Many Cultures, One Town: the story of post-war Leamington Spa

This is the fourth in a series of videos created by Leamington History Group and local filmmaker Mark Ellis chronicling the history of the town from its early days as a spa resort to the present day.
This film shows how Leamington recovered after 1945 to become a thriving industrial and tourist town. We also hear the stories of people who came from Poland, Ireland, India, Pakistan, Africa and the Caribbean to make Leamington their home - why they came and the challenges they sometimes faced building a new life here.
It’s a celebration, not only of Leamington’s diversity, but also of the contribution of these communities to the political, economic and cultural life of the town as a whole.
CORRECTION: The video refers to Hurricane Charlie striking Jamaica in 1950; in fact this took place in 1951. Apologies for the error.
Produced by Mark Ellis (Postmaster Media): postmastermedia.co.uk

[@monicabrown6424]

I was honoured to have been invited to speak about the Caribbean community in this film. Mark Ellis did an excellent job. He was particularly patient with me as I was recovering from COVID at the time and my voice was not in tip top form nor my thinking.
I made a factual error of the date of Hurricane Charlie in the Caribbean. It was in fact 1951 NOT 1950, as I reported in the film.
For this, I apologise.

[@andrewemm4019]

A history to be proud of and the more so because the cultural strengths and community actions are very much continuing today. Part of a great set of watchable videos that I've only just found. Thanks

[@kevinpalmer1944]

I'm a Leamingtonian, and this video offers a fascinating insight into the Town's recent history. Thank you.

[@benjames3990]

I've always lived in Leamington, my grandad was a policeman in what is now the polish centre, and 4 generations of my family were born in K block, when the Warnford existed. I know quite a lot about the history of the town, the normal stuff about the baths and the royal visit, etc, but this was something I knew nothing about at all. To be honest, it made me a little emotional. Thanks for doing that!

[@simonirvine1628]

Very good documentary.

[@rantinprogress]

A most enjoyable film, not only for people living in Royal Leamington Spa.

[@huddlewoman]

Excellent film, very well put together. Lovely to hear the voices from all the different cultural groups and communities telling their own story and not just a lot of dry historical facts. Congratulations to all involved!

[@leamingtonhistorygroup]

Thank you - really glad that you enjoyed it!

[@melodymason7392]

Amazing video. Well Done. Important history!

[@manisandher]

Well done Mark, this is superb! Cheers, Mani.

[@nimboprime7680]

Amazing work Mark again, was a true pleasure to be involved in a time capsule of knowledge such as this, We all look forward to whatever comes next :)

[@leamingtonhistorygroup]

Thanks Nimesh, much appreciated. It was a real pleasure meeting you and your family as part of this project and I hope we can collaborate again in future.

[@curryboy7758]

Amazing video, the commentary was exceptional !

[@stickyman7585]

Lovely; really interesting and quite moving.

[@Anjijoy52]

Did "many" of the Caribbean arrivals return to the Caribbean?
I'd like to see the statistics on that.
Most of the Caribbean arrivals of my parents' era (1957 / 1962) that I know of, and their descendants, are still in the area.

[@monicabrown6424]

This is a good question. I am Monica Brown, the contributor to the Caribbean experience in Leamington Spa. Many of them returned, including my own family. Sadly, have no statistics on this.

[@mikedelta1679]

Schools, particularly Shrubland Street, Clapham Terrace, and Aylesford
did massive work to integrate the immigrants at a time when you
could tell a Leamingtonian by the size of the shamrock in his turban..
Yet, nary a mention in your account of postwar Leamington.
What's the crack please?

[@Anjijoy52]

Disappointing the find the word 'influx', with all its negative connotations, being used my the opening narrator.
What was wrong with the word 'arrival'?

[@truthoverlies1820]

You just be grateful that this country sold its own ppl out by encouraging ppl to move to Australia under the £10 pommie scheme. Stop allowing the ruling class manipulate how you feel because they sure don't care about you or me..all the diversity bs is an utter smokescreen.

[@truthoverlies1820]

Anything thats donated to the nhs as a jab centre is an absolute tragedy..i was looking forward to a charming documentary here..oh well..