A GROUP of 35 boat people who fled their country to escape a communist government have been reunited.
The reunion took place at the Jubilee Community Centre, Lytton Strachey Path, Thamesmead.
It marked the first time they had met since taking the same boat out of southern Vietnam in 1979.
An estimated 1.5m people tried to flee Vietnam in the period.
The UK accepted around 19,000, many of whom moved to parts of London including Thamesmead.
Organiser Quang Duong said: “It was fantastic catching up with everyone and finding out what they have been up to since we arrived in the UK.
“Many are now parents and grandparents, whose children are now doctors, lawyers and contribute to society.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here