In Summer 2024 we shared our story in a public exhibition documenting a 10 year project journey.
View the content here in a 3 minute video
We still await recovery permission from the new Labour government. The Prime Minister has yet to echo the comments of his predecessor who last year referred to pioneers who anchored their families here " building new lives in the UK and profoundly shaping this nation "
Commitment to community consultation and an independent memorial remains steadfast... our anchor holds
Throughout the year, discussions continued regarding our request for Government permission to recover the stern anchor from the wreck of HMT Empire Windrush
At the time of Windrush75 celebrations, it was pleasing to see encouraging words from the Prime Minister. We feel these reflect positively on our message connecting metaphor with history. The PM's comments came in a personal letter to our campaigner Rudi Page, in recognition of his work on fostering community pride and upholding the values of respect and inclusion
https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk
In line with our campaign commitment to public consultation, we are now inviting suggestions for potential UK locations to site the anchor.
Following the House of Commons statement, we are now well on our way to meeting all three provisos set by Westminster for recovery of the anchor. Messages of public support continue to be welcomed at patrickvernon@btconnect.com
In July 2022, MP Dawn Butler hosted the launch event of Windrush75 where our friends at INCE announced a charitable trust ‘The Windrush Anchor Foundation’ is being established and that selection of Trustees is underway.
TradeWinds article by Gary Dixon about UK law firm INCE’s support
Also... a life-size cardboard replica is presently touring the London Borough of Brent courtesy of Rudi Page's “Hope, Resilience and Progression” Windrush75 Communities Anchor Project.
Website launch
Project raised in the House of Commons, 1 July 2021
Production company discussions
Engagement with interested parties
Funding channels explored
TEAM PRESENTATION HOSTED BY UBELE INITIATIVE featuring a detailed 22 minute logistics presentation by Shipwreck Hunter David L Mearns at 10:00 - 32:00
Project promotion considerations on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic
Press & media coverage plus early launch of GoFundMe page
Public Consultation Meeting with agreement that design & location should be determined by the community
Patrick Vernon & David Mearns take project lead with team meeting at BCA, advising independent development free of Government
Information leaflet packs distributed to city libraries during Black History Month, Twitter account created & temporary Facebook page set up
Approval sought from Her Majesty… two months later, Government announces plans for a Windrush Memorial at Waterloo Station
Campaign shared with Black Cultural Archives, The Windrush Foundation, inner-city London Borough Mayors & County Hall
Government Heritage Minister and the National Maritime Museum informed of campaign
Project Proposal Feasibility Report complied
Research enquiries to New Zealand Maritime Museum, NZ Shipping Association Organisation & other bodies
Concept presented to Historic England… three months later, news breaks of the Hostile Environment
Anchor enquiries to Blohm and Voss
Initial research conducted into Empire Windrush
Digital development of ‘Black Migration Anchor’
Project roots
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