Combining home and work: Meet Muriel, a long-term ISHA resident and former staff member.

"I lived in Islington and my husband worked on buses and was based in Hackney. When ISHA advertised for a caretaker at Shakespeare House, I took the opportunity. It allowed us to relocate and enabled my husband to keep his job.  

When I moved to this area it was mostly large families living in the same block and lots of us still live here; my neighbour and I have been friends for 39 years. I always liked the family atmosphere and the nice tenants who lived in the area.  

At Shakespeare House we had a big garden and I volunteered to take care of it all, with my husband too. When I first moved in, I held all the keys and people used to come to me if they were locked out. I was friendly with lots of people in the neighbourhood and I enjoyed the caretaker role and other odd jobs too.  

We’d have bonfire nights and you’d see all the local children and grandchildren and we set up a table with food to share. I remember when ISHA arranged trips for tenants, we went to Hampton Court, London Zoo and a few others.  

My sons don’t live in London anymore and they tell me I should move out towards them but no, I like Hackney. I love going on the high street and seeing how busy it is. Some people think Hackney isn’t a nice area, but I’ve always liked it."

Hear from other residents

• Meet Jay.

Read more news stories