Barbara Willis-Clark (teacher and veterinary surgeon)
Long time living in Newcastle from sunny Cuba and with a ‘pila de anos’ (lots of years) in this country I came directly from Havana to Geordieland.
In the dark ages of 1972 there was no Latin community in Newcastle and if you spoke Spanish the assumption was that you were Spaniard. How things have changed!
Leaving a country like Cuba with little prospect of return due to the political system (it was not allowed once you left, married to a ‘foreigner’) was no easy task and with 3 small children on tow this task was even harder. However over the years Newcastle has proven to be a place of opportunities were you can find friendship and warmth amongst its people.
The promotion of Latin-American culture has always been a goal for me and for many of my Latin friends. For years we have gathered together to perform, discuss, dance, read, cook, and keep the new generation aware of their mixed background generally enjoying our shared history.
I know that in order to succeed it takes time and dedication. Some will say you need ‘tunnel vision’. It is for this reason that I welcome ¡VAMOS! as an enterprise of the future were we can contribute to propagate our roots and enjoy while doing it.