From Left to Right: Lyndon Johnson, Prince Albert Jacob, Donald Campbell, Harpreet Uppal MP, Kenneth Straun, Cllr Liz Smaje, DLL Sofia Buncy, Erin Phillips, Ronald Lisk-Carew, Dr Milton Brown and Dexter David. Photo Credits: Nico Kulmann & Noah Felton, Kirklees Local TV

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Local Television (KLTV) is proud to announce the overwhelming success of the official premiere of The Armed Services: Huddersfield Windrush Forgotten Veterans, which took place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the Greenhead Masonic Hall.

This powerful documentary uncovers the untold histories of several generations of Windrush descendants who were born and raised in Huddersfield and served in the British Armed Services.

Watch the Trailer here: https://youtu.be/u1CTWv-q7Co

The film enraptured the audience and was met with an emotional standing ovation as the credits rolled.

It was a night of long-overdue recognition for many in attendance, including veterans, their families, community members, civic leaders, and dignitaries.

KLTV were honoured to have the veterans and contributors featured in the documentary in attendance, including Dr Milton Brown, Dexter David, Erin Phillips, Joyce Britton, Mark Mullings, Mick Senior, Terry Primus, Lyndon Robinson, Lloyd Brown, and the family of Horace Fleary.

Veteran Joyce Britton with Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Sofia Buncy

Joyce Britton, who was born in Huddersfield and now lives in Northampton, reflected on her feelings after watching the film: “The film was brilliant, I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m so proud of what I did.

“KLTV have made a marvellous documentary and putting together everyone’s stories in a way was nothing short of staggering.”

“The best part about tonight was that I had my three sons with me, and they all said ‘Mum, I didn’t know this about you, and now they do, which is brilliant.”

Lloyd Brown, also sharing his thoughts, added: “Tonight has been amazing, I couldn’t ask for anything more. The whole set-up was fantastic.

“While the memories of my time serving are bittersweet, this evening has given me something to hold on to.”

Veteran Lloyd Brown with Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Sofia Buncy

A Night of Reflection and Celebration

The premiere drew an impressive and diverse array of guests from across Kirklees and beyond, all united in their respect and admiration for the veterans being honoured.

The event was graced by Harpreet Uppal MP, Huddersfield’s first ever female & Sikh Member of Parliament, who gave an inspiring speech of the importance of representation.

Speaking on her experience of the evening, Hapreet said: “What a fantastic documentary of the Windrush Veterans here in Huddersfield.

“Hearing their fantastic contributions and very powerful speeches in the documentary and at the ball tonight meant so much for us in the room.

“Making sure we tell the oral histories of Huddersfield’s residents, especially those of the Windrush generation and their descendants, is really really important, even more so that we are telling our own stories”.

Harpreet Uppal, Member of Parliament for Huddersfield

Representing the Crown was Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Sofia Buncy, whose ongoing work in community cohesion and service added deep resonance to the evening.

Sofia added: “I think everyone in the room was very compelled by the film. It was very raw, very emotional because it told stories that we were not aware of, stories of sacrifices and very personal journeys that we have not been privy to throughout history.

“I was extremely moved, at points saddened, but also very proud as well of the contributions made by black servicemen and women to the British Armed Forces”.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Liz Smaje, attended the proceedings with her characteristic warmth and dignified presentation, while Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Huddersfield’s first and only African Caribbean British Descendant councillor, and a longstanding advocate For racial justice, equality and equity, spoke passionately during the programme, her own father being a veteran.

Cllr Liz Smaje, Mayor of Kirklees

In her address, Cllr Smaje said: “It is truly an honour to be here tonight as we come together to pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions made by the men and women of the Windrush generation.

“Their sacrifice, courage and determination has helped shape the fabric of Huddersfield and Kirklees.

“The documentary showed the dignity of those who served, their strength and pride that has endured”.

After watching the film, Amanda said: “The event has been very emotional and very powerful, I was in tears by the end of the film.

“The stories were so poignant and so emotive that I could really feel it coming from the screen what the veterans went through.”

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Ward Councillor for Ashbrow

Also lending their support were Councillor Beverley Addy, Councillor Masood Ahmed and Vina Randhawa, who attended on behalf of the Kirklees Armed Forces Covenant, a key sponsor of the documentary reaffirming the council’s commitment to supporting ex-service personnel of all backgrounds.

Speaking after the film, Cllr Masood said: “It’s great to know that this film will be going into schools, it’s so important that young people are made aware of the veterans experiences”.

Professor Paul Ward, a key figure in the development of the documentary, respected historian and Alumnus of the University of Huddersfield and Edge Hill University, acted as Master of Ceremonies, expertly guiding the audience through the evening with insight and gravitas.

Paul said: “The audience’s heartfelt response to the premiere was an incredible validation of the power of the stories of the Black veterans.

“The film, which connects them to the history of Black service in the British armed forces since the 1790s, is certainly a very important contribution to Black British history”. 

Representatives from a wide range of organisations also turned out in force, reinforcing the regional and national significance of the film.

Professor Paul Ward, Master of Ceremonies for the evening

Among them was Tim Bhullar and the team from the Sikh Soldier Organisation, whose presence highlighted the broader spectrum of Commonwealth contributions to the British military.

The organisation also recently received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, a prestigious honour equivalent to an MBE.

Tim said: “The documentary absolutely brought me back into my younger days in Huddersfield.

“Everything that was shown in the film came about in such a way that these veterans will never be forgotten.”

Team members from the Sikh Soldier Organisation

Travelling from Birmingham, Donald Campbell and members of The Forgotten Generations group came to support the Huddersfield veterans and stand in solidarity with a shared legacy of service and struggle.

Donald’s keynote address highlighted the continued efforts of the group to raise the awareness of African descendant veterans and their key roles in British military history.

The Forgotten Generations present a Standard of the British West Indies Regiment

The group also brought with them several standards which have been created to honour the British West Indies Regiments and all those African Caribbean Descendant veterans.

Also attending on behalf of the group was RAF WW2 veteran Prince Albert Jacob, who, within a fortnight, will be 100 years old. He was given a standing ovation for his service.

The team from The Forgotten Generations

Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander for Kirklees Police in West Yorkshire, attended to show the force’s recognition and respect for the military contributions of Black Britons.

Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander for Kirklees Police in West Yorkshire

The evening was also graciously attended by Emma Copestake, a representative from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Emma attended alongside her husband Oliver Websdell, both visibly moved by the stories portrayed on screen. Huddersfield’s Windrush Forgotten Veterans was made possible with thanks to National Lottery Players.

After the premiere, Emma said: “I’ve watched a very powerful, impactful and moving documentary this evening.

“It was really emotional, and I think it demonstrates the importance of sharing lived experiences and making sure that everybody’s story is included in history.

“The stories from the veterans in the film are similar but also unique, and that’s what made the film such a beautiful experience.”

Emma Copestake, Representative from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Their presence, along with that of many other local leaders, artists, and educators, helped to create a unique atmosphere, one that combined ceremony with heartfelt community spirit.

The shared sense of pride and acknowledgement created an unforgettable evening, signalling a profound shift in how these veterans’ stories are finally being seen and valued.

A Moment of Truth and Honour

One of the most poignant highlights of the night came when veterans Joyce Britton and Lloyd Brown were surprised with the formal presentation of their medals for Active Service in Northern Ireland, sourced and arranged by KLTV staff in recognition of their decades of dedication. The moment left many in tears.

Over 100 distinguished guests were in attendance at the event, which took place at the Greenhead Masonic Hall

Dr Milton Brown, CEO of KLTV, Executive Producer, and himself a veteran featured in the film, reflected on the significance of the event: “The evening was a wonderful tribute to and validation for our veterans who were born and raised in Huddersfield.

“It also highlighted just how much of an appetite and a need there is to continue uncovering hidden histories that are in the borough of Kirklees.

“Thank you to the veterans and thanks to all those who made the event unforgettable”.

Dr Milton Brown, CEO of Kirklees Local TV

Bringing Forgotten Histories to Light

Supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Huddersfield Windrush Forgotten Veterans explores the rich and complex stories of the African Descendant men and women who served in the British Armed Forces, dating back to the late 18th century.

The documentary focuses particularly on those of the Windrush Generation, born and raised in Huddersfield, who served in various branches of the British Armed Forces from the 70’s to the early 2000’s.

Project Director Edwin Baker, reflecting on the evening’s events, said: “After months of research and countless hours of filming, I feel extremely honoured and proud that we’ve helped give these heroes the recognition they deserve. This is just the beginning of honouring their legacy.

“The film was produced after more than 100 hours of filming across the UK, including Huddersfield and Northampton, and involved over 700 hours of work from researchers, filmmakers, editors, local historians and volunteers.

“I want to give a huge thanks to all those who attended this evening, and to everyone involved in making this documentary a reality”.

Edwin Baker, Chair of Kirklees Local TV’s Board of Directors

Christopher Morgan, Chief Editor on the documentary, added: “This has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on in my time at KLTV.

“The voices in this film are not just voices of the past; they speak directly to the present and future generations.

It is my hope that this documentary becomes part of a wider movement for justice, respect, and memory.”

Performances, Tributes and a Spirit of Unity

Several dignitaries in attendance provided powerful spoken word contributions, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sofia Buncy, Mayor Cllr Liz Smaje, Cllr Amanda Pinnock, and Lucy Charles, who leads the educational resource arm of the project.

Speaking on the evening’s events, Lucy said: “It was a magical evening. It was a celebration of the Windrush Veterans in the most poignant and beautiful way.

“The stories that were shared by the veterans touched the hearts of all and in their sharing, they have made it possible to centre the community in the classroom.

Lucy Charles, Lead on the Educational Resource for Huddersfield’s Windrush Forgotten Veterans

“People often say ‘it takes a village’ to raise children, and in 2025, what better way to promote empathy, compassion and a critical awareness than having the superheroes of our community talk candidly about their experiences.

“The educational resource will support this process, and we can’t wait to launch it in the coming months. This film will change lives.’’

The evening also featured a host of live performances and tributes that added to the emotional resonance of the night. Entertainment included a vibrant performance by Love Generation and a set by DJ 45, which saw attendees dancing well into the early morning.

Love Generation, performing at the Huddersfield Windrush Forgotten Veterans Ball

What’s Next?

The documentary is set for public release on 30th September 2025, alongside a specially designed educational digital workshop for use in schools and colleges.

The resource will allow young people across the country to learn about the contributions of Black British veterans and engage in discussions around race, service, and national identity.

For more information, to view the official trailer, or to explore upcoming screenings and educational materials, please visit www.kirkleeslocaltv.com and follow KLTV on all social media platforms.

Watch our trailer for the documentary here: https://youtu.be/Y1nM55JaCBs