African Caribbean
Profile: An Interview with Bernard Westcarr
Bernard Westcarr recently published his autobiography 'Memoirs of a Jamaican Peasant Boy'. But Bernard did not intentionally set out to write and publish a book! He was persistently persuaded by his sons to record his life history for his children and grandchildren. So, eventually, one day, he reluctantly sat down and started writing. However, after that first page of jottings and memories - the seed was sown! After that, he wrote whenever he could fit it in to his busy schedule. Four and a half years later he had a draft. Friends and family were impressed and persuaded him that this was something to share more widely. And so the long process of turning this first hand written draft into a book began. The resulting book has sold 1000 + copies. It has been read not just in Gloucester and England, but in Canada, Australia, Jamaica and Germany - to date!
Bernard Westcarr can best be described today as a Pillar of the African-Caribbean Community in Gloucester. How this came to be, is recorded in his book. Looking many years younger than his 69, Bernard told me something of his life - and his philosophy.
He remembers well his arrival in England on October 23rd 1960 - He even remembers the flight number! It was a cold, dark, misty morning and he wasn't dressed for the British weather - wearing a lightweight short-sleeved shirt. When he stepped off the aeroplane and hit the English weather, his first thought was: "I've made a wrong move here!"
Apart from the weather, the next culture shock was on the train journey from Paddington to Gloucester, when he remarked to a fellow immigrant passenger "We shouldn't have problems finding jobs here - look at all those chimneys!" In Jamaica, chimneys meant factories - but that is not the case in England, as was pointed out by a native British passenger!
Bernard's original intention in coming to England was to study, and return to Jamaica qualified to contribute to solving problems in the Dairy Industry there. But that was not to be. Instead, Bernard's life took a completely different direction. He became deeply involved in community work with his Dad, and as a result of his voluntary community work, in 1978, he became the first Black JP in Gloucester! After the death of his father, "Daddy West", his core work in Race and Community Relations began: "It became part of me. My life is for the community. I live for people!" Bernard's work in the community is far from finished - he still works for people 24/7!
Bernard's achievements have been numerous - but asked what he gained most satisfaction from, it was not any awards or accolades - but his children. "I was married to a beautiful wife for 35 years, and my 5 sons became my soulmates after the sad occasion of her death. Not a day goes by without a visit or phone call from at least one of them." "In their different ways, they all contribute to society, and I am proud of them, and of the foundations we were able to give them as a loving family."
Bernard describes his life as one continuous happy journey. He is glad that he is still able to enjoy life and still able to help other people. Bernard's activities today include visiting Black Elders at a Community Centre, and participating in a wonderful project, which to date has supported 70+ children through High School in his native hometown in Jamaica.
Bernard is a committed Christian and his philosophy of life is that each one of us has been put here for a purpose - it may not be the one we thought of for ourselves - but we must humbly follow God's guidance to find out what it is!
Whatever our faith or beliefs, Bernard's philosophy and exemplary life can be an inspiration to us all! Bernard's 'Memoirs' is more than just another book - it is a tribute to his beloved late wife Millicent and a generous gift not only to his children and grandchildren - but to us all!
To find out more you need to read the book!
Will Bernard be writing another book?
Not Intentionally!
To order copies of the book: Contact Bernard Westcarr on Tel: 01452 414578
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