what's new - archive
news
A number of events are taking place around the country on 22 June 2008 to commemorate this anniversary.
Background
The 22 June 2008 will mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush to the UK. On board were 492 ‘West Indians', as they were described at the time, and their arrival is regarded as the birth of post-war multi-ethnic Britain. In celebration of this event, a series of ecumenical events has been encouraged by Churches Together in England, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance, the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance and the Black Christian Leaders' Forum.
Events
To mark the arrival of Windrush, churches and other community groups are encouraged to:
- Hold a Windrush service on Sunday 22 June 2008 to celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Windrush.
- Hold group discussions to allow older worshippers - those who arrived at that time as well as those who welcomed them - to tell their stories.
- Provide a space where your congregation can talk about the impact of the arrival of Windrush on Britain and the Church in particular.
- Use a Book Club or a Study Group forum to read and discuss one of the many books about Windrush listed in the ‘Resources' section on the website below.
- Listen to records by Calypsonians such as Lord Kitchener and Lord Beginner which explore the lives of the new settlers.
For further information please contact Berrisford Lewis, National Ecumenical Coordinator for ‘Windrush 60th Anniversary', mobile: 07974064520 or email.
Mark would be grateful if you could let him know of any events you will be holding to mark this anniversary so that he can advertise them on the Churches Together in England website which has been set up specifically for this purpose.
