I was married in Pakistan in 1973. It was an arranged marriage. But not forced! We came to England in 1974, to Bradford. My husband was an electronics engineer. He was a good person. My English was ok but I found the Yorkshire accent very difficult.

When we came to Leeds I worked in a factory making jackets. I didn’t enjoy it. I thought what am I doing here? I’m wasting my time. I wanted more education. But I didn’t find any information about it. And I’m a reserved person. I don’t start conversations.

But then I did an ESOL course at Thomas Danby. And I started to make more friends. First I became a volunteer at Milan Women’s Centre. I did Child care and administration. But then I applied for the post of Co-ordinator and I got it.

I have one daughter. She lives in Dewsbury. And I have three grandchildren. But no other family here. So I do feel lonely. I miss my family back in Pakistan. I last went there six years ago. Now it’s not possible to go because of my health. But I’ve found people friendly and helpful here. I’ve not experienced any racism. My next door neighbour was a white lady who was very nice. She used to take me into town when I didn’t know the way. And every Friday we used to have fish and chips. I’d buy them one week and she’d buy them the next. If her daughter came home and her mother wasn’t in she’d knock on my door.

I live on my own now. But I have two good friends I meet. And I come to the Bangladeshi centre once a week. I also do classes online to learn more about my religion.