Letters
Teesside Topics
Ed note: This is an abridged version of the
article which appeared in the Newcastle Recorder
Middlesbrough has been in the news - mentioned in the
JC - but not a report of mine - and on radio by the Chief Rabbi on
Thought for the Day. It was not to tell the world that we had won the
Carling Cup. Rather was it to announce the appalling vandalism at the
Old Cemetery. However, I must add that according to the Press the
residents and the Police do not think it was anti-semitism. I hope they
are right, but yes there has been vandalism in other local cemeteries.
Pure1y by chance the Mayor was at a coffee morning I
had arranged for "the remnants". Pamela Muscat had come also to tell us
of the work she was doing and the help she could provide. Her talk was
most interesting. Mr & Mrs Gellert had kindly come and Joe put matters
very cogently to the Mayor. The Mayor was most concerned and his promise
to investigate the incident was speedily implemented. He held a meeting
of top personnel on the site on 7th July and there have been further
meetings.
The Cemeteries Department of Middlesbrough has
undertaken considerable work. Many trees and bushes have been removed
and the outside boundary hedge has been trimmed so that the area can be
readily viewed by police and Street Wardens. Patrolling has been
increased. Headstones which had been pushed forward are being turned
over and fragments are being joined together. Where possible the stones
will be laid on a sand cement base with a slight slope from the top
downwards. CCTV has been installed.
Work is also being undertaken at the New Cemetery.
CCTV is to be installed. The Prayer House is to be taken over by the
Council for educational purposes but will be available for Jewish
funerals and stone-settings. Repairs to the roof will take place,
toilets will be added and historic detail and character will be
restored.
David Simon
Stokesley, England
