This poem by Vida Harris gives a cheerful account of Caribbean life in Nottingham in the 1960s. The poem serves as a creative guide for students, illustrating how to weave historical facts into engaging narratives. Age: 11-16, subjects: Poetry, English, Citizenship, Drama, Social History, Research, and Essay Skills. Two pages in Word and PDF formats. For parents engaged in homeschooling, the poem provides a relaxed and enjoyable approach to children’s education. A Research document: enables teachers to create question and answer worksheets from the narrative, facilitating structured engagement with the poem. The resource aids teachers and students in developing knowledge and understanding of the global movement of families and communities, fostering cultural awareness. Poet, Vida Theodosia Harris was born in Jamaica where she experienced an idyllic Caribbean childhood. Vida has lived in the United Kingdom since 1957, spending most of her life in the Midlands. She worked as a nurse for many years in the Nottingham Health Service. She is a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who finds time to be a poet and women’s leader and enabler. Her energy and inspiration come from her warm and deeply committed Christian faith. Vida exudes an air of confidence and ability to instill an air of calmness in people she meets. Vida has published many poems in diaries over the past years and compiled two books with over two hundred gems. In April 2003 she was filmed by Carlton TV reading some of her moving poems whilst leading a community prayer session with a group of local Nottingham women. Her book, Brighter Days was a Nottingham Waterstone best seller. Vida travels all over the world to visit her children and grandchildren to places including Australia, Cuba, Hong Kong, Israel, Turkey, America, Europe, and some of the Caribbean Islands. Her Christian belief, life experiences including the sad death of a beloved daughter on the ill-fated 1989 Marchioness riverboat disaster and travels have all served as sources of inspiration for her poignant poetry. Crinoline- Photographer Esmel May Woma copyright: Tuareg Productions/Mary Evans Picture Library

Discover a pivotal piece of British social history through the compelling oral account of Roy Wilks, a former Black Coal Miner from Nottingham. This resource serves as an invaluable exploration of the mining community in Nottingham during the 1960s, providing a nuanced understanding of specific places and working conditions. Key Information: Document Type: Social History Research Age Range: 11-16 years Subjects: History, Citizenship, Community, Identity, and Diversity Format: 4 pages in both Word and PDF formats Overview: Roy Wilks opens a window into his life, articulating the decisions that led him to work as a coal miner in Britain. The resource not only captures the essence of his journey but also offers crucial insights into the broader context of Caribbean men working in the mining community during the 1960s. Content Highlights: Tailor to Miner: Wilks recounts his initial profession as a tailor in Jamaica and the promises he made to his mother, promising not to work in the British coal mines. Employment Journey: From the Job Centre to his first job at Beeston Boiler, we gain a glimpse into Wilks’ experiences, including interactions with other foreign workers and overcoming language barriers. Gedling Colliery: The narrative unfolds as Wilks applies for work at Gedling Colliery, his first formal training job. He shares the fears associated with working in the mines. Details of Work: The document provides specifics such as hours worked, salary, clothing worn, type of coal mined, and workplace conflicts. These details enable students to create essays, stage plays, and form narratives for short videos. Educational Value: An excellent resource for Black History Month teaching, offering a profound understanding of the contributions made by the Windrush generation. Additional Resources: For further engagement with this subject, do look at the Moving Out video on TES. The Coal Miner Roy Wilks gives his short account working down the mines. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/moving-out-video-12293010 The Coal Miner’s story is an extract from the Moving Out book, by Lorna Holder

Oral history transcript of Monica, a Jamaican elder who gives a very personal account of her journey to Britain in the 1950s. Research document around family life and values; subjects, English, Modern History, Citizenship, and Drama. Age coding 11-16. Teachers and parents can create unique learning activities to help stimulate classroom and home-school discussions on embracing differences and change. Monica talks about her last day in Jamaica and excitement on going on an airplane and the financial support given by her father. Next, we hear how she followed her parents’ wishes saying, " One thing my parents instilled in me was the idea that you would not have a child before you were married." She talks about her husband and having children, the changes Jamaica Independence would bring, and why they decided to remain in England because, " Being British, at that time the education system was something to look upon." However, she still had to fight for the rights of her children not to get left behind in the classroom. Monica talks about the cultural and social differences between a Jamaican and English family, the importance of manners and discipline, and how we must preserve our heritage. This resource will help, in creative writing and short monologue performances. It invites educators and students to explore, reflect, and celebrate the rich tapestry of identities within our shared history. Interview by the Oral Historian Sharon Rappaport for the Cultural Re-Awaking Conference for the Jamaica Hidden Histories project, 2012-2015, at the Metropolitan Archives in 2013. Jamaica Hidden Histories is an educational project by Full Spectrum Productions, supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and produced by Lorna Holder.

A research document designed to enlighten teachers, parents, and students about the experiences of Caribbean nurses who contributed to the NHS during the 1950s and 1960s. This is a 4-page resource, available in PDF and Word formats. Subjects: History, Social History and Citizenship. Age range -14-16. This resource unfolds the oral history account of Mrs. Mary Lawrence, a trailblazing individual who journeyed from the Caribbean to Britain in 1962 and entered the profession of nursing in 1964. Mrs. Lawrence vividly recalls the perception of nursing as a prestigious profession during that era, offering unique insights into the training and working environment within the NHS in the 1960s. Mrs. Lawrence tells us about the various nursing categories, titles, and demanding training regimens, revealing that dedication often required 48 hours of weekly ward duty alongside qualified colleagues. The resource sheds light on, etiquette, manners, presentation, and patient care, illustrating the nuances of a nurse’s role in that era. Mrs. Lawrence reflects on the challenges of questioning decisions made by superiors, providing a glimpse into the professional dynamics of the time. Enhancing the narrative are two supporting archive images capturing Caribbean nurses in Nottingham during the 1960s, photographed by Esmel Woma. These visual elements enrich the learning experience, offering a glimpse into the historical context. This resource will help teachers and parents create engaging activities for both classroom and home learning. Particularly relevant for Black History Month, it offers a positive and inspiring account of the significant contribution made by the Windrush generation to the NHS. “Caribbean Nurses in Britain” is an extract from the Moving Out book by Lorna Holder.