Posts Tagged ‘PrestonBlackHistoryGroup’
Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary, 22nd – 25th June 2023
Interviews with PBHG partners and local people, and including the speeches at the 80th anniversary festival.
Audio interviews by Bernie Velvick, Preston Black History Group, photos by Tony Maiden, Preston Black History Group. All copyright Preston Black History Group
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of all of the anniversary weekend events
Clinton Smith, Chair of Preston Black History Group Interviewed Eunice Byers, aged 106, the last known witness of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. The interview was filmed and edited with thanks to UCLAN Film and Media Lecturers.
Speeches at the beginning of the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th anniversary festival at Ye Olde Hob Inn, Church Rd, Bamber Bridge. 24th June 2023. These speeches give a great deal of information and context to the anniversary celebrations
Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council, Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research, MIDEX (Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile), Prof StJohn Crean, UCLAN Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Clinton Smith (Chair, Preston Black History Group), Aaron Snipe, US Embassy Spokesperson
Interviews with the partners for all the events. Many months, even years, of planning, meetings, research, and background work went into making all the events happen.
Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council
Aaron Snipe, US Embassy Spokesperson
Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research)
Jemma Rodgers, Producer of ‘The Railway Children Return’ Film
Danny Lyons, ‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), Film maker, Sculptor, and local historian
Prof Gregory S Cooke, Film maker and educator.
Rev Karen Le Mouton, Minister at Bamber Bridge
Visitors from afar and local people share their thoughts and impressions of the anniversary events with Bernie.
Sarah Locke, Landlady of Ye Old Hob Inn, Bamber
Eunice Evans, ‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), niece of Eunice Byers (aged 106, last known witness of the Battle of Bamber Bridge)
Ros Martin, British playwright, poet, performance artist, curator and activist, based in Bristol
Denise Johnson, Lay Preacher, Bamber Bridge Methodists
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of all of the anniversary weekend events
Reflection on the Battlefield Tour by Professor Alan Rice for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Bamber Bridge
History walk along the sites of the battle up the main street in Bamber Bridge. Sat 24th June and Sun 25th June 2023
By Bernie Velvick, Preston Black History Group, photos by Tony Maiden, Preston Black History Group.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the 80th anniversary weekend events.
Thank you to Prof Alan Rice, professor at UCLAN and Director of the UCLan Research Centre in Migration, Diaspora and Exile (MIDEX) and Co-Director of the Institute for Black Atlantic Research (IBAR) for sharing his academic research, Clinton Smith (Chair, Preston Black History Group), and Danny Lyons, (‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), Film maker, Sculptor, and local historian) for sharing their community research to bring the story of the battle to life.
The first history walk took place on the afternoon of the 24th June 2023 during the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary Festival outside Ye Olde Hob Inn, Church Rd, Bamber Bridge. Prof Alan Rice, Danny Lyons and Clinton Smith led a sizeable crowd along the main street, Station Rd, Bamber Bridge, to the site of the 1940s 1511 Quartermasters Regiment US Army base on Mounsey Rd. Alan, Danny, and Clinton shared the story of the battle with the fascinated audience. Alan described the events that started at 10pm on 24th June 1943, lasting for over four hours and resulting in over 400 bullets being fired. There is still one remaining original building left on the site of the camp on Mounsey Rd which belongs to the Royal Airforce Air Cadets and is currently under renovation.
We would like to thank the Lancashire Constabulary South Division Cadets, and the cadet leader, Diane Baldwin, who acted as marshals and helped keep everyone safe along the route.
The second history walk took place on Sunday 25th June when we were able to see the two small ‘guerilla’ memorials, which we assume were placed by Bamber Bridge locals, under the permanent plaque memorial and at the site where Private William Crossland lost his life during the battle.
Recordings were made of Prof Alan Rice’s History Walk of the route of the battle from the permanent memorial outside Ye Olde Hob Inn to the site of the 1511 Quartermasters Regiment camp on Mounsey Rd, Bamber Bridge,
The quality of the recordings is not very good – we at Preston Black History Group are relatively new at oral history recording and we are learning as we go – but you can hear Prof Rice, Clinton Smith and Danny Lyons’ commentaries which add details of the academic and community research that has been part of establishing an accurate narrative for the story of the battle.
Beginning of the walk by the memorial plaque in the garden outside the ‘Hob’.
‘Guerilla’ memorial placed under the Battle of Bamber Bridge memorial plaque outside Ye Olde Hob Inn, Church Rd, Bamber Bridge Beginning of the history walk by the memorial plaque in the garden outside the ‘Hob’.
2nd part outside Eunice Byers (Byers Grocers Shop in 1943) house on Station Rd Bamber Bridge
3rd part outside the Air Training Corp hut, Mounsey Rd, Bamber Bridge
4th part corner of Mounsey Rd and Station Rd, Bamber Bridge
5th part on Station Rd, round corner from Mounsey Rd, Bamber Bridge
End of walk on corner of Cooperative St and Station Rd, Bamber Bridge
End of History Walk, corner of Cooperative St and Station Rd, Bamber Bridge ‘Guerilla’ memorial for Private William T Crossland who lost his life in the Battle of Bamber Bridge, 24th June 1943
This research is ongoing and aims to lead to a reassessment of the official US Army Court-martials that branded black US Servicemen as Mutineers. A reassessment that recognises the poor leadership from the white officers, the white MP’s harassment of black troops for minor transgressions, and the many compassionate and heroic acts of the black servicemen during the battle which will put their contribution to the fight against fascism in its rightful place.
Preston Black History Group and UCLAN film and media students collaborated on a video recording of the commemoration events and interviewed many of the main participants and partners. These recordings of events from the weekend will be made into a documentary about the commemoration. Thank you to the students and lecturers who gave their time and expertise to help us make this possible
Coverage from US Public Radio and US Press of the 80th Anniversary
https://www.npr.org/2023/06/21/1183045605/black-army-soldiers-england-wwii-battle
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events
Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary Commemorative Service
at Bamber Bridge Methodist Church, Sun 25th June 2023
By Bernie Velvick, Preston Black History Group, photos by Tony Maiden, Preston Black History Group.
Thanks to Bamber Bridge Methodists for all their support.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events
At 10.30 on Sunday 25th June 2023 Bamber Bridge Methodists kindly welcomed us into their Sunday morning service to commemorate the Battle of Bamber Bridge which took place 80 years ago on 24th June 1943.
The service was introduced by Rev Karen Le Mouton, the minister, and a reading was taken by Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council.
Interview with Rev Karen Le Mouton
Lay Preacher Denise Johnson and Minister Rev Karen Le Mouton Clinton Smith (Chair, Preston Black History Group), Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research, MIDEX (Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile), Prof Gregory S Cooke (US Film maker and educator), Kim Lomax (Mayoress of South Ribble Borough Council), Chris Lomax (Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council). Clinton Smith (Chair, Preston Black History Group)
Clinton Smith, Chair of Preston Black History Group told the congregation of his 40-year journey to discover the story of the battle and bring it into its rightful place in history and in the understanding of the people of Bamber Bridge.
Prof Gregory Cooke (US Film maker and educator) gave a spirited speech about his experience of ‘divine calling’ that took him to visit Bastogne in Belgium where, in the WW2 war museum, he first saw pictures of Black American Servicemen who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant engagements of US troops in WW2. His journey of discovery led him to seek out African American men and women who served in the US armed forces in WW2 and make his film ‘Choc’late Soldiers from the USA’ (shown on the evening of 24th June review here) that tells their stories in their own voices. He also discovered the impact of the largely positive experiences that Black troops had with the white locals around the camps. This was the first time many of the soldiers had been treated with respect and camaraderie by white people. It made them question their experience of fighting Fascism in Europe while experiencing a lack of human rights and the effects of ‘Jim Crow’ segregation at home in the US. Many went on to active campaigning for equal rights during the decades following WW2 after they returned home. It can be said that the experiences of Black Soldiers in Europe had a direct effect on the development of the US civil rights movement.
Rev Karen Le Mouton and Prof Gregory Cooke Prof Gregory S Cooke addresses the congregation
Gregory expressed his appreciation of the people of Bamber Bridge and their response to the Black GIs and of the 80th commemoration that keeps the story of their experiences alive. He first came to Bamber Bridge to interview local people about their experiences of the time the 1511 Quartermasters Regiment was stationed Mounsey Rd, Bamber Bridge – some of which is part of his film documentary. He also came here in 2013 for the 70th anniversary of the battle and expressed his satisfaction at the way the 80th anniversary has reached so many more people.
Interview with Prof Gregory S Cooke, US Film maker and educator.
Denise Johnson, Lay Preacher, Bamber Bridge Methodists gave a sermon where she asked us to consider how our actions have impacted on the people around us and asked us to share between us an example where we have gone outside our normal routine to help others.
Interview with Denise Johnson, Lay Preacher, Bamber Bridge Methodists
Eunice Byers, aged 106 and a lifelong member of the church, was present for the service and an interview with Clinton from PBHG and filmed by UCLAN Film and Media Lecturers was shown to the congregation. Eunice talked about her experiences during WW2, about Black US Servicemen attending services at Bamber Bridge Methodist Church and visiting her home. She is also the last known living witness of the Battle which passed by her bedroom window overlooking Station Rd in Bamber Bridge.
Clinton Smith, Chair of Preston Black History Group Interviewed Eunice Byers, aged 106, the last known witness of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. The interview was filmed and edited with thanks to UCLAN Film and Media Lecturers.
After the service we took photos to record the events and Gregory Cooke presented Eunice with framed photos from the interview taken by Tony Maiden, PBHGs photographer.
Prof Gregory Cooke presents commemorative photos from PBHG to Eunice Byers Kim and Chris Lomax (Mayoress and Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council), Eunice Byers, (aged 106), last known witness of the Battle of Bamber Bridge and Clinton Smith Chair PBHG Clinton Smith greets Eunice Byers Sylius Toussaint (PBHG member), Rev Karen Le Mouton and Prof Gregory Cooke Prof Alan Rice talks to Eunice Byers about the bible she received from an American GI in 1943 Members of Preston Black History Group with Prof Gregory Cooke, Mayor and Mayoress Chris and Kim Lomax, Eunice Byers and her family.
Interview with Eunice Evans, ‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), niece of Eunice Byers (aged 106, last known witness of the Battle of Bamber Bridge)
Interview with Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council.
Interview with Danny Lyons, ‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), Film maker, Sculptor, and local historian
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events
Including a History Walk of the site of the battle by Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research, MIDEX (Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile)
Review of “The Battle of Bamber Bridge”, a dramatic re – imagining.
Sat 24th June 2023
By Bernie Velvick, Preston Black History Group, Photos by Tony Maiden, Preston Black History Group.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events.
K-Squared Productions presented the premier of a new play, “The Battle of Bamber Bridge ” by Kevin Kelly. A dramatic retelling of the events leading up to the battle, 80 years ago to the day. Starting at the Methodist Church and finishing outside Ye Olde Hob Inn where the fighting broke out on the evening of the 24th June 1943.
The play was presented as a dramatic ‘read-through’ so you can see the scripts in the actors’ hands in the photos. Written by Kevin Kelly (writer and producer, K-Squared Productions Ltd) who first heard the story from Prof Alan Rice, (UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research)). Hearing it made him think “someone needs to write this play!”. Kevin worked with Clinton Smith (Chair, Preston Black History Group) to make sure that the first performance could be part of the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary events – with the added poignancy that the play ended at 10pm, the time that the battle in 1943 began, outside the ‘Hob’ with a minute of silence to honour the memory of Private William Crossland who lost his life in the battle.
James Churchill-Ellis and Christian Jae portray the growing relationship between locals and GIs, with Corey Thompson on the left The cast, Phil Hemming, Corey Thompson, Victoria Tew, Christian Jae and James Churchill-Ellis bring 40’s dance to the stage Phil Hemming and Corey Thompson embody their characters
The actors; Christian Jae, who played James Wise, a young American GI based in Bamber Bridge, Corey Thompson, who embodied Roy Windsor, an American MP, Victoria Tew who was Vera Brindle, a young ‘Brigger’ (native of Bamber Bridge), Phil Hemming, who played George Harrison, an older character with more experience of conflict as well as other characters that carried the story forward, and James Churchill-Ellis, who’s role was of a ‘Brigger’ carrying out ‘essential war work’ making parachutes in the Bamber Bridge Mill, all brought the story to life with great energy and panache.
Tania Daley-Cambell directed and Lucy Penrose created the soundscape for the play that transported the audience in the Methodist Church into the 1940s. The audience followed the action down Station Rd, Bamber Bridge, to the ‘Hob’, picking up interested people along the way and astonishing the pubs clientele who though they were out for an ordinary night’s socialising after the afternoon festival commemoration of the 80th anniversary. The dramatic performance, based on the events of the evening of 24th June 1943, held the audience spellbound and the fact that we were on the site of that original conflict brought out more memories for local people. Prof Gregory Cooke (Film maker, educator) spoke to a local man who described his mother’s memories of the battle. Gregory Cooke’s documentary film ‘Choc’late Soldiers from the USA’, which includes footage from Bamber Bridge, was shown earlier in the evening.
The conflict begins outside the ‘Hob’ Tonia Daley-Campbell (director), Victoria Tew, Kevin Kelly (writer and producer), Christian Jae, James Churchill-Ellis and Corey Thompson show their appreciation to their audience Kevin Kelly, Victoria Tew, Phil Hemming, Clinton Smith (PBHG), Christian Jae, Prof Alan Rice (UCLAN, IBAR), James Churchill-Ellis, Corey Thompson and Tonia Daley Campbell celebrate the premier of the play Sylius Toussaint, Phil Hemming, Corey Thompson, Victoria Tew, Tonia Daley-Campbell, Clinton Smith, Bridget Toussaint, James Churchill-Ellis, Christian Jae, Bernie Velvick (PBHG), and Prof Gregory Cooke after an amazing day of commemoration
It was a special night that will be remembered by all who witnessed it. Well done to K Squared Productions, the writer, director and actors for bringing the story to life for the 2023 audience. We felt a more personal connection to the historic facts through the portrayal of these individuals, their actions, thoughts and experiences.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events including Gregory Cooke’s documentary film ‘Choc’late Soldiers from the USA’ and the festival outside the ‘Hob’.
Review of the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary Celebration Festival
at Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge, Sat 24th June, 12 noon – 8pm
By Bernie Velvick, Preston Black History Group, Photos by Tony Maiden, Preston Black History Group.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events.
Crowds joined us for a day of themed celebration to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. The battle was one of the most significant racial disputes of its type in the country. Researching and remembering the events of 24th June 1943 have been ongoing and this was a chance for people to learn more about the history.
In co-operation with Preston Black History Group, UCLAN, the US Embassy, and South Ribble Borough Council, the event took place outside Ye Olde Hob Inn and included themed entertainment – music and dance, military vehicles, food and drink and children’s activities, and a history walk following the route of the battle back in 1943.
Dancers display at the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary event Military vehicles at Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th anniversary event Prof Alan Rice begins the history walk for the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th anniversary event
The event began on the stage with introductory speeches from Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble, Prof Alan Rice from UCLAN IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research), Prof StJohn Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, UCLAN, Clinton Smith, Chair of Preston Black History Group and Aaron Snipe, Spokesperson for the US Embassy.
You can hear the speeches here. Well worth a listen as they includes a great deal of information and context to the event.
Speeches At the beginning of the Battle of Bamber Bridge 80th Anniversary event at Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge 24th June 2023
Chris Lomax, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research, MIDEX (Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile),
Prof StJohn Crean, UCLAN Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise with Prof Alan RiceClinton Smith, Chair, Preston Black History Group Aaron Snipe, US Embassy Spokesperson
All afternoon we enjoyed music and dance from the 1940s while the audience explored the military vehicles from the era and viewed Danny Lyon’s documentary ‘Community Memories of the Battle of Bamber Bridge’ that was shown in Ye Olde Hob Inn throughout the day. Danny is a ‘Brigger’ (Bamber Bridge resident), film maker, sculptor and local historian.
At 2pm Prof Alan Rice, Danny Lyons and Clinton Smith led a history walk along the Main Street, Station Rd, Bamber Bridge, from ‘the Hob’ to the site of the 1940s 1511 Quartermasters Regiment US Army base on Mounsey Rd. Alan, Danny, and Clinton shared the story of the battle with a fascinated audience. Alan described the events that started at 10pm on 24th June 1943, lasting for over four hours and resulting in over 400 bullets being fired. There is still one remaining original building left on the site of the camp on Mounsey Rd which belongs to the the Royal Airforce Air Cadets and is currently under renovation.
Prof Alan Rice begins the history walk outside Ye Olde Hob Inn History walk outside the remaining building from the US camp on Mounsey Rd
We would like to thank the Lancashire Constabulary South Division Cadets, and the cadet leader, Diane Baldwin, who acted as marshals and helped keep everyone safe along the route.
You can listen to recordings of the History Walk, recorded the following day on 25th June 2023.
Preston Black History Group and UCLAN film and media students collaborated on a video recording of the commemoration events and interviewed many of the main participants of the day. This recording along with recordings of other events from the weekend will be made into a documentary about the commemoration. Thank you to the students and lecturers who gave their time and expertise to help us make this possible
Bernie Velvick from Preston Black History Group recorded interviews with many of the partners and participants – you can listen to the recordings here.
Ros Martin, British playwright, poet, performance artist, curator and activist, based in Bristol
Aaron Snipe, US Embassy Spokesperson
Jemma Rodgers, Producer of ‘The Railway Children Return’ Film
Prof Alan Rice, UCLAN, IBAR
Sarah Locke, Landlady of Ye Olde Hob Inn
The lovely sunny Lancashire weather ensured a great turn out of local people and local history enthusiasts to continue the exploration of the important events during the battle and the events that led up to them.
Jemma Rodgers and Prof Gregory Cooke at the Battle of Bamber Bridge plaque Clinton Smith, Mayoress Kim Lomax, Aaron Snipe and Mayor Chris Lomax have a spirited reunion Clinton Smith with Prof Gregory Cooke A ‘Brigger’ shares his story with Prof Alan Rice, Jemma Rodgers, Aaron Snipe and Clinton Smith
Prior to the commemoration weekend Clinton Smith, Gregory Cooke, filmmaker and educator who has made a documentary about Black US Servicemen, Danny Lyons and Prof Alan Rice were interviewed by NPR, the US public radio network. You can listen to the broadcast here.
https://www.npr.org/2023/06/21/1183045605/black-army-soldiers-england-wwii-battle
The story was picked up by US media, ABC news and the Washington Post, amongst others, who published the following coverage that takes the story forward. We hope that Private William Crossland’s Niece, Nancy Croslan Adkins, is successful in her call for an investigation into her uncle’s death and that this will lead to justice for the Black Servicemen who were convicted of mutiny. We hope for a reassessment of the Battle of Bamber Bridge that recognises the poor leadership from the white officers, the white MP’s harassment of black troops for minor transgressions, and the many compassionate and heroic acts of the black servicemen during the battle which will put their contribution to the fight against fascism in its rightful place.
Visit our Battle of Bamber Bridge webpage to find coverage of the rest of the anniversary weekend events
Review of Windrush Play ‘Streets Paved With Gold’, a one-man play written and performed by Victor Richards.
On a warm evening on 21st June, 2023 we gathered at the UCLAN Media Centre in Preston for a performance of Victor Richards’ play ‘Streets Paved With Gold’ organized by Preston Black History Group to commemorate the Windrush 75th anniversary.
It was a full house in the small theatre in the Media Centre, including many members of Preston’s African Caribbean community as well as members of Preston Historical Society and other interested Preston people.
Victor decked the stage with items that resonated with the African Caribbean audience and treat us to a riveting monologue that explored the experiences of his fictional character, August Cleveland Johnson, from his life in the Caribbean, his decision to answer the call to help Britain rebuild after WW2 through the disappointing reception he received here in the UK to building a life here for himself and his family.
There were many moments of laughter and appreciation from the African Caribbean members of the audience with details that echoed their own experiences. Audience members also expressed the fact that certain moments brought tears to their eyes. There was music, ‘moves’ (as ‘August’ showed off his dance skills), beautiful dresses worn by ‘August’s’ wife in her younger days, and anecdotes through the years. The performance kept the whole audience spellbound.
Afterwards there was a lively Q&A session where all sections of the audience explored the subjects raised in the play – from confirming their own experiences to describing the similar experiences of other migrant groups in the past and also in the present.
It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening for all, and a fitting way to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMS Windrush in 1948.
PBHG would like to thank our partners, UCLAN, the Harris and Preston City Council for making this performance possible.
Windrush Day 2020
On Monday 22nd June at 10am the newly designed Windrush Celebration flag was raised above Preston Town Hall to mark Windrush Day. The event celebrated the wide-ranging contributions of the Windrush community to the city.
The event was attended by PBHG Chair, Clinton Smith as well as many of our other friends in the Caribbean community and other Commonwealth neighbours.
Preston Mayor, Councillor David Borrow, commented “The raising of this flag on Windrush day recognises the struggle endured by the Windrush generation.
“It also marks the vast and continued contribution people from across the Commonwealth have made to Preston and the UK as a whole through music, food, business and their invaluable addition to our NHS and front line services.
“I am proud to be part of raising this flag and saying thank you to everyone who has added to the rich cultural tapestry of our city.”
Thanks to Tony Maiden for some great pictures.
Our good friend David Knight Collete Francis and Glenda Andrew The new flag over the Town Hall door Colette Francis Preston Mayor, Councillor David Borrow PBHG Chair, Clinton Smith and Seirina Johnrose join the Mayor Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston Council Clita Rathbone Zena Taylor A cheer for the Windrush Generation The mayor, the Leader of Council with Councillor Nweeda Khan Glenda Andrew, Co-Founder of Preston Windrush Generation and Descendants UK
Windrush Day 2020
To Celebrate Windrush Day 2020 we’d like to share some of the photos from our 2019 celebrations organised with IBAR (Institute for Black Atlantic Research) andf SDA Church, Grimshaw St, Preston.
