A community-based initiative, the ‘Windrush Anchor Heritage Education Programme’ has been set-up to hold events, festivals, and education workshops to celebrate cultural pride amongst Black communities who – en-mass - have settled in the UK since and create a permanent memorial by seeking to locate the wreckage of the original ship.
The Programme, an initiative has created a life-sized replica of the anchor from the ship which brought the first wave of migrants to Britain from Commonwealth countries following the Second World War. The HMT Empire Windrush vessel, brought people from Caribbean islands across the Atlantic Ocean, before docking at Tilbury, in Essex, where its passengers – unaware of what they arrived at – will start a completely new life as they played their respective parts in the rebuilding of a new, post-war Great Britain and beyond!
The person behind the programme, Londoner Rudi Pag, was inspired to use the anchor as a focus point for celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Windrush’s arrive, by taking the replica to community groups nationwide to remind, educate and enlighten people, and give as near as possible first-hand experience of those who sailed on her to a brand-new world.
Looking for ongoing support in the recovery of the ‘Windrush Anchor’ from the ship, Page is looking to build a legacy programme to ensure that the cultural heritage of the Windrush Generation continues to be passed on - from generations-to-generation, while supporting communities of Caribbean heritage.
And, especially during this Black History Month, he said: “The ‘Windrush Anchor Heritage Education Programme’ upholds the values of respect and inclusion as the common ground for all, regardless of background, culture, or status.” The initiative has garnished response from Downing Street, with him getting a personal letter from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which said: “I was inspired to hear how your ‘Windrush Anchor Heritage Education Programme’ is celebrating this contribution, fostering community pride and upholding the values of respect and inclusion.
“Your campaign for a permanent memorial of the anchor from the Windrush is a powerful symbol of those pioneers who laid their own anchors here by building new lives in the UK and profoundly shaping this nation. Through festivals, events, and educational workshops, you are connecting young people with this incredible heritage.”
The Windrush Anchor Heritage Education programme is continuing to celebrate the cultural heritage of Caribbean commonwealth communities, whilst its Windrush Legacy room allows visitors from all ages and backgrounds to become immersed within their households of the 1960s and 1970s in Britain.
