June 22nd this year marks 73 years since the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in Essex. It arrived in 1948 carrying nearly 500 history-making passengers from the West Indies, all Commonwealth citizens arriving to live, work, and raise families in post-war Britain.

Caribbeans who came to the UK between 1948 to 1971 are known as the ‘Windrush Generation.’ Their legacy and contribution are firmly entrenched in the fabric of Britain’s history.

Mary Richards, her sister, and several other children came to Newham to join their families in 1969.

She’s lived in Newham for over 50 years, and Newham Voices had the privilege of speaking with her.

“When I came to England it was freezing! My first impression was that this place was dark and dingy. Coming from Jamaica, I imagined England would be the same, with bright colours, mango trees and warm weather. I didn’t imagine how cold it would be! I’ve gotten used to the weather here,” she said. “I actually like the snow, but I do miss the Jamaican sunshine.”

At 13, Mary went to Deanery High School for Girls in Stratford (now known as Sarah Bonnell) where she forged life-long friendships.

She qualified as a nurse, training in Chadwell Heath and Newbury Park in the ‘70s, and worked in hospitals in Essex and East London, including King George’s and Whipps Cross.

“At first I didn’t want to be a nurse; it wasn’t something I imagined myself doing. However, after taking the course, it turned out to be really fun and I’m glad that I went into nursing. I was able to achieve the goal I had set out to accomplish.

“I lived in the nurse’s home and enjoyed the company of the other nurses. There was a strong sense of community”.

Today, with the pandemic altering so many lives, Mary’s caring nature is at the forefront again.

She is a trustee of the Hibiscus Elderly Association, opened in 1994 in response to the lack of social and leisure facilities for elderly African and Caribbean Newham residents. She does it “to give back to the community”.

“ I volunteer twice a week, helping and caring for the elderly. During the first lockdown we delivered food to our clients, and we meet up on Zoom for Zumba as well as chair-based exercises”.

Ending the interview Mary said: “Windrush Day is every day. They were here, we are here. Black history should be taught throughout the year”.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.