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Windrush generation celebrated with image projections in Ipswich

Sheila Barbosa Empire Windrush projectionSheila Barbosa
From 1954 significant numbers of immigrants from the Caribbean settled in Ipswich

Workers from the Caribbean coming to the UK have been celebrated in Suffolk on the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush.

The projections of photographs, on buildings in Ipswich, show people entering the country when the ship docked at Tilbury, Essex.

Del White, an organiser, said on the town hall they had showcased three Ipswich mayors with Caribbean roots.

"They have worked for integration. We are so proud of them," she said.

Sheila Barbosa Glen Chisholm in front of a projection of him in IpswichSheila Barbosa
Former Ipswich mayor Glen Chisholm saw his face projected on the Town Hall, which carried photos relating to 'settlement and achievement'
Sheila Barbosa Projections by the Windrush Consortium in IpswichSheila Barbosa
The Windrush Consortium has arranged several events in Ipswich

The Windrush arrived on 22 June 1948, although it was not until 1954 that significant numbers of immigrants from the Caribbean settled in Ipswich.

Many of these men were employed by Ipswich engineering firms, such as Crane's Ltd, which were keen to recruit staff.

Others worked in the construction industry or timber yards such as those of William Brown Ltd.

Sheila Barbosa Windrush projections in IpswichSheila Barbosa
Pictures on the building being redeveloped focused on the 'reconstruction era'
Sheila Barbosa Loleitha EvelynSheila Barbosa
The projections were shown on Sunday and Monday night

From 1951 to 1961 the number of people from the Caribbean in Suffolk, predominantly Ipswich, rose from 52 to 943.

Ms White, who is part of the Windrush Consortium, said when trying to come up with a way to celebrate Windrush during the Covid-19 lockdown "it came to be quite strongly that our presence could be visual".

"We are using images to show our presence. The Windrush generation came to Britain to help rebuild the country," she said.