Photographs, personal stories, and memories spanning more than five decades will go on display at a special anniversary event during Black History Month this October.
This year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring our Communities, reflects the work of organisations such as the United Anglo Caribbean Society (UACS). It has supported local residents and helped preserve Caribbean culture and heritage in the borough for more than half a century.
Sharing stories and memories
UACS will mark its 55th anniversary with an event at Acton Gardens Community Centre on Saturday 24 October. It will feature Caribbean-inspired food and a display of photographs telling the story of the organisation and the people who helped build it.
Visitors and members will enjoy an afternoon of food, shared memories and conversation, while learning more about the organisation’s long-standing role in the community. Places are limited, so contact UACS to reserve a spot.
Chairperson Cathy Simeon said the charity has been gathering photographs and memories from families connected to its early years, with hopes the project will eventually lead to a book about the charity’s history.
“The event is about sharing the photographs from that time with a meal,” she said.
The photographs have already sparked memories and conversations about life after arriving in Britain from the Caribbean.
One memory that has stayed with Cathy came from a member recalling their first encounter with British weather.
“I can’t see my hand. What is this fog?” they recalled on seeing fog for the first time.
Other shared memories include experiences of working as nurses and factory workers, helping to paint a vivid picture of the contribution Caribbean communities have made locally and nationally.
Over the decades, UACS has evolved to meet changing needs. Alongside social activities, it has previously operated supplementary schools and a hostel in Southall, supporting the community at different points in its history.
More than a social club
Today, UACS runs activities every Tuesday and Thursday at Acton Gardens Community Centre, where members take part in exercise classes, health workshops, crafts, digital skills sessions and day trips.
Shared meals remain a key part of the programme, with many members valuing the opportunity to spend time with people who share similar experiences and cultural connections.
The charity’s oldest member is 97, and around 50 people attend activities during the week.
“It’s amazing seeing their faces as they listen to the music, communicate with people and make friends,” Cathy said. “People say it gives them somewhere to go.”
UACS also runs a twice-monthly Saturday drop-in session at its Hanwell office, offering activities such as gardening, crafts, music and conversation.
Volunteer support continues to play an important role in keeping activities running, alongside coach trips, celebrations and a regular newsletter that helps members stay connected.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for Healthy Equal Lives, said: “This Black History Month, we are celebrating the communities whose contributions have enriched our borough for generations. The United Anglo Caribbean Society’s 55th anniversary is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the important role it has played in bringing people together and keeping Caribbean culture and heritage alive. I encourage residents to get involved in the events taking place across Ealing and join the celebrations.”
What’s on?
For more information about Black History Month events, go to the What’s On section of the Ealing Culture website. Highlights include a screening of the BAFTA-winning short film Two Black Boys in Paradise at Ealing Central Library, followed by a Q&A with screenwriter Dean Atta and the launch of his debut adult novel, Big Man. Read more about Dean’s BAFTA win, and watch a video, in Around Ealing magazine.
Acton Library will have a drama performance for children at 10am on Thursday 6 October, telling the story of Ellen Craft’s escape from slavery in 19th Century America.
Test your knowledge at Acton Library’s Ealing Black History Quiz Night from 6 to 8pm on Thursday 15 October.
