Virginia McKenna in Conversation with Anne Harvey
It was a delight to welcome the society’s old friend Anne Harvey to our October meeting, together with Virginia McKenna, well-known actress and wildlife campaigner.
The pair were introduced by our Patron Simon Brett, who mentioned Virginia’s acting and her work with the Born Free charity.
The two then took turns in reading some favourite poems, illustrating their title ‘Four Feet and two’ as some were about animals and some about people.
Virginia started by reading William Blake’s ‘Tyger’, followed by Anne with Walter de la Mare’s ‘The Traveller’. Two aniimal poems, ‘The Aardvark’ and ‘Bush Baby’ were read by Virginia and then it was more animals with Anne telling us that ‘Cats can Live Anywhere’.
More poems followed, some much-loved old favourites, some new. I particularly enjoyed both our guests reading together, ‘James, James, Morrison, Morrison’ followed by another favourite which I found myself reciting along with Anne, ‘The King’s Breakfast’.
I have just given a flavour of the duo’s entertaining recital. Too many to quote here.
Some members were disappointed that we did not hear more of Virginia’s life but the good news is that she has agreed to come again and talk about her acting life and the Born Free Foundation.
Robbie
