A NEWLY formed black history group is hoping to add more members to its ranks as it looks to host celebratory events.

And Bolton Black History Group is hoping to spread awareness of the ongoing Windrush compensation scheme offered by the government.

An online Facebook group now has dozens of members and with Windrush being commemorated today, the group is urging people to join them online this Saturday for a Greater Manchester Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) Zoom session.

Marlene Stringfellow, group chair, lives in Breightmet and is hopeful more Bolton members can join.

She said: “We had hoped to get the group set up prior to the pandemic and prepare things for black history month in 2020.

“Sadly, we weren’t able to but when George Floyd died, we started it back up again and formally formed the Bolton Black History Group.

“Windrush Day is here and there is a lot more awareness around what went on, but we want to get it out there that compensation is being offered to those affected from that generation.

“The government is offering money to those who have been affected. I had a friend who came over from Jamaica and didn’t get a passport until she was in her 50s, and she had a series of problems throughout her life with documentation and.

“I would like to see people from across Bolton join our group, although people from anywhere in the world are welcome.”

Marlene had hoped for the group to even host a celebratory event in the town centre, to coincide with Windrish Day but the pandemic forced her to put a pin in those plans.

For further details of the Zoom event, to be streamed on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter & Instagram from 1pm on Saturday email events@cahn.org.uk.

If you would like to get involved with any future events with the Bolton group or have any suggestions then e-mail marlene.stringfell@gmail.com