An Evening with Michael Palin

Television and film star Michael Palin entertained almost 1000 pupils, OMTs, parents and members of the local community at Merchant Taylors’ on Tuesday 3rd December, as part of the Chorleywood Literary Festival, organised by Chorleywood Bookshop.

Michael Palin was touring to publicise his latest book on Brazil and the School was delighted to host the event in its magnificent Great Hall, newly renovated over the summer, in a £1 million project that has transformed it into a state-of-the-art 21st century facility. Michael’s great-great-great grandfather was one of the School’s nineteenth century benefactors, making the event particularly special.

Boys and adults were thrilled that Michael was prepared to sign so many autographs and speak so enthrallingly about the fascinating landscapes and peoples of Brazil and its emergence as a global economic powerhouse.

Simon Everson, Head Master of Merchant Taylors’ School, commented: “It’s been a real delight to hear Michael speaking so eloquently about such a fascinating topic. It has been a long road from Monty Python to Rio de Janiero and Michael must be the only lumberjack in our history to become one of our true national treasures.” 

Proceeds from the evening will go towards sponsoring children at the Purkal Youth Development Society in India, an English language rural charity school which educates first generation learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to the highest standards.

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