Windrush Day.
2025 marks the 77th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, carrying the first major group of Caribbean migrants to the UK.
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 - over the past two years many have been at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, helping to save lives and keep vital services going.
Merton Heritage Service has compiled these online resources, to help you to learn more about the Windrush Generation and to celebrate the important part played by the Caribbean community in shaping our borough.
A Message from the Mayor of Merton.
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On the 77th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush ship in London, Merton recognises the considerable and important legacy of the Windrush Generation who have contributed so much to the cultural and economic life of our country, both recognising and celebrating our diverse shared history. It is important we celebrate their work within our community, but also how they helped to rebuild the economy and fill labour shortages in the aftermath of World War II. On Windrush Day we celebrate their work and the mark they have made on our country’s history. Councillor Martin Whelton, Mayor of Merton
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Windrush Displays.
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Click the links to view this Merton heritage display.
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London Transport Recruitment posters. West Indian Friends & Families Association
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Windrush Day 2019: A Retrospective
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Reminiscence Materials.
We have put together a range of themed material to trigger discussion of Caribbean heritage and life in the UK since 1948. This is designed to help you to share your memories with friends, family or carers. Click on the links below to access the different topics.
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The Windrush Experience Explained ( film ) Windrush: Narrated by Lenny Henry
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Click on the link below to read the personal accounts of Windrush passengers |
Windrush Puzzles.
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Windrush Words & Music.
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Useful Websites:
Click on the links below to access a range of websites about the Windrush Generation, the Caribbean community in the Uk and UK events to mark Windrush Day.
A Taste of the Caribbean.
We have gathered a collection of recipes to help you to share some Caribbean flavours with your family and friends.
Click on the links to view the recipes.
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Savoury dishes: |
Sweet dishes:
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Share your photos for posterity.
We are keen to add more photos of Merton's Caribbean community to the Merton Heritage Centre archives.
If you have images that you are happy to share with us, please email them to: local.studies@merton.gov.uk or post them to Merton Heritage Centre.
We are happy to scan and return original images where required.
For more heritage resources, visit our History Pages & Activities section.