Description:My name is Gloria Taylor and I was born in Jamaica, in the Parish of Manchester.
I am the youngest of 5 children and I have 2 older brothers and 2 older sisters. I remember feeling very sad when I first left Jamaica in 1961. I really did not want to leave my parents and family.
I clearly remember my first date of entry into England: it was 23rd January 1961. I also remember that on the flight I was ill and unable to eat anything. The plane landed at Heathrow Airport, where it was freezing cold compared to the hot weather that I had left behind in Jamaica. I travelled with my sister’s friend and when we departed she stayed in London. I was received by my fiancé who travelled from Birmingham in a hired car and with a warm coat for me.
I lived and worked in West Bromwich. My very first job was at Rally Industries, who made parts for bicycles. Life was not easy as the wages were very low and accommodation was hard to find, however, I managed to get by. I got married in 1962 and it was the happiest time of my life. When we had our first child I was even happier. Then we moved to Handsworth and I had 2 sons. I worked part time for Lucas in Great Hampton Row, Hockley and then worked at Summerfield Hospital on City Road. I left work to raise my family and then afterwards I went to work for Cadbury Bourneville in Selly Oak for 26 years, after which I retired.
I joined the Workers’ Educational Association for ICT classes held in Newtown and met lots of friends. I still enjoy my learning with them.
Photograph courtesy of Veena Gogna