Team Inspiration KYV

The community is our inspiration

Home-Sweet-Home

Team Inspiration KYV and KORA exhibition

June 20th – July 20th 2024

A reflection of a typical Windrush House. Honouring the Windrush Generation, join us for the Home Sweet Home free exhibition where Saleah Alvira Henry will take you through her home and treasured items.

Throwing us back in time to the 1960’s and 70’s where one room could be a family home. In conjunction with everything I own

"Wednesday, 26th June saw a visit to Brixton House theatre to view the play ‘Everything I Own’ and also view an exhibition ‘Home-Sweet-Home‘ curated by Team Inspiration KYV and KORA. The Elders thoroughly enjoyed the play and exhibition and appreciated their theatre trip.

Team Inspiration has provided huge support to the Elders this year. Working collaboratively with Mrs Campbell, Mr Chambers, and Mrs Beckford more events and activities are planned for the coming year! The Calabash Elders thank Team Inspiration Julie, Paulette, Anika, and The Team volunteers, for all their continued love and support. You are still our heroes!"

- Calabash Elders

Windrush Silent Heros

Our annual Windrush Silent Heroes Fundraising Dinner, Show and Dance is now in its 11th year. At this event our elders and their descendants come together to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contribution they continue to make to our rich culture and history.

OUR WINDRUSH SILENT HEROES AWARDS

2013-2024

2025: Cynthia Campbell, Icilda May Stewart, Linda Benjamin, Cynthia McIntosh, Anne Okokon-King & The Freedom Band UK

2024: Audrey Dunkley, Vince Dunn, Clive Biggs, Pauline Chambers and Ramota Sannie

2023: Mr Euel Johnson

2022: Mr Anthony Bryan & Mr Michael Braithwaite

2019: Mr Aston Chambers, Mr Richard Lawerence & Mr Dudley Gordon

2018: Mrs Angella Rose-Howell, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin & Miss Maxine Evans

2017: Paul Harrison & Mrs Gloria Beckford

2016: Dr Delroy Dunkley & Mrs Beryl Brown

2015: Rev Hewie Andrews & Lee Lawrence

2014: Sybil Pheonix MBE

2013: Mr. Beckford

About Us

We are a registered Community Interest Company dedicated to celebrating, educating, preserving, and empowering the Caribbean and African diaspora communities. Our primary focus is on honouring and promoting the Windrush generation's contributions, heritage, and experiences.

Our cultural spaces provide access to essential resources and foster community cohesion by connecting younger generations with the elders who have shaped our communities. Through our programs, we cultivate cultural pride, promote intergenerational understanding, and address the needs of elderly members of the Windrush generation, who have played a foundational role in British society.

One of our greatest achievements is the continued realisation of our vision to raise awareness and preserve the heritage of the Windrush generation. This purpose has enabled us to self-fund our projects for a decade (since 2013). What began as two annual events for 120 attendees has grown to four annual events since 2018, with steadily increasing participation. Today, our events attract over 400 attendees annually, honouring the legacy of the Windrush generation and ensuring their contributions and experiences are celebrated and cherished.

Our annual events take place between June and July (Gospel Concert, Windrush Day Celebration, and the newly established Community Health & Wellbeing Day) and between October and December (Windrush Silent Heroes Ball and Elders Christmas Carol Service & Dinner). These activities feature storytelling, theatre, comedy, music, art, cultural cuisine, workshops, and wisdom-sharing by elders to inspire the community.

Our strong partnerships continue to uphold our mission of honouring the Windrush generation.

Contact

Saturdays Windrush event was absolutely amazing. I could see All the hard work Team Inspiration had put in to make sure that all your guess left with good memories. In fact, this brought me to tears of appreciation. The venue was just as welcoming and will be staying over again with my friends. Congratulations

All, everything from food, to artist, to icebreakers was fun. See you next year.

- Sandra J

Our Programs

Making a Difference

C.A.C.E. (CALABASH AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ELDERS)

KORA

A creative entertainment and educational company which has had great success in delighting both children and adults of all ages with innovative and engaging storytelling, performances and workshops.

Kora has had extensive experience working with a number of schools, libraries, museums, NHS and community organisations locally and nationally.

C.A.C.E is based at the Calabash Centre in Rushey Green.

The Centre was opened in the 1980s, built by Lewisham Council

after a group of African-Caribbeans went into action to get a centre

where they could meet and socialise.

The current 'active' African-Caribbean group was reactivated

in October 2014 following the centre's refurbishment.

The group meets twice per week and it is a pleasure to listen to

them talking about their experiences when they first arrived in the UK.

Even with a lack of funding, the group continue to meet to keep

each other's spirits alive and to support each other's well-being!

CALABASH ELDERS CHRISTMAS 2025 CAROL SERVICE & LUNCH REVIEW

Calabash African Caribbean Elders Christmas Carol Service and Luncheon was a truly heart‑warming and joy‑filled occasion. Members, friends, and guests came together to celebrate the season of Christ’s birth in an atmosphere of love, gratitude, and togetherness. From the very beginning, the day reflected the true spirit of Christmas, community, worship, and sharing.

The day opened with a lively Meet and Greet session, offering Elders and attendees the opportunity to reconnect and exchange festive greetings. A notable highlight was the presence of the Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Cyeth Denton‑Watts, who took time to speak individually with each elder. Her genuine interest in the work of Calabash, including her engagement with the displays and personal conversations with attendees, was warmly appreciated.

We also greatly appreciated the genuine interest the Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner showed in our work at Calabash, especially her engagement with the displays we created and the time she took to speak personally with individuals as she moved around the room. A gracious welcome was delivered by Paulette Tajah, our host, and Mr Chambers, setting an uplifting and inclusive tone for the service. This was followed by a heartfelt opening prayer led by Ms Icy Coley, grounding the gathering in faith and thanksgiving.

The Carol Service was beautifully coordinated by Paulette Delissier‑Marceney, Celia Wickham‑Anderson, and Colin Anderson, whose leadership guided attendees through a rich selection of beloved Christmas hymns. A particularly moving highlight was Paulette Delissier‑Marceney’s special musical renditions of Great Is Thy Faithfulness and I Love You Lord, which provided moments of deep reflection, memory, and praise.

The Christmas message, delivered by Celia Wickham‑Anderson, was both timely and encouraging, resonating with all in attendance and reminding everyone of the enduring messages of love, faith, and service.

Attendees were also honoured to receive Christmas encouragement and expressions of gratitude from the Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Cyeth Denton‑Watts, whose words were warmly received and greatly appreciated. We valued hearing her reflections on the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, and we sincerely hope that the affected country will swiftly overcome the difficulties it has endured.

The Deputy High Commissioner’s willingness to participate fully in the day’s activities, including the raffle, carol singing, and the shared lunch, was warmly received. Her sentiments were particularly meaningful when she spoke of our members as pioneers, both in their home countries and here in Britain. Many of our members have lived in this country for decades and have not always had such appreciation expressed to them. Her words were deeply moving and gave them a profound sense of pride. As Elders, it is always encouraging and affirming to be recognised and respected in such a sincere manner.

The service concluded thoughtfully with a closing prayer by Mrs Romata Sannie, followed by a gracious Vote of Thanks from Mrs Cynthia Campbell, who acknowledged the many hands and hearts that contributed to the day’s success.

Following the service, guests enjoyed a wonderfully prepared Christmas meal, generously sponsored by Team Inspiration and curated by Julie and Jay. The menu began with a warming pumpkin and lentil soup served with bread, and continued with a sumptuous main course featuring turkey, roast chicken, salmon in sweet ginger sauce, rice and peas, roast potatoes, macaroni cheese, and a colourful array of vegetables. Dessert was a highlight, with the rum cake proving an absolute favourite. A plentiful selection of wines, rum punch, juices, and the ever‑popular sorrel ensured that no one went wanting.

The afternoon continued in high spirits with Paulette’s post‑lunch activities, including an enjoyable raffle that added laughter and excitement to an already uplifting day.

Special thanks are extended to Julie and Paulette for their dedication, care, and tireless effort in coordinating this end‑of‑year celebration. Their work exemplified the spirit of Proverbs 15:17: “A plate of vegetables served with love is far better than a steak dinner served with hatred.” It was delivered with love.

Deep appreciation is also extended to our volunteers, whose endless support, reliability, and wholehearted service continue to sustain the Calabash Elders community. Their willingness to give their time, energy, and compassion, often quietly and without seeking recognition, is the backbone of our work. Their partnership with Team Inspiration throughout the planning and delivery of this event ensured that every detail was handled with care and every guest felt valued.

The Calabash African Caribbean Elders Christmas Carol Service and Luncheon was a memorable celebration of community, heritage, and togetherness. The event strengthened bonds, honoured our Elders, and closed the year with joy, gratitude, and shared purpose. ‘Whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.’ 1 Cor 16:

- Valarie Harris, Calabash African Caribbean Elders Secretary