Falklands veteran living 'mafia life' at Muir sheltered scheme
A FALKLANDS War veteran and self-confessed bookworm is penning his own history of the mafia after settling into sheltered housing with Muir.
A Muir Group Housing Association resident since 1999, 65-year-old Graeme Dart moved into Muir’s McCartney House sheltered housing scheme in August 2017, and says the only time he looks back is when he is researching through one of his many history books.
Born in London, and a former pupil of St Ives Grammar School, Graeme was a driver in the RAF of nine years and has also worked for a publishing company.
He took time out from his research into organised crime to explain how Muir has helped him gain the peace of mind he craved after moving into the scheme in Godmanchester near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
“It’s great,” Graeme said. “I love living here, I much prefer it.
“When I was offered the accommodation at McCartney House, I liked what I saw.
“It’s a good size and McCartney House definitely has good opportunities to socialise.”
Graeme was speaking while surrounded by his impressive collection of books and DVDs - covering a host of historical, political, autobiographical and crime-related history within his ground-floor flat at the scheme.
“It’s a good service to have someone just the press of a button away,” he said.
“The scheme manager is really nice and it helps to have support here - if and when you need it.”
Graeme saw active service in the 1982 Falklands War, as well as being stationed in Cyprus during his time with the RAF.
Now, he enjoys the company of a good book and reliving the lifestyles of former mobsters such as Al Capone and other infamous mafia gangsters.
“I’ve always got a book on the go,” Graeme said.
“I love all books but I have a big interest in organised crime. The prohibition of the 1920s to the Rise of the Mafia in the 1960s.
“I’m writing a book, as much for myself as anything else, charting the history or Al Capone and the Rise of the Mafia.
“It keeps me out of trouble at least,” he smiled.
To learn more about the properties available at Muir, including sheltered and supported living accommodation, call 0300 123 1222 or email info@muir.org.uk
“I would recommend Muir to anyone considering supported or sheltered housing,” said Graeme.
“It gives me great peace of mind.”