Myrtle_building
Myrtle
I loved the banana trees in Jamaica. At my brother’s house we got them off the trees to cook.
In 1961 the old passport was black. I had a British West Indies passport. It looked just like a British passport, but it had Jamaica on it.
The British government asked for workers to come to the ‘Motherland’ (UK) to rebuild the health and transport services after the Second World War.
I was often asked, ‘why would you come to a cold grey country?’ And I replied, ‘You can’t eat the sunshine.’
In Jamaica, people didn’t have any money. The family would group together and sell a goat, and whatever they can to send a family member over to Britain.
They thought that the streets were paved with gold. The person who came to the UK would send money home.
Arrival
When the ship landed in Southampton, it was snowing! I was so cold. My brother and sister met me and bought me a big warm coat.
I had moved from Jamaica to Tower Hamlets. I was so happy and excited to move to Newham, because we were moving out of a council house and into our own house and we wouldn’t have to pay rent! It was hard to get a mortgage.
*A group of trusted friends or family members (The pardners) agree to contribute a set amount of money (The hand) into a common pot at regular intervals. In each interval member receives the entire accumulated pot.
Contribution to Newham
I worked as a nurse for about 45 years and now I help care for older people.
I have lived in my house in Newham, London for 45 years. There are lots of buses near to the house and when I moved in there were corner shops, a Post Office, a Bank, a Police Station, schools and parks.
I have seen many changes, and I understand that we have to change too.
Life is a learning process.
Poem
Home is where I live in England for over 60 years.
Home is my house in Newham for over 45 years
I’m happy, I’m comfortable and it’s home!
