Latest news with #WindrushDay
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
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Windrush event under threat after funding blow
An event for the Windrush generation in Leicester is under threat due to a lack of funding. The Caribbean-style high tea to honour the legacy of the people who came to the UK from the West Indies is held in New Walk every year and usually includes a programme of dance, music and stalls. However, it relies on funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which has allocated its £500,000 budget to other projects connected to Windrush this year. Organisers Opal22 say they do not know why their application for funding was not successful, but the event, scheduled for June, is unlikely to go ahead unless more money can be found. Opal22 founder Tara Munroe said: "We normally do it for £25,000. Currently we've managed to raise £7,000, so we are about £18,000 shy. "We are normally funded by the Windrush fund. I've asked for feedback on why we weren't successful this year and we haven't had any, so I don't know. "But we have time and we need to get this money through the door because this is such an important event." The high tea is served to elder members of the Caribbean community in Leicester and the event as a whole usually attracts 1,000 people throughout the day. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said its £500,000 funding had been split between 30 projects this year, but the event in Leicester was not among them. They added: "This year we had a record number of applications which shows the enthusiasm of communities across the country to support the legacy of the Windrush generation." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Who are the windrush generation? Windrush Day
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Windrush event under threat after funding blow
An event for the Windrush generation in Leicester is under threat due to a lack of funding. The Caribbean-style high tea to honour the legacy of the people who came to the UK from the West Indies is held in New Walk every year and usually includes a programme of dance, music and stalls. However, it relies on funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which has allocated its £500,000 budget to other projects connected to Windrush this year. Organisers Opal22 say they do not know why their application for funding was not successful, but the event, scheduled for June, is unlikely to go ahead unless more money can be found. Opal22 founder Tara Munroe said: "We normally do it for £25,000. Currently we've managed to raise £7,000, so we are about £18,000 shy. "We are normally funded by the Windrush fund. I've asked for feedback on why we weren't successful this year and we haven't had any, so I don't know. "But we have time and we need to get this money through the door because this is such an important event." The high tea is served to elder members of the Caribbean community in Leicester and the event as a whole usually attracts 1,000 people throughout the day. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said its £500,000 funding had been split between 30 projects this year, but the event in Leicester was not among them. They added: "This year we had a record number of applications which shows the enthusiasm of communities across the country to support the legacy of the Windrush generation." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Who are the windrush generation? Windrush Day
