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
Projects and Memorial BooksSusanne Green spoke about the Projects and Memorial Books produced in four Northern cities under her wing. Her aim was to see whether we, possibly along with the Sheffield group, might wish to produce something similar for a launch in Coventry at a Holocaust Memorial in 2009.
Brighton and Hove (Sarid)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
The second generation of survivorsRabbi Charles Wallach, himself the son of survivors, sought to assess the impact of people’s tragic experiences on their offspring.
Bristol and Bath
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Childhood in ViennaFollowing a delicious lunch, thanks to Mr and Mrs Balint-Kurti’s warm hospitality, we heard Otto Deutsch’s moving recollections of his childhood in Vienna and his report on a recent visit to the city. This led to a stimulating discussion of our experiences with the present-day generation of Germans and Austrians.
Bromley Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Cambridge
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Cambridge and Ben UriTwo new members enjoyed with us an excellent talk by Suzanne Lewis, from whom we learned about the Ben Uri Gallery’s history, its function in recent years, its international reputation, and its planned contribution to displays in Liverpool, 2008 European City of Culture.
Cardiff
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Bertha Leverton of KindertransportOur special guest, Bertha Leverton, explained how and why she had become so interested in the Kindertransport. She left home in Munich at the age of 16 and had the joy of seeing her parents again later, in contrast with so many others whose parents never made it.
Cleve Road
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
History of the Royal Free HospitalDr Eva Blumenthal told us that William Marsden founded the hospital in 1828 in Hatton Garden as the London General Institution, which operated as a dispensary with a home visiting service. In 1835 the name was changed to Free Hospital. Under Queen Victoria, it became the Royal Free Hospital, the name by which it is known today as a leading NHS teaching hospital.
Edgware
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
History of Jews in EnglandOnce again we were treated to a very interesting and informative talk by Susannah Alexander on the history of the Jews in England.
Essex
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
An accordionist in EssexWe were entertained magnificently by Tony Compton on the accordion. Some of the girls even danced to the enthralling tunes! It was a morning none of us is likely to forget.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
HGS birthday partyOur fourth birthday was celebrated by a fine cake and a talk by two Golders Green PCSOs. We were given valuable advice on how to protect ourselves and our property in the street, at home and when travelling abroad.
Hendon
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
The story of Renee GoddardWe heard the interesting life story of Renee Goddard, who came to England in 1934. After the war, she became a Glyndebourne student, an actress and a dancer. She also worked for BBC radio and television.
Ilford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Dance and song in IlfordOver 40 members celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut with an Israeli lunch and a surprise performance by a young Tel Aviv dance group, who gave us a wonderful and zestful session of dance and song. We drank to Israel’s 60th birthday.
Kent
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Weald of Kent talk on English-Jewish historyWe enjoyed a fascinating talk on ‘Jews in England from the time of Disraeli’ by Susannah Alexander, former Education Officer of the Jewish Museum. The session covered immigration, Zionism and Judaism today.
Kingston Continental Friends
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Kingston CF/ South London/ North London outingThe heavy rain was not conducive to our visit to Kew Gardens. But our guide was excellent: many thanks to her for making the visit so enjoyable despite the weather. Our thanks too to Hazel and Esther for organising this event.
North London
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
The King's Most Loyal Enemy AliensOver 30 of us, including new faces, listened to Helen Fry speak about her book The King's Most Loyal Enemy Aliens, in which she chronicles the episode during WW2 when thousands of refugees from Germany and Austria joined the British forces.
Norwich (Norfolk)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Norfolk happy breedThis happy breed of AJR members discussed a visit to Berlin - hitherto the very sound of German gave one the shivers. Frank spoke of a moving performance by Felixstowe sixth-formers of the journey by cattle truck to Auschwitz. Myrna and helpers ensured the inner man and woman were well served.
Nottingham (East Midlands)
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Enjoyable East Midlands lunch meetingAnother enjoyable lunch meeting was held in a member’s home. We discussed the recent AJR trip to London as well as a proposed Holocaust Memorial Book dedicated to the memory of victims of Sheffield and East Midlands members’ relatives.
Oxford
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Oxford, Radlett and Welwyn joint trip to Wiener LibraryThe visit opened with a talk on the history of the library by its archivist, Howard Falksohn, and this was followed by a conducted tour. The Wiener Library collection is one of the world’s most important archives on fascism, racism and antisemitism, particularly the Holocaust.
Pinner
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
The problem of deafnessIn his daily work, audiologist Robert Beiny deals with the many hearing problems faced by (mostly) older people; in his ‘spare-time’ work he helps deaf children in Romania. Sixteen per cent of the population suffers from hearing loss, while an astonishing 80 per cent never have a hearing test, Robert told us.
Radlett
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
Jews and jazzAlf Keiles used illustrations from his extensive record collection to show how great the Jewish contribution to jazz has been. To some of the audience, perhaps more familiar with the classics, the talk will have opened a window on a new, attractive aspect of modern music.
South London
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
South London overview of South African historyDr Sheila Marshall gave us an overview of South Africa’s development since the 1600s. Nelson Mandela’s role and the Jewish involvement were also explained.
South West Midlands
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Sunday lunch with the NeubauersNineteen of us enjoyed a delightful Sunday lunch at the home of Richard and Wendy Neubauer in the Royal Forest of Dean. Another new member, Renate Beigel, from Vienna, had no idea that any other survivors were in the area and hadn't met any for 67 years. By chance, she met a friend of Ruth Jackson, who brought the two together, and they found much in common.
Surrey
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Spring in SurreyEdmée Barta entertained us once again for the Spring coffee morning. We have added a number of newcomers to our group - all due to the continuing hard work of Myrna and her colleagues. Also, Myrna ensures we are updated on the AJR’s wider activities as well as services for members. Once again, an enjoyable social gathering.
Temple Fortune
for further information, contact esther@ajr.org.uk
‘Safety in the community’Two representatives of the local Police Community Support Team gave us very useful crime prevention advice. If required, a local Crime Prevention Officer would visit us at home to give specific advice.
Welwyn Garden City
for further information, contact hazel@ajr.org.uk
Welwyn Middle East briefingRobin Hamilton-Taylor from the Israeli Embassy gave us insight into the current situation in the Middle East and readily answered ensuing questions.
Wembley
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Wembley’s first birthdayWe celebrated our first birthday and, as it was Israel’s 60th birthday, we indulged in recounting memories from our past. Myrna provided a generous supply of lovely party food, including a birthday cake.
Wessex (Bournemouth)
for further information, contact myrna@ajr.org.uk
Wessex talk on history of South AfricaWith the aid of a video Dr Sheila Marshall gave us a whistle-stop tour of South African history from the first settlement in 1652 in West Cape up to the present day.