Synagogue memories

It is with some sadness that I read of the demise of Higher Crumpsall and Higher Broughton Shul (JC, December 22: Farewell to Crumpsall’s

Cathedral). Although I now live in London, I have a strong family connection with Crumpsall. My parents and my husband and I married in this shul. The Bloomenfield and Weinstein families have a long history and were instrumental in doing various carpentry and upholstery repairs — I often saw my uncle Jack repairing the rollers of the Sefer Torah on his dining-room table.

The memories of the choir, Rev Hillman and the view from the ladies’ galleries from early childhood will be cherished. For some years, I would return on Rosh Hashanah rather than stay in London.

Such an iconic building deserves preservation and to find a new role within the Jewish community. Sharon Jacobs (née Weinstein) London N20

In her otherwise admirable article about the Crumpsall shul, Jenni Frazer made the unforgivable error that the Grimsby shul has closed. Having been there a week ago, I can report that the beautiful synagogue is still operating. There are services once a month on Friday nights and Jonathan Arkush takes our wonderful Yom Kippur service.

We have had a recent influx of congregants from Israel and South Africa (well, four people have joined!).

We have continued to operate when larger congregations have faltered, largely because of the close-knit nature of the community and the dedication of a small number of people (and the Grimsby diaspora who are willing to return).

Long may it continue to thrive. If any of you wish to visit, let us know John Bowers QC Brasenose College, Oxford