For a second consecutive year, Middlesex in the Community delivered a fun day of cricket in Tottenham’s Down Lane Park to mark Windrush Day last Saturday. Living Under One Sun Community Hub and Café, a local award-winning charity in north London put on a carnival-like atmosphere for members of the local community, where members of the Caribbean community were in attendance.
It’s been 76 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush to Britain’s shores, and there were people of all ages and communities in attendance to remember the occasion with song, dance, delicious food and cricket taking the spotlight.
The cricket sessions were led by Middlesex in the Community's stalwart cricket coach Mikey Thompson, who enthralled young people, between 3 and 13 years of age to come and have a go, with their parents watching with excitement.
“It’s wonderful to see young children and parents getting involved in cricket. Cricket has a rich history in these parts of north London and we are delighted to play a small part on this very poignant occasion. I have been coaching in these parts for well over 30 years, but to this day I’m very passionate about inspiring the next generation”, said Thompson.
Middlesex in the Community Coach Yolanda set up some fun and engaging drills to get the little toddlers excited about having a swing of the bat and running between the wickets, who took it upon themselves to mix it with dancing to some classic reggae tunes in the background.
Leyla from Living Under One Sun Community Hub said, “It’s great to have Middlesex in the Community involved for 2 years in a row, to mark this very important occasion, which also coincides with Refugee Week. We do our best to understand and engage with our community through different ways, and offering a sport like cricket is as important as any.”
With the sun shining bright throughout the afternoon, members of the older generation couldn’t resist getting involved in the cricket and helping themselves to a few batting and bowling match-ups. There was also some drumming lessons on offer for the attendees alongside the wonderful aroma of curry goat and jerk chicken coming from one of the stalls.
Our thanks go to all who made this important event happen and we look forward to repeating our involvement in marking Windrush Day within the local community in the future.
