'You don't know what you've got till it's gone': Memories of Ipswich Caribbean Club preserved

The big picture: The Ipswich Caribbean Association (ICA) was more than just a building – it was the beating heart of multiple communities until its demolition in 2012. Now, SPILL Festival is working to ensure its cultural and social impact isn't forgotten.

Why it matters: The centre played a vital role in Ipswich life from the early 1970s, hosting:

• Fitness and martial arts classes

• Dominoes clubs and dance nights

• Elders' luncheon clubs

• The Suffolk Samba Band

• Supplementary education for young people

What they're saying: "The ICA building is a much-missed resource that was used by many differing communities," says Robin Deacon, SPILL Artistic Director and CEO. "You don't know what you've got till it's gone."

What's happening: A free exhibition running until 24 November at SPILL Think Tank features:

• New portraits by renowned local photographer John Ferguson

• Previously unseen archive materials including posters and home videos

• Oral histories from those who used the centre

ICA Memories by John Ferguson

This free exhibition of specially commissioned portraits by renowned local photographer John Ferguson captures the faces and stories of those for whom the Ipswich Caribbean Centre meant something special.

• Art & Photography Exhibitions
• Multiple dates
• 10:30-16:00
• Every day

Documenting the Caribbean Club: Then and now – John Ferguson & Tony Powlett

Join photographer John Ferguson, creator of the ICA Memories photographic commission, and Tony Powlett, an avid documenter of the Caribbean Club, in conversation with SPILL Artistic Director Robin Deacon.

• Art & Photography Exhibitions
• 21 November
• 19:00

How to get involved:

• Visit the free exhibition at SPILL Think Tank (10:30-16:00 daily)

• Attend a family-friendly zine-making workshop on 16 November

• Join a special discussion with photographers John Ferguson and Tony Powlett on 21 November (tickets £5)

• Share your own memories via icamemories.co.uk from 15 November

• Contact SPILL directly on 01473 216545 or email robin@spillfestival.com

The bottom line: The project, funded by the Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust and Historic England's Everyday Heritage programme, aims to place these local stories into the wider national narrative of Caribbean culture in the UK.