My sojourn
1964 – 1974
My Sojourn
My Sojourn started with a five year plan, simple, come to England, make loads of money, return home and live out my dreams.
Arrival at London airport renamed Heathrow.
My first day
After a long an interesting coach journey, criss crossing London to drop off other bus conductors while experiencing a few weather changes, sun, rain, fog, hail stones and sun before I arrived at my first home. A bed and breakfast in East London 343 Romford Road in a room shared by six of us. (No visitors allowed and the bath tub out of bounds).
On the buses
A week training at Chiswick London Transport Training centre.
Bow Bus Garage – A mixed welcome on arrival but I was told the first Black conductor who came to the garage in the 1950 Union called a strike.
My conductor badge and a money bag.
Bus driver (my favourite bus a Route Master and my driver badge.)
Remembering those who came before me
One of the common questions we asked in those early days was “When ya come”? and if you had arrived after the person you would hear the proud reply “Man ya just come” That recognition often led to some form of support and guidance which is something I believe has rubbed off on me. It was a joy to be greeted by other African Caribbean people but unfortunately life has changed and we don’t befriend each other like that anymore.
The reality of living in a hostile London in the 1960s was that all we had were each other. Some families opened their doors as a meeting place; one such home was 70 Eastwood Road Goodmayes which I still have many fond memories of togetherness. I would like to honour those safe shelters, the organisations and the significant African conferences whose shoulders we stand on. Not forgetting the brave, heroic, pioneering young men and women who paved the way and helped us survive.
Please accept a massive, big, big thank you from all of us. ‘Who jus come.