my community Windrush 75 pioneers keep going Windrush 75 pioneers keep going

Originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, Annie was excited to embark on the new chapter of her life living in the UK. She said: “My older sister Rachel was instrumental in sending for me and other family members after she had saved enough money”. Eager to start working, although still too young, Annie had to finish two terms of school, which she did at a former school on Pound Lane, Harlesden.

In Summer, 1958, whilst working in a carpet shop in Hammersmith mending rugs, Annie, and a friend Crissa Cealy both signed-up for the military during their lunch break, inspired by the great stories about the prestigious Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC), whose members undertook a variety of important roles in the Army. “Rachel was furious when she found out that not only had I joined the army in secret, but I was working as well!” said

Annie. After completing her intensive training, at the Shrapnel Barracks in Woolwich SE London, Annie had her passing out parade aged 17, with no family attending.

After completing her intensive training, at the Hobbs Barracks in Lingfield Surrey, Annie had her passing out parade aged 17, with no family member in attendance. Then Private Thompson WRAC was posted to the War Office at Shrapnel Barracks in Woolwich Arsenal, SE London, until she left to get married and went on to have six children. Her youngest, Linett, born in Harlesden, is a community champion, founding Director of Lin Kam Art and organiser of the forthcoming Windrush 75 Community Tea Party on 24 June in Gladstone Park. Linett said: “My mum is an inspiration to me and many people in the community. Everyone used to gather around our

Annie Thompson arrived in London, February 1958, as a 14-year-old teenager.

kitchen table, with its red, chequered tablecloth and ‘put the world to rights,’ with a cuppa tea, solving problems and sharing experiences. This is what inspired me to develop the Windrush Tea Parties and build a legacy to honour our Windrush elders.” Do you have a Windrush story to share?

If so, please contact Linett at info@ linkamart.com

Places are limited and we would particularly love to see our Windrush elders and their families.

To get your free tickets from Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brentwindrush-75-community-tea-partytickets-651624505437

Brent Windrush 75 Community Tea Party, Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill Lane entrance, (near the pond), London, NW2 6HY. Saturday 24 June 2023 (11.30am – 4pm)