On Tuesday 8th October, 60 Walkers and Talkers enjoyed the screening of the classic cricket film “Fire in Babylon” at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
After the customary welcome ofa free cuppa, followed by a short walk around the ground, including a visit to the Somerset Cricket Museum, participants were then able to engage in a fun picture quiz linked to the film.
Mustafa Shaikh (Community Activation Officer) set the scene for the screening by welcoming Susann Savidge and Jean Harper from the Somerset African Caribbean Network and thanked “Walkers and Talkers” for allowing us to host this event with a difference. Mus took the opportunity to showcase the Windrush Legacy 76 partnership project between the network, SCF and SCCC.
A cultural cricketing connections project linked to the Caribbean Windrush story that ran through the summer. This included a match day experience event on Friday 26th July (Kent CCC game) which included SACN having information stalls, Live stream conversation on air with Peter Trego. Collecting memories of Sir Viv Richards from the public in the Somerset Cricket Museum and enjoying tasty Caribbean cuisine from the “Islands” vendor outlet.
SCF also organised a Sir Viv “Master Blaster” Tee shirt design competition on the Club’s family day.
SCF further connected with young people by providing schools with a PHSE/Assembly resource pack and a chance to enter a “Windrush” poster competition.
The screening of the film was timely with the commencement of Black History Month and a finale to the Windrush series of events planned over the summer months.
So, what is Fire in Babylon a film by Steven Riley all about? – in the words of Passions Pictures:
“Fire In Babylon is the breathtaking story of how the West Indies triumphed over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history. In a turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa; race riots in England and civil unrest in the Caribbean, the West Indian cricketers, led by the enigmatic Viv Richards, struck a defiant blow at the forces of white prejudice worldwide. Their undisputed skill, combined with a fearless spirit, allowed them to dominate the genteel game at the highest level, replaying it on their own terms. This is their story, told in their own words.
Fire in Babylon is told completely from a West Indian perspective, featuring a host of some of the legendary and revered players of the time and significant names from Caribbean culture including Sir Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Sir Clive Lloyd and Bunny Wailer, against a soundtrack of vibrant and classic music by the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Gregory Issacs, Faithless and Horace Andy.”
The screening was well received as indicated by the feedback:
“Really well done for putting on a show during Black History Month that enthralled those in the room. Plenty of sporting memories that went down particularly well given the age of the audience.”
“Film was very good – more political than I was expecting- but so good to hear it as it was! Think everyone enjoyed it.”
“It was a pleasure to meet colleagues from SACN. Enjoyed the documentary too. Brought back some good memories.”
“Let me say it was a great experience. The huss in the room at times express some of the shame people felt.”
“Very interesting morning.”
“Nice anecdotes and relevant.”
Mustafa concluded the session with some of his own personal stories about memories of Viv Richards, Joel Garner and Ezra Moseley.
SCF would also like to thank Deborah Richardson from Somerset Films for supporting us with the screening rights and protocol and to SCCC for letting host the event in the Long Room and to Mike Unwin for his talk in the Somerset Cricket Museum.
SACN are continuing with the Windrush story by setting up an exhibition in Frome entitled “Windrush the Journey: People and Place and this will include a display of some of some resources from the SCF/SCCC cricketing connections Windrush Legacy 76 project. See poster below:
