Big send-off planned for J’can ‘ginger beer’ man

LONDON:

The funeral of a Jamaican entrepreneur who became somewhat of a legend in Manchester, England, for selling his home-brewed ginger beer is expected to attract approximately 500 mourners.

George Powell, who lived in Moss Side and Old Trafford, in the north-west of England, died last month at the age of 97, reportedly from dementia. He arrived in the United Kingdom during the late 1950s from Manchester in Jamaica.

Powell sold his brew from the 1960s, near the streets of the Manchester United Football Club, generating much-needed income for his young family, and amassing a slew of faithful customers.

Powell stopped distributing his ginger beer by bike during his early ‘70s, after accepting the advice of his family members, who were concerned that he could have an accident.

Commenting on his father’s death, Glen, 59, said: “George was a father of five with 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, so you can imagine the funeral will be quite an event.

“That’s not to mention all his old customers on his homemade ginger beer round that he operated for more than 10 years from a bag on his bike.

“It will be expensive to cater for the 500 people, from all over including Jamaica and (US) America, coming here on September 26 to pay their respects.”

According to the grieving son, George Powell would make up to 120 bottles of ginger beer every week for his regular clients, many of whom would make an order to enjoy with their Sunday dinner.

Glen added: “My mum is the only person who knows the recipe of the ginger beer. It was a trade secret. He was a pioneer of his era, promoting the benefits of ginger before the popularity ginger shots today. He was the Levi Roots of ginger beer.”

Recalling his fondest memory of his father, Glen said: “The family has one of the biggest gardens in Moss Side and I remember one year we reaped a bumper crop of vegetables.

“My father was overjoyed and promptly shared what he had reaped with relatives and neighbours. He gave a lot of food away. He was a churchman.” He was married to Ceila for 71 years.

SPECIAL CELEBRATION

The timing of George Powell’s funeral coincides with his son winning £20,000 from a £4 wager at a bookmaker. The handyman, also from Manchester, was playing Bonus King Bingo at a Betfred shop. He said: “Thanks to my win we can do my dad proud and give him a brilliant send-off with lots more flowers and a wake with plenty of food. It will be a special celebration of his life.”

Glen, a father of six with eight grandchildren, recalled that he “did a little jig”, when his numbers 20,21,27,28, 34 and 35 were drawn at the bookies, where he’s a popular customer.

When Betfred boss, Fred Done, was told of Glen’s heartwarming plan to splash out on his father’s funeral, he decided to add another £1,000.

Fred said: “They can put the money behind the bar at the rugby club and sort out a toast to George on me...never mind rum but a glass of ginger beer for everyone would be most appropriate!

“This story has brought a tear to my eye and I feel so privileged to help remember in my little way a Manchester character who lived a long and rewarding life. RIP the Ginger Beer Man.”

The funeral will take place at the Church of God of Prophecy Christian Centre in Moss Side. The location of the burial is Southern Cemetery, followed by a wake at Bowden Rugby Club.