Today is National Windrush Day, celebrating the contribution Caribbean migrants and their families have made to the UK.
Elaina Ible was one of the first five black nurses to work at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D). She travelled from the Caribbean to Luton in 1960 where she began training as a student nurse.
Elaina said: “I qualified as a State Registered Nurse then a State Certified Midwife between 1960 and 1966. I worked part-time as a staff nurse after having children until I retired in 1999. I learnt a lot, made some lifelong friendships and I’m still in contact with some of them now.
“I have always seen myself as British and part of the commonwealth. My experience was different than others in that I always felt welcome and didn’t really experience any prejudices. St Kitts-Nevis became partly independent in 1983 and I remain proud of my heritage.”
Elaina’s daughter, Dionne Ible, created a mosaic to honour the Windrush Generation and the Caribbean families whose hard work, resilience and determination helped shape Luton. Each piece of the mosaic represents an individual story, coming together to form a collective legacy that continues to enrich the town today.
The artwork has been loaned to the L&D and is currently on display on the first floor of the Surgical Block.
Dionne said: “As a first generation child of Luton’s Caribbean community, it was important for me to create work that reflects the legacy, contribution and lived experiences of those who came before me.
“Despite facing discrimination and many challenges, the Windrush Generation helped build communities, raise families and create opportunities for future generations. Pieces of Legacy celebrates their achievements and honours the enduring impact they have had on Luton, reminding us that every contribution, no matter how small, forms part of our shared history.”
(Left to right) Cyril Ible, Dionne Ible and Elaina Ible
Pieces of Legacy artwork
National Windrush Day 2026 – Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
