From the 1950s people from the Caribbean Island of St Vincent came to High Wycombe. Early Vincentanians were sent by the Home Office, but more followed to join family, and to work in the local chair-making trades. Many settled and saved up to bring their children to England. Others married and started families when they got here – many with Caribbean partners, a few with locals.
What was it like to be a child born to the new residents of High Wycombe? From those brought over from the Caribbean to those born in England, what were their experiences of school, family and the community? From stories of racism at primary school, tolerance among work colleagues, and police brutality, this exhibition explores what it meant for these children to fit in.
The exhibition has been brought together from a series of conversations between members of our local community. For some it is the first time they have spoken about their childhood.
It is important to record our Social History, so we as Caribbean people can say “I’m here and I have a right to be here the same as anyone else”.
I would like to see better education about diverse, true history. About what actually happened. Children born here from our community are still suffering.
Things have improved for us, as black people being here, but there is a lot that could still be better.
Given the choice of where to live, I am perfectly happy here in England, in High Wycombe.
