Contributed by: Ismail Moosa Atcha
Photograph taken in Preston. Ismail Moosa Atcha is on extreme left, standing. |
Ismail came to England via Burma in 1961 because of financial reasons. He settled in Preston and after nine months started work in Chocolate factory where he stayed for one year (£9/week wages). He then worked in Courtaulds textile mill (£12/week wages) until his retirement in 1980.
When he arrived in England, he lived in a house with 14-15 other people (one dish for everyone). 5 beds were shared between them. Rent was £2 per person. He is still living in the same property.
In 1965, he bought his first house – £900 (9 Chaddock St). In 1967, he bought his second house. His family arrived in 1966; four children Ilyas, Dawood, Sofia and Rashid and Wife Salma.
The family prayed Jummah in the house together. Eid namaz was performed in the car park, then Eid in a park in snow.
He formed a committee and bought a house for Masjid (Great Avenham Street).
Now his children have their own businesses and property in Blackpool.