Windrush Elders
Daphne Wells
Daphne Wells James, born on March 24, 1939, in Grenada, grew up in a small community where strict values and religious teachings formed the core of her upbringing. The youngest of two daughters, Daphne’s childhood was shaped by the disciplined guidance of her parents, particularly her mother, who maintained a firm hand in their household. She recalls that she and her sister were not permitted to go out late in the evening, as their mother believed strongly in keeping them close to home, ensuring they were raised with a strong Christian foundation. Church played an integral role in their lives, with Daphne and her siblings participating in activities such as prayer, the rosary, and celebrations surrounding Carnival - though the latter remained a somewhat fearful experience for Daphne due to the intimidating “jab jab” figures.
From an early age, Daphne assisted her parents in their family-owned shop, which sold essential goods like sugar, rice, and flour. The work was hard but integral to the rhythm of her daily life. She remembers weighing products and repackaging them from large sacks into smaller quantities, a task that instilled in her both a sense of responsibility and a work ethic that would guide her through life.
Although English was the primary language spoken in her household, Daphne also grew up with Patwa, a reflection of the cultural richness of Grenada. Her strong educational foundation came from attending a convent school, where religious teachings were emphasised alongside academic subjects.
In the 1960s, at the age of 19, Daphne made the life-changing decision to move to the UK. She arrived by plane, a journey that was daunting yet exciting. Adapting to the cold British winters was particularly challenging, especially after the warmth of her home country, but Daphne was resilient. Her first job in the UK was at a boys’ college, where she spent several years before transitioning to a career in healthcare. For over 20 years, she worked as an auxiliary nurse in a hospital, a job she found rewarding despite its emotional and physical demands. Daphne prided herself on her dedication to the patients, often going in to work despite feeling unwell, as she believed that the needs of others came first.
In addition to her healthcare role, Daphne held various other positions, including work in a factory, London Transport, and Greggs, a bakery chain. Throughout her career, she was fortunate not to face significant challenges, aside from the occasional encounter with prejudice early on in her arrival to the UK. Nonetheless, Daphne remained undeterred, focusing on her work and building a life in her new country.
Though Daphne’s life in the UK was not without its struggles, such as missing the warmth of her homeland, she reflects on her journey with quiet satisfaction. Her son’s wedding in Antigua stands out as one of her fondest memories, but on the whole, she prefers to focus on the present. Today, Daphne enjoys her life in the UK, surrounded by family, and remains content with the choices she made over the years.