Windrush-related projects across the UK responded in their droves when they heard that The National Lottery Community Fund was welcoming applications to mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush.
We hear from three groups that have successfully applied and received National Lottery awards of up to £10,000 to find out what their Windrush plans are and the difference their grant makes to them and their community.
Caribbean & African Health Network in Manchester will host a Windrush 75 Health Walk and Festival that has been designed, produced and delivered with older Caribbean people and their families and Black-led community groups.
The event takes place on Saturday 24 June at Alexandra Park in Manchester and will celebrate the contributions of local Windrush communities through storytelling, performances and educational exhibitions.
Dr Faye Bruce DL, Chair of the Caribbean & African Health Network, said: “Both my parents arrived in the UK in 1961 having given up their home in Jamaica in the hope of building a better life for themselves and their family. They worked in some of the worst conditions and persisted with resilience for the sake of their children.
“Celebrating Windrush is important to me and the Caribbean & African Health Network because their story is not unique, but a real opportunity to salute, commemorate, recognise and celebrate those that came and contributed to UK society for the sake of future generations.”
Can’t Blame Da Youth in Leicester will be showcasing the story of Windrush through street and stage performances, bringing people from all communities together to understand the experiences of Windrush pioneers. A series of carnival arts workshops will take place over 12 weeks, and the group will also form part of Leicester Carnival on Saturday 5 August.
Speaking about the importance of commemorating Windrush 75, Joanne Alexander, Director of Can’t Blame Da Youth, said: “The 75th anniversary of Windrush means a lot to our organisation and community as many of our grandparents and parents are the Windrush first and second generation.
“Thanks to the £10,000 National Lottery grant, we will celebrate the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush, when our grandparents emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain to help rebuild after World War II. Many took on jobs such as nurses, bus drivers, food and coal production and much more.
“After facing racism, prejudice and stereotypes we have built new lives and families and had to fight to be accepted. We have the legacy of contribution, which makes us feel proud.”
Another group to benefit from National Lottery funding is Nottingham News Centre, which will be holding a special event on Windrush Day itself (Thursday 22 June) at Haywood Road Community Centre in Nottingham. This will celebrate the contributions of former industrial workers of African Caribbean heritage from the Windrush generation through presentations and an exhibition.
Norma Gregory, Diverse Heritage Leader at Nottingham News Centre, said: “This is an important occasion to reflect and to remember the significant contributions made by the African Caribbean community, their elders, and descendants as part of British society.
“Over the past ten years, our group has been collating, preserving, and sharing our diverse, industrial heritage. We relish moments like this where communities can come together to share and hear memories, lived experiences and achievements of the Windrush generation, their descendants and legacy.
“Thank you to National Lottery players for supporting our progress and journey towards diversity and inclusion through heritage.”
Recognising the importance of supporting Windrush Day, Phil Chamberlain, England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The 75th anniversary of Windrush is a great opportunity to recognise and embrace the endeavours and legacy of Windrush pioneers and their families.
“Communities are choosing many ways in which to mark this historic occasion. We’re delighted to be able to support many of them with National Lottery funding, with grants available throughout this significant year.
“National Lottery funding is for everyone so if you are planning a Windrush 75 event or project this year with your community please do apply.”
Almost £1million of National Lottery funding has been awarded to 95 community groups across the UK commemorating Windrush, with more investment to come throughout the 75th anniversary year.
Projects to benefit include carnivals, history exhibitions, intergenerational workshops in schools, and an event celebrating Caribbean jewellers in the British jewellery trade.
Windrush 75 grants up to £10,000 are still available for activities taking place later this year, including for Black History Month in October.
Visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/blog to read Windrush 75 blogs which provide advice and top tips on how to apply and strengthen your application.
Free grant application clinics, which were hugely popular and sold out earlier this year, are back – with sessions running in June. You will hear about eligibility criteria, what grants can be spent on, and what we are looking for in an application.
Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-national-lottery-community-fund to sign up to a session.
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