No Bed of Roses: Agnes Macphail's Life in Politics Streaming Live Premiere
Channel: Annesley United Church
Date: 2022-12-04

A community documentary

This presentation was conceived and produced in Grey Highlands in remembrance of the Lady from Grey, Agnes Campbell Macphail (1890 to 1954), whose remarkable accomplishments as a political reformer began when she took her place as the first female member of the House of Commons in March 1922.

We have looked at Agnes Macphail through a fresh lens; original research and use of lesser-known sources means No Bed of Roses is a respectful and affectionate review of her political career and not another version of a mainstream chronology. Though some well-known to the public milestones in her life and career have been included, even they have been treated in such a way as to be anything but old hat. Through narration, readings, and creative production techniques, including generous use of regional photography and original art, the program pays homage to a great Canadian who was once one of us.

A live premiere screening of No Bed of Roses will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 3rd December 2022, at Annesley United Church in Markdale. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The audience at the premiere can look forward to a social gathering with tea/coffee and dessert planned to follow the showing of No Bed of Roses and a Q&A session. There is no set admission charge, but free will donations at a Friends-staffed welcome table will be appreciated.

No Bed of Roses is a project of the not-for-profit volunteer-driven Friends of the South Grey Museum. The Friends acknowledge with gratitude a supportive grant from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce. Additional assistance of a community grant from the Municipality of Grey Highlands is likewise appreciated. The locally centred documentary is produced by Leaking Ambience Studio in Flesherton. Additional promotional efforts come from our welcomed new colleagues at Annesley in Markdale, our host venue.

No Bed of Roses will be streamed during the event and recorded for later viewing.