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Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Roundabout renamed to honour Windrush generation
A roundabout has been renamed to honour the Windrush generation following a heartfelt request from a Barbados descendant. Peter Small, from Reading, approached councillors to suggest planting a tree to commemorate the Windrush generation's contribution to the town. That simple idea blossomed into the planting of five palm trees on the roundabout at the intersection of the Inner Distribution Road (IDR) and Chatham Street in the town centre. The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, who is himself a descendant of the Windrush generation, said: "This is an historic moment in Reading's story, and a proud moment to serve as mayor of this town." Soon after Mr Small's idea, Sherwin Springer proposed renaming the roundabout to reflect the significance of the Caribbean community in Reading's history. Dozens of people from the Windrush generation, representing islands across the Caribbean, gathered on the roundabout to mark the occasion on Tuesday 29 April. Among them was 92-year-old Dorothy Grace Brown, an arrival from Barbados. Mr Dennis said: "The naming of this roundabout recognises the dedication and spirit of generations of people who travelled far to answer the call after the war and who made Reading their home. "It is a tribute to all those who have worked in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, retail, transport, and many other sectors contributing tirelessly to the life and growth of our town. "Above all, it reflects the deep appreciation of Reading for the Windrush community, who continue to make a valuable and lasting contribution to our society." He unveiled a new sign and said it was a "proud and symbolic moment" celebrating the rich cultural heritage. Councillor Wendy Griffith said it was a "lovely tribute". She added: "The planting of trees on the roundabout, and renaming of the roundabout, have come about through some positive ongoing discussions between residents and councillors, which is a great example of how we can work together to reflect the wishes of our residents. "I'm so pleased that we have been able to honour the Windrush community in this way, with an excellent location so that many people will get to see it." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Windrush generation tree is 'chapter in history' Windrush Generation celebrated in 'Enigma of Arrival' What is Windrush Day? Reading Borough Council Caribbean Associations Group Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Windrush generation tree is 'chapter in history'
The impact made by post-World War Two immigrants from the Caribbean has been marked by a tree-planting ceremony. Families of the Windrush generation in Reading planted a tree at the Chatham Street roundabout to remember the contributions made by those who came to the UK between 1948 and 1971. Peter Small, who arrived in the UK in 1964 aged 19, organised the tree planting. He said: "Having a tree planted to remember the Windrush generation is another chapter in that history." Mr Small, 80, recalled how he took on various jobs after his arrival, including as a security guard and working night shifts in a drinks factory. "I've got a great-grandson and this is for him rather than for me. "Because I want him to grow and know that his folks, his grandad, his great-grandad contributed to the town and he should never ever forget that," he added. HMT Empire Windrush became a symbol of a wider mass-migration movement. People in the Caribbean were invited to the UK to help rebuild post-war Britain. There were 1,027 people on board and more than 800 gave their last country of residence as somewhere in the Caribbean. These travellers - and those on other ships which came to the UK until 1971 - became known as the Windrush generation. Grace Brown, 92, came to the UK on Christmas Eve in 1956 from Barbados when she was in her 20s. She said: "They never told me it was [going to be] so cold." The month of December 1956 was the dullest December on record, with less than eight hours of sunlight, according to the University of Reading. Mrs Brown recalled asking her husband when she arrived to the UK: "'The same sun in Barbados I have left, is it the same sun here?' He said 'why?' and I said 'it is sunny but it is still cold'." She worked as nurse in different parts of Berkshire, including at St Mark's Hospital in Maidenhead, where she stayed for 25 years. Among those attending the ceremony was Sherwin Springer whose parents were part of the Windrush generation. Her father was a carpenter and her mother was a nurse. Ms Springer said her mother "was very into her community and supporting it and very proud of Barbados". She said when she saw the tree being planted she thought of her parents. "I first went back to my mum and dad because if they were still alive it would be a very proud moment. "I'm walking on their shoulders and be proud for them." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook and X. Windrush Generation celebrated in 'Enigma of Arrival' What is Windrush Day? Daughter of Windrush man loses bid to remain in UK Windrush was 'the best decision I ever made' Bradford Windrush flag goes on Caribbean tour Reading Museum Caribbean Associations Group
