Bernard Westcarr

Bernard Edward Westcarr ("Breezy"/"Mass Hugh")

Gloucester's First Black J.P.


"I believe we only pass this way but once, and any good deeds we can do should be done diligently, and without seeking reward."

Born in Brown's Hall, St Catherine, Jamaica, Bernard came to England in October, I960, on a direct BOAC flight. His reasons for coming were two-fold: to visit his parents who were already living here and to study for an agricultural degree. He had no intention of staying for more than three or four years.

Before coming to Britain, he had obtained a prospectus and application form for Surrey Farm Institute. On arrival he was advised to seek advice at GlosCAT in Brunswick Road, but did not get further than the receptionist. He put this down quite simply to the colour of his skin and records the incident as his "very first experience of racism in England".

His first three weeks in England were spent at his father's house, 12 All Saints Road, then he went to stay with friends in Birmingham, where he believed there were better opportunities of getting into a college. He visited a number of colleges that were running courses in agriculture, completing a number of application forms, but had no success. Not wanting to claim state benefits, he took employment with Birmingham City Corporation, on the buses, for about a year. It was at this point that he decided to return to Gloucester with his fiancee, Millicent, whom he married in 1962. From 1961 to 1963 he worked at R.A.F. Quedgeley, from 1963 to 1965 at Palmers Bakery, and from 1965 to date he has worked as an engineer at R.H.P. Aerospace Bearings in Stonehouse.

With the full support of his wife, Millicent, Bernard has been active in the life of the community, involving himself in a wide range of community activities benefiting not only his fellow countrymen and their families, but also the wider society in Gloucestershire. As with his father "Daddy West", community members approach him for advice and support for a wide range of problems. He was the founder member of the West Indian United Action Group which was very active from the mid-1970s to 1980s, addressing the needs of the Black Community, and from which sprang the Afro-Caribbean Saturday School and Ladies Circle, which are still in existence. Other organisations in which he has played key roles are: the Gloucester Community Relations Council, the Jamaican Sports and Social Club and the Afro-Caribbean Association. He has attempted many times to "retire" from his many community roles, but has been coaxed back into activity through his commitment to helping others.

In 1978, Bernard was appointed a Justice of the Peace, the first from the Black Community in Gloucester, and a role model for those who followed. He is a committed Christian, worshipping and involving himself in the life of his church, St George's, Tuffley. He has also been involved with the National Children's Home, Painswick. Moreover, Bernard has never forgotten his roots and has been heavily involved in a national fundraising project, along with about thirty fellow ex-pupils of Brown's Hall School. "It's where we all started" he says. The project has raised over £.10,000 since it began in 1988 and can proudly boast to having funded: an extension to the school, refurbishment, stocking the library with over ±1,000 worth of books and providing the funds to put nine children through High School who otherwise would not have been able to attend.

Despite a full and active life, there are a few things that make him feel sad. Firstly "that prejudice and discrimination against the Black man is still inherent in the indigenous population. Although it may now be more subtly practised, it nevertheless still concerns me. I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren growing up in a society that is alien and hostile to them and denies them equal opportunities and a secure future." Secondly, recognising that many Jamaicans came here intending to stay only a short while to find the means to better themselves, the fact that many are now facing spending their retirement years here not having achieved their dreams, also saddens him.

However, his regrets are few, and as for his future he says, "I am a realist. I've got my family here. My mother died (in Jamaica) last year. I'm quite happy where I am.

"My faith as a Christian has enabled me to surpass most problems. I am privileged to enjoy the fellowship and company of my friends and family. I believe we only pass this way but once, and any good deeds we can do should be done diligently, and without seeking reward."