Letters

I soldiered in North Africa, under Wavell, then Aukinleck, then the “new broom” Montgomery arrived. His first significant act was to move Army HQ out of Cairo’s spy infested Shepherds Hotel into the desert. His next act was to order Sig. Stock H E to go on Aliya to the promised land in the footsteps of Moshe Rabbenu, but just a little faster. I had a wonderfully rewarding time finding close and distant re1atives, and in my spare time I attended the new General’s very first tough tactics course at Sarafand (now Tsrifin). Sadly, in mid September 1942 I had to follow in  Joseph’s footsteps down into Egyptt, where my new job was to teach Officer Cadets unarmed combat and how to use their hands to kill Germans.

A national emergency arose. Rommel was close to Alexandria and the rest of the German army was advancing into Russia so fast that there was a danger of encirclement. Once more there was only man Montgomery could rely on (Errol Flynn was then unknown). I was ordered to proceed to the North of Persia (Iran) into the foothills of the Caucasian Mountains to repel the German advance on that flank. All I suffered was extreme cold and hunger, because very fortunately the Russian Army did that job for us.

Harold Stock 

 Ashton under Lyne

Soon after arriving on Teesside in 1980 I had contacted the Synagogue and Alice, the caretaker, a lovely person, suggested I get in touch with Bernard and Pam Vyner, which I did and they invited me for dinner on the following Friday night. After Ruby and mum arrived we went to Shabbat services and were warmly welcomed by all. It was clear to us that we had been lucky to find a delightful and caring community, many of whom became real friends.

By the time we joined the shul the community was already ageing, but there were fairly good attendances on Shabbat and Festivals and there were nine children in the cheder. I am sure that in addition to the determination of the community the efforts of Rev Kersh (and, later, of our visiting Minister, Rev Topp) kept us going for many years.

Although by 1984 the cheder had closed down, the other communal activities were still functioning. We had quickly integrated into the community and Ruby and mum took an active part. There was a WIZO group which held meetings and coffee mornings each month in members’ houses. Ruby was Hon Treasurer for four years after Beryl Bookey moved to London. There was also a League of Jewish Women who provided social services to stroke victims in M’bro. Monthly afternoon teas for the older ladies of the community were another activity of the LJW.

The Synagogue Ladies Guild provided Kiddushim for Shabbatot and Festivals, and Purim and Chanukah parties up to the time we left in December 1991.     

Sam and Ruby Horwich

Karmiel, Israel

 

A word of appreciation for your Newsletter—it is one of the most remarkable pieces of Jewish history I’ve seen. So many contributions from people sharing their memories. I wish there was a virtual community for many other places.

Thank you for all your hard work. And you get remembered every time we open our siddurim and machzorim!

Frank Gent

Exeter Synagogue, England

Where Are They Now?

My late uncle and aunt, Rev and Mrs Turtledove, lived in Ayresome Street. I would like to trace their daughters Dina and Gertie. Unfortunately we do not know their married names. Do any of our readers have any information?

Stuart Dove

Jerusalem, Israel  

 

I am interested in the Hebrew Order of Druids. This was a Jewish friendly society, a  lodge (branch) of which was opened in M’bro in 1904. It had a membership of 30 by 1910. Does anybody know anything else about it? Are there any members still around?

As chair of the Friendly Societies Research Group I am interested in friendly societies in general and have articles on Jewish friendly societies in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Can any of your readers help?

 Dan Weinbren

Open University, England

 

I am researching my family roots in M’bro. According to the 1881 census, my great-grandfather, Jacob Levy (aged 20) was residing at 27 Bridge Street West, M’bro with two other Levys who are unknown to me—Lewis Levy (aged 30) who was married to Sarah Levy and had two children, Barnard and Morris (4 and 6 respectively); and Abraham Levy (aged 23). Jacob Levy later moved to Glasgow where he married Sarah Rosenthal and raised a family. I know nothing of Jacob Levy's family or origins, but would like to seek out the descendents of Abraham and Lewis Levy.

Can any of your readers help me?

                                                                                                                                     Lois Kaufman, 

Israel

                                                                             

The Editor reserves the right to edit letters as appropriate

 

Boro Quiz no 7

1.  What is the name of the Park at end of Marton Road?

2.  Which College was the forerunner of Teesside University?

3. Where is the Evening Gazette Building?      

4. Where did the only single-decker bus go?

5. What is the origin of the Essoldo cinema chain?

6. Who ran in the 1952 election for President of the shul?

7. Name the wives of the 3 ministers from 1920 to1989.

8. Who has been living in the same house for over 65 years?

9.  Which two men from one family wore a Kittel on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

10.Who went to Carmel College?