Thatcher Fest-goers can watch a film about Margaret Thatcher’s life in surroundings that helped mould the Iron Lady.
Kesteven and Grantham Girls School (KGGS) in Grantham is opening its doors to public screenings of the 2011 biographical drama about the former Prime Minister’s life as part of the commemoration marking 100 years since her birth.
Margaret Thatcher attended KGGS on a scholarship and was head girl in 1942/43 before departing for Oxford University to read chemistry at Somerville College.
Her greengrocer father also had strong associations with KGGS as an Alderman of the town and chairman of school governors for 26 years, serving 39 years on the board in total.
Head Teacher James Fuller said: “We are incredibly proud that Margaret Thatcher attended our school and in what she went on to achieve in becoming Britain’s first female Prime Minister.
“Her success has taught our students in the decades since that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and that continues to resonate to the present day.
“KGGS was where she built the foundations for her success, so it is important to us that the school plays its part in the 100th anniversary commemorations of her birth.”
SKDC Deputy Leader Paul Stokes, Cabinet Member Leisure and Culture, said: “Cinema is a wonderful medium and this film has been described as a brilliant biopic.
“These film nights are a welcome addition to the diverse arts offering provided by the festival and we are pleased so many organisations have chosen to take part.
“Visitors have the chance to enjoy music, comedy, exhibitions, in-person events from people who knew Margaret Thatcher and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival.”
Mrs Thatcher was to retain a connection with the school following her election as MP for Finchley in 1959, Conservative Party Leader in 1975 and Prime Minister in 1979.
She returned several times as a visitor, including the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to her in 1982 and for the opening of Roberts Hall, which is named after her father Alfred.
The film ‘Iron Lady’, directed by Phyllida Lloyd starring Meryl Streep, tells the story of Britain’s longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th Century, and the first woman to hold the office.
The Iron Lady will be shown on Monday 13th and Thursday 16th October at 7pm with the doors opening at 6.15pm. Tickets are £5 from The Iron Lady
KGGS Headteacher James Fuller is pictured with Margaret Roberts' school record and the plaque that was dedicated to her in 1982.
Among the Baroness Thatcher artefacts people can see during their visit, are her school record, letters she wrote to the school whilst a politician, photographs of her and biographies that have been donated by the authors such as Charles Moore.
Her name can also be seen amongst those of head girls of the past.
More general information about Grantham as a place and the school at the time will also be on show.
For information on other events happening for Thatcherfest, visit guildhallartscentre.com/whats-on/thatcher-fest/