Formation of the Association

Social activities

After forming into an Association, it was soon time to put on events and activities for its members to enjoy.

The ‘Federation’ dance was one of the first events which brought the Caribbean community together. Following Jamaican independence in 1962, the annual ‘Federation’ dance was changed to an independence celebration and held in August. These dances were held across Derby in venues like, the Locarno Ball Room, the Pennine Hotel, the Co-op and the Trocadero with an array of dignitaries in attendance from Caribbean High Commissioners to British MPs.

Social Trips

Members agreed to visit places of interest as part of socialising amongst themselves whilst getting to know England. Early DWIA records show that in 1963 two day trips were well attended (over 40 members) to Wales Llandudno (Sunday 2nd June), Skegness  (nearest beach to Derby - Sunday 4TH August ) also trips to  Scarborough (Britain's first seaside resort) on Whit Sunday (May). 1965 Southport (seaside town in Merseyside) 29th June 1968.  

Over the years DWICA has organised visits to other Caribbean centre nationally, to play (some say) the number one Caribbean table-top game Dominoes.

DWICA team played in various competitions / matches in cities that included  

  • Luton  

  • Preston  

  • Huddersfield 

  • west Bromwich 

  • Wolverhampton 

  • Birmingham  

  • Sheffield 

  • High Wycombe 

  • Walsall 

  • Gloucester 

These trips were a social event meaning generally the dominoe competitions /matches would be played first, then Caribbean refreshments, then a social night (dance) 

Without the collective unity of the Association, many West  
Indians would not have had the ability to make trips like this.

Other trips  

By responding to demand day trips to places of interest / theme parks are organised and attended by young people and parents via DWICA summer school annual big trip activity. In addition, further trips are planned during DWICA carnival troupe annual tour season from June to August. Regular tour Cities include - Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton and Leeds.

DWICA continues to host annual events and organize day trips to this day.