Mixed Memories

A Memory of Ardwick.

I lived on Wellis Avenue from December 20th, 1971 when I arrived from Jamaica as a 13 year old boy until 5th September 1974 when I left.
Bad memories-The very first week I arrived from Jamaica, I met with extreme racism from five people in particular, one of whom called me a Nigger even though like her, I was mixed race.
Good memory which I'll never forget- January 1972 the first week I started at Nicholls Ardwick High School, the very first school morning, Margret Quinn knocked on our door and walked me to school. She made sure that I knew my way to school and didn't lose my way. I have never forgotten her kindness, and I often wondered how life has treated her over the years. She just saw a new boy, and not the colour of my skin. God Bless you Margret.


Added 05 July 2020

#683918

Comments & Feedback

Hi, it's Margaret ...Lovely to see this message and know that you remembered me. I have three lovely daughters and live in Mottram now. How has life treated you? X
Hi Margaret,
So good to hear from you and to know you have a lovely family and I trust that you are all keeping safe from covid.
No way I would have forgotten you, and the kindness which you showed to me all those years ago. Its one of my happy memories whenever I think whats wrong with people.
Life has been good for me. After Manchester, I lived and worked in Southampton. I got married, had 3 daughters, eldest 33, youngest 30. We moved to Calgary, Alberta Canada in 1991. I got divorced there, dated a Chinese lady and we had a son who is now 16. I returned to the UK in 2007 for good. I remarry in 2010 to Jackie (another Chinese lady), and we now have 3 sons. We currently live in Bradford, West Yorks where I work for an Electronics company. I'm suppose to retire in 3 years time, but with the boys still young, I can see that I may well need to work until I'm 70:)
I still think of Manchester as home. When I lived in Canada, they showed Corrie on tv every Sunday for 3 hours which made me all nostalgic. You probably wouldn't recognize me now. I'm 6 feet, 1 inch tall and I used to weigh 240 pounds. Folks always asking me if I was a boxer:) I lost weight now and down to 200 pounds. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. My plan is to be stay strong enough to deter anyone who would want to mug me for my pension as I get older:)
Take care my dear Margaret, and thank you for your kindness. You and family, please stay safe during this prolong pandemic.

Cheers,

Dennis
WELL KID, IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING ,RACISTS,BIGOTS. ETC MY MATE BRIAN SADIE, LIVED IN BILLING AVE, HE WAS BLACK AND PROUD OF IT, I KNEW HIS MUM, HIS DAD, WE GREW UP TOGETHER, A REALLY NICE GUY, AS THE YEARS ROLLED BY ,BRIAN ENDED UP,OWNING A CHIP SHOP IN CLAYTON, HIS MUM DORIS WAS KNOWN AS LUCKY, AS SHE WAS ALWAYS WINNING AT BINGO, SHE WERE A NICE LADY, AND HIS DAD WAS A TOP MAN, LIVED IN KALE STREET WHEN WE WERE KIDS.

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