I AM Roma Taylor

Updated: Jun 27

Front Cover: Model: Roma Taylor Photography: Rueben Mulenga Artistic Directors: Cardiff University Students: Sebastian Wooding, Zac Mullen, Nowshin Hossain, and Adhitya Gada.

I am Roma Taylor, and I am the founder and chair of the Windrush Elders Association, which was established by Race Council Cymru. I arrived in the UK in 1959 as Roma Green when I was 15 years old, coming from Antigua. My brother was the first to arrive about 18 months before me; then, he sent for my mother and, finally, me, as I was the youngest of five.

What is the one thing you remember when you first arrived in the UK?

The one thing I remember when I first arrived in the UK was the stark difference in the weather. I think that was the biggest culture shock, but as a child, you just get used to it. I believe the adults felt a bit different because it took some time for them to adjust. I always remember my mother complaining about the cold, but she still wanted to remain here. It was only later in her life that she wanted to return to Antigua. Although the Welsh weather was often cold, the warmth I felt within the community I found myself in made up for it tenfold. We settled in the best area to live in Cardiff in those days, known then as Tiger Bay, also known as the Docks or Butetown. Today it is widely known as Cardiff Bay. I was too old to attend school, so my mother sent me to night school. I used to travel on the trolley buses, which were usually managed by a man and his wife back then. The husbands would drive the bus, and the wives would act as conductors.

What was it like leaving such a vibrant area?

It was difficult leaving behind such a close-knit community, but back then, you didn't protest; you simply accepted what you were given. They dismantled the old houses that were situated close to each other, where the adults could sit on the doorstep and watch the children play. They replaced them with flats, which felt isolating because you couldn't open your door and see one another. Things truly changed when they built the flats and transformed Loudon Square as we knew it.

What is your earliest memory of living in Tiger Bay?

My earliest memories of living in Tiger Bay revolve around the way people treated each other; it truly was a wonderful place to live. It served as a huge melting pot for people from various parts of the world, and there was no discrimination among us; we all lived as one. However, as the local area underwent development by the council, we noticed that more and more families were being relocated, significantly altering the 'feel' of Tiger Bay. It is disheartening to see that this trend continues today as the area becomes more gentrified. The dismantling of old buildings and landscapes has also meant the dismantling of communities. Unfortunately, today, families from the old community only come together on special occasions, typically for weddings, christenings, and funerals. I am grateful to have lived in Tiger Bay.

I have fond memories of attending the local youth club, known as the Rainbow Club, which is now the Salvation Army. The Rainbow Club catered to children aged 4-14, and we had a fantastic time engaging in activities like arts and crafts, photography, boxing, and more. It was run by a lovely couple named Mr. and Mrs. Capener, who genuinely cared for the local kids and supported us in every possible way. Mr. Capener served as the chair of South Wales Films and has archived a lot of footage from those good old days. You can find his films at the National Screen and Sound of Wales. One cherished memory I have is when the Royal family visited Tiger Bay. The Capeners asked me and two other little girls to dress up in traditional Welsh costumes. The Royal family waved to the children, and they waved back. However, I couldn't wave as I had been given the responsibility of looking after two younger children, one of whom was Elaine, Betty Campbell's daughter, and the other was Marcia Greaves, who later became my sister-in-law.

What does it mean to be Welsh to you?

To me, being Welsh is all about traditions and memories. I have two very dear photographs that make me feel Welsh, especially when I look at them from my childhood. The one I mentioned is one of two that have become somewhat iconic, as it's featured in the revised version of the book called 'A Tolerant Nation.' I only learned a few years ago that these photographs were rescued by a passerby who noticed a shoebox in a skip outside the Capeners' old family home. Thankfully, this kind person noticed the shoebox filled with photos and handed them to Butetown History and Arts. Otherwise, these lovely images would have remained just a part of my memories. So, it's heartwarming to have these special images that evoke such fond memories of what being both Welsh and Caribbean means. It makes a sense of belonging even more real. Life can sometimes come full circle, as I had the pleasure of meeting King Charles when he visited the Senedd last year. Someone told him that I had met his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, when I was a child, and that made him smile. So, I believe there have been many moments when I have felt like I belong to Britain, not just Wales.

Black and Welsh: Roma, top left, Marcia Greaves, and Elaine Campbell

Interview with students from Cardiff University: Sebastian Wooden, Zachary Mullen, Nowshin Hossain and Adhitya Gada.

How different was life here compared to life in Antigua?

I remember going swimming in the sea before school in Antigua. When I came here, that was not an option, as it was not only too cold but also because the mudflaps in the Bay did not make the water sanitary. My mother had to take me to Barry Island or Porthcawl, and that was a huge difference. When I return home to Antigua, I cry because I want to stay, but I have my family here, and I miss Wales. When I return home to Wales, I cry because I miss Antigua and the connection I have there. So, I don't go back often because it's too hard.

What was your adult life like here in Wales?

I left Cardiff to train as a nurse in Bath, Somerset. I completed two years of training and then returned home because I missed Cardiff so much. Later, I got married and had seven children. My journey into the army began because I admired a lady who always wore a uniform. I would see her while taking my twins to tap and ballet classes. One day, I asked her why she wore the uniform, and she told me she was in the army. I thought she looked amazing, important, and smart. I was so taken with the uniform that I told her I would like to join. She invited me to come with her, and that was it—I signed up. Joining the army was one of the best things I ever did. I stayed for 25 years and had so many wonderful experiences. My proudest moment was when I received my pin as a recruit. It is something I have treasured ever since, and I call it my medal. I was determined to face challenges, including grueling assault courses and fitness regimes. I learned how to fire a rifle and how to work in a team, which was the most important aspect because everyone's life literally depended on each other, so we had to work as one.

Roma, along with her youngest son, Daniel, proudly shows him her veterans badge.

So, you are the founder and chair of the Windrush Cymru Elders. How did that come about?

Yes, I am considered part of the Windrush generation, and I felt that there must be others in Wales who would like to meet up. So, I contacted Uzo at Race Council Cymru and asked if she would assist me in setting up some kind of network for people from the same generation. RCC has been really invested in preserving our history and ensuring that we stay active, connected, and celebrated. We achieve this by meeting every Thursday at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We are treated to various lectures that help keep our minds active, go on day trips, sometimes to Cardiff Bay for a boat ride, and engage in various activities. But, most importantly, we are there for each other. I am very grateful to RCC for creating the Windrush exhibition that has toured the entire Wales, educating people about the contributions made by my fellow West Indians and how Britain called for help, and we answered, helping to rebuild the country. It was an honor to be asked, and it has been a life-changing experience ever since. At times, we were made to feel at home, and at times, we faced hostility, but we are still proud of the mark we made, and most of us would answer the call again.

"I want the Lord to make me the light of the world".

Windrush day means the world to me. On the 22nd of June 2019, Parliament announced the introduction of Windrush Day, a celebration of the Windrush generation in the UK. On that day, my great-grandson Jacob was born, so the family call him their little Windrush baby. Jacob is now 5 years old and is a symbol of hope. I have 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and I am very proud of them all. They are all doing remarkable things and continue to imbed their work ethic in the fabric of Wales.

"I am so glad that Britain called us home; We are very fortunate to have two homes—one in the sun and one in our hearts."

Hi, everyone! My name is Jacob, and I am fourth generation of the Windrush. My family call me their Windrush baby. I am a symbol of hope for future generations.