Arrivals: Diane Rankine
Diana arrived in England in June 1962, aged 18. She paid £75 for a one way ticket. This would be equivalent to £1551 today.
Diana joined her husband, Seymour, who had travelled several months ahead of her. She left behind several family members, including her eldest son who would join them at a later date.
Diana’s journey to Doncaster got off to a shaky start when her flight arrived earlier than expected, leaving her stranded at Heathrow Airport as her husband was not aware of the change to her flight times. Fortunately, a friendly stranger at Heathrow gave her a lift to Birmingham International train station where she managed to travel to Doncaster and meet her husband.
Seymour worked for International Harvesters for many years. However, he died at an early age leaving Diana to raise their family alone.
Diana initially found it hard to settle in England and longed to return home to Jamaica but this would not be an easy thing to do with a growing family.
After finding it difficult to find work in Doncaster Diana took on a job at Shipley wool mill. However, her husband insisted she finish this job as it was too far to travel daily. For a number of years Diana did not work again, spending her time looking after her family. She returned to work in 1978 in the catering industry. Following many years in catering Diana took a job in race relations where she worked for a year, before seeking alternative employment in Doncaster until her retirement. As the years have rolled by Diana has settled in England, enjoying her time and the freedom to travel.
