Baroness Floella Benjamin – Virtual Event

Author Virtual Event

Baroness Floella Benjamin

Wednesday 11^th 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 in their classrooms.

This event not only celebrates the 30^th anniversary of her ever-popular memoir ‘Coming to England’ but Windrush Day on 22^nd 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 our 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.