75th Anniversary Windrush Service

Churches and Christian organisations from across Britain have once again come together to host a service at Southwark Cathedral London Bridge London SE1 9DA, on 22 June

2023 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush. The service is free but you need to register to secure a place if you wish to attend.

Visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/windrush-75-a-nationalservice-of-thanksgiving-tickets-630473261497

Organised by Churches Together the service will be live streamed here: www.youtube.com/ctbimedia

Whose house is it anyway?

Convened by activist, historian and social commentator Patrick Vernon and his steering group is an organisation with over 250 members. Launched in 2022 at the Houses of Parliament, all of the members have organised events, workshops, activities and useful information to celebrate Windrush 75 nationally. A comprehensive documentation of many organisations and individuals, there is something for everyone.

See some of the events by visiting the website: www.windrush75.org/events or just simply get involved.

Sustainable self-sufficiency was a necessity for survival

Contrary to the norm of the era for many British people, most West Indians owned their own houses. This was often facilitated by a “pardner” weekly saving system whereby a group of people would pool almost their entire wages, retaining just enough to live on. They would take it in turns to draw the full amount each week which often amounted to a very tidy sum - certainly enough to pay the required deposit for a house - in those days. They would then let individual rooms to new immigrants. Restrooms were often outside and kitchen areas on a communal landing were not uncommon.

China L’one winner of the Business Excellence Award founded We Run the World Female DJ Agency in 2012. With a portfolio of leading female DJs they have provided services across the globe including the Women’s Euros 2022 at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 people.

Did you know that until 1971, when the British currency was decimalised, the guinea was still used as a monetary unit? Its value was one pound and one shilling (£1/1s) or 21 shillings. More profound: the guinea was named after the African country Guinea on the coast of West Africa, because that was where much British gold was taken from under the patronage of the Royal African Company who brought the West African gold that made the coin to London. The guinea came into existence in 1663 under King Charles II. As well as trading in African gold, The Royal African company were heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade so out of this little known country both gold and human lives were traded.

Jamaicans in Britain: A Legacy of Leadership, co-authored, curated and edited by Joy Sigaud, is still available. The book is packed with over 500 biographies, back-stories, information and commentaries, plus a list of all who boarded HMT Empire Windrush at Kingston Jamaica. A limited number of specially embossed Windrush Editions are available for purchase.

Contact debbie@lawrenva.com

For more articles and Windrush publications by EDITIONS visit www.editionbhm.com

Original books are also available to purchase in person from the Jamaican High Commission, London and Consular offices throughout the UK.

A highly respected resident of Harlesden London, Norman Mitchell has lived at the same address since 1956. Recognising the needs of the ageing population in the area, in 1980 he founded the West Indian Senior Citizens Organisation (WISCO). He has also served on many committees in relation to health matters, education and community affairs.

He has represented WISCO on numerous boards and continues today to do anything he can to serve his community. Norman Mitchell MBE is true pioneer of the Windrush Generation who has used his skills and initiative to make a vast contribution and a difference in a sector that continues to see a growing need nationwide.