The 2024 Windrush Day Thanksgiving Gathering and Awards

On Saturday, 22 June, the Society celebrated another Windrush Day Thanksgiving Gathering, WDTG. On that day the Society and Life Radio UK hosted almost 80 family members and friends, a large number of whom were also qualified professionals. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful authentic Caribbean buffet, in the company of a cohort of Windrush Nation Awards recipients who were honoured for their exceptional contributions to British society.

Perhaps the most evocative moments in the Gathering were the telling of many family stories by five mature speakers (namely Pastor Trevor Adams, Angela Clarke, Donald Douglas, Mike Johnson and Dr Dwain Neil OBE) who talked about the last four generations of their families in the UK, and by three young adults (Robi-ann Dennis, Leon Neil and Jahmarrie Williams) who shared their hopes for the future.

Everyone enjoyed singing the song “Windrush Nation,” which is poised to become the anthem for the community; and all had ample time to network with each other and the recipients of the Windrush Nation Awards (WNA) which were presented by Mark Lomas, Head of Culture, Lloyd’s of London, The 2024 WNA recipients were: Colleen Amos OBE (who also represented her sister Baroness Valerie Amos); Louis Sadler, Patrick Vernon OBE, Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE and Professor Kevin Fenton CBE.

A noticeable feature of this year’s Gathering was the number of guests who chose to bring their parents or a senior relative to be a part of the occasion. By all accounts, the Gathering and Awards were another truly enjoyable and memorable occasion for celebrating cultural esteem or pride in the Windrush Nation.

A selection of photos from the event may be viewed via this link.