Windrush tribute for Chelsea Flower Show
BIRMINGHAM’S annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show entry will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush ship that brought the fisrt wave of Carribean immigrants to UK shores.
The dramatic display will depict the liner which sailed from the Caribbean in 1948.
Other floral displays will contrast life in the Caribbean and life in the UK for those pioneers who arrived.
The unveiling of the garden design comes just two weeks after the Government was left in turmoil over its threats to deport members of the Windrush Generation whose paperwork had been lost.
They have since received an apology from ministers and a promise to rectify the problem.
Birmingham City Council, which has scooped a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past six years, has been planning its Windrush tribute for months alongside TV presenter Baroness Floella Benjamin, who is both patron of the Windrush Foundation and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) ambassador.
The council would like to hear from citizens with Windrush connections – whether a passenger themselves or a relative of someone who was – to share their stories for use as part of the display and promotional material during the show, which runs from May 22 to 26.
Baroness Benjamin said: “The Windrush generation helped shape British society. They are part of the rich tapestry of our culture and have had an influence on almost every aspect of our wonderfully diverse country.
“Creating a garden with the awardwinning Birmingham City Council team, which encapsulates all the horticultural richness of the Caribbean and Britain, is both stimulating and joyful. I hope everyone who visits the garden feels some of that magic when they see the display.”
Darren Share, who is leading the work on the display for Birmingham City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Baron- ess Benjamin and the Windrush Foundation on this exciting project.
“For us, this display presents a unique opportunity to tell the stories of Windrush passengers and their descendants, many of whom went on to play an important role in shaping the Birmingham we know today.
“This is why we want to hear from residents with Windrush connections, to ensure that our Chelsea display commemorating this important anniversary tells their stories in the most effective way.
“If you, a friend, relative or colleague have a story to tell, then we would be delighted to hear from you and have you on board for this project.”
To share your story, email birminghamchelsea@birmingham.gov. uk