Pick Your Sport

Fernandez and Lowes ready to restart 2020 World Championship

written by Hugh

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders are full of enthusiasm and motivation ahead of the resumption of the World Championship. In a shortened campaign with no room for error, Fernandez and Lowes share the same objective of fighting for results that will allow them to challenge for the title.

With less than two weeks to go before they return to competition, Fernandez and Lowes share their opinions and views on the unique challenge they are about to face. How have they prepared themselves during lockdown? Has anything changed since the season opener in Qatar back in March? Are they physically and mentally ready for when racing kicks off again in Jerez on July 19? In this special interview with both, the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders answer those and other questions.How are you facing the imminent return to competition?

Augusto Fernandez (AF): “I’m really happy to be back racing, back in competition working with the team and giving my all on my Kalex. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sam Lowes (SL): “I can’t wait to be on the grid in Jerez! I’m happy and looking forward to it. I’m also very grateful that they didn’t let up in trying to make the 2020 World Championship happen, however different it may be.” What do you think of the new calendar?AF: “Obviously it’s very different to the usual one. Especially because of the reduction in the number of tracks, which means we have to repeat venues, but also because of the fact that we run so many weekends in a row. In any case, it will be the same for all of us, so we will adapt as best as possible to it. I want to start so badly that I would have raced again in any format. The important thing is to be able to race again!”

SL: “I really like it. It’s much better than I had imagined during the months of lockdown, so I’m happy with this schedule. After what’s happened, having a 14-race season is good and it will be a challenge to maintain good results where any mistakes will be costly.”For now, there are eight confirmed circuits, Jerez, Aragón, Barcelona, Valencia, Le Mans, Misano, Spielberg and Brno, do you like them?AF: “I really like them all, and they have been good for me so far. I have more problems in Brno and Austria, even though I’ve made a top five at both. So, we will have to be especially careful in those tracks.”

SL: “I’m happy with the tracks that make up the calendar. Austria is perhaps my weak point, but the rest are good, and I’ve achieved good results there in previous years, and that’s definitely a plus!”How do you think back-to-back races on the same track will affect the racing?AF: “On one hand, I think it will favour equality and on the other hand, it will open up the possibility of solving problems because by the second weekend we will already have accumulated a lot of laps. I think in a positive way, so if you have done well the previous weekend it is perfect because you start with a good feeling again in the same place. And if you have done badly, it is also perfect because you can turn it around with all the information gathered in the previous race.”

SL: “Even if the circuits are repeated, every race is a different story. Anything can happen and everything can change. You can see that it in World Superbikes. I think that the second weekend on the same circuit means there will be increased competition. We’ll have to see how much because in the Moto2 class things are already very tight and we’ll need the last thousandth! That’s an added difficulty as well as a huge motivation.”What do you think about racing without an audience in the stands? Will you notice it, and will it affect you a lot?AF: “It’ll be weird. On the bike we are so focused on riding that we can’t pay too much attention to the environment, it’s very nice to start and finish the practice sessions and races greeting the crowd. At that moment you really feel their presence and support a lot. We will certainly miss the fans. It’s another thing we’ll have to adapt to.”

SL: “We feel the presence of the public and the bond that is created is very special, especially when we do a good result. Without the public the Grand Prix will not be the same, but I understand the reasons for this decision, and I respect it. I hope the fans enjoy a good show on TV.”How would you rate your fitness ahead of the season?AF: “I feel very good and strong in every way. I am training very hard to get to 100% in the first race physically, technically and mentally.”

SL: “I’m definitely much better now than I was in Qatar when I had the shoulder injury from testing. I’m working hard on my physique and every day I’m getting better in terms of my shoulder and general tone. I’m ready to race.”Going into more detail, how have you prepared yourselves physically for this moment?AF: “During the lockdown I followed some pretty strict physical routines to keep in shape. We didn’t know when everything would return, so it was important to keep in good shape. Also, I train a lot with the bike as well to gain in endurance. Since I was able to get on a bike, I have been doing motocross and track work with a Kawasaki 400cc in karting. Although the sensations are not the same as the ones we have competing, it is a very demanding job as well as fun.”

SL: “From the beginning I focused a lot on doing shoulder rehabilitation work to gain mobility and flexibility. I combined it with my usual physical training routine. To work on cardio and endurance I did a lot of running, combining distances of 10km and half marathons, always trying to reduce my times. In the final stretch I started working with minibikes to test my shoulder and work on some aspects of braking. I also did off road to recover sensations like with throttle control, which sometimes is reduced if you are not riding for a long time. And of course, as far as I could, I jumped on the big bike to ride on longer tracks and recover sensations and speed.”And mentally? It will be a season in which there won’t be room for too many mistakes…

AF: “I haven’t done any particular work thinking about that, but I have become aware of the type of season we will be facing. There is no room for error, and we are already dragging the zero from Qatar. We will have to be very focused this season and above all keep control of our emotions.”

SL: “I haven’t changed anything and I won’t. During the lockdown I’ve continued to work with my psychologist as I usually do, and for the competition I’ll continue with the same approach as I have up to now. I think it’s the best thing to do. I feel very prepared.”Bearing in mind that you can’t ride your official race machinery, what are you going to focus on for final preparations?AF: “I will continue with my usual routine, bike or gym in the morning and train with the bike in the afternoon. We have already done a test with the team to recover sensations, reflexes and speed and there are a couple more planned before going to Jerez.”

SL: “I’ll work on trying to lose a kilo and be at my ideal weight for the race but other than that my physique is fine. I’ll focus on working well in the private tests that the team has planned so that, as well as strengthening my feeling, we can build that working relationship again with my crew.”What is your objective for the season? Is it still the same as it was in March?AF: “Yes. Our goal then was to fight for podiums every weekend and now it is still the same. We are going to give it our all to get into the fight for wins and the title.”

SL: “The goal has not changed. In a way this break has been good for me to get back in good shape. I feel that I have a second chance to go all out, so my goal is to be at the front regularly and to be able to bid for the title at the end of the season.”

3rd July 2020 0 comment

Golf Motor Sports

DP World Presents: Enabling Smarter Conversations

written by Hugh

The second in DP World’s three-episode mini-series features DP World Ambassador, Ian Poulter and Renault DP World F1 team driver, Esteban Ocon who provide a candid and upbeat insight into their lives during lockdown and their return to sport.

An extremely honest and entertaining conversation between two world class sportsmen within their respective sports. They explore the challenges of the lockdown, how they’ve stayed physically fit and mentally strong in the absence of competition and their shared love for cars and participation in e-racing.

Both play under an incredible amount of pressure to perform when it matters most and speak openly about how they deal with those situations drawing comparisons between the two sports.

With Ian back competing on the course, featuring in three tournaments since the PGA Tour restart, and Esteban due back on the track at the Austrian Grand Prix on 5^th July, they discuss the importance of the fans and what their seasons may look like playing without them.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=311265683381719

2nd July 2020 0 comment

Rowing

British Rowing win bid to host 2022 World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals

written by Hugh

In its latest round of event allocations, World Rowing has today announced that Great Britain will stage the 2022 World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals. The event will be staged on Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Andy Parkinson, British Rowing CEO commented, “We are delighted to be able to bring international rowing back to Great Britain for the first time since 2018. The British rowing community has a long history of delivering world-class events and we look forward tremendously to hosting the international rowing family again in 2022.”

The 2022 World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals will be staged off Saundersfoot Beach in Wales in association with Welsh Rowing and supported by Welsh Sea Rowing. The event will take place over two weekends in October and, with the event in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, British Rowing is aiming to lead the way in environmentally-friendly event delivery.

It is anticipated that some form of coastal rowing will become part of the Olympic programme from Paris 2024 onwards so it’s particularly exciting for British Rowing to be hosting an event in the new Olympic discipline. Coastal rowing, as a whole, offers a fantastic opportunity for the sport of rowing to broaden its reach into the coastal communities around the world and beach sprints, in particular, presents an exhilarating new format of the sport hoping to capture the attention of a younger, more diverse audience.

“The exciting nature of coastal rowing will fit perfectly with the Pembrokeshire coast. We already know that British Rowing has the capability of staging world-class events and we are looking forward to working with the organising committee to make these events truly memorable,” said FISA (World Rowing) President Jean-Christophe Rolland.

The event will be hosted in association with Welsh Rowing and supported by Welsh Sea Rowing. Theo Huckle QC, Chair of Welsh Rowing, said “We are thrilled to be hosting the World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprints Finals in 2022 at Saundersfoot. West Wales has shown how successfully it can host international sports events and we now have the wonderful opportunity for Wales and Saundersfoot to represent the UK and be at the forefront of developments of rowing as a global and accessible sport for all.”

As a potential new Olympic discipline, the hosting of the event will be supported by funding from UK Sport and Welsh Government. Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport said, “Our ambition is to continue to evolve our major events programme by securing innovative and impactful sporting events to take place right across the UK. We are delighted to be able to add this World Championships to our programme and look forward to working with new host Saundersfoot, British Rowing, FISA and the Welsh Government.”

Eluned Morgan, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language said, “Amidst the significant challenges that we are currently facing, I am delighted that we received news today that the new Wales International Coastal Centre in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire has been chosen to host this event in 2022. This will give us a future opportunity to showcase the world class venue to a new audience. The unique surroundings of the Pembrokeshire National Park will provide a stunning backdrop for competitors, officials and spectators and the event will provide a meaningful legacy for the sport in Wales and inspire the next generation to get involved”.

The event is likely to welcome over 1,000 competitors from around the world to the Pembrokeshire coastline, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Councillor Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Licencing and Major Events commented, “I am delighted that Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales has been successful in securing this fantastic series of sea rowing disciplines. Pembrokeshire has an impressive pedigree in delivering world class events and I know that the residents of Saundersfoot and Pembrokeshire will provide a great Welsh welcome to both the competitors and visitors alike and I look forward to being part of the delivery team to make this dream a reality.”

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said “Pembrokeshire has an unrivalled coastal landscape which will provide a stunning location to host the championships and we look forward to working with partners to organise an event that meets the highest standards of sustainability and provides a legacy in the future.”

The event will take place off Saundersfoot Beach and will be supported by the new Welsh International Coastal Centre, Michael Davies, Chief Executive said “It has been a true team effort to secure the bid against other world-class venues. This event will establish a lasting legacy for coastal rowing at Saundersfoot Harbour’s new Marine Centre of Excellence, which will be a future gateway for all ages and abilities to access the sport.”

British Rowing had also bid to host a World Rowing Indoor Championships at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London but, unfortunately, this bid was unsuccessful. British Rowing is extremely grateful to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and London & Partners for their support for this bid.

The bids were submitted as part of British Rowing’s Major Events Strategy and British Rowing intends to bid for further international rowing events in the future.

1st July 2020 0 comment

Football

NEW SOUTH WALES TO HOST FIFA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2023

written by Hugh

The world’s largest women’s sporting event is coming to New South Wales after Australia and New Zeeland were announced as hosts of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

It will be the very first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia, and Sydney will be hosting key matches including the final of the tournament.

The world’s largest women’s sporting event is coming to New South Wales after Australia and New Zealand won the rights to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. It will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia or New Zealand and Sydney is well positioned to host key matches including the Final, when match dates and venues are confirmed at a later stage. New South Wales has put forward Stadium Australia, the Sydney Football Stadium and Newcastle Stadium, with match allocations to be announced at a future date.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the winning of hosting rights was a massive coup for New South Wales. “We are ecstatic to be welcoming the world’s best female footballers to New South Wales in 2023 for this historic tournament, which will deliver enormous cultural, social and economic benefits to our state for decades to come,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the tournament would attract players and their passionate fans from every corner of the globe. “This will be the first time that the FIFA Women’s World Cup features players from 32 nations, who bring with them supporters from all over the world,” Mr Ayres said. “This was a true team Australia effort. Our bid was the strongest and securing this World Cup reaffirms New South Wales as a destination of choice for global events. It will also play a significant role in helping our tourism economy bounce back”.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the tournament will help support the growth of women’s football across New South Wales. “This is a huge win for New South Wales which gives grassroots sport a powerful injection to drive participation higher in the cities and the regions,” Mr Lee said. “In 2023, there will be role models and heroes that young women will aspire to emulate and I’m sure this World Cup will inspire our next generation of Matildas. New South Wales loves their football and we look forward to welcoming the world to play the world game right here in our backyard.”

Football Federation Australia Chairman Chris Nikou said, “The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023 in Australia and New Zealand will be ground-breaking in many ways. Not only will it be the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup™ and the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in the Asia-Pacific region, but we will unlock the huge potential for growth in women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region. We would like to thank our governments and the Australian public who have supported the bid from the outset. We very much look forward to partnering with the New South Wales Government to leverage this once in a lifetime opportunity for women’s football, to grow the most popular sport in Australia.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is the eighth addition to the New South Wales Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, which continues to secure some of the biggest and best sporting events for the state.

29th June 2020 0 comment

Golf

Chee Chan Golf Resort opens PGA Academy

written by Hugh

A new state-of-the-art PGA accredited golf academy has opened its doors at the Chee Chan Golf Resort, Thailand to add to its world class golf facilities.

Located just outside Pattaya, The Chee Chan Golf Resort opened in 2018 and is ranked as the best course in Thailand by Golf Digest.

The new PGA Academy is an exciting addition to the facility, offering the very best in golf instruction and teaching technology. Great Britain & Ireland PGA Professional, Ewan Hogarth, has been recruited to head up the new academy.

Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, commented: “The new PGA Academy at Chee Chan Golf Resort is a fantastic addition to the portfolio of PGA branded golf academies around the world, and the exceptional facilities available at the resort is a perfect match for the PGA brand.”

The Chee Chan Golf Resort becomes part of the PGA family of branded facilities, joining a number of prestigious international venues including The Belfry in England and Gleneagles in Scotland.

IMG provide golf management services to Chee Chan Golf Resort, and Paul Burley, Senior Vice President, IMG and a PGA Master Professional, added: “Chee Chan Golf Resort offers an exceptional golf experience, and with the addition of the PGA Academy, our guests will now have access to first-class tuition and practice facilities that are some of the best in the region.”

28th June 2020 0 comment

Rowing

British Rowing partners with ROWBOTS to deliver innovative rowing classes, at home and in the gym

written by Hugh

British Rowing is delighted to announce a partnership with indoor rowing studio and on-demand class platform, ROWBOTS to deliver an indoor rowing training concept, ROWBOTS @ HOME, that transforms the way people use an indoor rowing machine.

The all-new partnership is in response to a notable rise in the demand for indoor rowing and quick, at home workouts during the period of the COVID-19 lockdown. Available for all abilities, ROWBOTS @ HOME is an online platform delivering tailored indoor rowing, floor and body-weight workouts, with additional opportunity to include a WaterRower for a low, monthly fee.

Pioneered by Real Madrid’s football phenomenon, Gareth Bale, and Team GB powerlifting icon, Hendrick Famutimi, ROWBOTS is the complete workout for both the body and mind. Created and developed by professional athletes and mental health professionals, each workout is tailored to build mental strength and resilience, alongside high-intensity rowing and floor interval training. Alongside ROWBOTS@HOME, the partnership is set to deliver wider workshops and challenges to help build on the objective of making rowing an accessible and exciting sport, and effective training tool for all.

Gareth Bale, ROWBOTS Co-Founder and Footballer said: “Now more than ever people need to switch on, both physically and mentally. By partnering with British Rowing, we can give more people access to our physically enhancing and mentally empowering workouts, either from inside The Machine Room, or from the comfort of their own home.”

Greg Zimmerman, Co-Founder & CEO at ROWBOTS said: “Our goal at ROWBOTS is to deliver world-class training to as many people as possible. Our Co-Founder and professional footballer, Gareth Bale, uses rowing to build fitness and prevent injury but we’ve seen how effective our combination of rowing, conditioning and mental training can be for everyone. The ROWBOTS programmes are holistic; working on strength, stamina, recovery and recharge so it’s not just about beating yourself up every day to get fit. We’re very excited to partner with British Rowing to get more people on a rowing machine and transform the way people train.”

Kenny Baillie, Director of Partnerships & Communications at British Rowing commented: “Over the last few months, we’ve seen an exponential growth in indoor rowing and demand for quick, effective home workouts. ROWBOTS has been recognised as one of the most innovative organisations in the fitness industry so we are delighted to work with them to continue to build our indoor rowing offering and grow our membership.”

To sign up to ROWBOTS @ HOME: On Demand visit: https://rowbots.co.uk/rowbots-home/

27th June 2020 0 comment

Athletics

MÜLLER BRITISH ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS RESCHEDULED FOR 4-5TH SEPTEMBER

written by Hugh

British Athletics has today announced that the Müller British Athletics Championships will take place on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September, with events to be held behind closed doors at the Manchester Regional Arena.

The format and shape of the competition and guidelines that will be adhered to for competitors and those helping to stage the championship will be subject to the government guidelines in place and will be communicated in due course.

The championships will be broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, 1830-2100 and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, 1315-1630.

Joanna Coates, CEO of UK Athletics said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer our athletes an opportunity to compete and still become British Champions at the end of the summer in what has been the most unprecedented of circumstances for all sport.

“People will be aware of my passion for women’s sport and I am grateful that the gender mix in athletics means everyone gets to return to the field of play. However, for those sports where men and women compete in separate structures, I urge those organisations to ensure efforts getting women’s sports back up and running are championed with the same passion and sense of urgency.

“Thanks to the BBC for supporting us to showcase our sport under the Friday evening lights, and also to Manchester City Council for their investment into the facility and working with us to confirm we could stage this event in such challenging times.

“We are sorry that we cannot host our brilliant athletics supporters this year but hope for a healthy return for fans at sports events next year and to welcoming spectators to next year’s Olympic trials scheduled for 26-27^th June.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Skills Culture and Leisure said:

“Although Mancunians will sadly not be able to attend in person, we’re delighted to be working with British Athletics to enable the 2020 Müller British Athletics Championships event to go ahead.

“As a world-class sporting city with elite facilities such as Manchester Regional Arena, plus a strong commitment to encouraging and widening sporting participation, Manchester is the natural choice to play host to this prestigious event.”

Ticket purchasers will receive an automatic refund via the method of payment originally used to buy tickets and will not need to do anything or make contact. However, given the extraordinary circumstances and high volumes placed on banks during these times, the refund process may take slightly longer than usual.

Finally, discussions are still ongoing with the Wanda Diamond League in relation to the Muller Grand Prix Gateshead which we can confirm is no longer scheduled for 16th August. We have identified 12^th September as a possible alternative however confirmation cannot be given at this time due to UK Government guidelines and restrictions and the event will now be held behind closed doors. Ticket purchasers will receive a full refund.

Article courtesy of https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/muller-british-athletics-championships-rescheduled-for-4-5th-september/

26th June 2020 0 comment

Football

ELITE SOCCER CELEBRATES 10 YEAR PARTNERSHIP ALONGSIDE LEAGUE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION WITH NEXT-GEN WEBSITE RELAUNCH

written by Hugh

Elite Soccer – the leading source of coaching session plans – announced the launch of their brand new next-gen website, marking a ten-year partnership with League Managers Association. Since its inception in 2010, Elite Soccer has offered exclusive access to training sessions written by professional managers in the Barclays Premier League and the Sky Bet English Football League – as well as leading European managers – enabling thousands of ambitious coaches and players around the world to fulfil their potential.

With their ten-year partnership with League Managers Association facilitating unrivalled access to stellar managerial names from the English leagues, Elite Soccer is firmly established as the leading official global source of soccer coaching plans.

The new website elitesoccercoaching.net is a “who’s who” of coaching and represents a comprehensive library of over 600 coaching sessions that have defined the playing styles of the past decade in football. All the managers appearing in Elite Soccer take the time to write their content, specifically to give members a rewarding experience as they recreate the sessions with their players.

They don’t just write for Elite Soccer, they read it too…

“What makes Elite Soccer so valuable? … it gives you the opportunity to learn from the best coaches in the game” – Alan Pardew

“I wish I’d had it when I started coaching” – Sir Alex Ferguson

“Elite Soccer is fantastic… I encourage all my coaches to read it” – Arsène Wenger

“As a regular reader of Elite Soccer, l look forward to receiving every issue” – José Mourinho

25th June 2020 0 comment

TSF News

Stockport residents smash ‘ten-day fitness challenge’ to raise thousands for Cancer Research

written by Hugh

Energetic residents across Stockport have ‘actively’ raised more than £3,800 for charity.

The impressive total is the result of generous donations made in sponsorship of those who took part in Life Leisure’s 10 Day Challenge – a ‘virtual’ fitness event set up to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

The Stockport based fitness provider came up with the challenge in an effort to support the charity, which has been prevented from hosting its annual Race For Life fundraisers due to lockdown restrictions.

With mass gatherings banned, Life Leisure instead challenged its staff, members and the wider public to jog, walk, run or ride 10km in 10 days, 8km in eight days, 5km in five days or 3km in three days, and post their efforts on social media.

Thanks to their efforts, a massive £3,878 has been raised for the charity.

Ruth Lynch, Head of Health, Fitness and Communities at Life Leisure, headed up the initiative. She said: “It’s been such an amazing event! So many people got behind the idea, set their own specific activity targets and totally smashed it to bring in much needed sponsorship money. We would like to thank everyone who took on our challenge and helped raised such a fantastic sum.

“Lots of charities really depend on sporting events to raise much needed funds, and it’s around now when Cancer Research UK usually holds its Race For Life. We hope this money will go some way toward filling that funding gap caused by the current lockdown restrictions.”

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/r-lynch1

24th June 2020 0 comment

Athletics

COACHES ACROSS THE SPORT & BRITISH ATHLETICS STAFF SHARE THEIR WINDRUSH REFLECTIONS

written by Hugh

Today marks the 72^nd Anniversary of some 500 migrants from the Caribbean disembark the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, Essex to step foot on British soil for the first time on 22^nd June 1948.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocate, Lorna Dwyer, Senior Performance Co-ordinator – Age Group Lead at British Athletics, has collated these fascinating ‘Windrush Reflections’ from our Coaches, of their parents or grandparents that arrived from the Caribbean to the UK.

Shani Palmer

[Event Group Lead – Speed, England Athletics]

In February of 1956, my mother, Mary Anderson, disembarked from the SS Auriga at Plymouth Docks with her parents and four siblings. The vessel, carrying 1,100 passengers, arrived in the UK from the Caribbean following the HMS Windrush. Her family of 7 had made the 16 day voyage in search of better prospects in the UK. Following the end of World War II, the UK needed help to rebuild. Having lost a huge number of men in the war, the UK sent word to the Caribbean that there were lucrative jobs and a good standard of living for those who were prepared to relocate to its shores. My Grandfather was an oil grader in an oil refinery in Aruba and although my grandparents lived a very comfortable life there, they decided to emigrate to the UK.

My Grandfather sent money ahead to a contact to find his family a place to stay once they arrived, but when they reached Paddington Station, they were told that there was no lodging waiting for them. With nowhere to stay, they then lived in a hotel for two months before my Grandfather was able to buy a house in West Hampstead. My Mum recalls that despite having a good job and qualifications, my Grandfather found it very difficult to find employment. She remembers seeing signs in house windows that said “No dogs, No Blacks, No Irish”. Despite the promises that were made to them in Aruba, they found that they were not welcomed, and life was significantly harder than expected.

They knew it would be colder in London, but they weren’t expecting the fog and soot which covered everything. My Mum was 6 years old when she came to the UK, so her recollection was that of a child. She remembers my Grandmother crying for a week when they first arrived, her schoolteacher’s purposely not recognising her achievements in school and the racist names she was called walking down the street and in the playground. She remembers being ignored in shops when trying to pay for groceries and her father recalling how he was told “Blacks won’t get jobs here”.

Regardless of the barriers put in their way, my grandparents encouraged their children to work hard in school and insisted on high standards at home and with others. Despite his engineering background, my Grandfather eventually got a job in the postal service and worked his way up to being a supervisor. They rented out the top 2 floors of their town house to other families that had travelled to the UK from Carriacou. My Mum describes her life as being part of two worlds. There was the world of school and London life and then there was the Carriacou world made up of families who had also emigrated and established a close community in London. My Grandparents were able to bring their Caribbean culture and lifestyle into an environment that didn’t accept them. Despite having many good English school friends, my Mum didn’t feel that these two worlds could overlap until she was in her late teens (which would have been the late 60’s).

Over time, they adapted and grew as a family. My Grandparents were proud to say they raised eight children; a psychologist, an architect, a scientist, the lead singer of Hot Chocolate, an author, a member of Mensa, a wedding dress designer and a French teacher. They make up a family that I am extremely proud to say are my rock and they paved the way for the rest of our family to grow and thrive.

Full story – https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/coaches-across-the-sport-share-their-windrush-reflections/

22nd June 2020 0 comment

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