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The Derby West Indian Association got its start in 1955 when a group of West Indians in Derby got together to talk about camaraderie and surviving in a foreign country.
The following is a passage from the meeting's minutes, which shows that the Association proper was actually founded in December 1961.
The well-over-100-strong audience was shown a draught constitution for their approval, and once it was approved, it was also decided that the organization's name should be the Derby West Indian Association.
When Mr. S.A. Walters was elected president in 1977, the West Indian Community once more started looking for a basis in earnest.
A grant request was submitted to the Department of the Environment with the assistance and counsel of the Derby Council for Voluntary Services for what was to be known as a Day Centre, which would include a hall with space for 200 people, a nursery, a room for elderly West Indians, a library, an office, a committee room, indoor game equipment, and furniture.
A steering committee involving members of our Committee, the County Council, Derby CRE, and the local community was swiftly formed.
The Committee, who had not wavered in their purpose despite numerous setbacks, was thrilled to receive a reprieve of the grant with an extension of one year, to be taken up in 1980–1981.
The City Council was contacted one last time for assistance in locating a location for the Center.
Derby City Council spent 9,000 to purchase this site, which was then given as freehold property to Derby West Indian Community Association.
The Center was formally inaugurated on July 31, 1982, at 2:00 p.m. by Sir Peter Hilton, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, and Councillor Norman Glen, Mayor of Derby.
Eustace Seigaret, the High Commissioner for Trinidad & Tobago, served as our honorary guest.