NORTH
LEEDS
A RECEPTIONIST bagged the top gong at Donisthorpe Hall’s annual employees of the year awards ceremony. Elaine Simon, who joined the staff in 2010, scooped the overall employee of the year award and was presented with a cheque for £500. “She has shown commitment and enthusiasm,” commented Andrew Brown, the Moortown care home’s chairman. Ms Simon said she was overwhelmed to receive the award. Fifteen additonal members of staff stepped up to accept trophies and a cheque each for £100. Mr Brown added: “We are so fortunate that we have an incredible amount of dedicated people on our team.” ( See picture.)
MANCHESTER
MORE THAN 50 people attended a bagel brunch in aid of World Jewish Relief at Cheshire Reform Congregation. Eve Davidson and her team of helpers provided ample supplies of food, together with a short film about WJR’s work in Eastern Europe. Menorah raised more than £1,800 for WJR.
PRESTWICH
HEATHLANDS Village Fed employee Carol Cainer was thrilled to receive a donation of £750 on behalf of the charity’s Project Smile. The donation came from Bury-based Louise Largan and Yvonne Moore who organised a Diamond Jubilee garden party in June. Their interest in The Fed arose when they read in the local press that Mrs Cainer’s husband Geoff, a neighbourhood friend, was taking part in charity runs to raise funds for Project Smile which provides respite for children with special needs. Mrs Moore said the event was “a true community effort”.
LONG SERVICE awards have been made to four members of staff at The Fed’s Heathlands Village. Both Brian Pomfret, facilities management services supervisor, and Pamela Russell, resident care staff, celebrated 40 years of service; finance officer Sandra Davidson has been with the charity for 35 years; and Gaynor Thomas, Moorview support worker, was commended for 20 years with the organisation. Mark Cunningham, director of clinical services, said: “We are very lucky to have such diligent, dedicated and loyal members of staff.
DARLINGTON
THE FIRST barmitzvah was celebrated at Darlington Hebrew Congregation since the community moved into a new building five years ago and the first for the community in eight years. Aaron McAllister, son of Yarm-based Colm and Peninnah McAllister, led much of the service in the packed synagogue as well as reading Torah and Haftorah. Rabbi Barbara Borts, Aaron’s teacher and the community’s part-time rabbi, gave the sermon; warden was Benny Ross of Newcastle Reform where Aaron attends cheder. Overflow seating with a video link was provided in the entrance hall. ( See picture.) Catford shul was one of the destinations of the Lewisham walk. At the garden Adam Waine and Anton Bartick carried the Ajex standards while the service was conducted by Rev Rome and Canon Owen Beament.
HAMPSTEAD
MAGEN DAVID Adom UK supporter Philip Peters organised a private screening of the new hit film Ted at the Everyman cinema. The 120-seat venue was full as guests raised £2,500. Mr Peters said: “The MDA UK office supported me through the planning stages and I am thrilled that more lives will be saved in Israel with the money that was raised.