News

Wentworth Newland 20 October 1951 – 12 June 2024

Tribute to Wentworth Newland (affectionally known as WENTY) by Zhenreenah

photographs of wenty
Wenty. Photo: Neandra Etienne

In the heart of Forest Gate – Upton Lane

Shops selling everything – down to rice grain

But stood a shop at the corner call Wenty

Come to buy less and leave with plenty!

It beckoned us all to come and buy food from the Caribbean

Especially for the Jamaican!

Yellow yam, banana and even a mango call East-Indian

With patience and care

He listened and knew the resident hearts

God is standing by – set up the store with no fear

Family & Friends supported him from the start

Behind the counter, with a smile so bright,

Stood the shop owner, WENTY – our guiding light

Customer buying goods, discussing things bout back-a-yard

some sipping coconut water while Wenty working hard

A beacon of community spirit- where customers

grew and grew – they come from far and wide

No time fi Wenty sit dung pan him backside

Get up early to deliver goods to the residents

Nuff food a come from Jamaica nutten absent

Him get bullah, him get ginnep, him get sour sap

Him used to sell meat – now a take-away Shop nah lack

But if it lock – Him selling food at festival and carnival!

A friend to the many who passed through the door

A symbol of kindness we cherished – his serving tactics and more

His shop is a haven, a place to meet old and new friends

natter, chatter, debate, discuss all sort a ting till closing ends

The shelves will never be empty – customers coming to shop

Some come to eat and pay their respect, that will never stop

We know his spirit remains, though we are missing him.

For in every greeting, in every small cheer, His legacy whispers, “I’m
always right here.”

We will remember his laughter, his helpfulness

the wisdom he gave

The community’s pillar, his steadfastness

Though his presence is gone, his impact will stay

In the hearts of the people, day after day

Thank you, dear friend Wenty, for all that you’ve done

Pillar of the community – bringing in unity

For making this place a brighter one

Your spirit endures, in each of us sown

For you were more than a shop owner—our very own

Rest in peace, as your children and family carry the flame

You a go a WENTY – Our love, forever your name

In the heart of our community, your memory will thrive

An Icon, a Legend, your Heritage forever alive.

Written by Zhenreenah ©July 2024.


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