The legacy we mark today is this fine communal hall and the refurbishment of the Synagogue which really began about 12 years ago when we were discussing the possibility of making it a more welcoming space not only for the NHC but for the wider Jewish community.
Nick was then the Hon. Treasurer – as he had been since 2003 – and he was a very careful guardian of the shul’s finances ensuring they were always strong and sound. That was his official title but he was also the general manager, caretaker, maintenance officer, hospital visitor and so much more.
Nick was a Renaissance man. He had many talents and many interests but this shul was central to his very existence. He regarded the well-being and advancement of the NHC as his personal responsibility. He was motivated by a deep sense of community and did everything he could to further its interests. And whatever he did, he did well.
When Victor Bishop, our former Treasurer, died, in addition to his role as Treasurer he took on all the other things Victor did to serve the community. When the idea of refurbishing the Synagogue took hold with a view to possibly making it a Jewish cultural centre, Nick was enthused. He had already organised the repair and redecoration of the minister’s flat, of course – so he immediately took hold of the new project – plans appeared, discussions were held, meetings took place. And when, some time later – it looked as though there may not be support from the wider Jewish community, the project faltered a little, but Nick was adamant that having got so far, we must continue because it was the right thing to do and he set about planning in earnest.
Meanwhile Marian had seized the concept of a Jewish Community and Heritage Centre and together they began a tireless and demanding campaign of fund-raising – visiting and speaking to many charitable organisations.
And then five years ago – the unimaginable happened and Nick left us. At the first committee meeting in this changed world, a shocked and grieving committee vowed to complete in his memory the project in which Nick had invested so much and – when the building was completed – to have a memorial which would always connect Nick with the communal hall. It is to Marian’s enormous credit that she took on all the rest of the fund raising and supervised the entire building project.
This simple plaque tells a complex story of a remarkable man and the very great contribution he made to our community.