Inaugural Wilberforce Lecture at Caterham School

I was kindly invited to be one of the guest speakers at Caterham School last week, as the school dedicated the newly renovated Wilberforce Hall. I was joined by Sam Wilberforce, the great, great, great grandson of the anti-slavery campaigner and a local physics teacher. This was the first lecture in the new hall, and there was an audience of 160 parents and students from Caterham and Woldingham schools.

It was fascinating to discuss the life of William Wilberforce and his contribution to politics; and to hear a personal account of the man and his expolits from one of his relatives. Wilberforce's contribution to society is something we can emulate today on a personal level in our daily lives by fighting for the causes we believe in, whether in politics, or in our communities.

William Wilberforce was a governor of Caterham School from 1811 until his death in 1833. Wilberforce Hall was formerly the school's dining room, but the newly renovated space will host lectures, recitals, art exhibitions and drama performances.

"The evening certainly helped to bring the coming election to life," said David Clarke, politics teacher at Caterham School. "Those present were challenged to involve themselves in important political causes with the aim of affecting history in the way that William Wilberforce himself succeeded in doing over 200 years ago. The Q&A session that followed was very engaging and gave Caterham's 6th formers the opportunity to connect with politics in a very real way."

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