To celebrate Windrush Day, we are very pleased to announce that we will have a guest Bookseller for the Day in the shop.

Howard Gardner, co-writer of ‘Finding Home’, the ground-breaking memoir that gives a vivid account of an important part of British history, will be in the shop between 11am and 3pm, so do pop in to say hello.

We will be hosting a FREE drinks reception at 3pm where Howard will give a reading from the book. There’s no charge to attend but we are asking people to book a spot. Ordering free tickets will confirm your places for 3pm.

In 2018, on the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Windrush to the UK, Howard’s father Alford Gardner, who was a passenger on the ship, became a bit of a celebrity, with many stories of his life being well-documented. It was then, Howard helped his Dad put pen to paper and the book ‘Finding Home’ came about.

‘Finding Home: A Windrush Story’, is not just about Alford, it traverses both the uplifting highs and intolerant lows that West Indian migrants of his generation encountered upon travelling to Britain to forge out a life.

At age 18, Alford served Britain in the Royal Air Force during WWII, returning to Jamaica once it was won, arriving back in the UK on the Windrush on 22nd June 1948 at Tilbury Docks, when the government decided it needed him again.

Alford sadly passed away in 2024, at the age of 98, after witnessing many milestone events of the 20th century that shaped the country. His heartening testimony is a celebration of those who endured hardships so that generations to come, could call this place home. And his story, lives on through his son.

The first 50 customers on the day will receive an exclusive tote bag.