“The Windrush era is a very important part of British history as it helps us understand how and why we became the multicultural society we are today, and also helps us understand the history of race relations in this country”.
Naomie Harris
Introduction
The heavens opened over Battersea Park on a warm Saturday afternoon with rain cascading down from the leaves on the trees. Yet this did not deter STORM in partnership with ENABLE from holding a Windrush tea party to celebrate its 75th anniversary in the picturesque surroundings of the bandstand. Yet when DJ Courtney Melody started playing those old Caribbean tracks that put you in the groove and make you want to dance, the sun woke up and parted the grey skies, shining its bright, warm beams onto the party below. This would become an afternoon of an eclectic mix of music, dance, literature and poetry.
The Perfect Present
Untie the bow and peel back the wrapping paper and it will reveal a Windrush tea party that had it all. As rum punch got sipped and those invited selected their next sandwich from their tea tower, this afternoon engaged and enthused bringing together the young and the old. I loved the words of Royston Dawkins, speaking about how he was left behind in the Caribbean with his sisters so that his parents could pursue a new life in the UK, looked after by his grandmother until they were called for. The rousing words of the local Labour MP for Battersea, Marsha de Cordova recounted her loving childhood and how she used to dance to her grandmothers’ records. The brilliant jazz saxophonist, my pride as my piece, The Windrush Generation was read out by Claire Jackson and my Q&A on stage with Chris Preddie OBE. The beautiful gospel singing of Andrea Rhooms, the heartfelt poem by 13-year-old Kaya Pinto-Moreira, the powerful voice of S -J accompanied by a jazz band and the energetic moves of Chucky and Honey.
An Afternoon To Remember
I would like to thank my dear friend Marie Hanson MBE for inviting me to her event. I know how hard she works behind the scenes, helping thousands of families through her STORM charity for those who have suffered domestic violence. This lady is truly inspirational, working long hours to a cause that became her calling in life. A woman who is humble and would give up sleep if it meant bringing another person from the utter hell of domestic violence to a new chapter in their life with new beginnings. Her tireless work often goes unnoticed but is highly appreciated by those who suffer, her friends and family. Marie has opened my eyes to my natural talent to write and how the opportunities are endless with the sky being the limit. I look forward to attending this Windrush tea party next year and many more events that Marie organises. She is a shining star and someone who has an endless supply of energy.
