COMMUNITIES in Thurrock came together today (Wednesday, 22 June) to celebrate the fifth National Windrush Day.

Marked on the 22 June each year, it recognises the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. The Empire Windrush, which first docked in Tilbury, and other ships carried people from Caribbean countries to the UK between 1948 and 1971.

A small display is being mounted in the Grays Thameside Complex foyer from today to Wednesday, 29 June. Visitors can pick up a free publication about the Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories by artist EVEWRIGHT. The display also features Windrush generation and Thurrock resident Don Sydney's uniform and the coat he brought when he first travelled to the UK, kindly donated by his wife Carol. Mr Sydney arrived in 1961 and was well known locally for the role he played in supporting African and Caribbean communities who settled in the Thames Gateway.

Cllr Qaisar Abbas at Thurrock Museum's Windrush Exhibit today with community representatives.

Residents can book guided tours for the Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories – an immersive visual art experience – as part of the Port of Tilbury's public open day on Saturday, 25 June. The Walkway of Memories, conceived and created by artist EVEWRIGHT, was co-funded by Creative Estuary as well as a Windrush Day Grant of more than £16,000 in 2020. It first opened to the public in 2021.

This year, Tilbury on the Thames Trust received £12,140 from the 2022 Windrush Day Grant Scheme.

Cllr Qaisar Abbas, Thurrock council's cabinet member for communities and equalities, said: "The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948 and its story plays a key role in Thurrock's history. I am delighted to have seen our Windrush display and encourage you to see it for yourselves.

"Our motto 'By Thames to all the Peoples of the World' acknowledges our commitment as a council to celebrate our diverse communities. Thank you to the government for providing funding to support annual celebrations for Windrush Day."

Evewright Arts Foundation Co-Founder Ionie Richards said: "Evewright Arts is delighted to be involved in Windrush Day Celebrations as we launch our commemorative limited edition legacy publication of Tilbury Bridge Walkways of Memories. We are offering residents a great opportunity to attend a guided tour by the artist at the Port open day on 25 June to experience the artwork and to collect their free copy of our publication."

To book a place on a Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories guided tour and receive a free copy of the legacy publication, visit www.evewrightarts.org. This publication has been funded by a Windrush Day Grant.