Honiton: British Ugandan 50th Anniversary Celebration taking place tomorrow

On Saturday 29 October there will be an anniversary celebration of British Ugandan Asians' arrival at Heathfield Resettlement Camp in Honiton, which happened 50 years ago.

The event has been organised by British Ugandans at 50, Honiton Museum, East Devon District Council and The Beehive. Thelma Hulbert also hosted a special exhibition.

What happened in 1972?

In August 1972 Ugandan dictator Idi Amin forcibly expelled 70,000 Asians from Uganda. Families were given just 90 days to leave the country. They could only take £55 in cash and one suitcase per family member.

Many of the Ugandan Asians held British passports, and consequently 28,200 were admitted to the UK. Temporary settlement camps were established across the UK, including one in Heathfield in Honiton. 1,800 people were housed in the camp and many people from the local area volunteered there.

Last week, Honiton Nub News spoke to Jane Preece. whose family were volunteers at the camp. 

The schedule for tomorrow's event

9.45am: Meeting outside Blackdown House, Honiton (which is located opposite Lidl)

10am: Tree Planting Ceremony

10.15am: Unveiling of a commemorative plaque

The tree planting and plaque unveiling will be followed by more events which will take place at The Beehive.

11am – 11.45am: Formal welcome, dances and presentations

11.45am – 12.15pm: Break

12:15pm – 1.15pm: Poetry reading, videos reports, 50th Anniversary Cake Cutting, African Drumming and dancing

13:15pm: Acknowledgements

From 13.30pm a buffet of Indian savouries will be served and guests will have the opportunity to socialise and view the exhibition.