Granddaughter of Winston Churchill to speak at Texas Tech

Written by Kate Lepard

Texas Tech University’s Presidential Lecture & Performance Series will present Celia Sandys, Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Museum of Texas Tech University Helen Devitt Jones Auditorium.

Sandys is the daughter of Churchill’s eldest child, Diana, and Cabinet Minister Duncan Sandys.

An internationally acclaimed author, journalist, television presenter and speaker, Sandys combined intensive historical research with personal anecdotes to publish five books on various aspects of her grandfather’s life. 

“Celia Sandys, because of her relationship to Winston Churchill, represents a piece of living history,” said Jo Moore, administrator of the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Presidential Lecture & Performance Series. “Churchill inspired millions, and I anticipate that his granddaughter will do the same for our Presidential Lecture & Performance Series patrons.”

Sandys’ most recent book, “We Shall Not Fail – The Inspiring Leadership of Winston Churchill,” describes the principles of leadership which enabled Churchill, Britain’s Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945, to lead his country to victory during World War II.

“Chasing Churchill,” another of Sandys’ books, was the basis for a documentary which aired on PBS and the Discovery Channel in 2008. The documentary is presented and narrated by Sandys, who describes her grandfather’s extensive military, political and private travels across the world.

Drawing on her intimate knowledge of Churchill, which she gained from spending time with him in England and abroad, Sandys’ speeches are often accompanied by excerpts from her grandfather’s speeches as well as photographs and other material from her private collection.

A reception and book signing will follow Sandys’ presentation. Admission is free. Seating is limited.

For more information, visit the 2010-2011 Presidential Lecture & Performance Series website.

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CONTACT: Jo Moore, administrator, Presidential Lecture & Performance Series, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-0700 or jo.moore@ttu.edu.