A group which celebrates the stories of people who journeyed to Ipswich from the Caribbean many years ago has found a temporary space in the Sailmakers shopping centre – but the search for a permanent home continues.

The Ipswich Windrush Society was set up with the aim of remembering and paying tribute to people from the Windrush generation before their stories are lost to history.

These were the people who answered Britain’s call for help in the aftermath of the Second World War, leaving their homes to start a new life in our town.

For the past three years, the organisation has been based on the first floor of the Sailmakers shopping centre in Tavern Street.

Ipswich Star: Max Thomas has spent many years curating his collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the Windrush generation. Max Thomas has spent many years curating his collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the Windrush generation. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The old-fashioned pushchair is a particular favourite amongst visitors. The old-fashioned pushchair is a particular favourite amongst visitors. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The front room was a place in the home that was kept pristine, just for visitors. The front room was a place in the home that was kept pristine, just for visitors. (Image: Newsquest)

Founder Max Thomas has spent this time carefully curating a display which brings to life the memories of an age that is fast becoming a bygone era.

The ‘Reflection Room’ brings to life these memories with photographs, clothes, toys, furniture and other memorabilia.

Passers by will often be drawn to the display, with the tin bath, the old Crane’s uniforms and the old-fashioned perambulator being particular, nostalgic favourites.

However, founder Mr Thomas was disappointed to be told in January that he would need to dismantle his installation and vacate the premises.

Mr Thomas has now moved into a new space, also in the Sailmakers, and will be ready to receive visitors from the end of this week. His new ‘Reflection Room’ can be found on the ground floor beside the new Ed Sheeran Mural, opposite the old back entrance to River Island.

However, this is a temporary solution, and the display will only be here until the end of May, just three months away.

Mr Thomas is determined to find a permanent home for the Ipswich Windrush Society a permanent place to call home, for constantly moving between spaces has become draining, both mentally and physically.

He is hoping that the community and local councils can help him achieve this and help him to keep these memories alive for future generations.

If you think you can help, contact Max at: ipswichwindrushsociety@gmail.com or Abygail Fossett at: Abygail.Fossett@newsquest.co.uk

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/reflection-room