Irvin Holness a 19-year-old tailor from St Elizabeth in Jamaica left the shores of the Caribbean in 1957 to build a new life in England. He joined his elder brother who was already residing in Dudley and gained employment in Brierley Hill. 

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918. Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, Armistice Day is observed with a two minute silence on the eleventh hour. Why? 1 minute was a time of thanksgiving for those who had returned alive, the second minute was to remember the fallen.

The WAWI Projects principle aim is to record and promote the history of the people who have served Britain. Whilst attending his uncle’s funeral (a National Service Veteran) H Barnes (WAWI founder) was approached by Dennis Joseph who asked if he would like to hear about an RAF veteran approaching their 100th Birthday.

Contacting our RAF Community Engagement Officer Sgt Chiv Chand, an invitation was issued to all interested parties to attend RAF Cosford in honour of the service and contributions made by Mr Nicholas born in Jamaica on 18th September 1923.

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The Why Are West Indian Project has been raising awareness of Windrush since the passing of a Windrush Pioneer in 2007. Our motto answers the question why are west Indians in this country? The answer – Britain called and we answered.  

By Audrey Dewjee

The stories of the Windrush generation were once little known but, following the Windrush Scandal, the general public is now more aware of what happened to people who arrived from the Caribbean between the end of World War Two and the coming into force of the Immigration Act 1971.  The arrivals’ experience was one of struggle – against racism in many quarters such as housing, education, employment, policing and from neighbours – and eventual success, as families settled and thrived despite the odds.

As the Nation, Commonwealth and indeed World mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, members of the WAWI Project payed its own personal tribute.

The West India Regiment Queens Colour and Trinidadian Royal Naval Reserve Standard were lowered and a minute silence observed to allow personal time for reflection.

To appreciate the story of Windrush we first have to go back to the Second Word War when Winston Churchill called on the rest of King George V1’s Empire across the seas. This decision changed the course of the war for Britain and her allies.

Once the war ended many of the Commonwealth forces returned to their home nations but not so for many of those from the West Indies whose loyalty to the Mother Country knew no bounds.

Armed Forces Community Garden in Hillfield Park, Soilhull has opened benefiting veterans and their family members, local schools and other members of the community.

The garden is a peaceful sanctuary for remembrance and reflection. It is also hoped it will be a place to help people overcome isolation, as it will provide a welcoming place to meet up and interact with others.

The area is principally divided into three zones: a sensory garden - with a distinctive, curving design - a summer flower meadow and a community woodland.

Do you know a male or female who has served in the British Army? (Not applicable for those who have served in the RAF or Navy)

A Chelsea Pensioner, or In-Pensioner, is a resident at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army located in Chelsea, London.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is the home to 300 retired British soldiers, male and female (the latter since 2009) and is located on Royal Hospital Road.

What is Fashion, Talent and Black History

Samantha Prescott the Creative Director created this showcase in tribute to her late Grandmother Vena Prescott. Who use to share her life memories of her journey from Jamaica to England in the 1950s. Samantha has always been a vintage enthusiast and had a passion for collecting vintage items. With the vision of keeping her grandmother’s legacy alive and her love of fashion. The fashion, talent and black history show was created. The showcase features fashion from the 1940s up to the 1990s, incorporated into the show with the era looks is a musical journey. The fashion show aims to be authentic when taking you back in time, fun, memorable and emotive.