Organised by Kent County Council’s Staff Ethnic Diversity Forum, the new design was flying against the blue sky at lunchtime, watched by a group of Windrush elders who together with their families have played a part in shaping and enriching their communities in Kent.
The Kent Windrush 75 flag design
Chairman of KCC Gary Cooke said: “Kent is privileged to be the home of many of the Windrush Generation and the Staff Ethnic Diversity Forum here at KCC wanted a flag that was personal to Kent and the county town of Maidstone.
“We are delighted we can fly this flag above County Hall for Windrush 75 and honoured that it is the only flag of its type in the country.”
Windrush elders and their families join dignitaries for the flag-raising ceremony above County Hall
Chair of KCC’s Staff Ethnic Diversity Forum Michelle Bramble said: “As a descendant of the Windrush Generation, I’m incredibly proud to host our Windrush 75 events on behalf of the North Kent Caribbean Network. Speaking to my parents, grandparents and our Caribbean elders, I’ve learned about their hardship and suffering and also the pride and joy they experienced while trying to create a safe and secure place to call home for their families.
“Their resilience and determination is truly inspiring. While we have sadly had to say goodbye to many of the men and women who travelled here, I hope that our work will keep the memory of their strength and spirit alive and will serve to inspire future generations.”
The familiar fixtures and fittings of a Windrush Generation lounge
A special front room display was the centre piece for a reception afterwards where Caribbean food was served and Windrush Elders and their families took time to share their memories and talk about the contribution they and their forefathers and mothers made to the UK after a call was made to ‘help the Motherland’ post-Second World War.
Artwork, china ornaments, the geometric wallpaper and even the drinks trolley complete with pineapple ice bucket were all very familiar to the group.
Co-founder of the North Kent Caribbean Network Claudette Bramble, Michelle’s mum, came to the UK eight years after her father and seven years after her mother at the age of 13 in 1968. They made their home in Gravesend.
Claudette said: “These pioneers waved goodbye to their loved ones to embark on a journey into the unknown. We will be forever grateful to the brave men and women who endured so much and I am proud we can tell our stories and celebrate our achievements.
“I know what my Dad would say: No big deal. And my Mum would say where’s the party?!”
She added: “We were never allowed in a front room like that without an adult in case you touched something and broke it! There was always a picture of the Queen and Jesus.”
Guest of honour was Ursilla ‘Sully’ Sullivan, a former sister in Gravesend who delivered thousands of babies in her career, including the designer of the Kent Windrush 75 flag, Andrea Kitchener.
Andrea met Michelle Bramble at a Zumba class and wanted to learn more about the Windrush Generation and play her part in ensuring generations to come also know of their contribution.
Also in attendance at the event was the High Sheriff of Kent Nadra Ahmed and a number of Deputy Lieutenants of Kent.
Further information:
For more on the North Kent Caribbean Network, visit https://www.facebook.com/nkcaribbeannetwork/
