Windrush Elders
Yvonne Straughn
Yvonne’s journey from Barbados to the UK in 1966 marked the beginning of a life that would span continents, cultures, and experiences. Born as the youngest of six children in Barbados, Yvonne grew up in a lively household where she learned the importance of independence from a young age. The daughter of a tailor and a mother who ran a small business selling bread and biscuits, Yvonne was exposed to both the value of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.
Her upbringing was not without its challenges, particularly as the only girl among five brothers. She recalls her childhood as one filled with sibling rivalry and a strong desire to assert her independence. “I was rebellious,” she says with a smile, remembering how she would refuse to do chores unless she was paid. She once went so far as to roll her brother’s socks in mud after he refused to pay her for washing them. These early experiences shaped her strong sense of self and determination, qualities she would carry with her throughout her life.
At the age of 22, Yvonne embarked on a life-changing adventure, leaving behind her family and the familiarity of Barbados to train as a nurse in the UK. Arriving at Heathrow Airport in June 1966, she was struck by the overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. “It was curious for us,” she says, recalling the nerves she felt at first. “Once you get your head around it, you have to get on with it.” She travelled alone, though she had relatives in the UK who helped her get settled. Her first experience of British food was less than memorable: “Fish and chips with gravy - what is this?” she laughed, recalling her confusion and the way she had to adjust to the tastes of her new environment.
Yvonne’s work as a nurse was a cornerstone of her life in the UK. She remembers the early days with mixed emotions, some patients were warm and welcoming, while others were more hostile. Yet, she found fulfillment in her work, particularly in the way it allowed her to contribute to her community. “I loved nursing,” she says, speaking of the satisfaction she derived from helping others, even in challenging circumstances.
Her time in the UK was also marked by her adaptation to a vastly different climate. “The first time I saw snow, I ate it,” she laughs, recalling how the cold winter weather was a shock to her system. “It was so strange to me.” The change in surroundings, from the warm, tropical life in Barbados to the cold and grey skies of London, took some getting used to, but Yvonne’s resilience saw her through. She worked long hours and learned to navigate the demands of life in a new country, all while holding on to the values of hard work and independence that had been instilled in her from a young age.
Her background in both English and the local Bajan dialect helped her adjust quickly to life in the UK, and she never felt there was a language barrier. Education had been an important part of her life in Barbados, and she had gained her O-levels in English, history, and other subjects. This foundation helped her thrive academically and professionally once she arrived in the UK.
Living in the UK was not without its cultural adjustments, but Yvonne quickly found a sense of belonging in the West Indian community. She recalls how she and her fellow nurses from diverse backgrounds Jamaican, Trinidadian, Grenadian - came together to celebrate their shared heritage. “We all blended together,” she reflects. Through these relationships, Yvonne learned new things, including the dances of other Caribbean cultures, which she still cherishes today.
Yvonne’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering sense of independence. Her journey from Barbados to the UK was more than a mere physical relocation, it was the beginning of a new chapter filled with growth, challenge, and triumph. Her experiences in both her professional and personal life continue to inspire her as she reflects on the life she has built, far from the shores of her birthplace.