Prince William today recognized Alford Gardner, a leading figure in British cricket and the community, who was from the Empire Windrush and just turned 98.
Because Mr. Gardner arrived in the UK from Jamaica on HMT Empire Windrush in 1948, he was honored for helping to end racial discrimination and establish community spaces for people from the Caribbean.
Within weeks of arriving, he co-founded the Leeds Carnival Cricket Club in Britain, where new immigrants could meet and build their identity. The way he led and cared for all has made him a legendary figure, loved for his lifelong passion for cricket.
Before going to the UK, Mr. Gardner was an engineer and motor mechanic in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and had served with great distinction. Not only did he show his technical ability, but his early contributions played a key role in rebuilding Britain much earlier than the Windrush generation became known for this effort.
Last October, Prince William visited Mr. Gardner in Leeds, while filming Pride Of Britain: A Windrush Special for ITV. While visiting, Mr. Gardner discovered a surprise at Headingley cricket ground, as friends, family and Darren Gough all gathered to thank him for what he has done in sport and the community.
The Prince of Wales expressed his sadness at the news of Mr. Gardner’s death: “I was very sorry to hear that Alford Gardner, who was on the Empire Windrush, has passed away. It was satisfying last summer to meet with him and be told about his experience.
With his passion and determination, he transformed the lives of many in the West Yorkshire Caribbean community. We can all be proud of what he did and and always remember him for his kindness, bravery and for what cricket meant to him! W.”
In 1948, at the age of 22, Mr. Gardner and his brother Gladstone joined the many passengers who boarded the Empire Windrush in Jamaica.
They were among the many Caribbean people who responded to Britain’s plea for help with labour and arrived by boat at Tilbury Docks on June 22, 1948. As a result of this journey, the Windrush generation began, a notable part of British history that has changed the country in many ways.
Loss of this exceptional man is a reminder of the strength, devoted efforts and pride shown by the Windrush generation. Today, many continue to find inspiration in the way Alford Gardner lived and served the community through cricket and other projects.
