Continental Friends
There follow reports from recent get-togethers.For information about meetings email Susan Harrod - susan@ajr.org.uk
Southern Groups
AJR Book Club
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Warm and cosyBitterly cold outside but warm and cosy inside Joseph’s bookshop discussing Penny Vincenzi’s The Best of Times. A group of ladies of discernable age discussing a 21st-century novel with incredible humour and clarity. Followed by an interesting discussion with bookshop owner Michael Joseph putting across a male point of view.
Birmingham (West Midlands)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
‘It’s a Wonderful World’A Desert Island Discs-style afternoon, with Philip Lesser playing the role of Roy Plomley interviewing Fred Austin. A most memorable account of Fred’s life interspersed with beautiful classical pieces and finishing with Louis Armstrong’s ‘It’s a Wonderful World’.
Brighton and Hove (Sarid)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Reminiscence of Chanukas pastIt was a good turnout for our Chanukah party. Due to a train delay, Esther was a little late with the doughnuts but reminiscence of Chanukahs past and the holiday spirit put everyone in a happy mood.
Bristol and Bath
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
‘The Old Lady Discovered’Having finally found our way to the new location at the Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation, we were rewarded by a splendid buffet lunch, thanks to Clare Sandler and Myrna Glass. Stephen Collins, a Bank of England Agent in South West England, gave a fascinating talk on ‘The Old Lady Discovered’. At least we now know what ‘quantitative easing’ is.
Bromley Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
The moving story of WatermarksLiane Segal generously offered us her hospitality and an excellent lunch for a screening of Watermarks, the moving story of the women swimmers of the legendary Vienna Hakoah sports club. All present, including three ‘second generation’ guests, enjoyed an afternoon of lively discussion, shared memories and companionship.
Cambridge
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Background of a Polish poetHaving well-known poet Lotte Kramer present as a member of our Group gave special relevance to a talk by Martin Kahn about Jerzy Kamil Weintraub, a Polish poet who died in the Holocaust. A booklet he wrote found in an antique table drawer bought 35 years ago by a relative of Martin prompted him to research Weintraub’s background.
Cardiff
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Jews in Regency LondonDavid Barnett told us that due to immigration from the Netherlands and Prussia, by the 1800s the Jewish population of London had swelled to over 2,000 from a tiny nucleus in the 1790s. A highly recommended talk by a very knowledgeable historian.
Child Survivors Association
for further information, contact susan@ajr.org.uk
'Why is Hebrew Written Backwards?'Dr Martin Stern answered the question ‘Why do you write Hebrew backwards?’ and was assisted by members of the audience. Diversions led also to the roots of a number of English-language words - neither Latin nor Greek but Phoenician/Hebrew. Dorothy’s cakes were a delight for the palate.
Ealing
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
The story of Eva ErbenDavid Lawson, who relayed to us the story of how Eva Erben from Czechoslovakia survived the Holocaust through a series of miraculous events, was instrumental in the publication of her autobiography in English.
Edgware
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Serving in the British armyMel Faber gave us a very interesting account of his experiences while serving in the British army in WWII, including his involvement in the D-Day landings. He also told us about the three service medals he was wearing.
Essex
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Singing piano recitals and jokesRob and Geoffrey entertained with a programme of Mozart and Gilbert and Sullivan – a morning of singing piano recitals and some jokes. The perfect way to celebrate pre-Chanukah, rounding off with Maoz Tsur.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
A most enjoyable morningNo speaker this time, but some members brought an item that was of sentimental value to them; others spoke about personal experiences. A most enjoyable morning.
Hendon
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
The origin of AliceMark Davies, who has researched the background of Alice in Wonderland, kept us captivated with his anecdotes. On 4 July 1862 Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), a maths lecturer, took a friend and the three daughters of the Dean of Christ Church (Lorina, Alice and Edith Liddell) on a rowing trip and picnic on the river at Oxford. To occupy the children, he told them the tale which little Alice later asked him to write down.
Ilford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Memories of ChanukahHarry Harris entertained us at our early Chanukah party and we enjoyed the usual seasonal goodies. Myrna also gave us a resume of the Chanukah story and we all added our own memories of this event in the past.
Imperial Cafe War Veterans
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
A wonderful turnoutA wonderful turnout in which one of our group, from 88 Company, spoke about his heroic return from St Malo two weeks after Dunkirk. Another member showed us his passport from the age of 15 and told the story of how he was picked as the most ‘Aryan-looking’ chap in his class!
Kent
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Chanukah partyWe lit the first candle of the Hanukkiah, talked about the meaning of Chanukah, ate doughnuts and mince pies, listened to a CD of Jewish songs sung by Connie Francis, and answered quiz questions. A good time was had by all.
Kingston Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Wladek Spilman documentaryWe watched a documentary on Wladek Spilman, the survivor on whom the film The Pianist is based, and enjoyed the usual wonderful hospitality with excellent home-made cakes from Susie Zisman.
Marlow Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
A small but cheerful groupA small but cheerful group – including two ladies travelling some distance - expounded on our personal background and histories. A musical basis was suggested for next time, when better weather will encourage us.
North London
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
The CST: Why, When, How?Mark Gardener gave a most interesting talk on the Community Security Trust, a body of volunteers that protects community functions and property, if necessary in co-operation with the police. The CST’s work is universally appreciated.
Norwich (Norfolk)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Recharging batteries in NorfolkA most successful meeting, with nine members – the maximum possible – turning up. Having recharged our batteries with goodies shlepped all the way from the Jewish settlement of Wembley by Myrna, and by the baked potatoes carried all the way from Ormesby by Eva, we are looking forward to more of the same at the next gathering of the clan in spring.
Nottingham (East Midlands)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
A convivial lunch and chatWe met at a member’s house for a convivial lunch and chat. Being a small but diverse group, we always enjoy each other’s company. One of our members, Reni Chapman, recounted the story of her early life as a refugee from Germany, in Iraq and, ultimately, Israel. As usual, we were delighted to see Esther Rinkoff, who brought us news from head office and kept us in order with her lovely smile.
Oxford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Early Chanukah partyAn early Chanukah party with a quiz, latkes, Chanukah geld, and much good food was enjoyed by members.
Pinner
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Two partiesAn early Chanukah party plus our 14th birthday party. Musical entertainment was provided by Ronnie Goldberg, who treated us to a splendid selection of songs of Jewish backgrounds and languages. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Radlett
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
A fraught relationshipRob Lowe gave an account of the lives of Gilbert and Sullivan with an assessment of their achievements in writing musical comedy. Bearing in mind the fraught relationship between librettist and composer, it’s a wonder they wrote so many delightful works. This amusing lecture was illustrated by musical examples.
St John's Wood (formerly Cleve Road)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Farewell to Cleve Road (in future: St Johns Wood Group)For our very last meeting at Cleve Road, Myrna arranged a special Chanukah party. We then had an informative quiz before our meeting ended all too quickly. And so we said a sad farewell to Cleve Road.
Surrey
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Old and new friendsSeventeen of us met, again, in Edmee’s house for a very pleasant morning, enjoying as always her hospitality and a delicious variety of food. It was nice to catch up with old friends and get to know about our newer members.
Temple Fortune
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Mesmerised with gadgets from the pastMaster of Victoriana Maurice Collins mesmerised us with gadgets from the past. A skirt lifter, nail buffer and glasses to wear when lying down – these were just a few of the items that kept us guessing. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Welwyn Garden City
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
A thought-provoking morningEach of us talked about a person who has had an influence on our lives. A deep and thought-provoking morning.
Wembley
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Refreshing memoriesMyrna updated us on changes in the AJR and explained the rearrangement of premises and meeting dates. We then proceeded to introduce ourselves and, though this has been done in the past, it was useful to refresh our memories. Interestingly, there were 3 Berliners, 1 or 2 Austrians, 1 from Poland, 1 Czech and 1 Upper Silesian … and Myrna, British-born.
Wessex (Bournemouth)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
A real treatOur Chanukah party turned out to be a real treat. Wonderful entertainment was provided by Lynne Bradley, a versatile expert artist, and wonderful food by our Myrna. A Chanukah candle was lit by our Hebrew Congregation host Rabbi A. Jesner.