Arabella Churchill (charity founder)

Arabella Churchill (charity founder) was a British charity organizer and events producer, best known as the co-founder of the Children's World Charity and the Big Green Gathering festival. The granddaughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, she dedicated her life to charitable causes, particularly those benefiting children and promoting environmental awareness. Her work blended philanthropy with the counterculture of the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on the British festival scene and charitable sector.

Early life and family

Arabella Churchill was born in London to Randolph Churchill, the only son of Winston Churchill and Clementine Hozier. Her mother was June Osborne, daughter of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. She spent part of her childhood at the family estate, Chartwell, in Kent. Her early life was marked by the towering legacy of her grandfather, though she later described a sense of rebellion against the expectations of her aristocratic background. She was educated at various schools, including the Downham School, and developed an early interest in the arts and social issues, which would later define her career path away from conventional politics.

Charity work and the Children's World Charity

In 1974, inspired by a visit to a hospital in Morocco, Churchill co-founded the Children's World Charity with her friend, musician and playwright Joshua Compston. The charity's primary mission was to improve the lives of children in hospitals, hospices, and schools by providing creative arts therapies, entertainment, and educational resources. It became particularly known for its work with the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Churchill organized numerous fundraising events, including celebrity galas and early benefit concerts, leveraging her network within the worlds of London society and the burgeoning rock music scene to support the cause.

The Big Green Gathering

Churchill was a pivotal figure in the development of the British environmental movement and alternative festival culture. In 1994, she co-founded the Big Green Gathering, an annual festival focused on environmentalism, peace, and sustainable living. Held initially near Shepton Mallet in Somerset, the event grew to become a major fixture, featuring debates, workshops, live music, and demonstrations of renewable energy technology. The festival was a direct descendant of the earlier Glastonbury Festival, where Churchill had worked extensively as a coordinator and site manager for organizer Michael Eavis, helping to establish its charitable and community ethos.

Other activities and recognition

Beyond her primary charitable and festival work, Churchill was involved with numerous other organizations. She served as a trustee for the Bristol Old Vic theatre and was a patron of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. She also supported the Soil Association and various local arts projects in the West Country. In recognition of her services to charity, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2006 New Year Honours. Her ability to bridge disparate worlds—from the establishment of Whitehall to the anti-nuclear movement—was a hallmark of her effectiveness as a campaigner and organizer.

Personal life and death

Churchill was married twice, first to photographer Ian McEwan and later to restaurateur Hakan Günday; both marriages ended in divorce. She had a long-term relationship with Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, with whom she had a son. She lived for many years in Bristol, becoming a well-known and active member of the local community. Arabella Churchill died of cancer at her home in Bristol on 20 December 2007, aged 58. Her funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Bathwick, and she is remembered as a compassionate and energetic force who channeled her unique heritage into transformative social and environmental work.

Category:1949 births Category:2007 deaths Category:British charity founders Category:People from London Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire