I originally lived in Dartford and then moved over to Gravesend in 1990. My niece was also married and moved over to Northfleet, which was lovely for me so I could see my grandnieces. It's convenient for me as I don’t drive, and I can walk over to see them. Gravesend is a large, multicultural community so you would feel welcome almost immediately. It has many churches, temples, mosques etc, so you can meet lots of new people and new families. I went to my local temple and joined in the yearly Vaisakhi and Diwali celebrations. I met lots of people there of my age groups and couples that have also moved to the Gravesend area after marriage. When people first immigrated over to help out the country from India, they were asked to come over to help rebuild England, my dad included. A lot of the Indian people still live here in Northfleet, I forgot the name of the road but it was filled with Indian people and each house had 4 or 5 families. Three or four years later, the wives arrived. My dad arrived in England after 2 or 3 months on the boat, and found employment in a steel company. When they arrived, the first thing they were asked to do was to cut their hair as they all had turbans and their beards. They were told it was not acceptable. So, all the Indian men had to remove their beards and hair if they wanted to work. This was in 1963 and later. Students in the grammar schools were ordered to cut their hair and beards up to ten years ago. Now they will ask if it's for religious reasons and a man can keep his beard and hair in a turban. The law also protects you. My favourite local place is Sainsbury’s near Springhead and Woodlands Park building. - From Ndini (This is me), a series of photographs and interviews with local residents by Mbeke Waseme, commissioned by Cement Fields for Ebbsfleet Citizen Archive. Mbeke Waseme is a writer and photographer based in Gravesend. websites.lightrocket.com/mbekewaseme
Submitted by Mbeke Waseme