Barbara Dickson Presents

Barbara Dickson Speaks: Introduction

Barbara Dickson has a variety of topics on which she speaks. As an award-winning and best-selling author and historian, she has entertained, educated, and enlightened audiences for over twenty years.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992, Dickson quickly re-discovered her love of writing and history when she retired from her career as an IT software analyst. She has spent many years researching local and Canadian history including Canada in the early-to-mid 1800’s, Ireland’s Great Hunger, and the invaluable contribution made by Canadian men and women engaged in war work during World War 2.

Dickson’s Speaking Topics Appeal to Audiences

Dickson has been invited to speak to myriad organizations, her presentations appealing to a wide range of audiences, including:

• Schools
• Women’s groups
• Veteran Legions
• Historical Societies
• Corporate Events
• Church groups
• MS associations
• Retiree associations and retirement homes
• Business and professional organizations
• Support groups

Barbara Dickson brings her own unique perspective to your event, whether she’s  offering a glimpse into the incredible work carried out by courageous women who risked their lives to bring their men home during the Second World War; teaching audiences about the sombre legacy left by Ireland’s Great Hunger and subsequent massive waves of Irish immigration to Canada; sharing a typical day in Toronto in 1833; or inspiring her audience to look to their future with hope and confidence and equipping them with practical ways to make immediate improvements in the quality of their lives.

 

Barbara Dickson Speaking Topics

1. Bomb Girls: Learn about one of Canada’s best kept secrets — the vital work undertaken at a top secret munitions factory during WWII. The General Engineering Company (Canada) Ltd. employed over twenty-one thousand mostly young women and mothers who worked around the clock six days a week, risking their lives handling high explosives to fill ammunition for Canada’s Allied forces. Come hear about these amazing, courageous women. What’s more, learn about the over four-kilometre tunnel system built under the complex that still exists today.
2. Life in “Muddy York”: Discover Toronto through the eyes of newly-arrived immigrant David Cragg in 1833. This presentation is based on the diary of Cragg who was born in 1769 and who kept a diary from 18 years of age until shortly before his death in 1835.Cragg founded the Ontario town of Greenbank.
3. An Immigrant’s Journey to Canada: Dickson presents a harrowing true-life account faced by future Canadians as they attempt to survive a two-month voyage to the New World upon the unforgiving and turbulent North Atlantic Ocean.
4. Looking at the Legacy of Irish Immigration to Canada Through Irish Memorials: The Irish people helped build Canada, but at a great cost. Countless died from poverty and disease, especially during the Great Hunger from 1845-1852. Tragically, tens of thousands more died upon Canada’s shores before they had a chance to begin a new life. Even more tragically, many of their final resting places remain unmarked or unremembered today. Join Dickson in honouring the courage and tenacity of the Irish people and their lasting quiet legacy to Canada’s history.
5. MS Doesn’t have to Be a Mess: A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis doesn’t mean giving up or giving in. It means giving the demands of a chronic, debilitating just enough room but not one inch more. It’s about finding hope and grit and living your best life.

To contact or book Barbara Dickson to Speak

• Leave a reply below
• Send an E-mail to: barbara at barbaradickson dot ca
• Write in care of:
  P.O. Box 30001
  RPO Huntingwood
  Scarborough, ON M1T 0A1
• PLEASE NOTE: By contacting Barbara, you give permission for your personal information to be stored digitally such as your first and last name, your email address, and the content of your message. You may request that your personal data be removed at any time.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Barbara Dickson’s current upcoming speaking schedule can be found here.

Audiences Respond

“Wow! What a wonderful turnout last evening. The headcount was 100. The committee is very happy with the enthusiasm for your programme with so many questions and comments. Thank you for your great presentation and should you decide to write another book as a sequel of the subject of GECo or of another subject we certainly would be interested.” ∼∼ Jan Howe, Chair, Programme Committee, Scarborough Historical Society

“…the (GECO) program  was a huge success and I will be in touch in the New Year to set up another!”  ∼∼ Cathy Pyper, Community Branch Head Eglinton Square Branch of Toronto Public Libraries

“Your presentation on GECO was excellent! I myself, was not aware that there had been any under ground tunnels in the area during World War II. In spite of the fact that you are living with M.S. your positive attitude to life left a big impression. You gave us an afternoon that I am sure we will all remember.” ∼∼ Evelyn Lonergan, Telco Community Volunteers

“Our guest speaker, Barbara Dickson, kept our members completely enthralled with her presentation of the massive contribution by (mainly women) workers at the Scarborough G.E.C.O. plant during World War II.” ∼∼ Gord Blackwell, President, Scarborough Centre Probus Club

“It was such an incredible and inspiring event. Barbara Dickson gave the story of the birth of her book which in turn was much of her life story and then shared a beautiful devotional message that carried through from the theme of her book. We had over 80 ladies there and everyone came away from the event captivated and challenged by Barbara’s message of God’s amazing love.” ∼∼ Captain Shelley Kerr, Salvation Army Scarborough Women’s Ministry

“It was a pleasure to hear Barb speak at EMD Serono and it was incredibly well received by the group!” ∼∼ Darina Landa, Senior Coordinator, Partnerships & New Business Development MS Ontario

“We at the MS Centre of Hope, the local MS Chapter for Sudbury were treated to a rare presentation.  Barbara Dickson author extraordinaire, travelled from her home in Scarborough and gave us a presentation of her book, “Mountains for Maddi”.  It was actually her personal story of how she has gotten to this point in her life.  She has MS, but that is only a part of Barbara.  It was so interesting, there was only silence during Barbara’s presentation.  The book is great, and we bought her out.”  ∼∼ Laurel Ireland, Sudbury Chapter of the MS Society of Canada

“The ladies were still commenting on Barb’s life story (four days later.)  It has had a lasting effect. They were all touched by Barb’s visit. She has a wonderful ministry and purpose.” ∼∼ Caroline Tiberio, Women’s Ministries, Cornerstone Community Church, Mississauga