Continental Friends
There follow reports from recent get-togethers.For information about meetings email Susan Harrod - susan@ajr.org.uk
Northern Groups
Bradford Continental Friends
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Bradford CFAn interesting afternoon. Stephen Tendlow discussed his current researches into the history of the German-Jewish bourgeoisie up to WWII, especially that of his own family, who in 1635 built the first mikveh in Wiesbaden, now a spa town. Later Rudi Leavor described presenting his family’s own bespoke Torah Scroll to the Berlin Jewish Museum.
Broughton/Crumpsall Continental Friends
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Cheshire Continental Friends
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Didsbury Continental Friends
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Edinburgh
for further information, contact agnes@ajr.org.uk
A trip to the theatreWe finished the year off with a trip to the theatre - an excellent production of The King and I. A great time was had by all.
Glasgow
for further information, contact agnes@ajr.org.uk
Early New Year partyWe enjoyed a convivial get-together at an early New Year party with mulled wine, delicious sandwiches and cakes (as usual). A New Year concert from Radio City, New York presented by the brilliant violinist Andre Rieu was enjoyed by all. Chanukah lights were lit by third-generation Jony Isaacs.
Glasgow Book Club
for further information, contact agnes@ajr.org.uk
Glasgow Book GroupOur small but lively group gathered at the home of Marion Camrass to discuss Laurie Graham’s novel The Importance of Being Kennedy. The discussion, led by Agnes Isaacs and Anthea Berg, was spirited. The tea was delicious. Our next hostess will be Judith Rosenberg.
Harrogate/York CF
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
‘Wishing you the happiest of New Years!’Edith, a new member of our gang who recently moved to the North from Kingston, was heartily welcomed by eight of the old stalwarts. We chatted about recent events several of us had attended and those of us still ignorant learned about Beth Shalom and its work. Susanne Green, our wonderful mentor, brought future events to our notice and we decided to meet again on 16 February next, wishing each other and distant friends the happiest of New Years.
Hull
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
‘The Idle Wind’We discussed forthcoming AJR events, in particular next year’s London visit. One of our members read the first chapter she is writing about her mother’s life entitled ‘The Idle Wind’, prompting other members to speak about their parents and what had happened to them. A splendid afternoon tea followed.
Leeds
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
A good cup of Yorkshire teaEdith Goldberg told us about the recent Yom Hashoah event in Leeds, then we discussed experiences of returning to our countries of origin. One member had been invited several times to official events, but then the city council changed: though the new council didn’t want to pay any more, the citizens insisted that their town carry on inviting the survivors back. As always, the discussion contained humour and emotion - and was followed by a good cup of Yorkshire tea.
Leeds (Continental Friends)
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Recipes RememberedYorkshire CF members gathered in Leeds for an early Chanukah party with wonderful musical entertainment by David Apfel. Ruth Rogoff retold the story of Chanukah and, after symbolically lighting the candles, we all sang Maoz Tsur with gusto led by Rudi Leavor. Another feature of the afternoon was the launch of Recipes Remembered, a book of Continental dishes and memories from pre-war Europe which was designed, collated and produced by Leeds AJR volunteer Pippa Landey. A copy of the book was presented to Felicia Fern, whose generosity in memory of her mother Annie Perez enabled us to have this beautiful book printed. Recipes were collected from AJR members throughout Britain.
Liverpool
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
A highly recommended filmA large group of members met at the home of Inge and Eric Goldrein for refreshments and to watch Watermarks, a highly recommended film on the Hakoah women swimmers’ team in 1930s Austria. Our gratitude, as always, to Inge and Eric for their hospitality.
Manchester (Continental Friends)
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Better late than never! A ‘post-Chanukah’ socialEven without candles, Maoz Tsur or doughnuts, 40 members enjoyed a ‘post-Chanukah’ social. We were entertained by the lovely voice of Debra Finlay with songs from musicals and there were tasty refreshments. This annual gathering again proved a most popular event – thanks are due to Susanne Green and the social workers for their help in ensuring the success of the afternoon.
Newcastle
for further information, contact agnes@ajr.org.uk
Violin recital of Jewish and Scottish melodiesOur pre-Chanukah lunch party at The Croft included a violin recital of Jewish and Scottish melodies performed by Gica Loening. She was charmingly accompanied at times by her young son, a budding violinist. A most enjoyable occasion.
Northern Region Groups
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
Northern Groups and Leeds HSFA joint eventThe annual joint event of AJR Northern Groups and Leeds HSFA, held in Salford, began with two brief introductory talks, following which participants divided into groups for discussions on 'Early Life in Britain and What People Have Done since Arriving in the UK', 'Claims', and 'Through the Eyes of the Second Generation'. There followed a break for lunch and a talk by John Minnion entitled 'Hitler's List' - brief accounts, illustrated by cartoons, of eminent people stigmatised by the Nazis as persons of inferior race and compelled to leave Germany. The afternoon was again taken up with discussion groups, on 'Revisiting One's Country of Origin', 'Jewish Influence on European Culture' and 'Heritage, Origins, Genealogy, Roots'. All participants then reassembled for brief reports by the discussion group facilitators. A tea marked the end of a successful occasion.
Sheffield
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk
The Holocaust Exhibition at the IWMThe Imperial War Museum’s Suzanne Bardgett gave us a riveting talk on the Holocaust Exhibition she and her team created between 1995 and 2000. Some 700 visitors a day still come to see it and all are overwhelmed by the graphic reminders of the terrible events of the 1930s-40s. The meeting, a moving occasion, took place in the comfortable lounge of Kingfield Lodge, a new venue for us, courtesy of one of our members, Rachel Hunter.
Whitefield/Prestwich Continental Friends
for further information, contact susanne@ajr.org.uk