From the Archives
A day in 1984
Beyond family histories, a quick dig through the archives uncovered the photograph below of a determined, multicultural group of Watfordians from 1984. I'm sure you'll agree that it's a nice (and sometimes much-needed) reminder of the value of intercultural collaboration among communities fighting for common interests and shared causes.
The image (taken from this Watford Observer article) shows a parents’ protest on the Watford High Street on the 24th of February 1984. Around 150 parents and children marched through Watford’s town centre en route to the then-mayor, Geoffrey Greenstreet, whose plans to split Chater Primary School and move part of it onto another site caused uproar. The plans to split Chater, my Ummi and Maamus’ primary school, and a central one for many of Watford’s residents, were successfully ended and Chater lives on today. Endless placards reading ‘DON’T SPLIT CHATER’ can be seen in the photograph, with three or four aunty jees to the centre-right (with dupattas draped over their heads) also participating.