Ipswich housemother and Windrush generation member

Many former pupils of the Woolverstone Hall Boys’ School alongside members of Ipswich Windrush Society attended an event on Saturday to honour the legacy of Rosa Weekes.

Many gathered at the weekend for an event hosted by Ipswich High School in memory of Rosa Weekes. (Image: Naomi Limer)

Rosa arrived in England Saint Kitts and Nevis around 1960. Rosa was part of the Windrush Generation, and was one of many who answered Britain’s call for help with the labour shortage following the Second World War. 

Rosa served as a house mother at Woolverstone Hall Boys School, caring for generations of boys from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Her caring nature, resilience, and faith left a profound impact on many lives. Though she passed away in 2012, aged 82, her legacy continues to inspire.

Rosa served as a house mother at Woolverstone Hall Boys School, caring for generations of boys from the 1960s to the 1980s (Image: Max Thomas) Rosa Weekes arrived in England around 1960. (Image: Max Thomas)

On Saturday, a tree was planted in Rosa’s memory at Ipswich High School, which moved into the site in 1992, two years after Woolverstone Hall Boys’ School had closed.

Many gathered at the weekend for an event hosted by Ipswich High School in memory of Rosa Weekes. (Image: Naomi Limer)

Dan Browning, Head of Ipswich High School, commented: “Above all else, our school is a family. Ipswich High School and Woolverstone Hall School share a rich history rooted in compassion and shared values.

“The lasting legacy of staff such as Rosa Weekes has touched the lives of so many, and it’s vital that we remember her contribution as a committed and caring member of our community and one of the first of the Windrush generation.”

On Saturday, a tree was planted in Rosa’s memory at Ipswich High School, (Image: Naomi Limer)

Max Thomas, founder of the Ipswich Windrush Society, said:  "In our fast-paced world, it's all too easy to forget the heroes who laid the foundations of our communities.

“The Windrush generation, like Rosa Weekes, played a crucial role in rebuilding post-war Britain and events like this not only honour their legacy but also bring us together to celebrate the enduring impact they’ve had on our lives.

“It’s through these gatherings that we ensure their stories are never forgotten."

Many who attended Woolverstone Hall Old Boys gathered at the weekend to remember Rosa Weekes. (Image: Naomi Limer)

The day also included cricket, camaraderie, and a chance to look through the schools’ archives.