1973 and Me, revised and updated for 2024, is about my life as a young boy born into a UK Guyanese/Barbadian family. 2023 was the 50th anniversary for many of the events described in the book.
These include the formation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UK joining the European Economic Community (EEC), the 1973 Leeds United v Sunderland FA Cup final, the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest, The Wailers’ first major tour of Britain, and the 1973 West Indies cricket tour of England captained by Rohan Kanhai.
In 1973, Kanhai made history as the first Guyanese player to hold the post for a full Test series.
In the summer of 1973, could the West Indies erase the disappointment of their previous England Test tour in 1969? Could they produce a rewarding experience for thousands of Caribbean migrants in Britain and their British born descendants?
1973 and Me outlines the significance of this tour for the Caribbean diaspora and others in Britain. It reveals why 1973 was a landmark year for many of the contributors to the book.
1973 and Me also reflects on patterns of Caribbean migration to UK, wider perspectives on comedy, 1970s football, history, identity, music and shared family experiences of watching television in 1970s Britain. With a fascinating collection of memorable events and interplay with the 1973 West Indies tour.
From Sacha Distel, Johnny Kwango, Cliff Richard, Peters and Lee, Clyde Best, Norman Hunter and school dinners to Ted Heath, Harold Wilson, CARICOM, Guyana, Ralph Coates, curry and roti, Babycham and more.
Dennis Amiss, Clyde Best, Dickie Bird, Keith Fletcher, Lance Gibbs, Colin Grant, Frank Hayes, Ron Headley, Alvin Kallicharan, Professor Joe Moran, Deryck Murray, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, Mike Phillips, Andy Roberts and Professor Clem Seecharan are some of the contributors who shared their memories, opinions and stories for 1973 and Me.
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