I was Doubly Honoured in Heartwarming Windrush Day Celebration
What an absolute joy and privilege it was to be doubly honoured on Windrush Day last week! I am still on a high after being part of such a heartwarming milestone for our community.
Unveiling a Historic First for Enfield
I was deeply proud to unveil the first-ever solar-powered Windrush talking bench right in the heart of Pymmes Park, Enfield. This project was a true labor of love. The Rudolph Walker Foundation, Nexus Enfield, Black Heritage Hub, and 2 Sweet Occasions joined hands to successfully secure funding from the Department of Housing, Communities & Local Government. Because of this incredible collaboration, we have brought this magnificent interactive talking bench—along with three other beautiful memorial benches—to parks across Enfield.
- Preserving Our Voices: I was incredibly proud to personally record spoken-word excerpts for the interactive talking bench, sitting proudly alongside the real-life memories of local residents.
- Listen to Our Community: To explore these deeply moving histories and hear from the elders who shaped our community, visit the official Windrush Enfield Website.
A Vibrant Grand Opening Celebration
Our grand opening celebration was spectacular, hosted by the one and only Kat B. The park was alive with the backdrop of sweet melodies spun by DJ Mark Anthony and filled with unforgettable talent:
- Fresh Steps Academy: Two gifted young dancers who completely stole the stage.
- Tobago Crusoe: Bringing the undeniable soul of legendary Calypso music.
- Mike Mendez: Lighting up the crowd with his beautiful vocal performance.
Over 250 members of our community came together, including the Mayor of Enfield, who graciously presented certificates to the remarkable elders who contributed their histories to this project. We danced, laughed, and enjoyed a fabulous spread of canapes beautifully crafted by 2 Sweet Occasions.
A Stunning 60-Year Milestone Surprise
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more emotional, I was caught completely off guard at the end of the show. My cast membe from EastEnders Diane Parish stepped forward to present me with a trophy commemorating my 60 years in film and television. To be recognized for doing what I love, surrounded by the community I cherish, left me profoundly grateful.
Heartfelt Thanks to the Team
This project would never have crossed the finish line without a stellar team. A massive, heartfelt thank you to Sarah Moore, Lois Brown, Mervin Cato MBE, Anna Vaughan, Dionne John, and Duncan Haslam for taking on all the heavy lifting to turn this dream into reality. Bless you all!
