On Monday 13th October, our Chair, Oveta McInnis, was invited to Kingfisher Hall Academy by class teacher Ms Havva Ayer to share Windrush stories with children in the nursery and reception classes.

Oveta began by explaining how, around 80 years ago, people from Commonwealth countries were invited to Britain to help rebuild the nation after the war. Many of those who came were from the Caribbean, bringing with them their skills and culture that have helped shape modern Britain.

The children enjoyed sharing the names of the countries their own parents and families came from. Oveta showed them flags from around the world, and the children were delighted to recognise the flags that represented their heritage.

She then told the inspiring story of Cislin Parry, featured in the children’s book Windrush Wonders: Tales of Travel and Triumph. Cislin came to England to train as a nurse but soon discovered her true passion lay elsewhere. After styling friends’ hair in her dining room, her talent quickly spread—so much so that queues began forming outside her home! Together with her husband Denzil, Cislin went on to open Aquarius Hairdressing Salon in Finsbury Park in 1974, becoming a successful businesswoman.

The children listened with great interest as Oveta highlighted Cislin’s journey of courage, creativity, and determination. The salon celebrated 50 years in 2024.

Windrush Wonders: Tales of Travel and Triumph is written by Kamilah McInnis, illustrated by Kenya Josiah, and published by the Enfield Caribbean Association.

Chair Visits the BT Centre in Oakwood

On Thursday 16th October, ECA Chair Oveta McInnis was invited to speak to the BT Group of Elders at their luncheon club in Oakwood about the experiences of the Windrush generation.

Oveta shared stories from the book Windrush Voices: 20 Stories of Determination and Triumph, focusing on the lives of three inspiring contributors who settled in North London.

She began with the story of Hyacinth Sandilands, who came to the UK at the age of 20. Hyacinth trained as a nurse, later became a health visitor, and went on to open her own nursing home. A dedicated community leader, she also helped the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chingford to purchase their own building for worship. Her commitment to public service led her to become both a magistrate and a local councillor.

Oveta then spoke about Cislin Parry, who arrived in the UK in 1959 at the age of 18. Initially training as a nurse, Cislin soon discovered her passion for hairdressing. Her skill and entrepreneurial spirit led her to open the well-known Aquarius Hairdressing Salon in Finsbury Park, which became a hub for the local community.

The final story was that of Martha Brutus, who grew up in South Africa and trained as a nurse. Her husband, Wilfrid Brutus, was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela for challenging the apartheid system. After his release, Wilfrid escaped to the UK, and Martha was later exiled there in 1968. She was unable to return to her homeland for over 17 years, yet continued her nursing career in Britain.

The audience were moved by these remarkable stories of resilience and achievement. They asked questions and showed interest in learning more about the Windrush generation. The group has invited Oveta to return for another session in the future.

Windrush Voices: 20 Stories of Determination and Triumph is written by Roy Edwards and published by the Enfield Caribbean Association.