Kehilat Middlesbrough Newsletter No 2 April 1999 page 2
Thank you very much for the most interesting Newsletter. I am a cousin of Terry Greenberg; we both lived in Southfield Road.
In August 1942 I joined the Royal Armoured Corps. I landed in Normandy on Day 1 as a tank gunner and saw action until VE Day.
I left England for Canada in 1948. I believe I was the last boy to be Barmitzvah in the Brentnall Street shul—December 12th 1936! I went to cheder when Rabbi Miller was teaching—I think I was a bit of a problem pupil! However, my mother Hindy and my dad Woolfie made sure that I was in shul on Fridays and Saturday mornings. My mother was President of the Chevra Kadisha and was presented with candlesticks as a token of her special services.
My contemporaries were Ronnie Niman, Ronnie Goodman, Myer Baum. We all belonged to Habonim. I recall the War Memorial list of Boro men killed in the First world War had the name of David Smollan—my mother’s maiden name was Smollan.
My sister Beryl Shapiro keeps in touch with some Boro folk. Middlesbrough will always be in my mind and I am very pleased with your efforts to keep in touch. Alan Freeman Toronto, Canada
I do have a connection with Middlesbrough - but it goes back to 1867, when my grandfather, Sigismund Sandeman, was born there. I wonder where the early records of the shul are now kept. I really enjoyed the Newsletter, which Dr Jane Sherman sent to me and I wish I had seen the shul before it closed. Miriam Margolyes Santa Monica, California, USA
I left Middlesbrough as a single girl – Sadie Greenberg - at the age of 23 years and emigrated to Israel in 1949, just after the founding of the State. My friends were Lily Breckner and Sarah Wiseman. I was in the girl guides with my sister, Blanche, who was the patrol leader. My brothers and sisters – all 11 of us – went to Marton Road school.
Terry now lives in Jerusalem and Phil in Australia. I have a son who has 3 boys, and a daughter who has a son and daughter. The son is a marathon runner who has represented the USA at the Maccabia Games in Israel. Sadie Ramati Ra’anana, Israel
I would like to ask your readers’ help in my search for some family roots. In this case , musical roots. I am a grandson of the late Chazan Yankel Moshe Silverston, who was the Chazan in Middlesbrough from 1897 to 1937; my mother was Rebecca Silverston.
Incidentally, my other grandfather was Chazan Sheni, Chazan Shalom Cohen, the father of my late father Myer (Mick) Cohen. I have been told that it was noted in the pamphlet that was on show at the closing ceremony that Chazan Silverston wrote chazanos, especially pieces from the Hallel.
I am very keen to try and find out if any of his music has survived in written form or if anyone can remember even to sing any of the melodies. I did not have the pleasure of meeting my grandfather and it would be a delight to hear or get to know any of his music. If any one could help I would be very grateful. Ian Cohen Elkana, Israel
I was fascinated and intrigued by your Newsletter and enclose a list of 10 addresses as you requested. Gwen Lamb Middlesbrough Thank you for your efforts to contact me. I am a partly retired doctor who lived with my parents and family in M’bro from 1924 for about 12 years.
My father, William Claff MPS, had a pharmaceutical chemists shop, "Jack Robinson", in the main shopping centre.
My granddaughter Esther Solomon and her husband recently made Aliya; they now live in Jerusalem.
I wish you and your colleagues all success in your venture. Harold Claff London, England
Whilst I think of Middlesbrough quite sentimentally, it is almost 40 years since I left and I think your plans for a permanent "diaspora" are a little fanciful. I can hardly remember anyone from those far-off days. My sister Ruth keeps me informed but always has to explain who she's talking about. Alan Cohen Bakewell, England
Boro Quiz no 2
1. What were the two main youth movements between the Wars? 2. Who gave the Hesped at Rabbi Miller’s Funeral? 3. Which members of the Kehila died on active service in the First and Second World Wars? 4. Who had 2 children doctors, and also 9 grandchildren doctors? 5. Where were services held between the closlng of Brentnall St 1936 and theopening of Park Road South in 1938? 6. (i) Who was the headmaster of Marton Grove School in the twenties and thirties? (ii) Who was the headmaster of Linthorpe Primary School in the forties and fifties? (iii) Who was headmaster of the High School in the forties and fifties? 7. Where was the Fire Brigade? 8. What were the first two-letter car registrations for Middlesbrough? 9. What was the name of the hospital in Cambridge Road? 10.When was the opening of (i) The Transporter Bridge (ii) the Newport Bridge?