Videos tagged with 1960s

Moving from the Seychelles to London in the 1960s and how the Seychelles has changed in the past 50 years

Moving from the Seychelles to London in the 1960s and how the Seychelles has changed in the past 50 years

In the second part of her interview, Elise Johnson tells us the story of why she moved from The Seychelles in the early 1960s to come to London. She recalls what it was like moving from one culture to another so dramatically different, and what circumstances she was faced with when she arrived. Elise also talks about what it is like for her now going back to The Seychelles after having adapted to London life, and how the environment and its people have changed so dramatically in the past 50 years.

Working in London's docks in the 1960s

Working in London's docks in the 1960s

Les Dawson worked in London's docks from the beginning of the 1960s until the demise of the riverside industry in the early 1970s. It was very difficult to actually get into the industry and it was never a permanent job. Men worked from wharf to wharf depending on how many men were needed for a shipment. The Dockmaster would choose workers from a line-up depending on whether they were liked and in good shape, causing a lot of competitiveness between workers. It was very hard work and workers were paid by what tonnage they moved. but there was always a strong sense of camaraderie. Les recounts his personal experiences working the docks in a very positive light until the demise of the industry in the early 1970s after workers were moved into enclosed docks and the riverside began to be transformed into modern appartment buildings.

Moving from Guyana to London in the 1960s

Moving from Guyana to London in the 1960s

In this interview Peter Dyall talks to us about his colourful life. Originally from Guyana, where he lived in a mud hut with his family, he moved to London to find work in the 1960s. He speaks of the extreme racial tension he was faced with when he arrived, how he went about finding work, living conditions for the working class in London and partying in the dance halls in his free time! Peter originally wanted to become a diamond cutter but then started working for the dairy express, he also worked in the mines for several years, before settling into hospital work.

Moving from Jamaica to London in the 1960s

Moving from Jamaica to London in the 1960s

In part two of her interview, Esme Holder recounts the experience of moving from Jamaica to London in the 1960s. She speaks of the differences between London and Jamaica, how she began working as an auxiliary nurse and racial discrimination in those times.