WINDRUSH 78 CELEBRATION 

On Saturday, 27th June 2026, from 3 pm – 11.00 pm at                                                                                                                                         

 RBL Memorial Hall, Newland Street, Witham CM8 2XW.                                                                                                                                       

SMARTLIFE SERVICES COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY                                                                                                                     

Present their FIRST WINDRUSH 78 Celebration with 2 overlapping ‘edutainment’ programmes

1. 15.00 hrs – 20.00 hrs: Presentations, Workshops and Stalls
2. 19.00 hrs – 23.00 hrs: Debate, Interacting and Dancing

A new and unique project where SMARTLIFE SERVICES CIC Initiative, in collaboration with local organisations, aims to target NEET’s (Not in Education, Employment or Training, 16 -19-year-olds with its programme of activities, by identifying young people who want to gain life skills which enable them to have the confidence to actively seek employment or training. Older members of the community, together with other young people attending this conference, will have the opportunity to share experiences of the pioneering days of past generations and access professional advice in an informal environment amongst their peers and local role models, which they might not otherwise be able to do. To include other activities available to them in the community, and/or how to access them.

Smartlife Services, who are providing the venue, said of the upcoming celebrations:

‘By the end of the event, which is designed to be an expo of historical resources, workshops, craft stalls, information booths, charting over 78 years of West Indian and African presence in Britain. Their diverse contribution to history, heritage, culture and commerce. Dialogue will be established to determine where young people can receive additional information, past, present, and future, about beneficial community activities. They will hear and see from testimonials, motivational speakers, local business representatives, training institutions and youth service advice stalls around the centre.

Present on the day as guests, local dignitaries, likewise representatives will include community role models from local politicians to business development advocates, training providers to community workers to tutor, advising and or supporting any concerns young people may have about their history, culture or their place in society on the day of the event.  Witham’s young people represent the future of our local economy, so we aim to ensure that our more senior members of the borough can help bridge the age gap with support and mentoring around self-awareness, history and culture, to continue a legacy, a level of prosperity afforded to present-day young West Indians by past West Indian and African generations.

“New entrepreneurs, potential young small start-up business owners and in the Witham and surrounding area will be able to swap ideas, talk and debate with guest speakers, stakeholders, including people from successful local businesses.”

Designed for Afro-Caribbean and African communities as well as the wider public, this program supports personal wellness in a supportive social and environmental setting.   “Exclusivity by Inclusion!”

THE CELEBRATION

To celebrate 78 years of Caribbean people's presence in the UK and the recognition of their continuous contributions to heritage, culture, and commerce in Britain.

 INCLUSION!”

The objective is to support the community through this edutainment event project, drawing on past contributions by family and friends (living and deceased) to the rich heritage steeped in British culture.  Whether in consumer, social, political, academic, or commercial spheres, West Indian people have changed the British social landscape over the past 60 years through their contributions.  However, it can be argued that many of our young Caribbean descendants are far removed from this history.  A social inclusion format for public benefit can enlighten these same individuals about their past and present, and, more importantly, provide a sense of direction for the future.  West Indian people from the 1st to 6th generation in Britain will benefit from a Smartlife Services event, which aims to support those facing social exclusion or disenchantment—regardless of their status, finances, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, creed, or education—primarily but not exclusively by:

Enabling minority groups to participate more effectively with the wider community

Increasing or coordinating opportunities for the said beneficiaries to engage with service providers, enabling those providers to adopt services that better meet the beneficiaries' needs.  Living the legacy: Honouring the first generation of migrants from the Caribbean and Africa to Britain in the late 1940’s.

With sub-themes:

Inter-generational dialogue and exchange (storytelling, hopes, aspirations, challenges faced, contrasts and parallels with modern-day concepts).  Contributions of service personnel from WW1 and 2 (shared history, role in helping make Britain a multi-diverse society).  Living the legacy today (role of black people in modern Britain, supporting young Black Britons to fulfil their potential)

In closing, Smartlife Services firmly believes that people benefit collectively through participation, adapting social behaviour to effect change for the better, because ‘no man is an island’, so we who can have to learn to care, share, and help one another. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our celebration.