Windrush Day.
2023 marks the 75th 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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I am honoured and delighted as the First Citizen of Merton to have the opportunity to share a message for Windrush 2023. As this year's programme marks the 75th anniversary of Empire Windrush docking in the UK, the celebrations are particularly important. The Windrush Generation were pioneers. We must never forget how they left their country and families to journey to a new life -far away from all that was familiar, full of anticipation for the future, and I am sure some trepidation. The memories will be particularly poignant for many families, but I hope the legacy of those that came here first will never be forgotten by any of us. The contribution of the Windrush Generation is invaluable to the economic and social fibre of Britain. I, therefore, place on record my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all citizens of the Borough of Merton, for all the wonderful things we have been blessed with as a result of the Windrush Generation taking that chance, and truly celebrate the 75th Anniversary. With very best wishes Councillor Gill Manly, 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.