Windrush commemoration event to be held outside of a popular Doncaster theatre

Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on June 21, 1948 with over 500 people from the Caribbean answering the call to help rebuild post-war Britain.

The Doncaster African Caribbean Support Group is collaborating with Cast Theatre to mark the day.

On Tuesday, June 22 between 12 to 2pm there will be an event where stories from the Windrush generation will be shared by their descendants, accompanied by songs from Sharlene Rainey.

Tim Brow, Coordinator of the Doncaster African Caribbean Support Group, said: “The relationship between Britain and the West Indies and Caribbean is inextricable.

“The first slavery ships arrived in the Caribbean in approximately 1623 and despite slavery and colonisation of over 25,000 Caribbean’s served alongside British troops in the First and Second World Wars.

“When my parents and their generation arrived in England under the Nationality Act 1948 they arrived here as British citizens to help rebuild Britain after the world wars.

“It’s brilliant to be hosting this event at Cast to commemorate the contributions of the Windrush generation to British society.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to consider what type of Doncaster society we want to be moving forward and to be hosting this commemorative event in collaboration is a great start.”

Organisers of the event are determined to host the Windrush Day despite the pandemic but strict social distancing measures will be in place and they ask any one who attends to adhere to them.

Guest speakers will include Norma Gregory, Audley Forrester, Adele Thaxter and Leanna Smith.

Deborah Reed, Director at Cast, said: “I’m so pleased that we are continuing to collaborate with the Doncaster African Caribbean Support Group to host such an important event at Cast.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming so many wonderful speakers who can share many authentic stories of the Windrush generation and celebrate their contributions to the community in Doncaster and beyond.”

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