Oral history; interview with Reginald Rice, 1992
Main details
| Reference number | 2005/18013 |
|---|---|
| Description | Reginald Rice talks about coming to London from Barbados to work for London Transport. |
| Interviewee | Reginald Rice |
| Born | 1945 |
| Dates | 22/07/1992 |
| Collection | |
| Object type |
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| Topics | |
| Completeness | 100% |
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Physical description
Item content Attribute Value Object title Interview with Reginald Rice, 1992 -
Interview summary
Reginald Rice (RR) was born in Barbados father a police sergeant. Reflects on limited career prospects for black people in West Indies at that time because top posts were held by white colonial service people [00.05.00]. Remembers his schooling. Notes limited education prospects available in Barbados [00.08.22]. After leaving school started to train as a teacher but left and worked briefly in the Barbados civil service. Joined local part time defence force. Notes lack of black officers [00.11.00]. Applied to London Transport and passed preliminary tests and then received training [00.15.00]. Explains general background reasons for wanting to leave Barbados aged 19. Describes night flight to London and gives first impressions of London [00.17.20]. Remembers being given an envelope at Heathrow with instructions where to report for LT work. Recalls coach journey to lodgings in Finchley with only cold water for washing [00.21.50]. Mentions being sent to work at Potters Bar garage. Mentions lack of black community in Potters Bar, subsequently moves to new accommodation in Wood Green [00.23.30]. Notes training at Chiswick training school and using LT free bus pass in evenings to get to know London [00.27.26]. Recalls that wages were £9 per week and notes difficulties of getting to Potters Bar garage early in the morning. Remembers that if you were late you would lose a day’s pay. Describes working conditions and mentions some racism from management and notes staff turnover. Explains general difficulties black staff in finding lodgings in the Potters Bar area but Wood Green was a more cosmopolitan with better accommodation [00.35.00]. Mentions difficulties for black people in general. Recalls vibrant community of black workers at Wood Green garage [00.39.30]. Mentions cricket and table tennis teams. Mentions joining trade union but was not an active member [00.42.00]. Remembers applying to become a bus inspector after three years as a conductor but was not successful. Notes general lack of black people in the LT supervisory grades and lack of promotion prospects. Comments that LT regarded black staff as the bottom of pile and that he was young and ambitious. End of track A [00.46.40] Track B [00:07:22] Leaves LT and joins Post Office as night telephonist and studies for O and A levels and obtains an Open University degree. Promoted to supervisor and stayed with BT for several years. Studied for Institute of Legal Executives and worked for a number of law firms. Notes that currently being Mayor of Haringey occupies him full time. Describes involvement with Tottenham Labour Party and subsequently Haringey Labour Party and being elected a councillor in 1990. Recalls various post and becoming Mayor in 1992. Describes mayoral duties and reflects on satisfaction of office. Comments that Haringey is the best borough in London. End of tape [00.07.22] -
People involved
Role Person(s) involved Interviewer Felicity Premru, 22/07/1992Interviewee Reginald Rice -
Biography
Attribute Value Employment Bus Conductor, 1964-1967Post Office employee,Administrator, British Telecom,Lawyer,Councillor, Maoyr of Haringey, 1990, 1992Role Staff,