High Wycombe MP Emma Reynold has praised community stalwart Estelle Williams for the work she has done for the area as the town continues to celebrate Black History Month.

The two, along with former mayor and Labour party member, Sebert Graham, met on October 18 at the Vincentian Exhibition at All Saints Parish Church.

This is one of the many displays located at the place of worship which focus on the black community within High Wycombe.

The town has the largest population of Vincentian people outside the country, with certain areas of the region having strong links to the Caribbean.

Reynolds, who was elected as High Wycombe’s Member of Parliament this year, said: “It is important to celebrate the significant contribution of Wycombe’s black community to mark Black History Month.

“It was inspiring to hear about Estelle’s story and her pioneering campaigns for the African Caribbean communities in Wycombe.

“I would encourage local people to visit the fascinating exhibition at All Saints Church which Estelle has curated.

“It is wonderful to hear the local schools are taking the opportunity to hear Estelle’s story and sample some of the fruit and vegetables from St Vincent and the Grenadines.” 

Mr Graham added: “I joined Estelle Williams and Wycombe’s MP, Emma Reynolds, to celebrate the lives and contributions made by the African Caribbean communities in the development of High Wycombe.

“Estelle has done an excellent job in collecting and restoring her memory of life in her homeland of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, combined with her own achievements here in High Wycombe.” 

The retired nurse, who migrated to High Wycombe from St Vincent and the Grenadines in the mid-1960s to work for the NHS, left her job to do community work in the 1980s.

When speaking to the Free Press earlier this month, she 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.

Two decades later in 2020, the High Wycombe resident was given Maundy money by the Royal Family for her services to the community.

She said: “The story of many blacks that came over in the 1950s has been hidden, and it needs to be told.

“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.