Cary Ross Program and Dinner

Cary Ross Educational Fund

Program & Dinner

2019

“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”

According to legend, the courageous, and eccentric British Prime Minister Winston Churchill included these words in his famous speech he gave to his alma mater, the all-boys school Harrow on October 29, 1941.

These words were reiterated at the annual Cary Ross program at the Glen View Club on November 8 by Andrew Roberts, British author of the bestselling book, “Churchill, Walking with Destiny”.  Roberts, who is now writing a book on George III of England, is in high demand on the international lecture circuit, a media star and a guest essayist for major newspapers in the United States and abroad.

When asked how the Cary Ross Educational Fund Committee was able to procure such a prestigious author, my response went back to my quote from Churchill –“we just never gave in!”  It was a “chase” that lasted for months! Unable to find a reliable way to contact him, I was discouraged and ready to give up, my faithful, supportive and wise committee said, “Go for it, don’t give in!”.

Redirecting my efforts, I found a new address which resulted in Mr. Roberts contacting me directly from his home in London – at 2:00 am Chicago time!  With his demanding schedule, it was clearly necessary to make a decision immediately.  Luckily, Dames President, Claudia Lane, was awake that evening and we were able to negotiate a contract with him at that time!

A master storyteller, Andrew Roberts brought the Prime Minister to life. Many believe Churchill to be one of the most fascinating and complex leaders in history and one who courageously stood up to Hitler. Roberts’ sharp sense of humor complimented that of Churchill’s – both on full display in his lecture.

Roberts drew a picture of Winston’s childhood, one not uncommon in the English aristocratic upbringing of the day. With a cold, self-centered father and an American mother who lacked maternal instincts, he grew up in an environment devoid of love.  Not to be defined by the low expectations of his parents, Churchill developed a sense of independence and resilience. He was able to learn from and reflect on his mistakes, qualities of a true leader. Roberts offered that the circumstances of his early life gave Churchill the independence and self confidence needed to deal with the opposition and isolationists of the 1930s; he was beholden to no one.

Roberts also discussed Churchill’s life in the late 1930s, when he was out of office and despised for his opposition to those in support of appeasement to Hitler. Roberts summed up what he considers to be Churchill’s greatest achievement: it  was “not that he stopped a German invasion … but that he stopped the British government from making a peace.” Churchill was filled with many accomplishments but also with as many defeats, a complex man, loved but also held in contempt.

Roberts is the only scholar who has been given unfettered access by the Royal Family to the diary and notes of King George VI (Roberts is currently writing a book about George III), the War Cabinet notes as well as other historical materials never before studied by a Churchill biographer. Roberts’ admiration and love for Churchill is contagious; he’s not here to chat but on a mission to get his audiences “hooked” on Churchill, even if it’s just a bite! He spoke eloquently with a wonderful wit, keeping his audience fully engaged.

Dr. Rob Havers, president and CEO of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago, introduced Mr. Roberts.  A Churchill scholar in his own right, it was a great honor to have him present his friend and colleague to us.

Mary Morton, a friend of Cary’s, stated that ”Cary would have loved this event, sharing her interest in history with her fellow Dames and her enthusiasm for fun and joy with her friends. Cary’s sister, a Wisconsin Dame, has also expressed her pleasure with these annual tributes to Cary provided by these special evenings.”

I want to thank my wonderful, talented committee for their knowledge and wisdom. We are all excited to offer, what we hope to be, another hit in 2020!

Nancy Blake, Chair Cary Ross Educational Fund Committee