Distant Dreams

By Claudia Lord-Lynch

Twenty three year old Maurice Thomas is finally leaving his beloved
homeland to embark upon an exciting new future in the promised land,
where he hopes to achieve his ambition of becoming an architect after
post World War Britain makes a plea to its Commonwealth citizens to come
to the motherland's assistance to help rebuild war torn Britain.

During the transatlantic voyage, Maurice meets and befriends three fellow
travellers and they become lifelong friends. The four immigrants share their
ambitions, rejoice in their successes and learn from their challenges in this
unique story. Will their decision to leave their homeland prove fruitful? Will
the promised land deliver all that they hope? Indeed will mother welcome
and love her children?

The promised land whilst undoubtedly offering some hidden treasures,
exposes unexpected obstacles which the four friends had not anticipated.
Will they overcome or capitulate? The story is a journey of suspense and
intrigue whilst at the same time presenting an historical account of how
life was for the early West Indian immigrants and highlighting the invaluable
contributions which they made to Britain's post war development.

The story nonetheless portrays the sobering reality that although the four
friends are all on one journey, they each reach four completely different
destinations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496981370

Claudia Lord-Lynch

The author was born and raised in East London, a short distance from many of the places referred to in the book. Claudia was led to write this book after years of listening to her father’s intriguing stories about his past experiences and witnessing his interaction with family members and friends. She was fascinated by these stories yet felt concerned that the arrival, often ill treatment as well as triumphs of West Indian immigrants just after the Second World War is a part of British history which isn’t taught in British schools and once that generation of pioneers eventually die, that part of history will die with them. Thus, it was with that thought in mind that she decided to retell in part her own father’s history. Claudia’s loves include reading, writing stories and plays as we as performing in small drama productions. Yet despite this, she decided to qualify as a solicitor. She is married with one child and lives in Romford, Essex.

Book preview

Chapter One

THE DEPARTURE

The tall, elegant coconut trees swayed gently in the distance and the azure waters shimmered beneath the golden jewel of the sun. Yet Maurice Thomas appeared oblivious to the enchanting beauty surrounding him which was evident from his frowned brow as he gazed intently at the approaching ship. His spirit lifted, his eyes glistened in the glowing sunlight and his heart began to pulsate frantically as he anticipated the impending journey to a distant land.

Maurice was a solidly built, determined 23 year old young man, desperate to leave the warm and captivating shores of his beloved island, not because he didn’t love his country and its breathtaking beauty, but he knew that opportunities were limited, especially for someone like himself who hadn’t completed secondary school. But by emigrating to a country whose streets, he had been taught, were paved with gold, he would be able to attain his dream of becoming an architect, make his fortune and eventually return to his beloved Grenada.

He hastily made his way to the port, his small, half empty suitcase in hand, ostentatiously dressed in his only suit, new black hat, patent leather shoes, tightly clutching his passport and displaying a beaming smile. His parents hadn’t been able to see him off but his mother cried unabashedly before he made his way to the capital, St. Georges for his journey to the motherland. Choking back tears, his mother held him tightly and looked at him intently as she said, Son, although I’m going to really miss you, I know you need to leave Grenada to make a future for yourself.

His mother realised that she had to finally release her eldest son, though the pain of his departure stemmed not only from the fact that he was finally fleeing the nest but also that he was travelling more than four thousand miles to a distant, alien land which was hard to bear.

As Maurice approached the long queue of young men and women, all similarly dressed in their best, he heard cries of dismay and disappointment and wondered what was going on. What’s the matter? Maurice finally asked one of the young men.

Something’s wrong with the ship, so we can’t leave today.

Man you joking? exclaimed Maurice in disbelief. What’s wrong with the ship?

I don’t know. We just hear this news, answered the distressed passenger.

Maurice slammed down his mother’s worn suitcase in frustration. What was he to do now, he pondered? He stood there for a few moments wondering to whom he could speak about the situation when the nearby tannoy began to crackle with an announcement, We apologise to everyone but regrettably we have discovered that there is a fault with the ship and therefore we will not be able to leave today. We anticipate being able to rectify the problem within the next few days and once the ship has been repaired, we shall be able to commence our journey to England. Please return to your homes but kindly check each morning with the Port Authority as to the status of the ship.

This announcement did little to abate the growing disorder and there was a corporate sigh as the disgruntled would be travellers then had to return to their homes with the uncertainty of knowing when they would actually be travelling. Maurice was relieved that at least his parents hadn’t travelled all the way to the capital in vain but since he had nowhere to stay, he would be forced to return home and travel to the capital each day to find out the new date of the departure.

The following day, Maurice returned to the port early and was relieved when he was informed that the ship had been repaired and would be leaving the following morning at 10am for certain.

An air of excitement pervaded the atmosphere the following morning as the young people again queued to board the ship. There was such jubilation as hope and exhilaration oozed from the young people who spoke in loud voices and there was some chaos so people were told to remain calm and stand in an orderly line. Finally, after some delay, Maurice was aboard T.N Venezuela bound for England and his beaming smile was as elaborate as the huge ship. Never before had he seen such a magnificent vessel. It was even larger inside than it appeared from the outside and quite imposing. He felt like a king travelling in style and after being given directions to his cabin, he discovered that he was to share the room with three other voyagers.

He settled into the compact room after introducing himself to his fellow occupants, Neville Chambers, Charles Stanley and Peter Bruce. Like Maurice, they were all ecstatic about their new adventure and the prospects it would present them with. Neville was a vivacious, outgoing character who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and Maurice liked his candour. Charles seemed carefree and confident, not in any skills or talents he possessed but based solely on his appearance, although admittedly he was well built and good looking. Peter appeared to be a retiring man of slender build and his delicate hands were a clear indication that he had never endured hard labour. The four young men immediately struck a cord and since this was their first night on board the ship, they stayed up late talking about their dreams and future ambitions.

Neville though, felt somewhat ambivalent about his journey. Man, I know that I can make a better life in England but I leaving behind me girl and young chil’ and I don’t feel too good about that.

Well, you going to start a better life for the whole family, so you shouldn’t feel too bad. You go send for them as soon as you settle down, Maurice tried to reassure Neville. Besides, you going to a foreign land, where you don’t know or have no one there to support you, so you can’t take them with you yet, but you go soon sort yourself out and then they can come.

I know you’re right, replied an unconvinced and despondent Neville, But I love them.

Love has nothing to do with it. Because you’re going to England, it doesn’t mean that you don’t love them, replied Charles.It’s so that you can secure a better life for all and once you get a place and a job, then you can send for them.

She say I will forget her, continued Neville ignoring the reassuring advice from Charles.

Then you must prove her wrong! shouted an irritated Peter, indicating that he’d heard enough of Neville’s whining. Perhaps, you shouldn’t have left Grenada if that’s how you feel. How can you expect to survive in England if you’re going to carry on like this over a woman?

Man, you don’t have any feelings? retaliated an angry Maurice. Try and put yourself in his position?

Peter recoiled, realising that he was outnumbered because Charles also gave him a disapproving look so he fell silent and looked away.

Since the night was still young, the four young men decided to venture out on deck for awhile to get some fresh air before returning to their cabin to continue drinking their rum and laughing into the early hours. The effect of the alcohol enabled Neville to relax and after sometime, he seemed to momentarily forget his pain. The young men were bonding and getting along well but after a week or so, Maurice felt a little crowded, so one evening he decided to wander onto the deck alone to reflect on life.

The sparkling stars beamed brightly above reflecting their light upon the ocean. Maurice stood gazing into the distance at the vast ocean with the ocean breeze sending a slight chill on the back of his neck. He rubbed his hands vigorously and clung tighter to his jacket. He was enjoying the company of the others, there was no question about that but he also yearned for some stillness to allow his heart and mind to speak to him. Much as he appreciated the company of his friends, sometimes the environment was just too frantic and chaotic and he worried that the constant drinking would impair and blight his purpose. He needed to stay focussed on his aspirations.

He wanted to be an architect, that much he knew but he didn’t know exactly how he would accomplish this. He had only received a basic education so he suspected that he might need to further his studies but would he have the money to do so? Being the eldest of five children, he had the responsibility of assisting his younger siblings as well as helping his parents. His mother had loaned him the money to go to England, so his first obligation would be to repay her, hence he couldn’t think about his personal goals until he had fulfilled that. Ahh, was it all just a pipe dream? He felt such a burden being the eldest. He had to get things right. If he failed, what would happen to his siblings? He shuddered to imagine.

There you are man? interrupted Neville. What you doing here alone?

Well, I just needed some time to t’ink, you know. replied Maurice, a little upset that his peace was now disrupted.

Yes I know. Sometimes, it just gets a little noisy with the boys. Come man, let’s take a walk. suggested a considerate Neville.

The two young men meandered slowly along the deck enjoying the evening breeze and speaking about superficial things. Although, all four of the young men got along, there was definitely a special bond formulating between these two young men. There was a silent understanding between them and Maurice felt that he could share more intimate matters with Neville than he could with the other two.

During the next week and a half, the four men