Black History Month: Vincentian display at Wycombe church

The 10th month of the year is Black History Month in the country, and the All Saints Parish Church is inviting members of the public to learn about how the black community have had a positive impact on the town.

One of the displays that will be on show in the church has been put together by Estelle Williams.

Mrs Williams moved to High Wycombe in the mid-1960s (Image: NQ)

The retired nurse, who migrated to High Wycombe from St Vincent and the Grenadines in the mid-1960s to work for the NHS, wants ‘the hidden story of the black community in the town needs to be told.’

Her section of the exhibition will consist of a huge folder about her life and her achievements (which includes being awarded an MBE in 2000).

There will also be many items of food related to those with a Vincentian background, and how they have influenced the Wycombe community since the 1950s.

She told the Free Press: “The display will teach people what the Vincentian community have done for High Wycombe, and what they have brought and contributed to the town.

Mrs Williams was awarded an MBE for services to the High Wycombe community in 2000 (Image: NQ)

“It is important for people to be educated about the contribution that the black community has made to High Wycombe.

“The reason for High Wycombe’s black community is that after the war, many skilled people were looking for work. 

“They were carpenters and seamstresses and with High Wycombe having huge factories because of the furniture industry, they came over as the town gave them employment.

“I came here because they were recruiting in nursing training – I applied and got in.

Many goods will be on display at the church in High Wycombe (Image: NQ) “The story of many blacks that came over in the 1950s has been hidden, and it needs to be told.”

Mrs Williams recounted how many immigrants from the Caribbean would travel by foot from areas such as Loudwater and Flackwell Heath to the centre of High Wycombe for work.

She also described details of the ‘struggles’ she witnessed as a nurse, which led her to help the town gain much-needed funds through lottery grants.

Her campaign and relationship with those in adversity helped Wycombe gain a new multi-cultural centre, as well as helping the disabled.

Mrs Williams’ efforts were recognised as she was awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

A map of St Vincent and the Grenadines will also be on display (Image: NQ)

Two decades later, the High Wycombe resident was given Maundy money by the Royal Family for her services to the community.

She continued: “People need to know how the black community have helped High Wycombe.

“They came in the 1950s, but their story has not yet been learnt.

“We hope many people can come.”

The display will be at the church throughout the month of October.