Since 2011, society members Shirley and Safwat Zaky have provided funding for one guest speaker presentation each year, typically in association with the April General Meeting, which is at the beginning of spring, an exciting time of planning and promise for gardeners. 

Known as the "William and Marjorie Barker Lecture,” and often shortened to just “Barker Lecture,” this presentation is in honour of Shirley’s parents, who were active and beloved members of our society for decades in the latter half of the twentieth century.  Avid Flower Show enthusiasts, their names are inscribed multiple times on many of our Flower Show trophies. As well, William (Bill) Barker served our society as President from 1979-1980.

Past Barker Lecture presenters include gardening gurus Mark Cullen, Frank Ferragine, Denis Flanagan and Paul Zammit; as well as meteorologist Dave Phillips.