Baroness Floella Benjamin
Wednesday 11th June
Children in Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 5 had an exciting morning listening to
Baroness Floella Benjamin when they joined in with the ‘live-streamed’ event.
This event not only celebrates the 30th
anniversary of her ever-popular memoir ‘Coming to England’ but Windrush Day on
22nd June. This year also sees the release of a brand new board
book, illustrated by Joelle Avelino, which introduces the story to the youngest
children.
There was an introductory video from the
Migration Museum showing how relevant the themes of book are still today.
The Baroness was then introduced and appeared on the classroom screens smiling and resonating joy. She explained that she was inspired to write her story as she felt it important that we all have an opportunity to see ourselves reflected in the books we read.
The Baroness said that ‘Coming to England’, recounts her experience at the age of ten of setting sail from the Caribbean to a new life in London with her family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and
unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what she had expected...Her mother taught her that all you need is love and that “education is your passport to life". Using these principles she worked hard and her achievements led her
to winning honours and even meeting the Queen.
The Baroness' final message was to keep smiling and
it will give you strength. Throughout her talk she was filled with
optimism and joy and her experiences of moving home and making friends
resonated with the children.
The Baroness is a truly inspirational speaker.
Thank you to Pickled Pepper Books, our local bookshop, for
inviting us to this event and to the publishers, Macmillan, for organising.
