Finding Home: A Windrush Story

Finding Home:
A Windrush Story

Alford’s story traverses both the uplifting highs and intolerant lows that West Indian migrants of his generation encountered upon travelling to Britain to forge a new life. From joining the British military during World War II to returning back to Jamaica once it was won—only to come back to the UK when the government decided it needed him again—Alford witnessed milestone event of the 20th century that shaped the country he still lives in today.

In the context of a supposedly 'post-Imperial' Britain where the lives of West Indian migrants hang precariously on the whims of the Home Office, Alford's heartening testimony is a celebration of those who endured hardships so that generations to come could call this place home.

‘Over the last couple of years I have spent more time with Dad than the first 67 years of my life.

I have learnt about his childhood, my grandparents, my aunties and uncle, his life in the RAF and the things he got up to. The things he got up to once he left the RAF, how he met my mother and the journey on the Windrush back to the UK.’

—Howard Gardner

Alford and Howard will appear at a special screening of the film and an in-conversation event, chaired by Nigel Guy, to discuss the experience of the Windrush generation, the legacy they bequeathed and what it means to younger generations today.

Bradford Lit Fest

Upcoming events

Meet the Windrush Generation

Thursday June 22, 12pm to 1pm
Meet members of the Windrush Generation at Leeds Kirkgate Market and join Howard Gardner, son of Alford, the last surviving Windrush passenger in Leeds, to discuss the new book and enjoy live music and refreshments. As part of the Windrush 75 celebrations by the Jamaica Society Leeds.

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Film screening at Bradford Lit Fest

Saturday June 24, 4:15pm to 5:15pm
Alford and Howard will appear at a special screening of the film and an in-conversation event, chaired by Nigel Guy, to discuss the experience of the Windrush generation, the legacy they bequeathed and what it means to younger generations today.

MORE INFO
Windrush 75 Celebration

Saturday June 24, 3pm to 6pm
Jamaica Society Leeds, in partnership with the St Kitts & Nevis Association Leeds, invites you to a special cultural event as we give thanks to the lives and legacy of the Windrush Generation at Jamaica House, 277 Chapeltown Road, featuring delicious Caribbean food, music and guest performers.

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Film Screening at Brighton Book Festival

Monday June 26, 7pm
Brighton Book Festival will be hosting an online and in person screening of the documentary Finding Home: A Windrush Story. Click the link below to book your ticket for either the online screening or as part of your attendance at the Brighton Book Festival

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Alford Gardner, Howard Gardner & Colin Grant: Beyond Windrush

Tuesday August 15, 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Catch Alford Dalrymple Gardner and Howard Gardner in conversation with Colin Guy at this year’s Edingburgh Lit Festival

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Press

‘I didn’t expect to be a part of history’: one man’s Windrush story

The Guardian

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'I did it my way': Alford Gardner on his life after boarding the Windrush – video

The Guardian

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I was on the Windrush, taking the biggest gamble of my life (for love)

The Independent

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Prince William hails Windrush generation as he meets one of first arrivals 75 years ago

The Mirror

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‘What comes across clearly is the emotional cost of migration’: Windrush commemorated in books

The Observer

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In pictures: Windrush generations mark 75th anniversary

BBC News

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Windrush 75: Passenger Alford Gardner on racism, scandal and life in UK

4 News

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Alford Gardner: The story of an RAF recruit and Windrush pioneer

African Stories in Hull and East Yorkshire

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The descendants of the Windrush generation who changed Britain

Sky News

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