Age Alive Windrush Event: A Celebration of Culture & Legacy
"What are you doing, what are we doing, how can we do it together?" — Councillor Sean Wharton
Members of Age Alive celebrating the Windrush Generation
With a mission to combat social exclusion and foster community unity, the volunteer-run group Age Alive proudly hosted their Windrush Event, celebrating the rich legacy and achievements of the Windrush Generation.
The event took place at the Riverfront in Newport, where Age Alive set up an inspiring array of cultural tables showcasing memorabilia and significant artifacts from diverse communities, including Pakistan and Bolivia. This vibrant multicultural gathering beautifully reflected Age Alive’s commitment to inclusivity and cross-cultural respect.
Founding member, Roy Grant BEM, is the former Chair of Age Alive. Due to health reasons, he resigned from his chair position at the end of February 2025 being replaced by the new Chair, Rahila Hamid. Roy is very well honoured amongst the current Committee and all of the group members. He still holds a very respectable and active position at Age Alive, stepping in when asked for his opinions and for advice by the current Chairperson, and the rest of the committee. It is the hard work of Rahila, Roy, and the rest of the committee that ensure Age Alive continues to champion diversity and run events in and for their community.
Roy, like the current committee, recognises the importance of acknowledging the contributions—and challenges—of the Windrush Generation. Roy passionately emphasised the event’s role in honoring the journeys of those who came to the UK and shedding light on how the government, at times, failed them, leading to deportations and detainments. He said:
"It’s very important to recognise our journey in this country. We Jamaicans were invited by the British Government. Unfortunately, for some, the government failed to issue the proper documentation."
The event commemorated Windrush Day, now a public holiday on 22 June, which serves as a reminder of the community’s vital contributions and the adversity they faced. Roy’s lifelong dedication to preserving these stories is evident in his books, Inside Stories, which document personal narratives of migration and resilience.
Roy Grant BEM
Attendees were also treated to a screening of Through The Lens: Our Windrush Stories, a poignant film following five individuals who travelled from the West Indies to Newport as children. Four of the film’s cast joined a panel discussion alongside Roy Grant BEM, Councillor Sean Wharton, Vernesta Cyril OBE, Linette Haines MBE, producer Nkechi Allen-Dawson, and Muriel Wharton.
The panel shared heartfelt stories of their experiences, touching on themes of racism, perseverance, and pride. Roy recalled the harsh realities of discrimination:
"They didn’t like you because you were Black."
Vernesta Cyril OBE, a highly decorated midwife, shared her remarkable journey and the importance of seeing beyond differences:
"Society should look at people as people."
Muriel Wharton recounted her positive experience finding work upon arriving in Wales:
"I came here on Saturday; I got a job on Tuesday."
Nkechi Allen-Dawson highlighted the shared purpose behind the Windrush journey:
"These people came here to build, not to take."
Members of Age Alive celebrating the Windrush Generation
Linette Haines MBE spoke passionately about representation in the military and the importance of being visible role models:
"I need people to see they can do it too because I have."
Her outstanding service was recognised in 2016 when she was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace by Prince William.
Councillor Sean Wharton emphasised the distinction between being “non-racist” and actively “anti-racist,” encouraging proactive allyship:
"Challenging stereotypes, being an ally. Very rarely do people say they’re racist, but are they anti-racist?"
The event also featured a youth competition, hosted by Roy’s grandson Ashley Grant, celebrating the Windrush Generation through poetry, videos, and dance. Ashley spoke passionately about the importance of educating the next generation and keeping the legacy alive:
"Young people, you are our future. Teach them well!"
Ashley Grant giving a talk
He reflected on how Age Alive’s inclusive ethos brings together people from all backgrounds, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
"A lot of Black, Caribbean people don’t know the background of their grandparents and parents. My grandad Roy has books of all these things he’s overcome. If no one’s telling our story, then who knows it? I’m trying to follow my grandad."
Ashley also addressed current issues surrounding immigration and racism in the UK, reminding us of the humanity behind every story:
"My grandad was invited to come over. Why are we separating those invited from those avoiding persecution?"
Roy Grant MBE, with his grandson, Ashley
Age Alive’s commitment to multiculturalism was further reflected in comments from members such as Victoria Salas from Bolivia, who praised the group’s kindness and inclusivity, and Patricia Mutale from Zimbabwe, who found a sense of belonging through the organisation.
The event was honoured by the presence of Newport’s Deputy Mayor, Stephen Marshall, who praised Age Alive’s work in celebrating and valuing the diverse cultures that enrich the community:
"It’s to celebrate, treasure, and also remember what people bring from other countries."
About Age Alive
Age Alive is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to fostering inclusion, celebrating heritage, and combating social isolation through cultural events, education, and intergenerational dialogue. Founded by Roy Grant BEM, Age Alive’s mission is to honour the stories and contributions of the Windrush Generation and build bridges across diverse communities.
Attendees were invited to watch the powerful film, Through The Lens: Our Windrush Stories, followed by a moving speech from Roy’s grandson Ashley. He highlighted the significance of preserving and sharing their history:
"Our history is important. It’s about celebrating MBEs, OBEs, councillors, footballers, gold medallists, pioneers in education, and community and faith leaders. It’s about believing in people rather than putting yourself in a box. But it takes hard work."
