Monument for Windrush Generation - Anchors of HMT Empire Windrush
Date and time
Location
Online event
Join this consultation event about the campaign to recover the Empire Windrush anchors as an alternative monument!
About this event
Background
The Empire Windrush and the ‘Windrush Generation’ are bywords for the post-war era of mass migration from the former colonies of the British Empire to the UK. An era defined by the single iconic image of the ship arriving at Tilbury Dock on 22nd June 1948, its stern anchor framed by the expectant faces of the country’s newest immigrants.
The Empire Windrush has entered the national consciousness as one of the most famous vessels in British history by dint of her story. She signifies the beginnings of multicultural Britain. The arrival of Caribbean people from Jamaica stepping off the gangplank at Tilbury Dock in London was a landmark moment in history which was to transform British society, at that time just recovering from the ravages of WWII.
Windrush has lent her name to public spaces, charities and even starred in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. As a name “Windrush” is the single word used to identify an entire generation of people. Yet no tangible monument to this event and what ensued exists.
About this event
The event is organised by The Ubele Initiative and Patrick Vernon OBE.
It will be a consultation to develop public support for the campaign to recover the Empire Windrush anchors as an alternative monument to acknowledge the contribution of the Windrush Generation and migration in Britain.
Programme
Host: Michael Hamilton Programme Director, The Ubele Initiative
Windrush Generation and contribution of migrants and impact of Windrush Scandal/Windrush Day
Patrick Vernon OBE, a child of the Windrush Generation and campaigner for national Windrush Day and Windrush Scandal.
Proposed plans to salvage HMT Empire Windrush Anchors
David L. Mearns OAM, one of the world’s most experienced and successful deep-sea shipwreck hunters, has agreed to lead the search for the wreck and anchor recovery. In his career, David has located 25 major shipwrecks with an overall success rate of 90% and has been awarded five Guinness World Records, including one for locating the deepest shipwreck ever found at 5,762 metres.
Preservation of the Empire Windrush Anchors
Jessica Berry is founder and CEO of MAST which is an award-winning maritime archaeologist, created to investigate and protect Britain’s rich maritime heritage. Since its formation in 2010 MAST has managed some of the most ambitious marine archaeology projects ever conducted in the UK.
Legacy of Windrush
Cllr Sonia Winifred Cabinet Member for Culture and Equalities for Lambeth Council
Cllr Carole Williams Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Equalities, Hackney Council Representative from BCA
Catherine Ross Founder, National Caribbean Museum
Max Holloway Windrush Anchor
Further information
GoFundMe: Donate to the Monument for the Windrush generation
