exhibitions

Anand Milan Elderly Centre

Anand Milan Elderly Centre Memories

Following a tour around St George’s Hall led by Champak Kumar Limbachia in 2023, members of the Anand Milan Elderly Centre shared memories of their lives in Bradford and events they had attended at the venue.

This exhibition is based on the personal testimonies of participants with connections to the Anand Milan Elderly Centre. It is largely made up of quotes of their words recorded during extensive interviews. It highlights and celebrates key moments in the stories of individuals and groups from the Indian Gujarati community in Bradford.

Members of Anand Milan Elderly Centre on St George’s Hall 2023

"Feeding others makes no one bankrupt but our wealth keeps increasing – that is from my personal experience"

- Bhagubhai Chhanabhai Mistry

Bhagubhai Chhanabhai Mistry, founder of Anand Milan Elderly Centre

Bhagubhai Chhanabhai Mistry

‍The Anand Milan Elderly Centre was founded by a group of volunteers led by Bhagubhai Chhanabhai Mistry in 2004. Born on 6 June 1936 in Gandeva in Gujarat, Bhagubhai overcame many difficulties in his early life.

This includes leaving his home in India at the age of 7 to travel to Kenya in Africa, with a complete stranger, to begin his working life, surviving a near fatal accident at the age of 18; then leaving Kenya after the Mau Mau rebellion, to arrive in Bradford with little English and only 10-shillings in his pocket. Beginning as a supervisor in a textile mill, Bhagubhai went on to build a highly successful career in property and vehicle rental, before retiring as a wealthy man at the age of 50 with a mission to help others less fortunate than himself.

As well as founding the Anand Milan Elderly Centre, Bhagubhai helped people in the village where he was born in India, supporting a water refinement plant, a Shree Ram Mandir, a crematorium, and the village school.

Arriving in Bradford

"We didn’t need to apply for British citizenship, we were British subjects from Africa"

- Shantilal. M. Mistry

Many older members of the Gujarati community in Bradford have lived lives spanning three continents; being born or having family in India, then moving to the African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi to work in roles for the British Empire. Then when these countries became independent and as British citizens moving to the UK. The change in climate on arrival in Bradford was a shock for many.

Passport
Photo credit: Ishwarlal Chouhan

Harkishan family 1964, Nairobi, Kenya
Photo credit: Harkishan Mistry

"Initially I felt homesick… it was very cold. I did get the feeling to want to go back, many times when you go to work and it is snow and blizzard, so cold, going to work I thought 'Oh God where am I?'" - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

"After a few days, this white stuff started coming down from the sky. 'Where is the sun?' I said, 'What is this white stuff coming down from the sky?'. My dad said, 'It's snow'." - Rameshlal Kalyan

"Going to work in the morning when it was dark and coming home again, it was dark. Seeing no light all day, just dark. Coming from Africa which was a hot country this was a shock." - Daxaben Mistry

Family group outside their house
Photo credit: Ishwarlal Chouhan

"It was a terrace house with toilet facilities outside; at night-time we had to go outside… not perfect, as you can imagine in those days." - Shantilal. M. Mistry

"My grandma, she got on really well with her neighbours and they were English neighbours, and it was nice getting to know them, but the thing was the accent. Because the Kenyan accent is different. That was one of the hurdles. I had to get used to the accent of English people." - Ella Chavda

"My uncle was here. He had come a few years back and his family was here as well, so I stayed with them. Firstly, they were living in a rented house and then they bought a back-to back house in Bradford 7, so I stayed there, and when my family came, I rented a room… and then after 3 years I bought my own house." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

A place to live

"We lived in the family house on Arncliffe Terrace which in the early days had just one Asian grocery shop nearby. So, there was a small community, and we would all support each other"

- Daxaben Mistry

On first arrival people found accommodation in rented rooms or in family houses. Terraced and back-to-back houses with outside toilets were a new experience for many.

Members of the Mistry family outside their house
Photo credit: Dayaram & Daniben Mistry

Working life

Work was found in Bradford based manufacturing companies such as Baird’s Television, ATS industrial clothing manufacturers and Grattans mail order. Communities were established around these employers in the Bradford 7 area. As Bradford’s industries evolved from manufacturing to new digital technologies, so people found roles with Microvitec and Pace. Others worked at the university in technical roles, in local government, or set up their own small businesses including corner shops. Some qualified mechanics, engineers and chemists originally had to start in manual jobs in factories, or on the buses.

Daxaben Mistry and colleagues wearing saris for Diwali at Bairds Television, 1967
Photo credit: Daxaben Mistry

"In India, I was a chemist, a manufacturing chemist. The first job I got here was partially labouring, not very heavy, but I was young and could do it. I needed money, and I must work to support the family. I was married and had a daughter." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

"I worked 19 years as a mechanic in Kenya before I came to the UK, I started to learn at 10 years old. No training, not so much at reading and writing. I am a practical person, mending machinery. I worked for British Leyland in Kenya. My first job in Bradford was in a garage called Central Garage, in 1967." - Dayaram Mistry

"I arrived in Bradford on Tuesday, and started work at my new job on Monday… it was a laundry, Beckside Lane in Bradford, counting, repairing boiler suits and white coats, sewing on buttons." - Daxaben Mistry

"I went to work at a carpet factory in 1966, mending. I got only £3 wage because I was sixteen. J L Tankard on Thornton Road." - Maniben Mistry

Maniben Mistry and husband in their shop, Wyke, Bradford, 1993
Photo credit: Maniben Mistry
‍

"When I sold the shop, my customer was crying, saying, ‘Why do you leave?' I said 'We have to, we are retired now'." - Maniben Mistry

"At Bairds it was good camaraderie. I was on the television repair, fixing and pushing them back on the conveyer belt. The ladies used to set them up…"

- Rameshlal Kalyan

Daxaben Mistry, colleagues at Microvitec, circa 1995
Photo credit: Daxaben Mistry

"At Microvitec at the at time there were only 25 employees, and I was employed as the first Asian lady worker on the team, making circuit boards for computers. Afterwards I was promoted to inspector. It was making COBB computers which were used in banks and offices. Microvitec were based in BD4 in Bowling Back Lane. I worked there 17 years." - Daxaben Mistry

"An Englishman came to our shop and asked if we’re opening on Christmas day. I said yes because my customers want cigarettes and things, and I look after my customers. Then a reporter came to us from London on a train to take our interview. The interview was with News of the World. I have the photos. This was in 1993, in Wyke. They gave us an article title ‘Open All Hours’, so funny." -Maniben Mistry

Ella Chavda and son Suneet in a leaflet promoting women with families returning to work
Photo credit: Ella Chavda
‍

"In 1987 I got a job with Bradford Council, and I worked there for 30 years. First of all, it was a temporary contract for 3 months. They couldn’t renew because I got pregnant with my son but when Suneet was 6 months old, I got a phone call from them to see if I wanted to come back to work." - Ella Chavda

The wrestler ‘Big Daddy’ at St George’s Hall
Photo credit: Peter Byrne

"St George’s Hall, yes, my dad took me to the wrestling to see Dara Singh. He came to St George’s Hall. Every time he got knocked down people were shouting get up, get up! Everyone in the house was shouting . It was magic!" - Rameshlal Kalyan

"We would also go for Jim Breaks. He was my neighbour. He used to live in the pub next to my shop." - Maniben Mistry

"I used to see wrestling at St George’s Hall… I enjoyed it. I used to go with my father. Everyone used to shout 'Get him! Get him!'" - Jagivan.J.Ladd

Audience members at wrestling match in St George’s Hall
Photo credit: Peter Byrne

Dalbir ‘Tiger’ Singh wrestling at St George’s Hall
Photo credit: Peter Byrne

Wrestling at St George’s Hall

"Jackie Pallo, Mick McManus, Big Daddy, I saw them all at St George’s Hall"

- Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

St George’s Hall on Monday evenings in the 1960s and 70s was a popular place to watch wrestling. Firstly, single men would go in groups and as people settled, they would come with their wives and family. Being a vocal member of a wrestling match audience provided a way to let off steam and have some fun after working long hours to make ends meet.

The wrestler Masambula

"Wrestling was very popular with people who are working on night shift. Monday was a rest day for them. I would go once a month with friends to St George’s Hall… Big Daddy, he used to bump everyone. Masambula, Les Kellet, Royal brothers of Bolton, Jackie Palo, Dara Singh. Masambula used to do acting as if he was about to perform magic. He was good, he was." - Shantilal. M. Mistry

St George’s Hall wrestling poster 1970

"In 1967 we went to watch the wrestling, Big Daddy and Masambula and others. It was good fun. I went with my wife. She loved it, she would say 'They’re cheating, they’re cheating'. It was Monday evenings." - Dayaram Mistry

Oriental Arts at St George’s Hall

"Champak used to bring groups, dramas and Indian musicians"

- Rameshlal Kalyan

Champak Kumar Limbachia, a member of the Indian Gujarat community in Bradford himself, founded Oriental Arts in 1976, a Bradford-based organisation, which promoted South Asian performances. Champak booked many world-class South Asian and international artists to perform at St George’s Hall drawing audiences from Bradford and surrounding area’s Gujarati Indian community, amongst many others, to the venue.

The dancer and actress Vyjayanthimala

"I went to St George’s Hall. There was a star coming from India … the dancer and actress Vyjayanthimala. She walked off stage because people were throwing pennies at her." - Jagivan. J. Ladd

Draupadi poster, courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service

Anuradha Paudwal flyer, courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service

"At St George’s Hall we went to see Anuradha Paudwal, a proper musical with a live band. I really enjoyed it as she is a big star, I’d never seen a singer from India before. Our community had a Diwali show in St George’s Hall where they had entertainment for Diwali." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

Champak Kumar Limbachia and his wife and colleagues with Nitin Mukesh at St George’s Hall

"We came to Nitin Mukesh, yes, we came, and I got a photo. It was nice and there were plays also… oh, it was really good, finding out about our culture, and it is good for the children too, to know where we are from." - Ella Chavda

"I used to go for dramas… Gujarati dramas." - Maniben Mistry

"A day we will forever cherish"

- Jyoti Mistry

Wedding ceremony on St George’s Hall stage
Photo credit: Jyoti and Balvant Mistry

"June 28, 1987 - a day we will forever cherish. Surrounded by family and friends, we exchanged vows at the historic St. George’s Concert Hall in Bradford, a truly breath-taking and iconic setting. The day was filled with music, classical Bollywood dance, and the melodies of a talented flautist, creating memories we hold close to our hearts." - Jyoti Mistry

Bride and Groom arriving at St George’s Hall
Photo credit: Jyoti and Balvant Mistry

Jyoti and Balvant Mistry’s Wedding

St George’s Hall hosted a traditional Indian wedding when Jyoti and Balvant Mistry got married in the venue. There was a shortage of suitable large wedding venues in central Bradford at that time, and although St George’s Hall was not normally used for weddings, the bride’s sister Kalpana, managed to negotiate the hire of St George’s Hall for the occasion. The bride and groom were seated on the stage and the ceremony involved a small ceremonial fire. Guests sat in the auditorium to view the ceremony.

Wedding ceremony on St George’s Hall stage
Photo credit: Jyoti and Balvant Mistry

"We felt deeply honoured to be the only couple ever married at this exceptional landmark. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this unforgettable day so special. Now, 37 years and two grown-up children later, we look back with full hearts and fond memories." - Jyoti Mistry

Bharatantatyam dancer on stage at the wedding
Photo credit: Jyoti and Balvant Mistry

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

In April 1995 St George’s Hall hosted a Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh event. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a non-profit, social and cultural organisation for Hindus living outside India. It was founded in the UK and currently has thousands of branches in over 60 countries. This event involving speeches by dignitaries, physical displays and musical performances by children and young people, was organised by the Bradford branch led, by the current honorary president of the national organisation, Rajni Parmar.

Audience at the Sangh event in St George’s Hall, 1995
Photo credit: Rajni Parmar

"St George’s Hall was (a good place for this event as it is) where people came for wrestling. It was a central venue with the bus station next door if people were coming from the edge of town. The stalls are very flexible, and we had to re-organise the seating." - Rajni Parmar

"We still meet at the base (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh branch in Bradford) on Fridays and host an elders’ group (Madhav Kendra Elderly Centre) on Thursdays at the Ukrainian club. During COVID we couldn’t meet, but we would knock on peoples' doors to say hello and make sure they have been vaccinated and that they are ok." - Rajni Parmar

"A good local event with national and international dignitaries." - Rajni Parmar

"1,500 people and all 3 levels were packed by the Hindu community in Bradford"

- Rajni Parmar

Dignitaries and young people on stage at Sangh event
Photo credit: Rajni Parmar

"We contacted over 1,000 households personally to invite them to this function, it was very much foot soldiers knocking on doors and connecting with people - there was no email or social media." - Rajni Parmar

"We had the head of the Sangh organisation, Mananya Professor Raju Bhaiya, come to Bradford from India to attend our festival ‘Varsha Pratipada Utsav’ in St George’s Hall. It was an honour for us to receive him here." - Rajni Parmar

The stage and auditorium at the Sangh event
Photo credit: Rajni Parmar

Merchants of Bollywood at St George’s Hall poster

Events at St George’s Hall

Alongside wrestling and South Asian performances, members of Bradford’s Indian Gujarati community have enjoyed a diverse range of events at St George’s Hall.

"I’ve also seen Abba, not the real Abba but a tribute band. Really enjoyed that as I am an Abba fan. I‘ve seen Merchants of Bollywood and the one with Shilpa Shetty. I’ve seen lots of musicals at the Alhambra." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"When I was at school they had a science programme. A lecturer used to come (to St George’s Hall) down from the university and used to show us what chemicals did, what light does. He used to shine a powerful UV light on us. At Christmas time they used to give these science lectures. Our school used to go down with not just our school but other schools." - Rameshlal Kalyan

"I took my son to a Mr Men programme at St George’s Hall when he was younger. It was a lovely experience for us, and we still have the Mr Funny cuddly toy that we bought after the show. My son is now 34 years old." - Ella Chavda

"Recently we have been going to shows at the Alhambra. English ones as well. The Alhambra is a lifesaver." - Ella Chavda

Reflections

Participants in this project were asked to reflect on key questions about their life’s journey.
‍

What activities have helped you through your life?

"Friends have helped me a lot. The people who came around in my life after my husband died, we formed a widow’s group so we could talk about how we were feeling, each other’s feelings and how we hurt, and how we can help each other. I have become stronger. I have become a lot, lot, lot stronger." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"To me material things don’t matter to me anymore, I understand what is important in life, what is important is the other people in your life." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"When I came, not many people had the English vocabulary. I wouldn’t say I was very fluent in English but when our elderly needed help, they asked for help, and I used to help them with filling in the forms, taking them to the doctors, helping with passports. I helped them. That’s how we started working with the community itself. I am one of the founder members here (Anand Milan Elderly Centre) but before that at the temple (Shree Prajapati Association based at the first Indian temple in Bradford)." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

"I can tell you one thing since I came to this country - I have always been busy, I have never been free, not with hard work or heavy work but mentally. That is how this organisation (Anand Milan Elderly Centre) started in 2005." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad (A founder member of the Centre)

"I love the music. Music is my favourite. I was 9 years old in Africa when I used to play Indian banjo. I play harmonium, tabla, dholak, cymbals, and bhajans." - Dayaram Mistry

"I say what is the problem. I say can I help you; I used to help people with their cars. Someone came to my house at one o'clock in the night and wanted help with their car, I went to do it." - Dayaram Mistry

"I like singing. I like cooking. I always cook in my temple. Singing and cooking is my thing... whenever there is an event, I go and do it voluntarily." - Maniben Mistry

"I go to visit elderly people at their homes, go to give them company. I make food and give it to them. That’s why I’m so happy." - Maniben Mistry

"I like music when I am at home, music is there all the time. Bollywood and bhajans. I play tabla and Indian banjo. I play the tabla at the Shree Prajapati Samaj. I have been involved for 18 years. And many many, years at the SPA.(Shree Prajapati Association on Thornton Road.) Each Thursday, as a volunteer, I go to the temple, wear white and play the tabla for the bhajans at the centre." - Jagivan. J. Ladd
‍

What has guided you through life?

"My grounding is with my Guruji, Swami Shree Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj. I am a Hindu and the teachings and lectures from my Guruji guides me in my life, in difficult times. I lost my husband but the teaching of my Guruji gives me a grounding and the strength to carry on…" - Ella Chavda

"I get my inspiration from the nine goddesses, The Navadurga. Each representing different faculties in our lives, Durga being the most Supreme and ultimate Goddess. They guide us in our journey on this earth assisting us in coping with challenges of our life's ups and downs. By praying to them, we can have protection, strength, wisdom, knowledge, prosperity and love amongst other fulfilment. We can overcome life's adversity to find a path of spirituality." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"Gurus. They talk about joining together… together. Any problem, give me a shout, and I will help. I deliver food for the old people." - Dayaram Mistry
‍

What advice would you give to young people who are just starting out today?

"Work hard. If you work hard, you get the result. Just keep trying, mixing with people, then you will know. If you don’t come out, you don’t know anything much." - Daxaben Mistry

"It is difficult, but life is about learning, learning from your experiences, and not going down. Learn from it from what happens in life. And make the most of every day." - Ella Chavda

"Be true to yourself, and what you give, you get. What goes around, comes around. Being true to yourself is so important, that’s what I tell my children." - Ella Chavda

"To be patient at this point, they need patience. They’ve got degrees, and they can’t find a job but stay positive. If you feel negative, get it out of your system. If it doesn’t go right, you feel angry, let it out. There is nothing wrong with feeling anger, but let it out." - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"If something negative happens, something positive will happen as well. There are two roads, positive and negative. Which road do you want to go on?" - Shakuntala. N. Mistry

"Give to the government so they can give to you. What is the government? We are the government." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

"We try to explain to them the way we have lived our lives, but nowadays, the kids, they want to do their own thing, so I don’t blame them… they say papa, mummy, the time has changed. This is a new generation, that was your time. It was tough for you, they say. We try to pass on the religious knowledge, cultural knowledge to them." - Shantilal. M. Mistry

"Go to people’s houses and talk to them. Be happy and try to make other people happy." - Maniben Mistry

"Make friends, first of all, make friends, enjoy being with them. Get into activities, any activities anything you can bring to the table. Do go and meet people, not just from your own but other backgrounds." - Rameshlal Kalyan

"Whatever you are doing job-wise with your work, or with family, be truthful to yourself. And if they want to help, help people, but don’t interfere with anybody else’s life." - Jagivan. J. Ladd
‍

How do you feel about your life looking back?

"We didn’t have a very good early life. When I used to go to school in India. We had problems with getting breakfast, me and my uncle were going to school 3 miles away. We had no shoes, we had to go barefoot no matter what, whatever the weather was like. That was a struggle." - Shantilal. M. Mistry

"Now we have money, now we have a house, in the beginning we only had £3. It was a hard life in the beginning, learning to support myself and learning self-confidence." - Daxaben Mistry

"The family, we have done good things, we have done good things, from my father’s side as well, from my husband’s side as well. I think I have done good things." - Daxaben Mistry

"Things have changed so much now, with the younger generation, they guide us now. There is a lot of change in life, that is what life is about." - Ella Chavda

"I think when I came to this country, I was younger. If I could have had some sort of guidance, I could have had a different life. If, instead of straight away looking for a job, we had been given some language guidance to learn, the basic language, it would have helped to understand the people and the culture here. If that basic thing was given at that time, we could have created a different society." - Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad

"I suffered through chemotherapy and everything, it was so hard. But is ok. It is done. It is gone. Forget it. My daughter helped me. My sister-in-law helped me, because for six months I couldn’t raise my hands or anything. My husband helped me a lot cooking, and he knows cooking now!" - Maniben Mistry

"I wouldn’t change anything. In Africa, it was a totally different experience… Sunday was best. We used to go out with my dad and his friends, and his friend’s family. There was a little playground. It was an abandoned hospital. We’d play out, climb mango trees and it was quite dangerous. There were snakes as well in the river. Looking back, I don’t know how we survived!" - Rameshlal Kalyan

"With what life I have got left, I want to help people and make somebody happy every day. I never say no to anybody or want to fight, or say any bad words about anybody." - Jagivan. J. Ladd
‍
‍‍

A Poem

Peer Groups

Just as a child needs a nursery
And
Teenagers need their peer groups
The elderly need individuals of similar ages
To share their happiness and grief.
The experiences of life’s gains and losses.
Past midlife the rich tapestry of their lives will have seen the highs and lows of life.
The great service of the Anand Milan Centre provides the medium for these needs.
Providing the path to Spiritual awareness through Bhajans
Physical fitness through stretch exercises to keep the body supple.
And
Thereafter sharing a meal that is made with Love by the volunteers.
Parties are organised during special occasions like Diwali, Christmas,
Navratri, Queens Jubilee, Kings Coronation and other occasions.
Organising various day trips in the UK
To put the icing on the cake
The organising of a Mediterranean Cruise in 2023 has been a great success and also the cruise in 2024
A great example of comradery amongst all the individuals on the trip is commendable.
Experiencing and embracing the waves of the ocean just like they have experienced the highs and lows of life.
Supporting each other.
Gratitude goes to the organisers of this great institution to bring joy to all concerned.
Hoping there will be many more adventures for everyone.
Three cheers for the group of people for an enriched life of valuable experiences of being adaptable to circumstances. The reason being migration in the 20th Century. Settling into new ways of existing with love, pride, respect and compassion towards all.
‍
Written By Ella Chavda

Harkishan Mistry
‍

Shantilal. M. Mistry
‍

Daxaben Mistry
‍

Shakuntala. N. Mistry
‍

Manuben Mistry
‍

Dayaram Mistry
‍

With many thanks to
‍
Champak Kumar Limbachia, Rajni Parmar, Jyoti and Balvant Mistry, Kalpana Mistry, Peter Byrne, West Yorkshire Archive Service
‍
And all at the Anand Milan Elderly Centre, Bradford, and especially...

Ella Chavda
‍

Natvarbhai Jagabhai Lad
‍

Rameshlal Kalyan
‍

Jagivan. J. Ladd
‍