Great Escape was very much a story of Canadian leadership and courage. It’s more exciting than the Hollywood movie. And it’s all true!. As always, he will have copies of his books for sale and autographing.

When: 10 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2013.

Where: Toronto Police Association, 180 Yorkland Blvd., North York, Ontario.

Contact: Jack Lumley, program chair, 416-449-9389, lujack_1@sympatico.ca