Welcome to my website. I am Ralph Ottey.
I was born in Little London, Jamaica, but have lived in Boston, Lincolnshire, U.K. since 1948.
I started writing a couple of years ago after a visit to Cuba, whilst on Holiday in Jamaica. I wanted to record my travels so that I could tell my family the details of the trip. From that small start I have embarked on a writing voyage which I hope will cover the 80 years of my life.
Todate, I have published two books. The first on my early years in Jamaica,
"LITTLE LONDON, JAMAICA AND ME. 1924 - 1944".
This book covers my life in Jamaica until I left to Join the RAF in 1944. I have tried to include the things that were improtant to me at that time. These included:- Little London, Jamaica, the Ottey family, Sav La Mar, Negril, cricket, Bustamante, the Obeah Man, Godame, Landcrabs, Google Eyes, Guinep Tree, curry goat and all the other flavours and colours of Jamaica.
My second book is now available
""STRANGER BWOY" in the Royal Air Force in Lincolnshire 1944 - 1948"
As the title indicates this covers my life from 1944 when I sailed to England to join the Royal Air Force, the training, my life at RAF Woodhall Spa and RAF Coningsby with the 617 Squadron and my meeting of the girl who was to become my wife at the Gliderdrome in Boston. The retraining for my return to 'civvy street' and the return journey to Jamaica. The book concludes with my return to the U.K. in 1948 on the S.S. Eros.
Further details of these books can be found by clicking on the 'red' links.
I have also written a selection of short stories based on Little London and district, titled "TALES OF OLD ST. PAUL'S".
Also if I get time I will write a selection of short notes on the occupants of Little London in and around the 1930's. This will expand the appendix in my first book.
Since the above was written I have now completed the expanded Appendix and have now published it as "A SHORT HISTORY OF LITTLE LONDON, JAMAICA 1924 - 1948". It is available @ £2.50.
I have now completed my fifth book, which is the third part of my autobiography called "'YOU'LL NEVER GET A JOB HERE' BOSTON 1949 - 1989". This tells of my return to England in 1949, and of my career in Boston not only as a businessman but also as a Cricketing sportsman. It tells of the problems encountered by a stranger from Jamaica in Boston in rural Lincolnshire in the 1950's. I cover how I obtained a job against the odds, then my involvement in the forefront of Cash & Carry development in the U.K. and how I introduced Coca Cola to Boston!
It also covers my involement in Cricket in Boston, along with my brushes with colour prejudice and bigotry. I then cover my return to Jamaica after an absence of 18 years, my further love of Cricket and I describe my career in the Cash & Carry industry until my retirement.
Please click on the above links to see more information about each of the projects.
The published books are available in BOSTON at Oldrids store, Book Department in Narrow Bargate and at Ottakar's Bookstore, 18 Pescod Square.
For prices or to place an order by post for any book please click here.
I hope that you enjoy my website and that if you purchase any of my books that they also will be enjoyable to you as they were for me to write.
Best wishes,
Ralph Ottey
