Members of the Windrush generation will gather at St Mary and St John’s Church on Cowley Road in Oxford for a service of thanksgiving on Windrush Sunday.
During the service, which will be presided over by Bishop Steven, a specially commissioned permanent Windrush plaque will be dedicated as a lasting symbol of gratitude and honour.
The service will be an opportunity for the whole community to come together in gratitude, celebration and reflection.
The Revd Martha Weatherill, vicar at Cowley St John, said: "This joyful service honours the lives, labour, faith, and legacy of the Windrush Generation – those who came from the Caribbean to rebuild and enrich the United Kingdom in the post-war years. Their contribution to British society, including here in East Oxford, has been profound and lasting."
The celebration will include music, art, and readings, with contributions from local schools including St Frideswide Primary School and Cheney School, whose pupils have been learning about the Windrush history and reflecting on how it connects to their own lives. Other schools in attendance will be St Mary and John Primary school and East Oxford Primary school.
Martha added: "We are blessed to count several members of the Windrush Generation among our congregation, including some elders over 95 years old. Their presence and wisdom continue to shape our community in deep and generous ways. This service will recognise and thank them, and all their descendants, for the cultural, spiritual and social gifts they have shared."
All are welcome at the service which begins at 10.30am.
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