Our mission is to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush Generation in Ipswich and to promote cultural exchange and social cohesion.
We're urgently looking for a new home for the Reflection Room display after being asked to leave our space at Sailmakers Shopping Centre before the end of 2024.
If you can help, please contact us.
Visit us at our new (temporary) location: First floor, Sailmakers Shopping Centre, opposite River Island.
The Reflection Room is a time capsule exhibition located in the Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Ipswich, and showcases the stories of the Windrush Generation via a unique collection of memorabilia and a memorial wall honouring the local community. Please contact us to arrange a viewing.
May 8 2024
For Max Thomas, founder of Ipswich Windrush Society, the overwhelming response to last year's event underscored the importance of celebrating the contributions of the Ipswich Windrush Society. “Windrush 76 will be a testament to the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of the Windrush community and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration of unity and diversity,” he said.
April 19 2024
“The IWS is about protecting and sharing stories with everyone, and truly, everyone is welcome,” said Mr Thomas. “We are committed to inclusivity and engage with schools and visitors to our micro museum in the Sailmakers shopping centre to weave the vibrant tapestry of the Windrush generation's narrative into the fabric of Ipswich's collective heritage.”
February 26 2024
Mr Thomas was disappointed to be told in January that he would need to dismantle his installation and vacate the premises. Mr Thomas has now moved into a new space, also in the Sailmakers, and will be ready to receive visitors from the end of this week. His new 'Reflection Room' can be found on the ground floor beside the new Ed Sheeran Mural, opposite the old back entrance to River Island. However, this is a temporary solution, and the display will only be here until the end of May, just three months away.
February 22 2024
The shopping centre has offered the group another unit to use, but Mr Thomas said that would only be for a few months.“We would like organisations like Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, someone to come and sponsor the Ipswich Windrush Society – champion us so we can come together and say this does not just reflect the Windrush generation, but the whole community,” he said.
February 21 2024
The Ipswich Windrush Society's Reflection Room has been housed in several locations in the Sailmakers shopping centre since 2021, but needs to vacate its current unit. They are calling for other organisations to support them in order to find a permanent home.
February 3 2024
A group which celebrates Ipswich residents of Caribbean descent is once more looking for a permanent place to call home – after being told it can no longer remain at its space in Sailmakers shopping centre.
January 31 2024
“This system is broken,” says Max Thomas, who helps to run the Ipswich Windrush Society. He is protesting because he thinks “these decisions are stopping talent coming through” by removing grassroots funding.
January 8 2024
Max Thomas of the Ipswich Windrush Society explained to the children what life would have been like for the Windrush generation when they arrived in Britain 75 years ago.
December 25 2023
People who made Ipswich their home many years ago have shared how they will be celebrating Christmas – the traditions they brought with them, and those they have learned over the years...Paulette, Joyce and Pastor Nathan's parents all came to Ipswich as part of the Windrush generation, and all share links with the Ipswich Windrush Society, whose premises can be found in the Sailmakers shopping centre.
December 30 2021
“The emotion people feel when they come into that room is what drove me to put the display together in the first place.”
We work with local community groups and arts organisations to deliver events, workshops, education, outreach, advocacy and representation.
A day of celebration, reflection, and cultural exchange, featuring music, food and other activities at Murray Road Park and Murrayside Community Centre, Ipswich.
Supporters
A series of creative workshops around the theme of 'The Windrush', led by artist Margaret Holder at the Murrayside Community Centre, Ipswich.
Inside Out CommunityA six session pilot programme to build the foundations of a mutual aid group for men of Caribbean heritage.
This brand-new, joyful, music-filled play by Yolanda Mercy encourages young people to speak up, and speak out, around their mental health and well-being following the disruptions of the pandemic. This special performance at the Murrayside Community Centre was delivered as part of Black History Month by the New Wolsey Theatre in association with Murrayside Community Development & Ipswich Windrush Society.
The New Wolsey TheatreA display as part of the 'House & Home Exhibition' at The Hold, Suffolk Archives, Ipswich.
Suffolk ArchivesA friendly competition between Colchester Caribbean Elders Community Group and the Ipswich Windrush Society at the Murrayside Community Centre, Ipswich.
BBC NewsA one-night display as part of 'A Joyous Jamaican Journey' by RUSH Theatre Company performed at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.
The New Wolsey TheatreA time-capsule exhibition at Sailmakers, Ipswich. The exhibition is still open for visitors and special events. Please contact us to arrange a viewing.
Supporters
The Gainsborough Luncheon Club for the over 60s ran for 15 weeks and provided an opportunity for participants to have an affordable meal outside of the home and to meet with others in a social setting.
