Share this page
As part of Gloucestershire Libraries countywide Windrush Day celebrations, Bishop’s Cleeve Library hosted a vibrant community event on Sunday 22nd June. The celebration was the culmination of a series of cultural workshops held across the county’s libraries, which included school visits and an outreach session at a local retirement village. Through Afro-Caribbean drumming, fabric block printing, and storytelling, participants explored the rich heritage and lived experiences of the Windrush generation.


A powerful highlight of the event was the screening of this specially commissioned film (see below). The film was warmly received, sparking heartfelt conversations and a renewed appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Windrush generation.

 

Activities included:

 

-The first public showing of a newly created film including interviews from individuals with lived experience of the Windrush journey, as well as footage from recent library workshops.

-Cultural activities facilitated by Kuchalee and a visit from the Miss Windrush puppet.

-Refreshments provided by Season to Da Bone, offering Caribbean cuisine.

-A newly formed Windrush book collection on display

 

This project, supported by Near Neighbours, enabled libraries to purchase additional Windrush-themed books. These books will form a shared collection accessible to people of all ages across Gloucestershire, available in both library and community settings.

 

The accompanying film will be made available for community screenings and will also become a permanent feature in the Immersive Room at the Oakley Interactive Space.

 

Althia Lyn from the GCC Race Equality Network says:

We are proud to announce that this event has been developed in close collaboration with the Council’s Race Equality Network. The Network plays a vital role in advancing race equality and supporting the council in meeting its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.

 

The Race Equality Network is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or culture—feels valued and empowered. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the Network helps shape policies and practices that reflect the needs of our staff and communities.

 

This event is a reflection of our ongoing journey toward a more inclusive council and community. Together, we are building a culture where diversity is celebrated, and equality is at the heart of everything we do.

 

Windrush: Remembering the Legacy

The stories of the Windrush generation never grow old. They are etched into the fabric of British history—stories of courage, resilience, and unwavering contribution. For members of the Council’s Race Equality Network, Windrush is not just a chapter in the past; it is a living legacy that continues to shape our communities and our values today.

 

It is important for us all to remember and honour the sacrifices and contributions made by the Windrush generation. They arrived with hope, determination, and a deep sense of purpose—to help rebuild the nation after war. Their work in public services, transport, the NHS, and beyond laid the foundations for the multicultural Britain we know today. 

 

“For many of us, Windrush is also deeply personal. It’s the memory of stylish coats and hats, polished shoes lined up by the door, and the faded edges of a jaded passport photo tucked into a drawer. It’s the sound of ska, reggae, and calypso drifting through the house, the scent of home-cooked food, the warmth of a West Indian front room filled with laughter, love, and discipline. It’s the legacy of strict parenting, strong values, and a fierce pride in identity”.

 

For further information, please contact [email protected]