Catalogue

Interview
980, LO/335/286
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: John, Icilma, 1922 - , Interviewee, Female, Factory worker, hosiery examiner and machinest.
Speaker: Kirrane, S., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Explains that lack of work and a friend being in England were reasons for leaving Antigua in 1955. Gives brief account of attitudes towards England, and family situation. Anecdote of not being understood in London. Describes arriving in Leicester and difficulty finding a room. Recalls feeling unhappy due to people's attitudes, and feeling fooled into coming to England. Gives examples of silly questions she was asked by other workers. Briefly mentions cold of winter, 1956. Remembers white and black people not mixing at church, explains difference in service compared to Antigua. Reflects on ignorance of English and feeling better when more black people arrived. Talks about money being saved to help people to come to England, son's experience at school, lack of education about the West Indies, and how she socialised. Briefly mentions jobs at Goddard's, Imperial, Steels and Busks. Reflects on work. Describes changes in Antigua, where family now look to USA or Canada.
Place of birth: Antigua
Education:
Marital Status: , Children: Son: 1
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Language: English

Recording Date: 22/12/1986
Playing time: 1 hour
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.