The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa has launched a commemorative book celebrating 2010 Year of the British Home Child.
British Home Children: Their Stories, is a collection of stories and images by first- and second-generation descendants; some of the chapters are first-hand accounts of the Home Child's experience.
The book launch, held 18 December 2010 at Library and Archives Canada, was a resounding success. Not only was the room full of people anxiously wanting to buy a copy or two of the book, but the refreshments were excellent! Nineteen of the 30 contributors were in attendance, as well as four direct descendants of those whose stories were told in the book. A number of other descendants of British Home Children also attended the launch.
Glenn Wright, our President, opened the launch with a short history of BIFHSGO’s involvement with British Home Children. This was followed by an introduction of the publishing team, the contributors and special guests, including Courtney Battistone, Head of Media Public Affairs for the British High Commission, and Barbara Mottram, the Parliamentary Assistant to MP Phil McColman. Barbara thanked BIFHSGO on behalf of MP McColman for publishing the stories of so many British Home Children and briefly explained why MP McColman had sponsored the Bill that created 2010 as the Year of the British Home Child. Before the sales table opened for business, all of the contributors were presented with a complimentary copy—and when the sales desk was opened, over 120 books were sold!
Copies of the book are available on the Global Genealogy website for $29.95 plus shipping.
Photos courtesy Keith Hanton:
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Dave Lorente, contributor, receives his complimentary copy from Brian Glenn, Director of Research and Projects. |
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John Reid (left to right), Cliff Adams and Jane Down show off their newly purchased copies of the book. |
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Lyal Campbell, contributor, enjoying the launch, poses in front of the Home Children display panels. |
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Special guests Courtney Battistone (left) and Barbara Mottram (right) pose with Margaret Gervais, Director of Publicity. |
