Initiated by the Eastern Townships Social Action Group, the Townships Sun was founded on July 1st, 1973. Its first issue was published on February 8, 1974, at a crucial moment in the history of the English-speaking Townships community.
“Our main interest was to help the English-speaking community adapt to what was going on in Quebec. That was the time of the ‘great exodus.’ A lot of English speakers were scared, a bit, of the nationalist movement, and a lot of people were leaving,” explained Russell Pocock, one of the ETSAG founding members.
Since its momentous beginnings, the Townships Sun has published between 9 and 12 issues per year, documenting the history and stories of English speakers in the Eastern Townships, and responding to their concerns and aspirations. Started as a newspaper, it has evolved into a creative community magazine.
A dedicated team of volunteers currently publish nine issues per year, with varied articles, stories, poetry, art, and photos on themes of interest to Townshippers, whether they live in the Eastern Townships or further afield.