A group which celebrates Ipswich residents of Caribbean descent is once more looking for a permanent place to call home – after being told it can no longer remain at its space in Sailmakers shopping centre.

The Ipswich Windrush Society was set up to celebrate and pay tribute to those who answered Britain’s call for help in the aftermath of the Second World War, and left their home countries to build a new life in Suffolk.

For Max Thomas, the group’s founder, these are precious memories we don’t want to lose.

For the past three years, the society’s Reflection Room on the first floor of Sailmakers has been a nostalgic hub, bringing to life those memories with photographs, clothes, toys, furniture and other memorabilia of a bygone era.

This was a time when children used enamel cups and plates, when a £1 note meant you were rich – and, if you knew what was good for you, you never, ever set foot in your parents’ front room, which was kept pristine for important visitors such as the local pastor or perhaps the Queen.

Ipswich Star: Passers by such as Happiness said that childhood memories come flooding back when they visit the Ipswich Windrush Society's display. Image: NewsquestPassers by such as Happiness said that childhood memories come flooding back when they visit the Ipswich Windrush Society's display. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The front room was a place in the home that was kept pristine, just for visitors. Image: NewsquestThe front room was a place in the home that was kept pristine, just for visitors. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The pushchair is a popular sight at the Ipswich Windrush Society. Image: NewsquestThe pushchair is a popular sight at the Ipswich Windrush Society. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Max Thomas has spent many years curating his collection of artefacts and memorabilia. Image: NewsquestMax Thomas has spent many years curating his collection of artefacts and memorabilia. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: The Windrush docked in Tilbury in 1948. Image: PAThe Windrush docked in Tilbury in 1948. Image: PA (Image: PA)

Mr Thomas’ own parents arrived in Ipswich from St Catherine, Jamaica, during the 1950s.

“The Windrush Society creates a collage of the many things that we have in common throughout our communities, things that people can relate to,” said Mr Thomas.

“It’s been put together in such a way that people can make the links, items that they have used, discarded and even forgotten about are brought back to life.”

However, he was surprised and upset to learn last week that he will have to leave Sailmakers on March 4, for the third time in three years, and find a new home for the display he has spent so much time and effort collecting and maintaining.

“I need people to rally together, to donate and support us in any way you possibly can, to petition to keep this centre open.

“I’d like the support to get a permanent home, so the memories we have collected do not end up in landfills.”

Can you help the Ipswich Windrush Society find a new home? Contact info@ipswichwindrushsociety.org or Abygail.Fossett@newsquest.co.uk