Kamla Kainth
Kamla came to the UK when she was about 10 years old and her family settled in Southall, West London. Her dad had been living in the Fiji Islands and had a UK passport, which enabled him to emigrate with his family to the UK. Kamla nearly emigrated again, this time to Canada. The company where her dad worked was Canadian, and were offering assisted passages. Kamla’s dad asked Kamla and her sister if they wanted to go and both girls said a huge no! So, the family stayed in Southall.
Kamla came to Luton when she married in 1972. It was the perfect place to settle and her in-laws were in Luton too. Both Kamla and her husband worked in Luton’s famous hat industry at Bermona Hats on Bolton Road, Luton. Kamla’s husband worked blocking hats, which is how they are shaped and Kamla worked as a machinist.
It wasn’t long before Kamla’s first baby was born and for a while she gave up work to be a full time mum. When she returned, it was to Eastex, where she used her sewing skills again, as a top sticher on high-end fashion garments. Her mum in law looked after Kamla’s daughter.
Kamla had always loved sewing, from when she was a little girl living with her auntie and uncle in Jalandhar. When she left Eastex, she continued as a seamstress from home, making suits and dresses, often without a pattern. Kamla recalled the late night last minute alterations leading up to a wedding to ensure that the bride looked her best on the day. She was always pleased to do this and there must be many Luton brides who benefitted from Kamla’s skills and kindness.
Kamla is also looking forward to the weekly lunch club for the elderly starting up again. Before the outbreak of Covid, this was a thriving group providing food and friendship for elders across Lutons South Asian community. A few years ago Kamla become Shri Guru Ravidass Sangats, first ever female Trustee a position that she believes will inspire other women to achieve more.
Kamla reflected on how good living in the UK has been for her and her family. She is very grateful for the NHS and that she has been able to contribute to a private pension. If she was back in India, Kamla felt that ‘they would still be slogging’ rather than enjoying an active and fun retirement.