Reunion September 6th 2010

This year's reunion at the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square, Holborn was a splendid affair for a number of reasons

Amongst the "happenings", was a visit by the Gentle Author of the Spitalfields Life Blog who had been invited to attend by the committee following his previous excellent article about club life.
Spitalfields Life.
On the evening, he very generously brought along with him some 100 maps of the Arnold Circus area, plus DVDs and other info, and these were in place at the tables for club members to take home with them.

Go to: http://spitalfieldslife.com/ for his brilliant report on the reunion and revel with me at his super, evocative photos of this very special event.

Our excellent Guest speaker was Grant Cornwell CEO of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and he made comparison with the work that his Foundation does for the youth of today with C&BG's own excellent record.

Many members had turned up despite their obvious frailty and how delighted we were to see, for example, Syd Tabor who, I must remind you all, wrote the words to our Club song.

Our hard-working Maxie Lea also managed to surprise Monty Meth with a super book all about the Spurs (one of Monty's passions) which was awarded to Monty by the committee, on behalf of the club, for his stalwart work as Chairman of the club for so many years.

The Hiller boys really triumphed this year and resounding shouts of "More !" brought them back for one reprise.

In short, a splendid time was had by all, including yours truly !

Today I received the following e-mail from Conor Maloney-Hill which I believe is self-explanatory:

Dear old boys of the Cambridge and Bethnal Green and New Cambridge Boys’ Clubs,

My name’s Conor, and I’m a researcher at a TV production company called Century Films. Some of you will be aware that we’re currently producing a documentary for BBC Two about the history of London, and that we’re investigating the past 120 years of specific areas, one of those being the Boundary Estate.

Thank you for having me as a guest at your 86th anniversary on Monday night. I was made to feel especially welcome, and I felt honoured to be there. I had a very enjoyable time and some fascinating conversations about life on the Boundary Estate.

However, there were a lot of old boys I didn’t get a chance to meet, so I’m sure there are still a lot of great stories to be found. If you feel you have anything you can tell us about life on the Boundary Estate, please get in touch. Maybe you even had ancestors who lived in the Old Nichol, before the Boundary Estate was built. If so, we would love to hear from you.

You can call us on 020 7378 6106,or email us at: historystreet@centuryfilmsltd.com

Finally, if you are reading this, leave us a comment to let us know you have called and don't forget to trot along to http://spitalfieldslife.com/ to read that full report and see some wonderful photos
Spitalfields Life.

ps
I have had a delightful letter from Australia asking me to label the pictures above & I am glad to oblige.
1. John Bush and his son Nigel
2. Martin Markey
3. Tony & Irving Hiller
4. Monty Meth & Maxie Lea
5. " "
6. The Guest List (I was sitting on Table 3)
7. Syd Tabor

Since the reunion I have received the following letter from one of the guests who has chosen to remain anonymous.

I RECENTLY WENT WITH MY FATHER TO THE 2010 CLUB REUNION. I HAVE BEEN BEFORE AND IT IS QUITE APPARENT TO ME THAT THE MEMBERS GET A GREAT DEAL OF PLEASURE SEEING OLD FRIENDS. I SUPPOSE THAT ON AVERAGE IN EXCESS OF 100 PEOPLE MEET AND THEN SIT DOWN FOR DINNER.

IT IS CLEAR THAT ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE ELEMENTS OCCURS PRIOR TO THE MEAL WHEN MEMBERS TALK TO OLD FRIENDS. THE BUZZ AND ATMOSPHERE IN THAT ROOM IS ALMOST PALPABLE AND ALTHOUGH IT IS GREAT GOING WITH MY FATHER, I FEEL A LITTLE BIT LIKE AN INTRUDER. BUT I AM SURE THAT MANY FATHERS FEEL A TWANG OF PRIDE BEING ABLE TO SAY; THAT’S MY SON OR GRANDSON.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I DID NOT WANT TO GO, FOR ALL MANNER OF REASONS, BUT IN A FUNNY WAY I REGRET NOT GOING A FEW YEARS EARLIER. THIS YEAR THE GUEST SPEAKER WAS FROM SPURS. GREAT FOR MOST OF THE SPEECH, BUT HE FINISHED OFF WITH JOKES AT OUR COMPETITORS EXPENSE. I WAS NOT TOO KEEN ON THIS AND I CAN SAY THIS AS A SPURS SUPPORTER.

THIS YEAR WAS THE 2ND YEAR IN THE NEW VENUE, ON RUSSELL SQUARE, AND I THINK IT WAS A GOOD MOVE. THE VENUE GIVES THE MEMBERS TIME AND SPACE TO CHAT AND THE FOOD IS GREAT. I AM SURE SOME MIGHT COMPLAIN, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE IN EXCESS OF 100 PEOPLE TO PLEASE, IT IS HARD TO PLEASE EVERYONE. THIS REUNION COINCIDED WITH A TUBE STRIKE AND I TOLD MY FATHER IT WOULD PREVENT A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM ATTENDING. NOT A BIT OF IT. THE PLACE WAS PACKED AND THE DISSRUPTION HAD LITTLE EFFECT. OF COURSE IF I WAS TO THINK BACK, COMPARED TO MANY OBSTACLES WHICH OCCURED IN THE PAST, A TUBE STRIKE WAS OF VERY LITTLE INCONVENIENCE.

I THINK THAT MEMBERS MIGHT LIKE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER DURING THE YEAR AND PERHAPS NEXT YEAR MEMBERS COULD BE ASKED IF THEY WANT TO GIVE THEIR LAND LINE, MOBILE, EMAIL ETC. TO OTHER MEMBERS SO THAT THEY COULD DO THIS.

ANYWAY, I ENJOY IT, I ENJOY SEEING MY FATHER SO HAPPY WHEN HE SEES OLD FRIENDS AND FEELING A LITTLE BIT WARM BEFORE THE WINTER SETS IN IS A GOOD THING.

Anon

Some pics & a bit of chat from Aubrey Silkoff

Hello Ron

I’ve just logged onto to the link that has put me through to your blog on the C&BG Boys Club. I attended the club from about 1949 up until 1954. I have very distinct (and fond) memories. Although at that age I was a bit oblivious to the goings on around me and I’ve forgotten more than I can remember.

The club leader: was it Monty? And also Titchiner (‘Titch’). I have a photograph (in poor condition) of a club meeting with some of the boys and their leaders.

We used to go to camp in Surrey (or was it Sussex). Again I have a couple of poor quality photos.

We visited The Royal Academy of Art-my very first visit to an art exhibition.

My first visit to see a play was from the club (via a taxi)- ‘Arsenic & Old Lace.’

I also remember times when ‘ruffians invaded’ the club and scaring me.

I did try The Brady club at one time but I was far more comfortable at The Cambridge & Bethnal Green Boys Club. There were fewer kids and leaders and I knew pretty well everyone there.

Always pleased to recommend a good Blog about the East End !

Maxie Lea has recently put me in touch with a super Blog called Spitalfields Life (Click on the link immediately below).
Spitalfields Life.
On this site there are some articles about an ex-C&BG boy named Aubrey Silkoff
This fascinating story concerns some grafitti scratched on a wall on 19th April 1950 by various kids who lived in the Arnold Circus area.
To find the articles, scroll down until you find the SEARCH BOX, enter SILKOFF and you will be taken to two articles.
Alternatively, look in the July Archives and find an article titled "The return of Aubrey Silkoff", dated July 28 2010.
This unique Blog is updated literally every day and is well worth a visit.
Enjoy !
Ron

STOP PRESS !

Since writing the above, the Gentle Author has paid me a visit and written a super article about the club which has been published today, 11th August 2010.

I do urge you to visit the Spitalfields Life blog, link given above, and don't be afraid to write any of your comments :)

It is with deep regret........Sydney Lever

One of the less agreeable parts of running a Blog such as this one is to receive news of the passing of one of the clubs stalwarts. Dear Sydney was a staunch supporter of the club reunion and had served the New Cambridge Club for many years. He will be sadly missed at future re-unions and we take this opportunity of wishing his family a long and healthy life.

I give below an e-mail received today from his son.

Dear Ron

It is with the greatest sadness that I write to advise you of the passing of my father, Sydney Lever, earlier today after a short illness at the age of 85.

As you know he was heavily involved with the club and the reunion dinners. He appears in many of the pictures on your blog.

Funeral is at Bushey on Friday 21 May 2010 at 11.00am and the shiva at 37 West Drive, Harrow Weald, Middlesex HA3 6TX from Sunday until Wednesday night.

Regards

Simon Lever

Still waters run deep !

One of the joys of spending a lot of time on the internet is when you get a letter such as this one, which arrived in my e-mail box the other day:

Dear Mr Goldstein,

I don’t know if I may have the wrong name but my late father used to mention a very good friend named Sidney Tabor who was in the ‘Phantom’ regiment during WWII. I noticed your article and wondered if it may be the same?
With kind regards
Kevin Holdaway.

The short story is that the writer of this letter has now been put in touch with our much respected Syd Tabor and I have learned, for the first time, of Syd's very impressive wartime background.

The photos show Syd & I at the 2008 Club re-union and Syd (central) with his Phantom unit friends, including (with the pipe) Ted Holdaway, the late father of Kevin Holdaway.

Don't you just love the internet !!!!

Jackie Shinder

I regret to inform everyone that our dear old friend Jackie has passed away.

I am informed that the funeral will be at Bushey Cemetery at 1pm on Tuesday the 11th of January.

Prayers will be held on Tuesday evening at his son's home and details can be obtained by sending me an e-mail.

Jackie was always held in the highest esteem and we send our heartfelt condolences to Stella and all the family.

Visit to the Bandstand

The attached pictures were sent to me by Simon Brandes of a memorable visit to the Bandstand.

If anyone who took part in the ceremony would like to send me details about the ceremony that took place I will be glad to add them here.

p.s

As a direct result of this posting I was pleased to get an e-mail report from Joe and this is shown below

Dear Ron

This is a resume of what happened at 11.00 am on the 28th June 2009 some ex Members of Cambridge and The Cambridge and Bethnal Green Boys Club assembled on the top tier of the Bandstand in Calvert Avenue to dedicate a park bench purchased by Tony Ring and Tony Hiller, in recognition of the association we all had with the Club in Virginia Road School and all the boys that lived around the Bandstand near and far.
The Bandstand is now run by The Friends of Arnold Circus, the Chairperson is Naseem Khan OBE and a group of Volunteers. It is very well looked after by these Volunteers
Who have displayed many plants and flowers.
Monty Meth gave a speech, thanking the two Tony’s for their kind gesture and also he thanked Ms. Khan and her Volunteers for their work in keeping the Bandstand in the limelight.
All in all, a morning to remember of the times we spent in the area.
The names of the people on the photograph, to the best of my knowledge are, Monty Meth, Lennie Saunders, Tony Ring, Tony Hiller, Miriam Fugler and her two Sons, Irving Hiller, Hershal Hiller, Mo Freeman, Barry Gendler, and two others, unfortunately I cannot remember their names of course myself.
Sincerely,
Joe

AJEX Annual Parade 2009

Thought you might like to see this snap of Donnie Carlton and yours truly meeting up at the annual AJEX parade and I hope you spotted the medal that Donnie is wearing. that's a genuine MM, awarded for gallantry in wartime Italy.

Maurice Graham

At our recent re-union I was delighted to see Morry Graham attending although it was patently obvious that he was not in the best of health.

I have now learnt from Maxie Lee that he passed away over the Jewish New Year.

Morry was a contemporary of my late brother Mossy, a Club Captain in his time, and the blog would like to tell his family how highly Morry was esteemed in Club circles. The snap above shows Morry with my late brother Mick at a 2003 re-union.

We wish all his family a long & healthy life.

Ron

85th C&BG Reunion on September 2nd 2009

Thought that you might like to see a few images of the Annual Reunion held at the Imperial Hotel.

All pretty self-explanatory and if you have any photos that you wish to add to this collection please contact me (Ron) and I will be happy to oblige.

Map of Boreham Street 1919 to 1939

My niece kindly passed on this map of the Boreham Street area as it was in 1919 and presumably it would have stayed the same up till 1939 when WW2 broke out.

Ivor Spencer, Toastmaster supreme

The following full page obituary appeared in the Times of 13th January 2009.
We take this opportunity of wishing a long and heathy life to Ivor's widow and family

Martin Markey's Memories

Out of the blue I received an e-mail from Martin Markey enclosing these evocative photos.

I'll let Martin tell his own story.

"Hi Ron, sorry about the delay I am not very good on PC yet but here goes.

Yes I am an old boy, aged 77 and I went to Virginia Road school and at 14 years of age we left school, so that is when I joined the club in 1945.

I worked for our good friend Tony Hiller making rolls of film and every year it is great to see all the family, I'm also a very good friend of Len Saunders.

The first photo is a very old one of me when I was very young, the other photos are of the clubs 16 and over football team, a school photo, and finally one in a pub before one of our reunions"

For those who remember the family

This week saw the passing of another much loved and highly respected club "boy".

I refer to Alf Goldwater who has just passed away at the age of ninety-three.

We send our condolences to his family and wish them a long and healthy life

Reunion Dinner 2008

A new venue this year, The Imperial Hotel in Russell Square.
The committee had worked their usual wonders and about 120 guests attended including, I was delighted to see, Sid Tabor.
Some photos attached for your scrutiny. If you wish to add some of your own send to me as jpg files with a caption attached.

Another stroll down Memory Lane

Sent to me by Dave Saunders

Club Card circa 1937

This club card and the list of payments provided by Jackie Shinder should be familiar to all old C&BG boys.

Reunion 2007

Once again, thanks to the magnificent efforts of Maxie Lea, Monty Meth and the Committee, we met at the New Ambassador Hotel for our 83rd Anniversary of the founding of the club.
Guest Speaker was the celebrated Jewish author & playright Bernard Kops and the snap shows, from left to right, Tony Hiller, Monty Meth, Bernard Kops & Irving Hiller.
Amongst the other 100 odd guests were Simon Kester and he can be seen with Maxie & Monty. Also spotted was Dennis Frank, a spritely 90 years young and the oldest original manager present.
Finally, and only because I'm the Blog administrator, there's me (Ron Goldstein) with our Guest Speaker.

With deep regret: Arthur Allsuch

With deep regret I have to announce the passing of:
ARTHUR ALLSUCH affectionately known to most of us as Lolly.
The funeral will be taking place at Rainham Cemetery at 2pm on Tuesday the 7th of August.
Details of Shiva arrangements can be obtained by contacting me by e-mail.
The photo shows Arthur & Ron at the 2004 reunion