Jeff Hinds
Special Recognition Award from the Pride of Reading Judges
A Champion of Reading’s Cultural Heritage
A popular winner, Jeff “De Admiral” Hinds has been at the heart of Reading’s cultural story for almost half a century.
Raised on Oxford Road by Barbadian parents, Jeff played in Oxford Road Primary School’s pioneering steel band in the early 1970s. He believes the area played an important role in bringing diversity and integration to Reading.
A son of the Windrush generation, Jeff has been a pioneer of Reading Community Carnival since it began in 1977 and is widely recognised as a champion of the town’s cultural heritage. In 2003, he founded AJ’s Calypso Tent, helping preserve history and community stories through music, including his celebrated Windrush Song.
For nearly 50 years, Jeff has generously given his time, talent and passion to Reading, helping celebrate the town’s diversity and cultural identity.