A Very British History Season 1

Mark Seen

Ugandan Asians Dec 10, 2018 Food writer Meera Sodha tells the story of the 1972 refugee crisis when thousands of Asian people arrived in Britain after being expelled from Uganda by dictator Idi Amin. Meera meets Ugandan Asians, and examines the archives to discover how the refugees received a mixed reception on arrival in Britain.

Mark Seen

Romany Gypsies Dec 10, 2018 Documentary exploring key moments in the 20th century for minority communities across the UK. In the first edition, Damian Le Bas revealing that many Gypsies in the 1960s were forced to abandon their nomadic way of life for a more settled existence. Focusing on the Home Counties, the writer draws on his own Romany family background and rich film archive to show how Gypsies faced becoming outlaws in their own land, with regular stopping places for their caravans drying up, and tighter planning laws putting further pressure on finding somewhere to live.

Mark Seen

The First Black Brummies Feb 19, 2019 Sue Brown looks at what life was like in the post-war years for Birmingham's Caribbean community. The poet, whose parents came to Britain in the 1950s from Jamaica, meets people who remember and experienced the hostile environment that faced many of the early immigrants. She also explores her home city to discover the cultural significance of local black churches, music and the rise of Rastafarianism, and meets singer Jimmy Cliff to discuss his hit song Many Rivers to Cross.

Mark Seen

The Jews of Leeds Feb 25, 2019 Documentary in which film-maker Simon Glass explores his family history and tells the story of the Yorkshire Jews in the early 20th century.