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‘Paved with Gold: Bedford’s Windrush Generation’ commemorates the arrival of Empire Windrush and passengers from the Caribbean to the UK. Many on board believed that in the UK they would earn a better living, as the ‘streets were paved with gold.’ Empire Windrush was one of several ships that transported Commonwealth citizens to the UK, a ‘land of opportunity’, during the 1950s and 60s. In reality, the new arrivals worked long, hard hours, experienced prejudice and struggled to survive. Despite these challenges, a thriving Caribbean community formed in Bedfordshire, working in the NHS and local industries that included construction, brickmaking, engineering and technology.

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Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, London on 22 June 1948, carrying 492 passengers from the Caribbean to begin a new life in the UK. Approximately half had previously fought alongside Britain during the Second World War, and most felt they were coming to ‘the mother country’ to find work to support themselves and their families.

During the 1950s and 60s other ships brought passengers from the Caribbean to the UK, including the Begona, Arosa Star and the Auriga. Once one member of a family was settled, other close relatives could then join them.

In 1971 the Immigration Act was passed, which gave Commonwealth citizens already in the UK indefinite leave to remain. After this, a British passport holder who was born overseas could only settle in the UK if they had a work permit and could prove that a parent or grandparent had been born in the UK.

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Listen to personal stories of Bedford's Windrush Generation about their experiences of settling in Britain.

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Following the Second World War, there was a shortage of labour in the UK and many jobs became available.

People from the Caribbean came to Bedfordshire to seek work in industry. In Bedford, factories that actively sought workers included Britannia Ironworks,
Brookhirst Igranic (electronic switchgear), London Brick Company, W.H. Allen, Sons and Co., Texas Instruments and Meltis confectionery. In Luton, workers were recruited to Vauxhall’s car plant.

There was plenty of work available for bricklayers, carpenters and other skilled tradesmen, who then contributed significantly to the re-building of Bedfordshire, and Britain, after the war.

Many planned to stay short-term in the UK, earn money and then return home, but it was often not that straightforward. People settled and looked for better jobs and promotion, sometimes becoming self-employed and setting up their own businesses.

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This photograph was taken in Jamaica before Mr Rockhead came to Britain on 9th May 1960. He was a skilled Mason. He first worked at Britannia Iron & Steel works, but worked there one day because of the poor conditions. The next day he went out and bought some tools and started in the building industry in Bedford, constructing houses, shops and the police station.

Image: © Mr Rudolph Rockhead

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Reginald Beckford standing by his much loved Lambretta motorbike

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Reginald Beckford standing by his much loved Lambretta motorbike

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Mr Reginald Beckford was invited to come from Jamaica to work as a trained carpenter, arriving in 1952 in the UK. His wife Curline came 2 years later and trained as an auxiliary nurse working at Moggerhanger Park Hospital. Reginald initially worked for a London construction company building houses in Flitwick. Reginald and Curline were some of the first to buy their own house.

Image: © Mr George Beckford

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Mr Campbell came to Britain from Jamaica by plane in 1958. His first job was in the building industry. He then worked as a lorry driver, and later he was a crane driver at WH Allens.

He and his wife Eva settled on Foster Hill road and opened their own shop in the 1960s. Their shop sold Caribbean groceries and products, which was important as there was no where else to easily buy Caribbean goods that the community needed.

Image: © Mr Vincent Campbell

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Mr Vincent Campbell at Vauxhall’s car plant, Luton

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Mr Vincent Campbell at Vauxhall’s car plant, Luton

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Mr Campbell went on to work at Vauxhall’s car plant as a Quality Control officer until his retirement.

In his leisure time he set up and ran the first disco, known as the ‘Sound System’, for the Caribbean community, later opening the Cabana Club. His nickname is ‘Staggerlee’, after a song that was out at the time. He is a good dancer and won the Three Counties Cup for dancing/shuffling in 2002. He has also helped to set up the Caribbean Senior Citizens club and a domino team.

Image: © Mr Vincent Campbell

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The people from the Caribbean worked hard, so did not have a great deal of time or money to spend socialising. They brought with them a rich culture and traditions from their own countries that included folk stories, language, music, clothes and food. Strong community bonds formed through common interests, helping each person to settle into their new surroundings.

Leisure activities included going to the cinema, betting on horses, playing cricket or dominoes and attending house parties. The Caribbean community did not always feel welcome within the wider community, so created their own spaces where they could relax and feel safe.

Significant Caribbean people in Bedford included Henry Allen, publican of the Commercial Tavern and founder member of the West Indian Social Club; Keith King, who founded the Bedford West Indian Cricket Team, and Pearl Thomson, who was the first qualified school teacher of Caribbean descent and a founder member of The Miracle Church of God in Christ.

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Dancing at a venue near St. Marys Street

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Dancing at a venue near St. Marys Street

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This photograph was taken at a venue that was used for dances and functions by the African Caribbean community in Bedford during the 50s and 60s. It was in the basement of a building by the college students union near St. Mary’s Street.

Image: © Nubian Teachings

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Mr Charles playing cricket at W H Allen Social Club grounds 

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Mr Charles playing cricket at W H Allen Social Club grounds 

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Mr Charles poses for the camera during a cricket match at W H Allen Social Club grounds. Mr Charles was from Grenada and was recruited by Keith King, one of the founding members of the team. He is wearing one of the jumpers made by Mary Harrison for the team members.

Image: © Nubian Teachings

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Group Photograph at W H Allens Social Club grounds

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Group Photograph at W H Allens Social Club grounds

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This photograph shows Ken Harrison (leaning on the deck chair), with Mary Harrison his wife sitting in the chair. This group is enjoying a picnic whilst watching one of the Bedford West Indian Cricket Team’s matches at W H Allens Social Club ground at Queens Park. The team also played at Bedford Park, as well as at grounds used by Cutler-Hammer. Mary Harrison made the team jumpers. The man to the right of Mary Harrison is unidentified, so let us know if you recognise him.

Image: © Nubian Teachings

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Photograph of Bedford West Indian Cricket Team, 1970s 

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Photograph of Bedford West Indian Cricket Team, 1970s 

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Keith King team captain (far right) and was an umpire for this match. Mr Luke is crouching front right and Glen Riley crouching 4th from the right. Barry Dwyer is standing 2nd on the left. Keith would go head-hunting for talent for the cricket team to recruit new members, finding them work at Igranic.

Image: © Pauline Stepney

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Left to Right: Horace Wright, ‘Brother Buck’ Buchanan (Alison Buchanan’s Grandfather) and Keith King with the Hospital Cup won by the Bedford West Indian Cricket Team 1966.

Image: © Bedfordshire Archives

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Henry Allen pulling a pint in the Commercial Tavern where he was Landlord, November 1986.

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Henry Allen pulling a pint in the Commercial Tavern where he was Landlord, November 1986.

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Henry was born in 1927 in St. Vincent, but brought up in Trinidad and came to England in 1959 to work at Britannia Ironworks. Henry later worked at Bromham Hospital and W H Allen. Soon after his arrival he became a member of St. Paul’s Church Bedford. He had a good tenor singing voice and was the first black member of the choir at the Church.  Mr Allen was a founder member of the West Indian Social and Cultural Club. He helped to organise dances and events to get the community together. His charitable work led him to St. Etheldreda’s Children’s home on Bromham Road where he helped the sisters arrange activities for the children.

He married Rhona in 1981 and the following year they became landlords at The Commercial Tavern. Henry was also Chairman of Bedford Race Equality Council for a time.

‘When we remember Henry we remember his charity, for he helped anyone who asked as long as it was within his capacity to do so. We will remember his humour and sense of fun, for he loved to see people having a good time.’

Image: © Bedfordshire Archives

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Henry Allen with Jamaican High Commissioner, 1985

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Henry Allen with Jamaican High Commissioner, 1985

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Henry Allen is pictured here with Herbert Walker. Henry was a founding member of the Bedford West Indian Social and Cultural Club.

Image: © Pauline Stepney

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Henry Allen and Winners at Miss West Indies Beauty Pageant, 1967

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Henry Allen and Winners at Miss West Indies Beauty Pageant, 1967

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Mrs Sonya Brooks was crowned Miss West Indies of Bedford at this event. Here you can see Sonya centre and the runners up with Henry at the back. Henry Allen organised this event and over 300 people attended.

Image: © Bedfordshire Archives

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Roy King came to Britain when he was 5 years old to join his parents. His father Keith came first in 1954/55 by ship, his wife joining him a couple of years later by plane. Roy remembers getting his first passport, how excited he was boarding a plane in Jamaica and arriving at Heathrow – it was a great adventure. Keith worked at W H Allens, then later Igranic. Mrs King worked at Meltis and Igranic. In his leisure time Keith was a very keen amateur photographer. He was also the founding member of the Bedford West Indian Cricket Team.

Image: © Roy King and Pauline Stepney

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Left to right; Percy Fisher, Stan Pascoe, Keith King, unidentified man, and Mr Taylor.

The group are standing in the yard of the basement wedding function venue near St. Mary’s Street.

Image: © Pauline Stepney

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Percy Fisher, Stan Pascoe, Keith King, unknown, Mr Taylor

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Pearl left Jamaica in 1954, age 36, to undertake training as a Dietician in New York, where this photo was taken. Her husband Donald came to Bedford to join his cousin Reginald Beckford, with Pearl joining him in 1956. She had to re-train as a registered teacher in 1961. She taught at Kingsbrooke, Queens Park and Westfield School.

Image: © Gail Carr

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George was born Jamaica, joining his parents in March 1965 in Britain, age 20. He flew by British Airways via JFK airport to Heathrow with his brother. He worked for a few days in the building industry as a carpenter with his father, but went on to work as a mechanic, later running his own garage.

Image: © George Beckford

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Cynthia arrived from Jamaica in 1959. She worked at Moggerhanger Park hospital as a cook, although she had wanted to train as a nurse .

Image: © Pauline Stepney

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For many from the Caribbean, the Church was a source of support and comfort in difficult times, but they were made to feel unwelcome by local churches. In 1961, The Miracle Church of God in Christ was formed by Deacon Tomlinson and Sister Pearl Thomson and initially they met at Odd Fellows Hall, Midland Road. In 1962 Francis Vaughan joined them, becoming Pastor in 1965.

In 1966 the congregation were given notice to leave. Councillor Dillingham offered them a dilapidated hut in Alexandra Road, which was rented for one shilling per week.

Two years later the hut was threatened with demolition to make way for a main road, but in 1969 a pre-fabricated building was approved and erected with the support of Councillor Dilligham. In 1976 the congregation was able to purchase the land and construct a church building that the community still cherishes today.

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Francis was born in Clarendon Jamaica, coming to Britain on the 4th July 1958 on his 21st Birthday.  Francis worked in Luton and Aylesbury to start with. He trained in the Church Ministry and was invited by Pearl Thomson to Bedford, joining them as Pastor in 1965.

Image: © Bishop Francis Vaughan

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Miracle Church outreach in Harpur Square

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Miracle Church outreach in Harpur Square

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The Church has always been dedicated to spreading the word of God in Bedford. Here you can see some members of the congregation from the 1970s spending time singing and sharing fellowship in Harpur Square.

Image: © The Miracle Church of God in Christ

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In 1969 the Church had raised the funds to build a pre-fabricated building that allowed them to conduct baptisms. Significantly Councillor Dillingham was baptised at the Church in 1971 and was a long-standing supporter of the Church.

Image: © The Miracle Church of God in Christ

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Miracle Church congregation in the Pre-Fab 

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Miracle Church congregation in the Pre-Fab 

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The pre-Fabricated building was an important stepping stone in showing the local Council that the congregation and community were serious in having a more permanent, stable presence on their allocated site and to make the best of it.

Image: © The Miracle Church of God in Christ

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Miracle Church of God in Christ first brick building 

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Miracle Church of God in Christ first brick building 

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In 1976 this red brick building that houses the Church today was opened with a great procession and ceremony. The church had struggled from the dilapidated wooden hut, running for buckets when it rained, to a Pre-Fabricated building that only required a week’s notice to leave, to building a Church for future generations to cherish.

Image: © The Miracle Church of God in Christ

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Miracle Church Congregation on its brick-built Church opening day, 1976

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Miracle Church Congregation on its brick-built Church opening day, 1976

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This photograph captures the congregation first seated in Miracle Church on the opening day and celebrating this milestone.

Image: © The Miracle Church of God in Christ

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The National Health Service was formed in 1948, and from the 1950s onwards recruitment and training were priorities, due to a chronic shortage of nurses. There were extensive campaigns across the Commonwealth to encourage men and women to train and work in the UK as qualified nurses.

Many of those who answered the call came from the Caribbean, travelling to Britain on British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) flights. Some trained at designated hospitals and lived in hospital nurses’ accommodation. At first, many found the climate, food and culture a challenge.

Other Caribbean women came to join their husbands in the UK, and to help make ends meet some worked as auxiliary nurses in local hospitals. Auxiliary nurses received ‘on the job’ basic training and were paid less than their qualified nursing colleagues.

Caribbean nurses contributed significantly to patient care at North and South Wing Hospitals in Bedford, Bromham Hospital and Moggerhanger Park Hospital.

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Cynthia was born in Belize. She trained as nurse at the age of 19, flying via BOAC to Heathrow, at Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton qualifying in 1968. She trained as a Mid-wife in Bedford and qualified in 1970. Cynthia was one of the first black lecturers in Midwifery. She was also a magistrate in Bedford for 29 years.

Image: © Cynthia Stuart

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Veta was born in Jamaica and came to Britain to join her parents in November 1959. She started her nurses training in 1963 at Ashford Hospital, Middlesex. In 1967 she trained in Midwifery in Surrey. In 1968 she joined Bedford Health Authority as a Community Midwife. In 1976 she qualified as a Health visitor, and later worked as a community practice teacher. In 1989 she became a manager for health visitors, district nurses, school nurses and other community staff. In 2000 Veta retired, but since then has been a magistrate for 13 years.

Image: © Veta Hudson-Rae

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This photograph is of Ruth who was born in 1930 in Paradise, Grenada. Ruth came to the UK by ship on the Irpina in 1961. She came to Bedford to join her husband here. She secured a job in the NHS working at Bromham Hospital as a nursing assistant, becoming a fully registered nurse in 1967, and later promoted to Ward Sister. She enjoyed helping her patients, all who had learning disabilities, to achieve things.

Image: © Ruth Sam

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Wena was born in Jamaica and came to Britain in 1959 to join her brother who was working at Fords in Dagenham, and who paid for her airfare, which was £95. Wena got married in 1964, her husband was a painter and decorator.  She went back to Jamaica in 1977 due to her husband’s poor health. Wena came back to Britain and arrived in Bedford in 1979. At this time she trained and worked as a Care Assistant at the John Bunyan Geriatric Hospital for 7 years.

Image: © Wena Grant

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Jasine was born in Jamaica and flew to Britain on a BOAC flight to Heathrow to train as a nurse in 1969. She trained at Lincoln School of Nursing, qualifying in 1972. She is pictured here on the left of the group with her colleagues, as well as in a beautiful portrait. She returned to Jamaica for one year, coming back in 1974 to undertake her Midwifery training at Bedford North Wing Hospital.

Image: © Jasine Belinfante

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Curline was born in Jamaica. She came to Britain to join her husband Reginald Beckford who was a Carpenter in the building industry. She trained as an auxiliary nurse at Moggerhanger Park Hospital, which she thoroughly enjoyed. George her son remembers her always being happy in her work caring for others, and she would often receive gifts of appreciation from the patients.  She is photographed here in front of the hospital with some of her colleagues.

Image: © George Beckford

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The Higgins Bedford would like to express its sincere thanks to all those who helped curate this exhibition:
The Higgins Black History Panel
Bedford Retired Caribbean Nurses Association
Nubian Teachings
The Miracle Church of God in Christ
MAK Studios
The University of Hertfordshire
Bedfordshire Archives

Special thanks to our interviewees:
George Beckford
Jasine Belinfante
Roy King
Patrick Quailey
Olive (Rose) Robertson
Rudolph Rockhead
Pauline Stepney
Bishop Francis Vaughan