Glenda Andrew pulls a tray of salmon from the oven, filling the community center's kitchen with the aroma of garlic, cayenne and lemon rising from its crackling skin.
It is the scent of memory, of family dinners and church socials — the warmth of the Caribbean in the middle of a gray English winter made gloomier by COVID-19.
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Glenda Andrew pulls a tray of salmon from the oven, filling the community center's kitchen with the aroma of garlic, cayenne and lemon rising from its crackling skin.
“It’s a great way to connect and build that relationship, but I didn’t know that at the time,″ Andrew said of the project’s beginnings. “I just knew that I wanted to do something and make sure that they were getting a hot meal — not sandwiches, not soup — getting something that they’re accustomed to eating and hope that they would enjoy it.”
The Windrush Generation, named after the ship that carried the first migrants from the Caribbean in 1948, came to Britain in response to a government call for workers from throughout the Empire to help rebuild the country after World War II.
Nothing is too good for Andrew’s people. They get the best. No pilchards here.
The loneliness and isolation of the past year is painful for many of the seniors. When deliveries arrive, they seek out friendly gossip with the volunteers about what their neighbors are up to.
Andrew wants to keep the meals flowing, even as optimism grows that Britain’s mass vaccination program may soon allow lockdown restrictions to be eased.
“Initially it was the food and, as I said, I didn’t know what we were creating,” Andrew said. “And it’s been amazing.”
Volunteer Dave Williams pours in rice to cook as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew checks the pot as she prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Volunteer Diane Proctor, left, helps to dish out food as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right and volunteer Dave Williams, prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right, talks to volunteer Diane Proctor, foreground left, as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team dish out West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right, speaks with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team as they dish out West Indian meals for delivery, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew speaks to a volunteer as she staples the address onto a bag set for delivery, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Volunteer Maria Martinez, right, hands bags of West Indian meals to Bridgette Toussaint, prepared by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Sylius, left, and Bridgette Toussaint unpack their meals prepared by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Sylius, left, and Bridgette Toussaint pose for a photo after having meals delivered by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew poses for a photo as she prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, centre and volunteer Dave Williams prepare West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
This is food for the soul, Andrew says, and it’s needed now more than ever by Britain's older immigrants who have been isolated from friends and family by the pandemic. Once a week the 57-year-old joins other volunteers to prepare hot meals with the zing of the islands, which they distribute for free to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England. The area has recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates.
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and volunteer Dave Williams work in the kitchen to prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
“It’s a great way to connect and build that relationship, but I didn’t know that at the time,″ Andrew said of the project’s beginnings. “I just knew that I wanted to do something and make sure that they were getting a hot meal — not sandwiches, not soup — getting something that they’re accustomed to eating and hope that they would enjoy it.”
Once a week, for the last 42 weeks, the lucky seniors on Andrew’s list have been treated to delicacies such as jerk pork, curry goat and cow foot soup accompanied by rice and peas, yams and plantains. Portions are hefty, so there’s enough to go in the freezer for another day. Last week, some 400 meals were packed into yellow foam packages and delivered by volunteers.
The meal program grew out of Andrew's work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years.
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew takes a phone call, as she prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
The Windrush Generation, named after the ship that carried the first migrants from the Caribbean in 1948, came to Britain in response to a government call for workers from throughout the Empire to help rebuild the country after World War II.
The Windrush Scandal rocked Britain in 2018 amid a crackdown on illegal immigration. Long-term legal residents lost jobs, homes and the right to free medical care because many arrived as children and couldn’t produce paperwork proving their right to live in the U.K. Some were detained, and an unknown number were deported to countries they barely remembered.
When the coronavirus pandemic struck Britain, the free-spirited Andrew didn’t want the community to be victimized again. She decided to create her own food program tailored to the taste buds of the people she grew up with.
Volunteer Dave Williams washes rice as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Nothing is too good for Andrew’s people. They get the best. No pilchards here.
“Salmon is a delicacy, isn’t it? You know what I mean? They’re worth it,’’ she said. “They brought us up, they’ve taught us so many things. They gave up their life in the Caribbean to come here.’’
In addition to food, the volunteers offer a bit of human contact.
Volunteer Hardeep SIngh helps in the kitchen as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
The loneliness and isolation of the past year is painful for many of the seniors. When deliveries arrive, they seek out friendly gossip with the volunteers about what their neighbors are up to.
Sylius Toussaint, 81, who came from Dominica in 1960, said chatting with volunteers like Dave Williams helps as much as the food.
“They say hello and give you a meal, and maybe for just a few seconds at least you see someone new; someone you haven’t seen all week,’’ Toussaint said as his wife, Bridget, shot him a bemused look. “If you are on your own, it is so nice to see a fresh face — especially bringing gifts.”
A packet of saltfish in the kitchen as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Andrew wants to keep the meals flowing, even as optimism grows that Britain’s mass vaccination program may soon allow lockdown restrictions to be eased.
The project runs on donations and the energy of Andrew, who seemed to be in a dozen places at once as she marshaled her volunteer chefs last week. For now, they use a donated kitchen in a community center, but there’s a glimmer of hope for a more permanent venue at some point — maybe a place the community can gather.
But that’s in the future. For now, the volunteers plan to just keep going, gluing the community together with plates of rice and peas.
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, the team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
“Initially it was the food and, as I said, I didn’t know what we were creating,” Andrew said. “And it’s been amazing.”
“One Good Thing” is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times — stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small. See all these AP stories at https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing
Volunteer Ian Cash peels a sweet pototao, as members the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Volunteer Dave Williams pours in rice to cook as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew checks the pot as she prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Volunteer Diane Proctor, left, helps to dish out food as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week, chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right and volunteer Dave Williams, prepare West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right, talks to volunteer Diane Proctor, foreground left, as members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team dish out West Indian meals, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, right, speaks with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team as they dish out West Indian meals for delivery, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew speaks to a volunteer as she staples the address onto a bag set for delivery, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Volunteer Maria Martinez, right, hands bags of West Indian meals to Bridgette Toussaint, prepared by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Sylius, left, and Bridgette Toussaint unpack their meals prepared by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Sylius, left, and Bridgette Toussaint pose for a photo after having meals delivered by members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week chief coordinator Glenda Andrew and her team distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew poses for a photo as she prepares West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)
Chief coordinator Glenda Andrew, centre and volunteer Dave Williams prepare West Indian meals with members of the Preston Windrush Covid Response team, at the Xaverian Sanctuary, in Preston, England, Friday Feb. 19, 2021. Once a week they distribute meals to people in Preston and surrounding communities in northwestern England that have recorded some of the U.K.’s highest coronavirus infection rates. The meal program grew out of Andrew’s work with Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants, a group organized to fight for the rights of early immigrants from the Caribbean and other former British colonies who found themselves threatened with deportation in recent years. (AP PhotoJon Super)