From the archive: Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise group

Community leader, Mr Fitzroy (Roy) de Freitas in an extract from a paper. image courtesy of Bristol Archives

To celebrate National Windrush Day we are looking back at our archive to shine a light on the Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise group (BCCE), who were the first custodians of the Trinity Centre following the deconsecrating of the Holy Trinity church in the 1970's.

The year is 1978, and BCCE opens the 'Trinity Community Institute' as it was then named, on 01 July. The grand opening coincides with St Paul's African-Caribbean Carnival to reflect the group's drive to embrace and celebrate Caribbean culture. The Centre is used every evening of the Festival week.

In October 1978, The Easton Christian Family Centre newsletter contains an update on Trinity Church building: "The old Holy Trinity Church has been taken over by the Caribbean Community Association... They have made extensive alterations, putting in a stage in the main auditorium for a theatre and changing the side aisles into separate small rooms. The vestries have been changed into offices. They are currently negotiating plans to turn the graveyard into a large play area, including tennis courts."

In their annual report of 1978, the BCCE chairman writes, "Our aims and objectives are clear - a centre for youth and community activities; the philosophy is a multi-racial multi-cultural centre. The project is part of this community, and if it is to progress, then the community must believe in it." (As quoted in Venue Magazine, no.70).

BCCE programmed community events with a strong Caribbean influence - sound clashes, dub, reggae nights marking the start of Trinity's sound-system heritage. "Trinity Institute," sometimes also known as "Trinity Hall," provided a space for music and Soundsystem culture, welcoming the likes of Jah Shaka and Quaker City alongside punk and new wave bands, including The Stingrays and New Order.

Sadly, in 1984, BCCE went into receivership, and the building was sold to Bristol City Council in 1985 – but was soon to be opened as a community space once again...

Get involved

We have a series of events and activities to celebrate National Windrush Day. Including partnering with Tamasha Theatre to explore hidden stories from the Windrush generation. Click here to find out more.

Then, throughout the July, August and September Trinity will host film screenings, lunches and other community events and activities. Check our website for listings.