Iris Wilkin: One of first Asian women to move to Basingstoke

Iris Wilkin, who was one of the first Asian women to settle in Basingstoke, raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities and played a major role in the start of St Michael’s Hospice.

The bench, donated by Basingstoke Hindu Association as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of Carnival Hall, is a tribute to a life dedicated to charity and community service.

She sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 72.

Iris Wilkin (Image: Newsquest)

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Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Dan Putty officiated the ribbon-cutting, joined by members of Mrs Wilkin’s family, who gathered to celebrate her legacy.

Born in India into a large affluent family, Iris’ journey to England began in 1938 when her family, Anglo-Indians originally from Bombay (now Mumbai), relocated to North London.

Her family moved to England in support of her brother, who was studying medicine, and her parents ensured that the family remained united by buying a large home.

In 1964, she moved to Basingstoke with her husband, as part of Greater London Council (GLC) relocation plan.

Speaking to the Gazette, her son Graham Wilkins said the move to Basingstoke would lay the foundation for her lasting impact on the town.

“The company that my father worked for moved to Basingstoke, and they moved with them to South Ham,” Graham said.

A devout Catholic, Iris raised 12 children—seven daughters and five sons—who went on to become teachers, nurses, social workers, advocates for social justice, and other respected professionals involved in supporting people and communities.

Iris was known for her unshakable faith and commitment to charitable work.

Despite facing the harsh realities of racism in the 1960s and 1970s, she became a beacon of hope and resilience in the community.

“Racism was rife then. We all experienced that, but it didn’t stop her, and it certainly didn’t stop her from raising funds for local charities and charities in India,” Graham said, describing her as a “very short woman, but very courageous and very charitable.”

Iris had a spirit of resilience in her as she faced the challenges of being a minority in post-war Britain with grace and determination.

 “Despite the challenges that she had as an Asian woman raising 12 children and facing the challenges of racism, it didn’t stop her,” Graham said.

“She felt that giving back to the community was really important.”

Iris was a staunch advocate for St Michael’s Hospice, a project she championed from its inception.

“Mum was passionate about it,” Graham said.

“She came up with the original idea for there to be a hospice. She sat on the committee, did a huge amount of research and fundraising, and was delighted when it opened. Sadly, she spent the last few weeks of her life there before passing away in 2002.”

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Iris also supported St Anthony’s Charity in India, which provided education and care for orphans.

“One of the women who is part of Basingstoke Hindu Society at Carnival Hall actually went to that school that my mum raised money for over the years,” Graham said, explaining how this connection inspired the decision to dedicate the bench in Iris’s memory.

“They wanted to commemorate her not just for being one of the first Asian women to move here but also for her incredible contributions to the community.”

The unveiling of the bench was a special moment for the Wilkins family, who remain deeply connected to Basingstoke.

“Many of my family still live here,” Graham said.

Although he himself no longer resides in the town, Graham is planning to move to St Mary Bourne in October.