Arabella Churchill
“We feel that our team leaders now have so many years of experience under their belts, and can communicate so well with children and young people, that they can use the many different techniques and exercises they have developed over the years to address almost any problem area.”
Arabella Churchill
Arabella Spencer Churchill was a creative force, a passionate advocate for children, and the founder of Children’s World. Born into a family with a strong sense of public service as the granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, Arabella forged her own path through creativity, compassion and a deep belief in social responsibility.
Based in Glastonbury, Arabella was a major figure in the town’s cultural life and played a significant role in the development of the Theatre and Circus fields at Glastonbury Festival. Her life was rooted in the arts, performance and community, and she believed strongly in the power of creativity to bring people together and to help children grow in confidence and self-worth.
Founding Children’s World
In 1981, Arabella founded Children’s World with the aim of using drama, dance, play and creative workshops to support children, particularly those with special needs. What began as local work in the South West of England quickly grew as the impact of the charity became clear.
Children’s World expanded into mainstream schools, developing inclusive projects that allowed children of mixed abilities to work together. Arabella was passionate about breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child felt valued, heard and able to take part.
Under her guidance, the charity also ran the Glastonbury Children’s Festival for over 30 years, creating a joyful and welcoming space for children and families to celebrate creativity.
International Work
Arabella’s commitment to children extended beyond the UK. In 1999, Children’s World responded to a request from War Child to support children affected by the Kosovan conflict, leading to the creation of Children’s World International. Through this work, Arabella and her team brought creative support to children affected by conflict and natural disasters, including projects in Albania, Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Her Passing and Legacy
Arabella Churchill sadly passed away in December 2007 after a short illness, aged 58. In the weeks before her death, she worked tirelessly to ensure the future of the charities she had built, choosing to focus her remaining time on securing their continuation rather than undergoing treatment.
Her death was felt deeply by the many children, families, teachers and colleagues whose lives she had touched. Tributes poured in from across the creative and charitable worlds, including from Michael Eavis, who described her as one of the most valuable and morally driven members of the Glastonbury Festival team.
Arabella’s vision, energy and compassion remain at the heart of Children’s World today. The charity continues to grow and evolve, carrying forward her belief that creativity, inclusion and play can change lives.
