Incredible life of Windrush war hero who founded one of UK's oldest sports clubs
One of Britain's last surviving passengers of the Windrush has been hailed as a "trailblazer" as he's honoured for his contributions, founding one of the country's longest running Black-led organisations.
Alford Gardner, 97, is also one of the few remaining Caribbean WWII heroes who fought for Britain in the RAF whose portrait formed one of 10 recently commissioned by King Charles to celebrate Windrush migrants. The pensioner resettled in the UK permanently on June 21, 1948, aboard the ship bringing hundreds of people to the UK from Commonwealth countries.
Alford, from Leeds, was given a lifetime achievement award from the city's council chiefs this week after he was described as a "true inspiration". The Leeds Award recognises his contribution to society, being one of the founders of the longest-running Black organisation of its type in the country, Leeds' Caribbean Cricket Club.
Alford has been honoured with the Leeds Award for his contributions
He's been hailed a trailblazer and 'true inspiration' (JOANNE CRAWFORD)The team has been running for 75 years after Alford helped set it up the same year the Windrush docked. Originally from Jamaica in 1926, Alford volunteered himself during the War as a teen and travelled to the UK where he was based at RAF Hunmanby Moor, North Yorkshire, serving as an engineer and mechanic.
He later returned to Yorkshire after the war, meeting future wife Norma McKenna during an engineering course in the city. But limited job opportunities meant he had to return to Jamaica, along with brother Gladstone, who was also in the RAF.
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He came back to the UK on the Windrush and faced vile discrimination while searching for a new home. Eventually settling in Hyde Park, Leeds, he went on to marry Norma and the couple had nine children together. He then worked as an engineer until he retired.
Alford first came to the UK as a teenager serving with the RAF in the war and resettled here after he came over on the Windrush (COURTESY A. GARDNER)Alford's name has now made a lasting legacy after it was inscribed onto the wall at Leeds Civic Hall this week following council members voting for him to receive the accolade. The city's Lord Mayor, Councillor Al Garthwaite, said: “Alford Gardner is a true inspiration and a pioneer who has made a lasting impact on his adopted home while blazing a trail for so many members of the city’s Caribbean community.
She added: “We are proud to honour him for the contribution he has made to Leeds and to ensure that his remarkable story continues to be told for many generations to come.” As well as his key role in establishing the city's cricket club, Alford has also done talks in schools over the years about his fascinating life.
He met with the Prince of Wales last month at his home in Leeds (PA)He was featured in ITV Pride of Britain's Windrush Special documentary last month where he was visited by Prince William, receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award. Alford's portrait was also unveiled at a reception at Buckingham Palace for King Charles' commemoration the Windrush 75th anniversary.
Commenting on his award, Alford said: “I am very honoured to receive this award, it really is a big surprise. Leeds has been my home for the last 75 years. I came back to the city for love, and it has been a huge part of my life. So for the people of Leeds to feel that I deserve such a prestigious award makes me feel happy and also very humble.”
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