THIS week in Down Memory Lane we recall the arrival, on June 22, 1948, of the SS Empire Windrush, at the Tilbury Riverside Landing Stage, with the first shipload of more than 600 West Indians seeking employment in what they describe as the Mother Land.

At the time, some concerns were raised nationally, but it passed relatively quietly in Thurrock, except that 10 stowaways were brought to Grays Court House, nine to be fined and one to be deported.

The day is now remembered for the impact it had in changing Great Britain into the multi-cultural society that it is today.

It also brought new cultural themes – the Grays & Tilbury Gazette reporter was taken up by the display of dazzling ties and the Zoot suits worn by some of the men – high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders.

The day was recorded by Pathe News and the calypso singer Lord Kitchener gave a rendition of a song he composed on the trip called London – That is the Place for Me, with a strong emphasis on the arrival in the UK and how important that was to him.

This weekend international celebrations, organised by Thurrock Council and the Port of Tilbury, are being held and I hope you will come and rediscover the London Cruise Terminal (Riverside) on Sunday, June 23, from 2pm to 7pm, where there will be entertainment, tours and a Thurrock Museum display on the Windrush, Thurrock in 1948, and the history of the docks.

Tickets on the door are £10 for adults, although children are free.