The dreams of winning a lottery or striking it lucky at bingo often bring to mind visions of luxury cars or idyllic vacations. However, for one fortunate winner of £20,000 from a mere £4 bingo game, the pressing dream was far more poignant—to honour his late father's memory through a proper funeral.
Windrush Generation Created a Legacy for Great Britain
This touching narrative is especially significant in the context of the Windrush generation, who were instrumental in shaping Britain’s cultural landscape in the aftermath of World War II.
George Powell, who was part of this remarkable group of Caribbean migrants, notably contributed to the communities of Moss Side and Old Trafford in Manchester.
Known affectionately as the ‘ginger beer man,’ George spent over two decades peddling his homemade ginger beer from his bike, becoming a beloved fixture among locals.
At the age of 97, George passed away, leaving behind a legacy enriched by the vibrant stories of his life and his tenacity. With as many as five hundred people expected to attend his funeral on September 26, his family faced the daunting task of accommodating friends, family, and revered customers from his ginger beer rounds.
Glen Plans Pilgrimage to Father’s Home in Jamaica
Fortunately, Glen, George's son, received a significant blessing with his bingo win. He expressed immense relief, noting that the £20,000 prize would alleviate the financial burden of organizing such a momentous farewell for his father. Not only will Glen be able to provide for the funeral, but he also plans to embark on a pilgrimage to Jamaica, George's birthplace, allowing him to connect more deeply with his father’s heritage.
The funeral will take place at the Church of God of Prophecy in Moss Side, followed by a burial at Southern Cemetery and a wake at Bowden Rugby Club.
Glen emphasized the importance of these events, saying, "George was a father to five, a grandfather to 17, and a great-grandfather to 28. You can imagine the turnout, with guests coming from far and wide, including Jamaica and the United States."
Chairperson of Betfred Adds £1,000 to Help with Funeral Refreshments
With plans for a vibrant wake filled with food and fond memories, Glen aims to provide a truly special tribute to his father’s life.
The story has struck a chord beyond just Glen’s immediate circle, as Betfred's Fred Done extended his support with an additional £1,000 to help with refreshments at the wake.
Done remarked, “This tale has moved me deeply, and I feel privileged to aid in commemorating a cherished Manchester figure who led a long and fulfilling life. Let's toast to the Ginger Beer Man with a glass of his homemade creation!”
The legacy of the Windrush Generation remains significant, being a pivotal part of British history that began with arrivals between 1948 and 1971.
As the 75th anniversary of their arrival was celebrated last year through various exhibitions and events, this story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the profound impact made by individuals like George Powell.
Meet The Author
News WriterMost of my career was spent in teaching including at one of the UK’s top private schools. I left London in 2000 and set up home in Wales raising four beautiful children. I enrolled at University where I studied Photography and film and gained a Degree and subsequently a Masters Degree. In 2014 I helped launch a new local newspaper and managed to get front and back page as well as 6 filler pages on a weekly basis. I saw that journalism was changing and was a pioneer of hyperlocal news in Wales. In 2017 I started one of the first 24/7 free independent news sites for Wales. Having taken that to a successful business model I was keen for a new challenge. Joining the company is exciting for me especially as it is a new role in Europe. I am keen to establish myself and help others to do the same.
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