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How did people in the Midlands mark Windrush Day?

How did people in the Midlands mark Windrush Day?

ITV News23-06-2025
People across the Midlands gathered to mark Windrush Day and celebrate Caribbean culture. It's been 76 years since Empire Windrush brought hundreds of people from the Caribbean to the UK to take up jobs and rebuild Britain after the Second World War. Now every year, 22 June is set apart as a special day for those people.
People gathered in Birmingham's Victoria Square for a special flag-raising ceremony and service.
A carnival procession also took place.
Fathia Warren, a Windrush flag carrier in Birmingham proceeded down the streets of Centenary Square to Victoria Square, and she told ITV Central:
"We're celebrating every year to commemorate and be thankful for our elders that came from the Commonwealth to help Britain rebuild.
"This is our way of just acknowledging them and saying thank you."
Leicester's Windrush Tea Party event returned on Saturday.
Despite fears the annual event would have to be cancelled because of funding concerns, the popular event returned, transforming the Museum Square into a celebration of Caribbean culture, music and community spirit.
It's part of the city's wider commemorations of Windrush Day and honours the men and women of the Windrush Generation who helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War.
The event included a Caribbean tea party, music and games.
Students in Walsall also put on a special Windrush display to remember and pay homage to the generation.
They produced a powerful documentary celebrating the achievements of the Windrush generation who came to the town in the 1950s and 60s.
Members of the Caribbean community attended a special dinner and showing of a film called Paved With Gold.
A mix of events took place all over the region to truly make the day special.
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The Scots inventor's legacy that's being kept alive
The Scots inventor's legacy that's being kept alive

The Herald Scotland

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  • The Herald Scotland

The Scots inventor's legacy that's being kept alive

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Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum
Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum

Leader Live

time2 hours ago

  • Leader Live

Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum

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Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum
Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum

Glasgow Times

time3 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum

Group Captain Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was the final surviving member of 'The Few', who took to the skies in 1940 to defend the UK against Luftwaffe attacks in what became a pivotal moment of the Second World War. He died in March this year, at the age of 105. His portrait will find a permanent home at the Irish National Gallery. Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway (Brian Lawless/PA) The portrait, unveiled by Mr Hemingway at the British Embassy in Dublin last year marking his 105th birthday, was painted by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, 44. He was the last living pilot from the Battle of Britain and would have been 106 on July 17. Mr Llywelyn Hall is known for numerous portraits, such as the Queen, Shane MacGowan, Amy Winehouse and other public figures. Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 'I am pleased for the portrait of the Last of the Few, John Hemingway, to be a legacy for the public in John's native Ireland. 'It's especially meaningful this portrait will live in Dublin as it was John's home and held in great affection. 'This portrait serves as both a record of remarkable life and a testament to the rich personality beyond the uniform.' Brenda Malone, curator of Irish Military History, said: 'We are delighted to accept this generous gift from Dan, and are particularly happy to record John Hemingway's story, through his portrait, with us. 'The National Museum collects and preserves the history of Irishmen and women's experience of military service around the world, especially in times of conflict. 'John's story stands as a representation for the many Irish people who served in the Royal Air Force during WWII. 'His portrait and history will form a valuable part of our collections which we hold in trust for the Irish people.'

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