Our shop in Dalston/Bradbury St, Re-opens after the Christmas & New Year Break on Tuesday 26th January 2010 - we know! a long but well earned break! Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. If you need to contact us in the meantime please email info@eldica.co.uk and we'll reply ASAP. Many thanks - Happy New Year!
Eldica Joachim was born in Trinidad and Tobago in the town of Arima in 1922 and died on the 16th October 2000 in London, England.
For most of her childhood she lived in Fyzabad later moving to San Fernado. Eldica had three children, the eldest Greta, followed by Ruby and then Sheila.
Greta and Ruby both in their seventies now live in North London, sadly in 2003 her youngest daughter, Sheila Reid, passed away from Leukemia.
In 1946 Eldica left Trinidad and sailed to England with her musician trumpeter husband Peter Joachim, known later by his stage name, Billy Mo. After a brief stay in Liverpool, London was to become Eldica's home.
Life in London was hard during the 1950's particularly for a black family, however Eldica never let anything get in her way. Venturing into acting in 1951, Eldica appeared in 'Cry, The Beloved Country' starring Sidney Poiter, 'Green Pastures' and 'Holidays With The Huxtables'. Eldica always said that staring in films alongside Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poiter were the highlights of her acting career, a career that was cut short when Eldica contradicted Polio.
After many months in hospital recovering, Eldica returned home with her family to Camden Park Road - North West London. To fill the days during her recouperation she started dressmaking and although Polio had set her back many years, she had, in fact made a remarkable recovering and was lucky to have regained the use of her limbs, as so many did not in these days; testament to her courage.
The Barrett Street Tecnical College, now known as The London College of Fashion, was Eldica's next stop. She had decided to train as a proffessional dressmaker. Drawn again by the bright lights, Eldica was back making dresses and gowns for London & International Film Studios.
During Eldica's time as a dressmaker she continued to provide for her ever extending family which now included grandchildren.
Her family were inspired by her. Eldica was a strong woman with the determination of steel.
Eldica with her youngest daughter Sheila Reid, taken at a family party in 1968. Mingling in this crowd were the rest of her family and close friends including her grandchildren who we are happy to say without her support would not have made their contribution to the music industry.
Grandaughter, Jayne James, vocalist in 'Eruption' Disco-Funk Band. Grandson, Martin James, Drummer/Pans in 20th Century Steel Band. Grandaughter, Sandra Reid, Lovers Rock Reggae Singer. Son-In-Law, Selwyn Adams "Smokey" Demon Fuzz Vocalist.
Eldica Vinyl & Retro - The Record Shop in Dalston, London. We specialise in Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, a touch of Reggae & Calypso plus African Grooves. As well as Records we trade in all things Retro from Vintage Clothing & Collectables to Gramaphones & Vintage Record Boxes. Tel 020 7254 5220. Email info@eldica.co.uk 8 Bradbury Street, London N16 8JN.
Our shop in Dalston/Bradbury St, Re-opens after the Christmas & New Year Break on Tuesday 26th January 2010 - we know! a long but well earned break! Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. If you need to contact us in the meantime please email info@eldica.co.uk and we'll reply ASAP. Many thanks - Happy New Year!
Eldica Joachim was born in Trinidad and Tobago in the town of Arima in 1922 and died on the 16th October 2000 in London, England. 
The Barrett Street Tecnical College, now known as The London College of Fashion, was Eldica's next stop. She had decided to train as a proffessional dressmaker. Drawn again by the bright lights, Eldica was back making dresses and gowns for London & International Film Studios.
