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Windrush Elders

Lucy Bubb

Place of Birth
Grenada
Birth Year
1939
Arrival in England
1957

Lucy Bubb’s life story is one of quiet determination, shaped by her early years in Grenada and later, her journey to the United Kingdom. Born in the Caribbean island of Grenada, Lucy was raised in a strict household where freedom to roam was not an option. Her mother’s rule was clear, there would be no late nights spent out on the streets. This sense of discipline, though perhaps restrictive at the time, would be a guiding force in her life.

Lucy’s childhood memories are few, but she recalls participating in church activities and festivals, like the vibrant Grenadian Carnival, where the energy of the festivities and the excitement of childhood mixed. Despite these moments of joy, her upbringing was largely centred around faith and family, rather than carefree days of play. Yet, it was through these experiences that Lucy’s character was built: a sense of responsibility and a connection to community that would stay with her throughout her life.

After her formative years in Grenada, Lucy’s life took a significant turn when she moved to Trinidad to stay with her aunt. She was a young woman, just eighteen or nineteen, and the move to a new country was a pivotal moment. While it was the beginning of a new chapter, it also marked the start of a life built on self-reliance. After a while, she moved to the UK, again with her aunt’s support. In this new land, Lucy quickly adapted to the challenges of being far from home.

Her work history in the UK began in earnest when she took a job at a boys’ college. Though that job ended after three years due to the college’s closure, Lucy soon found another path in healthcare, working as an auxiliary nurse in a hospital. This role, though demanding, was one she grew to cherish. She dedicated herself to the well-being of others, always conscious of the needs of the people she was caring for. “You’re there for them,” she reflected, “not for yourself.” Her commitment to her work and her belief in helping others without complaint set the tone for her professional life.

Lucy’s dedication did not go unnoticed. She worked tirelessly for over 20 years in the healthcare sector, but eventually, the mental strain of the job led her to retire. Her resilience remained, and she sought new opportunities in places like London Transport, where she found joy in working with others once again. Although Lucy faced moments of discrimination in her earlier years in the UK, she was resolute in her approach to life, never letting setbacks deter her.

The years have passed, and Lucy no longer faces the same challenges she once did. Her life is now quieter, though she still carries the lessons learned from those earlier years of hard work and sacrifice. Lucy has no major regrets. Her days are simple, punctuated by the quiet rhythms of daily life, but with a sense of fulfilment from the path she carved for herself.

Throughout her life, Lucy found strength in faith and family, especially in the relationships she forged through church and community. It was through these connections that she met Daphne, a friend she has shared much of her journey with. Their friendship, born of shared experiences, has been a source of comfort and support for many years.

Lucy’s story is one of resilience, moving from Grenada to the UK, working diligently in every role she took on, and never letting the challenges of life keep her down. Her life, built on the foundation of strict upbringing, faith, and determination, stands as a testament to the quiet power of perseverance.

For the full story, explore more in Stories of Windrush, a book by Voyage
Listen to the Interview Below:

Empowering Young Black People in London

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