Jamaicans living in Slough can trace their Irish heritage through the names of places on the island [Irish Town, Dublin Castle, Caramel,Kildare, Belfast and Middleton], and through surnames such as Collins, O’Hare, McCormick, McCarthy, Burke, Clarke, O’Callaghan, McKay and O’Connor.
Barbadians can trace their Irish heritage through their names and there is still a community on the island that is of direct descend of Ireland, known as Ecky – Becky or red legs, Rhianna Fenty the singer is one who is directly related to these people.
About your host SWIPE
Slough West Indian Peoples Enterprise (SWIPE) was established to help with the social inclusion within the Caribbean Community. As an organisation we are concerned with the welfare of children and young people within our communities and those in the wider communities of Slough who are at risk of being excluded from education, employment; single parents, the over 40’s or those facing difficulties in life.
Our research project
In the 17th Century, Britain had many overseas interests and colonies in various parts of the world. Plantations in the West Indies required significant manpower to extract wealth from the abundant natural resources.
Slavery was seen as a legitimate and economical way to achieve this. Consequently, slaves were transported to the Caribbean in their tens of thousands.
– African slaves, captured in various African Countries before being sold to slave-owners and transported to plantations in the ‘New World’
– Irish ‘slaves’, who, having been spuriously criminalised by the rampaging army of Oliver Cromwell, were punished with transportation to the West Indies
We researched and recorded how these two very different cultures developed and blended, using music as a means of communication. We also researched and trace how these two cultures developed from the 17th century and how this music sustained and strengthened them in the face of the worst kinds of abuse and deprivation.
Programme
Doors open 7.00pm
Welcoming and introduction – Paul Crooks 8.00pm
Opening MP Mr Tan Desi and Mr Adam Afriyie 8.10pm
Video of short interviews Project participants 8.25pm
Irish and African/Caribbean Dancers 8.45pm
Break 9.15pm
Video – African/Caribbean and Irish Music & Dance 10.00pm
Vote of thanks 10.10pm
Music, dancing and socialising 10.15pm
Evening ends 11.00pm
Booking essential: www.paulcrooks.info
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