By Daniel Kirchin
Local Journalism Initiative
In a celebration of a half-century of service, the Townships Sun stands tall as it marks its 50th anniversary this week (Feb. 8, to be exact) with the launch of its latest edition. This non-profit magazine, born in the wake of Quebec’s Bill 101 in 1974, has been a steadfast companion of English speakers facing restrictions during challenging times.
Rachel Garber, the editor for the Townships Sun, shared reflections on the magazine’s historical journey. “We started in 1974, when Bill 101 came into fruition. It was a shock to the English community, and we wanted to fill the vacuum of English publications,” she explained, underlining the magazine’s mission to be a voice for a community.
Originally the ‘Eastern Townships Social Action Group,’ the magazine has remained true to its non-profit roots, an embodiment of community-driven journalism. In its nascent years, it was steered by the efforts of volunteer students from Bishop’s University who engaged in research and focus groups, acting as a vital organ for communicating Townships events.
Over the course of five decades, a tapestry of community-based publications has woven itself into the fabric of Township life. Among these, Garber fondly mentioned ‘the sun switchboard,’ an avenue where pages contained letters to the editor addressing community concerns and individuals sharing their written stories, accompanied by poignant visuals and artwork.
Garber delved into the annals of the Townships Sun’s storied past, shedding light on key characters, and defining moments. She recalled the magazine’s opening salvo against Bill 101, a daring move that saw a brief written against the bill ceremoniously burned in front of the National Assembly in Quebec City.
In the intricate mosaic of contributors, two names stand out for Garber – Charles Bury and Bernard Epps. Charles Bury’s stint at The Record proved invaluable, as he returned armed with profound knowledge of the Townships and Quebec, becoming an instrumental figure. Bernard Epps, hailing from the UK, left an indelible mark as a versatile contributor – a writer, an artist, and a fictional and non-fictional storyteller.
Today, the Townships Sun flourishes with an expanded community. Garber revealed that 13 dedicated volunteers and 10 board members, including individuals as young as 18, work together to keep the magazine vibrant and relevant. Garber is known for her role in crafting unique themes for each edition, fostering a diverse range of stories contributed by over 165 individuals in the last two years.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the magazine has planned a celebration in the form of the Township’s Young Voices Awards. This ceremony will honour the artistic talents of young townshippers in the realms of art, music, and photography. Additionally, an ambitious ‘legacy’ edition is in the works, set to be published in March. Garber explained that it will not only be a reprint of the first editions but will also pay homage to every person who has played a role in the Townshippers Sun over the past 50 years.
Beyond the printed pages, the magazine will host a series of events – an informal reception, a ‘book and brunch’ gathering, and a book festival in March, Fall, and December respectively. These events are designed not only to highlight the publication of the legacy edition but also to provide a platform for local authors to share their compelling stories.
Posthumous recognition will be bestowed upon Bernard Epps, whose significant contributions will be immortalized. His two volumes of work, titled ‘Eastern Township’s Adventure,’ a unique blend of fiction and non-fictional historical anecdotes that weren’t published before his death, are set to be published with the collaborative efforts of Shoreline Press, Eastern Townships Resource Centre and Bishop’s University.
As the Townships Sun stands at this significant juncture, Garber envisions a dynamic future. She emphasized the magazine’s commitment to adapting to a diversifying community, reflecting emerging trends, and engaging a younger demographic. The inclusion of 18-year-olds on the Townshippers Sun’s board signals a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the magazine remains a vital force for the next 50 years and beyond.