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Introduction
Windrush Day, 22 June, is a nationwide event to celebrate and commemorate nearly half a million people who moved from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1970. They and their descendants have made a major contribution to the social, economic, political and cultural heritage of this country.
This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush at Tilbury Docks in Essex, the first stop for British Caribbean citizens before travelling on towards London.
Across Merton, we will be celebrating the important part played by the Caribbean community in shaping our borough.
We will be marking the event at?Mitcham Carnival.?
Windrush Archive
Alongside a message from the new Mayor of Merton, you can access hundreds of amazing photographs and other material that showcases Windrush heritage in Merton here:
The Meaning of Windrush competition for Merton school students
Merton school students are invited to research and submit work on “The Meaning of Windrush,” to highlight their thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future.
Entries can be artwork, poetry, a poster, prose, a letter or perhaps a photograph – the choice is yours. Selected entries will feature in a 2 week exhibition at Merton Civic Centre, and successful entrants will be invited to a special launch (29 June). Prizes will be awarded for the entries chosen by a local panel.
Submission deadline: 22 June
Work should cover one side only of an A4 or A3 sheet. Schools can:
- Drop off entries at Morden Library for the attention of Sarah Gould
- Scan and email entries to: local.studies@www.cheesedoff.net
- Email Alison.Cramp@www.cheesedoff.net to arrange collection
- Schools must supply each entrant’s first and surname, age, parent/guardian contact details (phone/email)
Windrush 75 events
Windrush Celebration,?Tuesday 20?June, 6pm-9pm
New Horizon Centre
Pollards Hill, CR4 1LT
Hosted by the Poet and Windrush Narrator?Miraculous
Mitcham Fair Green Mitcham, Saturday 24th June, 1pm-8pm
Positive Network Community Project are holding a celebration of the Windrush generation and their contributions to British society. It will include music, dance, food, and cultural performances from the Caribbean communities.
Guest speaker will be Katie Wilson -Dowling on the Windrush Compensation scheme.
Mitcham Carnival, Sunday 25th June, 10.30am-5pm
Back by popular demand, this year’s Carnival parade will have a Windrush theme, loads of stalls and opportunities for fun
Moja Family Fun Day Windrush 75 Edition?Saturday, 15 July, 11am-5pm
Farm Road Pavilion and Playing Fields
With children’s activities and live music
Compensation scheme
If you have been affected by issues around the Home Office’s treatment of the Windrush community, you may be able to claim compensation if you suffered losses because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK.?
Windrush Compensation Scheme: advice for Merton residents
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