Wellingborough Black History Heritage Trail

We have been engaged by Made With Many to create five audio pieces that celebrate the history of the black community of Wellingborough as part of a new art heritage trail being made for the town.

Over the next few months we will be interviewing people to gather stories and memories that tell of the stationing of Black GIs in the town; the impact of the London overspill that led to many families moving to Wellingborough; the establishment of the Wellingborough African Caribbean Association (WACA) and the many events that have happened there (including the infamous Domino Dances); and of the lives of some remarkable Wellingborough people – such as Anita Neil (pictured second left) who was the first Black female athlete to represent Great Britain in the Olympic games; reaching the 4 x 100m final in both 1968 (Mexico) and 1972 (Munich).

Made With Many is a community-led arts programme which produces events and activities designed to surprise, delight and inspire. The programme aims to encourage more people than ever before to take the lead in experiencing, creating and taking part in high-quality arts and cultural activities. Through conversations with local people and community decision-making panels, Made With Many puts the community at the heart of commissioning artists and producing new and exciting events.