African headmistress explores age-old Wisbech connection

AN African headmistress travelled to Wisbech from Sierra Leone to explore a 220-year-old connection between the Fens and her home country.

Alice Daramay visited Wisbech Grammar School to build on historical links created when one if its pupils, John Clarkson, became the first governor of the Freetown settlement in 1792.

The naval lieutenant, whose father was headmaster of the Grammar School, went on to be regarded as one of the founding fathers of Sierra Leone and a household name after making a huge contribution to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Making her first trip outside her country, the head of the Islamic Call Society Primary School toured the Wisbech and Fenland Museum to see the displays about the Clarkson brothers who have a special significance in her home country.

John Wroe, Executive Director of Momentum Arts, said of the visit: “The historical connection between our two countries means the schools may choose to work on collaborative projects focusing not on the horrific negative impact of this trade but the positive achievements of the abolitionists.”

Wisbech Grammar School headmaster Nicholas Hammond added: “We have been delighted to have Mrs Daramay with us for a week and look forward to developing long-lasting links between her school and ours.”