Bourda Bazaar in Colliers Wood, London, 11 December 2021
Many thanks to everyone who visited the 1973 and Me/Hansib publications stall at the 2021 Bourda Bazaar. The event was held at the Johmard Community Centre, Colliers Wood, London.
Some of the goodies on our stall included books – 1973 and Me, and Belonging: Fate and Changing Realities by Herman Ouseley. The Hansib ‘Caribbean Contribution to Wartime Britain’ calendar was also on sale.
Proceeds from the raffle went to the Rotary Club of Demerara. The Rotary Club conducts crucial medical expeditions into the densely forested interior of Guyana. Another highlight was a spontaneous Guyanese drumming and folk song session.
Many thanks to Rod and Juanita from Guyana Speaks for organising another wonderful event.
Pics and video from Bourda Bazaar 2021.
1973 and Me BHM events for Wandsworth libraries, 29 October 2021
Many thanks to everyone who supported my events for Wandsworth libraries Black History Month (BHM) 2021. The first event was at Battersea library on 13 October and the second at Balham library on 28 October.
Both events were well supported by enthusiastic audiences, lively question and answer sessions, and copies of 1973 and Me were signed and sold.
“It was a pleasure to watch as Colin guided an engaged audience through Caribbean politics and the streets of South West London, all with the power of cricket.”
Alex Martin, Library Manager, Balham Library
“I really enjoyed the talk. It has left me thinking about the friends I grew up with who have Caribbean parents, and how cricket has changed as a cultural touchstone for successive generations of West Indian migrants.”
Oliver Gafsen, SWLondoner reporter, after the event in Balham
“I don’t have a deep understanding of cricket but I really enjoyed the event. Especially Colin’s informative and entertaining presentation and storytelling. I look forward to more!”
Ina, after the event at Battersea
Joseph’s feedback after the event at Battersea library.
Special thanks to Susan, Alfred, Mohammed and Alex at Battersea and Balham libraries for managing two thoroughly enjoyable evenings.
Book event at the Morocco Bound Bookshop, 31 August 2021
Many thanks to all who attended the 1973 and Me event at the Morocco Bound Bookshop, London.
During the evening stories were told and shared around Dickie Bird, Rohan Kanhai, Leeds United, 1970s television, 1973 and Me and more.
A lively Q&A session followed the talk. This included some of audience having a fun chat with each other, and me, following each answered questioned!
Some of the audience also enjoyed the variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available as copies of 1973 and Me were signed and sold.
Copies of 1973 and Me are still available from the Morocco Bound Bookshop.
Many thanks to Jonathan, Elsa and Graham for organising a brilliant event.
Pics from the Morocco Bound event.
Not Coming Home – for Caribbean Intelligence, 19 July 2021
This article was written soon after Italy beat England 3-2 on penalties in the 2020 Euros final at Wembley. It was, partly, based on content in 1973 and Me.
During the 1970s, for some of the English-born Caribbean diaspora, supporting West Indian cricket had more appeal than supporting the England football team.
The England players who missed their penalties in the penalty shoot-out – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Buyako Saka – were three of the 11 in the squad with Caribbean or African heritage.
Across all the major social media platforms, the racist blame directed at Rashford, Sancho and Saka erupted into a firestorm.
Post-Euro 2020 tournament debates featured commentary and conflicting opinions about identity, nationality, race, acceptance, and how to maintain the widespread connection with the England team.
This article also looked at the generational shift towards supporting England by people with Caribbean heritage.
The Death of a Black Man, 3 July 2021
Set in 1973, the England v West Indies Test series and the performances of Garry Sobers were central to the meaning of The Death of a Black Man.
The play opened with a speech by Shakie (Nickcolia King-N’da), holding a cricket bat and standing in front of a set of cricket stumps. Shakie passionately explains why he is inspired by the legacy of Garry Sobers.
Sobers scored a century during the final 1973 Test at Lord’s, which helped West Indies to a 2-0 series win v England. This was his last Test innings in England.
Excerpts from 1973 and Me and an advert promoting the book were featured in the Hampstead Theatre programme to complement the play.