On Tuesday, January 24, we had a very interesting presentation by Peter and Beth DesRochers about the “HMCS Penetang” model ship which is on display at the Penetanguishene Legion. The reason the ship was called “HMCS Penetang” is because the admiralty would not allow the whole name, Penetanguishene, as it was too long.
On Tuesday, January 24, we had a very interesting presentation by Peter and Beth DesRochers about the “HMCS Penetang” model ship which is on display at the Penetanguishene Legion. The reason the ship was called “HMCS Penetang” is because the admiralty would not allow the whole name, Penetanguishene, as it was too long.
Peter and Beth spent eleven years researching in preparation of building the model. Their research led them from the east coast to the west coast of Canada to speak with veterans of WWII who served on the ship. They found six. They brought the ship to life. Meeting the crew members really changed the project to build the model. It became a labour of love in their memory.
As a couple Peter and Beth have always been very involved in the community. They have been members of the Midland and Penetanguishene Legion Pipes and Drums and they have both marched in the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena California. Peter and Beth were both members of the Commissioners Own OPP Pipes and Drums for over 25 years. Beth plays the pipes and Peter the snare drum as well as the bass drum. He also served as Drum Major with both the OPP Pipe Band and the Midland Legion.
Peter is an active member of the local Amateur Radio Club as well as the Penetang Legion. He has now begun constructing a model of the Penetang 88. Beth is a volunteer with several organizations. She is serving her second term on the Penetanguishene Public Library Board, as well as Trustee with the Protestant Separate School Board of the town of Penetanguishene. She is the current President of the Probus Club of Simcoe North.