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NEW ARRIVALS: Jamaican immigrants welcomed by RAF officials

A THANKSGIVING service will be taking place this weekend to mark the 65th Windrush anniversary.

The open invitation celebration begins on Saturday (June 22) at Bloomsbury Baptist Church from 3pm to 4.45pm.

Samuel King, a surviving pioneer passenger of the historic voyage and veteran of the Second World War, will tell the congregation about his experiences of arriving and living in Britain and how he went on to become the first black mayor of Southwark.

The campaign also calls for an annual celebration of the positive contribution of immigration to Britain.

The petition already features 90 signatories from academics, politicians, leading figures from the faith and community groups such as: Paulette Randall, associate director of the Olympics opening; Doreen Lawrence; Diane Abbott; Rudolph Walker; author Zadie Smith; Malorie Blackman, Children's Laureate; publisher Margaret Busby.

Arthur Torrington of the Windrush Foundation emphasised the importance of the event.

“Those who arrived on the Windrush paved the way for generations of those seeking to make a life in Britain and to make a contribution, just like Sam King," Torrington said.

"They came here to work hard, provide for their families and rebuild Britain after the War, a proud tradition that ought to be celebrated.”

The arrival of the Windrush in 1948 is widely considered the symbolic start of post-war migration to Britain.

In addition, Windrush Day seeks to celebrate not only these pioneers of modern migration, but also those who have come to Britain in the decades since.