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BME communities come together for Black History Month event focused on 'reclaiming narratives'

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Over 60 people from all communities gathered in Ipswich last Saturday for a Black History Month celebration. The event, organised by the BME Suffolk Support Group, featured educational workshops, quizzes, poetry, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

The big picture: The BME Suffolk Support Group held its Black History Month event on November 12 at the Ipswich BME Suffolk Community Hub. The celebration aimed to educate and empower attendees about Black culture, heritage, and achievements.

Why it matters: Black History Month, celebrated in the UK each October, provides an opportunity to share and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture. This year's theme, "Reclaiming Narratives," focuses on correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing untold success stories.

Ipswich Black History Month event in pictures

Event highlights: Over 60 people from a range of communities came together for:

  • Educational workshops on Black culture and heritage

  • A Black History Month quiz

  • Poetry readings by young people

  • Community networking

  • Afro-Caribbean food

  • Music and dance

Wider context: Black History Month began in the US in the 1920s and was first celebrated in the UK in 1987. It is also observed in Canada, Germany, and Ireland.

The bottom line: The event organisers emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of African and Caribbean communities to British history. For more information you can visit the BME Suffolk Support Group website: https://www.bmesuffolk.org/

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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