Windrush - A Family Divided

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Part One: Work And Money

20230605

20230727 (R4)

Robert and Jennifer Beckford are married and agree on most things - apart from one issue; was the Windrush Generation better off after coming here or should they have stayed in the Caribbean? And ultimately, whether they should take their teenage children to live in Jamaica.

The question is simple, but the arguments are complex and multi-layered, but what about the consequences for the Beckfords?

Robert feels that moving to the UK for the Windrush Generation was an overwhelmingly good thing and that they should be seen as pioneers, who broke frontiers. .

Jennifer disagrees, the Windrush migrants would have been better off going back to the Caribbean and using their skills to help re-build their own countries.

To make amends she wants to take her family to Jamaica for a new life there, something Robert can't fathom. This authentic argument is the driver for a critical examination of the legacy of Windrush 75 years since it docked at Tilbury.

Each episode will examine a different key quality of life indicator to critically evaluate the legacy of Windrush. Through speaking to family members as well as people both in the UK and Jamaica, Radio 4 listeners will be immersed in this - very personal - debate.

In the first of the four-part series the couple look at the Windrush generation's success in terms of work and money.

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

Part Three: Health And Wellbeing

20230619

20230810 (R4)

Robert and Jennifer Beckford, still locked in a passionate debate about the legacy and impact of the Windrush Generation, now turn their attention to health and wellbeing in this gripping episode.

For Jennifer, the allure of Jamaica is irresistible. The sun-soaked beaches, the soothing waves, and a slower pace of life provide her with a profound sense of happiness and a deep connection to her roots. She envisions a future where their family relocates to Jamaica for good.

However, Robert, with a wary eye on the high crime rate, disagrees. To illustrate his concerns, he arranges for Jennifer to meet with Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy fulfilled Jennifer's dream of returning to the island, only to tragically lose his life to violence. The encounter sparks a robust debate as Steve candidly discusses the dangers he sees in moving their family back to Jamaica.

Yet, Jennifer is determined to present her case convincingly. She organises a video call for Robert to engage with 'returnees' who have made the leap from the UK to Jamaica. They tell Robert his views are outdated and share stories of happiness and a new lease on life on the island. Will their experiences be enough to sway Robert's perspective and make him consider that a better life may indeed await in Jamaica?

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Robert and Jennifer Beckford examine the legacy of Windrush through health and wellbeing.

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

Robert and Jennifer Beckford, still locked in a passionate debate about the legacy and impact of the Windrush Generation, now turn their attention to health and wellbeing in this gripping episode.

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Robert and Jennifer Beckford examine the legacy of Windrush through health and wellbeing.

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

Part Two: Identity And Culture

20230612

20230804 (R4)

In the second part Robert and Jennifer Beckford unravel the intricate layers of the Windrush legacy through the prism of identity and culture.

Robert argues that moving to the UK was a transformative experience for not only the Windrush generation but for the whole of British society, helping create a new vibrant British culture. He cites the influences of Caribbean heritage people in music, film, sport and language in Britain. To help make his case he asks Jennifer to meet with Jamaican born England footballer John Barnes.

In contrast, Jennifer asserts that Caribbean culture in the UK is defined by stereotypes and the communities achievements in science and industry are overlooked and they received a hostile environment in return. She asks Robert to meet with Barbara Blake-Hannah - the first female black news reporter in the UK, who went back to Jamaica after just eight years, due to racist abuse.

Robert and Jennifer also hear the views of second and third generation British Caribbean's on how they feel about their identity. Are they British, Caribbean or is it possible to be both?

Finally, Robert travels to Manchester to speak to Tony Downie, who came to the UK as a child of Windrush. He served in the British military until his world was turned upside down after being threatened with deportation during the Windrush scandal.

Will Tony's shocking story change Roberts view on the Windrush generation and benefits of being in the UK?

Produced by Rajeev Gupta

Robert and Jennifer argue the legacy of Windrush through the prism of identity and culture

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

The Discussion

20230626

20230817 (R4)

In the final episode of this four part series asking the question whether 75 years on, Windrush has benefited the people who came to the UK. Clive Myrie hosts a panel discussion at the West Bromwich Caribbean Centre alongside Robert and Jennifer Beckford. They are joined by some of the people they have met across the series to discuss the central question, should that generation of migrants have returned home and helped to build up their own islands.

The discussion culminates in Clive asking whether Jennifer has managed to convince Robert that a better life awaits them and their two children in Jamaica.

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Clive Myrie hosts a discussion with the Beckfords and others on the legacy of Windrush.

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

The discussion culminates in Clive asking whether Jennifer has managed to convince Robert that a better life awaits them and their two children in Jamaica.

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Clive Myrie hosts a discussion with the Beckfords and others on the legacy of Windrush.

Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Part One: Work And Money	20230605	20230727 (R4)	Robert and Jennifer Beckford are married and agree on most things - apart from one issue; was the Windrush Generation better off after coming here or should they have stayed in the Caribbean? And ultimately, whether they should take their teenage children to live in Jamaica. The question is simple, but the arguments are complex and multi-layered, but what about the consequences for the Beckfords? Robert feels that moving to the UK for the Windrush Generation was an overwhelmingly good thing and that they should be seen as pioneers, who broke frontiers. . Jennifer disagrees, the Windrush migrants would have been better off going back to the Caribbean and using their skills to help re-build their own countries. To make amends she wants to take her family to Jamaica for a new life there, something Robert can't fathom. This authentic argument is the driver for a critical examination of the legacy of Windrush 75 years since it docked at Tilbury. Each episode will examine a different key quality of life indicator to critically evaluate the legacy of Windrush. Through speaking to family members as well as people both in the UK and Jamaica, Radio 4 listeners will be immersed in this - very personal - debate. In the first of the four-part series the couple look at the Windrush generation's success in terms of work and money. Producer: Rajeev Gupta Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.
Part Three: Health And Wellbeing	20230619	20230810 (R4)	Robert and Jennifer Beckford, still locked in a passionate debate about the legacy and impact of the Windrush Generation, now turn their attention to health and wellbeing in this gripping episode. For Jennifer, the allure of Jamaica is irresistible. The sun-soaked beaches, the soothing waves, and a slower pace of life provide her with a profound sense of happiness and a deep connection to her roots. She envisions a future where their family relocates to Jamaica for good. However, Robert, with a wary eye on the high crime rate, disagrees. To illustrate his concerns, he arranges for Jennifer to meet with Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy fulfilled Jennifer's dream of returning to the island, only to tragically lose his life to violence. The encounter sparks a robust debate as Steve candidly discusses the dangers he sees in moving their family back to Jamaica. Yet, Jennifer is determined to present her case convincingly. She organises a video call for Robert to engage with 'returnees' who have made the leap from the UK to Jamaica. They tell Robert his views are outdated and share stories of happiness and a new lease on life on the island. Will their experiences be enough to sway Robert's perspective and make him consider that a better life may indeed await in Jamaica? Producer: Rajeev Gupta Robert and Jennifer Beckford examine the legacy of Windrush through health and wellbeing. Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on. Robert and Jennifer Beckford, still locked in a passionate debate about the legacy and impact of the Windrush Generation, now turn their attention to health and wellbeing in this gripping episode. For Jennifer, the allure of Jamaica is irresistible. The sun-soaked beaches, the soothing waves, and a slower pace of life provide her with a profound sense of happiness and a deep connection to her roots. She envisions a future where their family relocates to Jamaica for good. However, Robert, with a wary eye on the high crime rate, disagrees. To illustrate his concerns, he arranges for Jennifer to meet with Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy fulfilled Jennifer's dream of returning to the island, only to tragically lose his life to violence. The encounter sparks a robust debate as Steve candidly discusses the dangers he sees in moving their family back to Jamaica. Yet, Jennifer is determined to present her case convincingly. She organises a video call for Robert to engage with 'returnees' who have made the leap from the UK to Jamaica. They tell Robert his views are outdated and share stories of happiness and a new lease on life on the island. Will their experiences be enough to sway Robert's perspective and make him consider that a better life may indeed await in Jamaica? Producer: Rajeev Gupta Robert and Jennifer Beckford examine the legacy of Windrush through health and wellbeing. Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.
Part Two: Identity And Culture	20230612	20230804 (R4)	In the second part Robert and Jennifer Beckford unravel the intricate layers of the Windrush legacy through the prism of identity and culture. Robert argues that moving to the UK was a transformative experience for not only the Windrush generation but for the whole of British society, helping create a new vibrant British culture. He cites the influences of Caribbean heritage people in music, film, sport and language in Britain. To help make his case he asks Jennifer to meet with Jamaican born England footballer John Barnes. In contrast, Jennifer asserts that Caribbean culture in the UK is defined by stereotypes and the communities achievements in science and industry are overlooked and they received a hostile environment in return. She asks Robert to meet with Barbara Blake-Hannah - the first female black news reporter in the UK, who went back to Jamaica after just eight years, due to racist abuse. Robert and Jennifer also hear the views of second and third generation British Caribbean's on how they feel about their identity. Are they British, Caribbean or is it possible to be both? Finally, Robert travels to Manchester to speak to Tony Downie, who came to the UK as a child of Windrush. He served in the British military until his world was turned upside down after being threatened with deportation during the Windrush scandal. Will Tony's shocking story change Roberts view on the Windrush generation and benefits of being in the UK? Produced by Rajeev Gupta Robert and Jennifer argue the legacy of Windrush through the prism of identity and culture Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.
The Discussion	20230626	20230817 (R4)	In the final episode of this four part series asking the question whether 75 years on, Windrush has benefited the people who came to the UK. Clive Myrie hosts a panel discussion at the West Bromwich Caribbean Centre alongside Robert and Jennifer Beckford. They are joined by some of the people they have met across the series to discuss the central question, should that generation of migrants have returned home and helped to build up their own islands. The discussion culminates in Clive asking whether Jennifer has managed to convince Robert that a better life awaits them and their two children in Jamaica. Producer: Rajeev Gupta Clive Myrie hosts a discussion with the Beckfords and others on the legacy of Windrush. Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on. In the final episode of this four part series asking the question whether 75 years on, Windrush has benefited the people who came to the UK. Clive Myrie hosts a panel discussion at the West Bromwich Caribbean Centre alongside Robert and Jennifer Beckford. They are joined by some of the people they have met across the series to discuss the central question, should that generation of migrants have returned home and helped to build up their own islands. The discussion culminates in Clive asking whether Jennifer has managed to convince Robert that a better life awaits them and their two children in Jamaica. Producer: Rajeev Gupta Clive Myrie hosts a discussion with the Beckfords and others on the legacy of Windrush. Robert and Jennifer Beckford argue the pros and cons of Windrush 75 years on.