On Wednesday 3 November, almost 300 Culford School scholars, parents and members of the local community were very excited to welcome former MP Miss Ann Widdecombe to the School as part of Culford’s Scholars and Gifted and Talented Programme.
Ann, a former Conservative party politician, documentary maker, broadcaster and novelist, is currently causing a media frenzy of ‘Widdie mania’ appearing with partner Anton Du Beke as 'Team A²' (her words!), in the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing'.
Head of Scholars Dr Alan Palmer commented: 'It has been a fantastic evening and everyone thoroughly enjoyed listening to Ann – she was very entertaining. We are extremely grateful to her for taking the time to visit us in her current hectic schedule.'
The School has some 70 scholars and exhibitioners whose talents range across the spectrum of academic, music, art, drama, design and sport. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit each year with Sixth Form entry taking place in November and other year groups sitting tests and interviews in January.
Culford’s Scholars and Gifted and Talented Programme continues with future visits planned by international cricketer Henry Alonga in January 2011 and BBC newsreader and foreign correspondent George Alagiah OBE in May.