On Tuesday 11 February, the Spencer House girls were thrilled to welcome a very special visitor to the school, Virginia McKenna OBE, renowned British actress and star of the iconic 1966 film Born Free and founder of the international wildlife conversation charity, The Born Free Foundation.
Ms McKenna spoke with the girls about her experience on the classic film, and how the true story of George and Joy Adamson’s fight to return Elsa the lioness to the wild had inspired her to work to protect and promote wild animal welfare and compassionate conservation. The Year 4 -6 girls had enjoyed watching the film before her visit so that they could better understand and relate to her story. Listening to Ms McKenna’s experiences of helping release animals in the wild, promoting animal welfare and setting up sanctuaries for animals greatly inspired the girls. They have selected The Born Free Foundation as their charity to support this term, and the girls will be embarking on a number of fundraising initiatives to raise money for the cause, including the sale of delicious Born Free cupcakes provided by Gabriella in Year 6! Monami and Eva Rose in Year 5 have a “Guess the number of origami animals” competition, and there are many more initiatives underway! For further information about the wonderful and important work of The Born Free Foundation, log onto www.bornfree.org.uk
