Continental Friends
There follow reports from recent get-togethers.For information about meetings email Susan Harrod - susan@ajr.org.uk
Southern Groups
Birmingham (West Midlands)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Farewell tea for CorinneIlse Schlesinger hosted a lovely tea party in honour of Corinne Oppenheimer, a much-loved AJR member who is leaving Birmingham to live near her daughter in London. Corinne and her late husband Paul were co-founders of our local group. She will be greatly missed.
Brighton and Hove (Sarid)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
‘A meaningful object and its story’Two ladies, spiritual healers, talked about their introduction to their calling. Others shared their experiences, showing treasured items and photographs of their families.
Bristol and Bath
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
The return of MarciaRetired AJR Head of Social Services Marcia Goodman told us that when she was appointed, the AJR's social work was confined to the London area. Later, members countrywide were encouraged to form (or re-form) groups, initially to help isolated members. Marcia gave details of actual, early cases.
Bromley Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
A friendly afternoonGathering at Eva Byk’s home, we enjoyed an afternoon of informality and friendliness.
Cambridge
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Chanukah geld and goodiesMyrna came bearing Chanukah geld and goodies: the Binks were unable to prepare their usual generous refreshments as John was suffering a fractured hip - warmest good wishes were sent to him. The seasonal quiz Myrna brought was won by Adrian Malcolm. Myrna also initiated a discussion on Chanukah’s origins and practices. A warm, relaxed and enjoyable occasion.
Cardiff
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Cardiff – an afternoon among friendsWe gathered for a delicious lunch followed by a talk by Ian Derrick of the Bank of England Agency in Wales. Ian discussed the current financial climate and the long-term prospects for recovery and opened up the floor for questions. An enjoyable afternoon among friends.
Cleve Road
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
‘The Story of a Search’Shirley Bilgora told a poignant story about finding the final resting place of her uncle Max Mann, who was killed in action in 1944. Shirley started looking for his grave in 2004 and finally located it in the Czech section of the French military cemetery 60 miles from Calais. Eventually she succeeded in having the cross on his grave replaced by a Star of David.
Dulwich Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Ealing
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
A fine rendition of operatic worksWe were given a fine rendition of operatic works from Alan Bilgora’s marvellous collection. Many of the singers were chazans who became international recording artists on Victor Red Label in the USA. We were also treated to Urma Kurtz's famous trill.
Eastbourne Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Eastbourne CF’s second Get-togetherWe met at the home of Marion Gross for our second Get-together. Two new Eastbournites were a source of information on Jewish community activities in the area. We also now have sources to contact other refugees in the vicinity. Marion kindly read us two of her poems.
Edgware
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Edgware journey into the pastMartin Calms spoke very interestingly about Jewish communities in southern Poland. To some of the audience, this was a reminder of their forefathers' past.
Essex
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Chanukah PartyWe attended a Chanukah Party at the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation. Rabbi Bar thanked the volunteers and lit five candles symbolically. Entertainment was provided by Elan, an Israeli who sang in English and Hebrew.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Nazi looting of artA talk by Professor Richard Evans on the Nazis’ looting of art and jewellery was most enlightening. It was encouraging to hear that important works such as Klimt's pictures had recently been returned to the heirs of their original owners.
Hendon
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Singing ‘light’ in HendonAlan Bilgora, stepping in for his wife Shirley, who was indisposed, played a ‘Programme of Crossovers’ – classical singers singing ‘light’. A most entertaining afternoon.
Ilford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Anne Frank Trust Prison ProjectSteve Gadd told us about this exhibition. Hearing these testimonies appears to have a good effect on prison inmates - one prisoner, Steve told us, wrote a stirring poem on the subject.
Imperial Cafe War Veterans
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Café ImperialWe were enthralled with tales of Willy Field’s 80th birthday celebrations.
Kent
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
‘A Kibbutz in Ireland’Edith Bown, one of our members, told a well-attended meeting about her and her brother's stay on a refugee farm in Northern Ireland (see page 4).
Kingston Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Lovely social gatheringWe met at Susan Zisman’s home in New Malden and had delicious cakes and a lovely social gathering. There were 15 of us – including three new visitors.
North London
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
North London literary meetingHelen Fry spoke about the recent publication of her book on Anton Freud, grandson of Sigmund, while James Hamilton gave a brief resume of the characters behind his book Goodnight Vienna. Once again, a most enjoyable and interesting morning.
Norwich (Norfolk)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Being cheerful and keeping going in NorfolkNine of the indefatigables met to debate the place of women in shul; whether can one be a Jew without being Jewish; and supermarket v corner shop. All the while munching our way through the various goodies members had brought. It’s being so cheerful that keeps us going.
Nottingham (East Midlands)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Nottingham Get-togetherWe held our final 2009 social get-together at a member’s home. As usual, we had a delicious lunch, which was attended by some 20 members from Leicester and Nottingham and Shires. We anticipate our next meeting will be next spring.
Oxford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
The Jews of OstravaDavid Lawson’s talk, delivered with slides and anecdotes, was particularly relevant as one of our members came from that area.
Pinner
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
A vigorous Hava NagilaAbout 50 of us had a lovely Chanukah Party. Jenny Kossow led us on her accordion in lively singing, even persuading some of us to dance a vigorous Hava Nagila. Plus, of course, latkes and doughnuts.
Radlett
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Extraordinary experiencesDr Helen Fry introduced her latest book Freuds’ War, while James Hamilton outlined the history behind the novel Goodnight Vienna.
South London
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
South London Group meets for last timeThis was our final meeting as our Group is being replaced by smaller regional groupings, in Kingston and Bromley. Founder members Helen, Lora and Marion paid tribute to Ken Ambrose, who spearheaded the Group’s early work. After a delicious lunch we heard a most interesting presentation by David Lawson on the Jews of Ostrava. We ended the meeting with a birthday cake with 15 candles to commemorate the span of the Group's existence.
Surrey
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Warm receptionSome 15 of us were warmly received by Edmee Barta at her lovely house in Epsom. Ably assisted by Edith Vanstone, she prepared an excellent buffet.
Temple Fortune
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
A great Chanukah welcomeEsther gave everyone a great Chanukah welcome before introducing our entertainer Rob Lowe, who told jokes and sang songs accompanied by Geoffrey Whitworth on the keyboard. The Chanukah tea that followed included delicious doughnuts.
Welwyn Garden City
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Deals with the devilAll members of our Group turned out to hear Prof Ladislaus Lob outline the story of Rezsno Kasztner's "deals with the devil" - Eichmann and co. Enough for many films and fiction-faction stories.
Wembley
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
An auspicious occasionWe joined our regularly attending member Feo Kahn on her 100th birthday, enjoying a massive tea party provided by Myrna. Once again, congratulations and good health to Feo!
Wessex (Bournemouth)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
The Suchet familyAfter an excellent Pre-Chanukah tea, Peter Suchet spoke to some 20 of us about his family, in particular his brothers John, a broadcaster and authority on Beethoven, and David, internationally known for his film role as the detective Poirot.