Doncaster's Frenchgate unveils Black History exhibition

Frenchgate Shopping Centre has teamed up with Heritage Doncaster and Second Generation to unveil a Black History exhibition project to tell the stories of local people from the Caribbean who made Doncaster their home between 1948 and 1973.

October is Black History Month, when the UK recognises the contributions that African and Caribbean descent have made to the country over generations.

Karen Staniforth, the centre’s assistant general manager, said: “Black History Month looks at the history of black British communities and the Black History exhibition at Frenchgate will shine a light on the inspirational people that we have here in Doncaster.

“The project will help the local community learn about the local people from the Caribbean, their traditions, culture, experiences when they arrived here in the UK and the contributions they’ve made.”

Frenchgate is showcasing the exhibition on the wall by guest services. Each story will be told on a board focusing on the arrival stories of people who arrived from the Caribbean as part of the Windrush generation. The exhibition will feature over 20 different stories, including Blanche Hines from Bunkers Hill, Jamaica, who emigrated to the UK at the age of 18.

Blanche was met at the airport by a close family member from Doncaster before going on to enrol as a trainee nurse at St James Hospital, also known as St Jimmy’s. Blanche intended to remain in England for a short time before returning to Jamaica, but her plans changed after settling and making a home in the UK.

Victoria Ryves, NPO programme manager of Heritage Doncaster, said: “We are really pleased to be holding this event at the Frenchgate Shopping Centre to showcase these incredible experiences, reach people from across the region, and give as many people as possible the chance to read these stories.”