Description
This is your chance to hear the incredible story of Alford Gardner, who travelled on the Empire Windrush from Jamaica in 1948. Now in his late 90s, Alford is one of the few passengers still alive and has written about his experiences for the first time.
Finding Home charts the uplifting highs and intolerant lows that West Indian migrants of his generation encountered when they arrived in the UK. From joining the RAF during the Second World War to being forcibly deported back to Jamaica once it was won – only to come back to the UK when the government decided it needed him again – Alford was part of this historic moment in British history.
Alford and his son Howard will appear at this special in-conversation event, chaired by Nigel Guy, to discuss the experience of the Windrush generation, the legacy they bequeathed and what it means to younger generations today.
This talk will follow straight after the premiere of the Windrush film Finding Home, created by Jacaranda Books in partnership with Fane.
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About the Speakers
Alford Gardner
Born in 1926 in Kingston, Jamaica, Alford Gardner first came to England in 1944 to support the war effort, serving in the RAF. After a brief stay back in Jamaica, he decided to return to England to help to rebuild the country. He boarded the HMT Empire Windrush intending to build a life in the country he once called home. Despite a less than accommodating welcome back, he persisted and succeeded in forging a better life for his family.
Now 97 and twice widowed, Alford spends all his leisure time at the bingo hall. When not playing bingo, he can be found watching sports or spending time with his family. A much fuller sense of Alford’s life is conveyed in his autobiography: Finding Home.
Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner, not the American psychologist, but a retired engineer from Leeds. Taking after his father, Howard is a big sports fan, especially rugby league and supports Leeds Rhinos. He also follows Leeds United, Yorkshire Cricket team and the West Indian Cricket test team. He has spent the last two years helping his father record his memoirs.
Nigel Guy MBE
Nigel S Guy is a born and bred Bradfordian, his late parents arrived in the UK from Jamaica in the 1960’s. He studied International Architecture at the Universities of Huddersfield; Amman Jordan; and the Universidad de La Habana Cuba. As Co- Director of four organisations he advocates to raise the standards for Windrush and leads on heritage and community projects. As a presenter on BCB106.6fm, his favourite saying is “when you give, you receive more”. His mission is to inspire and raise aspirations, especially with his wife, three children and granddaughter, his biggest fans.
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