Centre Scene Summer 2022

From the Editor

Welcome back. Thanks to Covid disrupting all our lives this is the first edition of Centre Scene since the first lockdown started. And it’s a very special edition too. We are celebrating Shavuot of course but it’s also The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a first for a British Monarch and a cause for great celebration.

At the Nicky we’ll be doing what we do best. We’re having a street party for all our members.

On 2nd June we partner with Manchester Maccabi and other local Jewish groups to light an official Royal Beacon, part of the chain of beacon lighting throughout the UK and Commonwealth. This will take place at Manchester Maccabi and

will start at 9-45pm as soon as Her Majesty has lit the first beacon.

In this edition we’ve got a couple of cheesecake recipes – well it is Shavuot – from our own Jack Maurer and I’m sharing with you my own Coronation Chicken recipe, adapted for kashrut from Constance Fry’s original offering for The Queen’s Coronation lunch. It’s one of The Queen’s favourite dishes. You can enjoy it too.

We’ve got coronation reminiscences, news updates, a Royal quiz and a couple of amazing

photos from our volunteer, Malcolm Burnard.

Walking round the building its great to see so many familiar faces again and some new ones too. We seem to be getting back to normal and this is reflected in the number of people enjoying themselves at The Nicky. I’ll soon be working on the next issue of Centre Scene so don’t forget to let me have your news, poems, stories and jokes.

In the meantime, have an enjoyable Shavout, go easy on the cheesecake and raise a glass to Her majesty The Queen, The Duke of Lancaster.

Martin Newman

Message from

As the country celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen I recall being at school during the Silver Jubilee and being allowed to wear red, blue and white clothes! Maybe I will do the same this year!

The Nicky Alliance Centre is honoured to be hosting the beacon lighting on Thursday evening the 2 June at The Maccabi in partnership with Maccabi, Heaton Park and Hillock Shuls, AJEX and others, on behalf of the Jewish community. It will be a wonderful evening of celebration and reminiscence. Sadly, Her Majesty is not in the best of health and it is not known which of her celebrations she will be joining.

June and will have all the bunting out and the fabulous Sarah Dennis will be singing.

It will be exactly one year since we reopened after the COVID lockdown – the day after Shavuot and this year the Jubilee weekend coincides with Shavuot the time we celebrate the receiving of the Ten Commandments and shul is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers.

It has been a very long two years since we closed our doors on the 17 March 2020 but we have all come a very long way and in some ways a very sad 2 years saying farewell to many of our close Nicky friends. However, we have all pulled together and it is wonderful to see the Centre full again with lots of chatter and dancing and dare I say gossip!

I will be sad to leave it has been such a large part of my life for all these years. However, I am sure that my successor will be as equally passionate about the Centre as I am and will carry it forward with new ideas and initiatives for many years to come.

Here at The Nicky, we will also be holding our own ‘street party’ celebration on Wednesday the 1st

On a personal note I am planning to retire at the end of this year having been involved with the organisation for over 20 years.

I will of course be calling in to say hello every now and again to check up on you all!

Wishing you and your families and friends a very happy Shavuot and Jubilee weekend.

Michelle Wiseman

Chief Executive

"I will be sad to leave it has been such a large part of my life for all these years."

"It has been a very long 2 years since we closed our doors on the 17 March 2020 but we have all come a very long way."

Brian White receives his MBE insignia

Picture shows (L to R): Malcolm Yaffe, Margaret Clark, Rosalind Levine, Karan Lee DL, Arlene levy, Simon Nelson, Eric Cohen, Ronnie Levine, Michelle Wiseman, Helen White.

Congratulations to Brian White MBE on receiving his insignia as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from His Excellency Neil Wigan OBE, Her Majesty's Ambassador to The State of Israel. Brian received his honour for his work as Chairman of The Nicky Alliance Community Centre and the wider community in last year’s Birthday Honours List.

The saplings were planted at a special ceremony by Karan Lee, a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester who has responsibility for promoting The Queen’s Green Canopy in the county. She said: “I was delighted to be invited to represent the Lord Lieutenant and plant the new trees on a day that coincided with a very special day for trees in the Jewish calendar. The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.

Known to many in the community as the former police commander for Bury, Karan toured The Centre and had lunch with the members.

A right Royal Tu B’shvat at The Nicky

Members of The Nicky Alliance Community Centre held a double celebration on Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish new year for trees. The three wild cherry trees planted were donated to The Centre by the Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Michelle Wiseman, Chief Executive of The Nicky,

said:

“We were delighted to welcome Karan and her husband to The Nicky and we look forward to our new wild cherry trees blossoming in the future. Along with the rest of the country we will be celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with events during the designated Jubilee holiday. Our thanks go to the

QGC for the donation of these trees which will enhance our premises.”

Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates are being encouraged to play their part to improve the environment by planting trees during the official planting season between October to March. Tree planting will

continue through to the end of the Jubilee year.

With a focus on planting sustainably, the QGC will encourage planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.

“We are proud to have played our part,” Michelle concluded.

A Blast from the Past

By Malcolm Yaffe

In 1986 Glancey House was demolished and the offices moved to Levi House on Bury Old Road, owned by The Benevolent Society. The activities side of things moved to The Cultural Centre.

Part 2

In July 1987 the newly built centre was opened, named after Nigel Alliance’s son Nicky who was also born with congenital cataracts and was partially sighted too. It was decided to open The Centre, initially on Monday, Thursday and Sunday, welcoming visually impaired, lonely and elderly people.

As its popularity grew it opened for an extra day during the week but shortly after closed on Sundays.

In March 1988 there was an official opening of The Nicky Alliance Centre, as it was to become known.

All activities, refreshment and lunches were contained in one large room, which is now the dining room, with offices above. By the end of the year, because of increasing demand, it was decided that it was necessary to expand the premises. The new extension was completed at the end of 1990 and it was named the Ralph Stross Wing. It comprises a lounge, milk kitchen, art room, library and offices above.

The newly extended building now provides a wider range of activities and accommodates more members.

Activities include arts and crafts, discussion groups,

yoga, computer and IT and occasional day trips. On site there is also a hairdressing salon, bathing facilities, podiatry and hand care by appointment on various days. There is also a small shop which sells essential and convenience items that the members might need.

In the afternoon there is musical entertainment and afternoon tea and Meals on Wheels are available twice a week.

In 1992, Mrs jean Spencer from The Bury Pipeline Talking Newspaper helped to set up The Northern Jewish Talking Newspaper at The Nicky, which is run by The League of Jewish

Women. Items from the Jewish Telegraph are recorded and distributed, originally on a cassette but in 2009 my late grandfather donated the first batch of Boom Boxes which use memory sticks.

All the members receive a monthly newsletter which includes a diary of events and a glossy magazine is produced three times a year usually to coincide with The High Holy Days, Passover and Chanukah. We also celebrate all the festivals and very often local rabbis come and join us.

The Nicky is a great place with a wonderful atmosphere.

By Rabbi Yossi Muller

A double celebrationThe Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Shavuot

He who gives salvation to Kings and dominion to Princes whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom may he bless our sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, Charles Prince of Wales and all the Royal family. May the supreme King of Kings in his mercy preserve the Queen in life guard her and deliver her from all trouble and sorrow.

This blessing we recite every Shabbat in our Synagogue at the centre of our prayers in the presence of our Holy Torah scroll, to express and emphasise our deep appreciation and admiration to our Queen and Royal Family.

Our Monarch has been a supreme example of self sacrifice and devotion to her duties for the good of the country, never once compromising her dignity and her devotion for duty.

Long to reign over us, happy and glorious.

In ancient times, the Jubilee year meant freedom from slaves and restoration of land property to its original owners.

Our Jubilee too, is connected with the most basic freedomthe ability of citizens in this country to go about their daily lives in freedom.

The reign of Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II has seen a period of stability and continuity in this country, helping to desire the basic freedoms which enable us all to benefit and prosper.

And we also celebrate Shavuot over this special weekend. On Shavuot day the custom is to read the Book of Ruth, because King David who is a descendant of Ruth died and was born on this special day.

The question is still why the Book of Ruth? Perhaps it would make more sense to read King David's psalms instead?

The answer may be as follows; Ruth was a role model of self-sacrifice and kindness. King David as a direct descendant of Ruth was inspired and influenced by Ruth's life, which led him to write the Book of Psalms to praise and sing to the Almighty. This is why we read the Book of Ruth on this day, the day we received the Torah. The Torah, as well as being a way of life between man and G-d, is a way of life between man and fellow friends.

May the stability and peace expand to the entire world. Amen.

Rabbi Muller is the Honorary Rabbi at Hillock Shul in Whitefield.

Passover at The Nicky

After two years of Covid restrictions the Nicky was able to host its ever-popular model Seders once again.

Two events were held on consecutive days with explanatory Seder services lead by Rabbis Arnold Saunders and Daniel Walker, respectively. Our members then enjoyed a hot lunch, in line with a typical Seder night dinner.

Quiz Answers (quiz on p14)

Part 1

1) 8 - Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

2) 1947

3) 1950 4) 1957

5) 14 6) 14

7) 2017

8) 1977

9) 27 - She was 25 when she ascended the throne and 27 at her coronation in 1953.

10) 4 - Pope John XXIII (1961), Pope John Paul II (1980, 1982 and 2000), Pope Benedict XVI (2010) and Pope Francis I (2014).

Part

2

1) C - Dorgi

2) D - Cabbage

3) A - Susan

4) B - King George V

A Feast For A Queen By Martin Newman

Coronation Chicken

Ingredients:

5lb chicken

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 small finely chopped onion

1 tbsp curry paste

1 tbsp tomato puree

100ml red wine – Kedem is fine

Instructions:

1 bay leaf

Lemon juice (half a lemon)

4 finely chopped apricot halves

Half a pint mayonnaise

Parve cream (optional)

Salt and pepper

Watercress to garnish

1. Skin the chicken and cut into small pieces, grill or shallow fry until cooked.

2. In a small saucepan heat the oil, add the onion and cook until soft.

3. Add curry paste, tomato puree, wine, bay leaf and lemon juice.

4. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until well reduced.

5. Strain and leave to cool.

6. Puree the apricots in a blender or through a sieve.

7. Beat the cooled sauce into the mayonnaise with the apricot puree.

8. If using parve cream whip and fold into the mixture.

9. Season adding a little lemon juice if required.

10. Fold in the chicken pieces, garnish with watercress and serve with boiled basmati rice.

As a reserve Army Officer

I’m used to eating curries, a tradition that goes back to British troops in India in the days of the Raj. Although I like curries hot and spicy, veritably kinetic, one of my favourites is quite mild, and was The Queen’s lunch of choice for her Coronation.

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s reign why not celebrate by cooking up a feast fit for Royals?

Coronation chicken was invented by Constance Spry – and I’ve adapted it so it’s completely kosher.

– it has to be...

Cheesecake!

By

Jack

Maurer

It’s traditional to have cheesecake on Shavuot and as this year is a double celebration coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I’m giving you two recipes.

No Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

250g digestive biscuits

100g butter, melted

600g full fat soft cheese

100g caster sugar

280ml double cream

Strawberries – option for decoration

Method:

1. Mix broken biscuits with melted butter and press into base of a flan dish and chill in the fridge for an hour.

2. Whisk cream until it forms soft peaks.

3. Mix in sugar.

4. Fold in cheese.

5. Spoon mixture onto biscuit base and chill in fridge for minimum of one hour.

6. Decorate with sliced strawberries.

Microwave Really Easy Cheesecake

Ingredients:

56g butter

113g digestive biscuits, crushed

56g butter

225g cream cheese

2 eggs separated

56g caster sugar

142 ml sour cream

2 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Melt butter and mix with biscuits. Press into base of microwaveable dish. Cream the butter and sugar.

2. Mix in cream cheese, egg yolks, sour cream and vanilla essence.

3. In another bowl whisk egg whites until still and fold into mixture. Pour mixture over biscuit base.

4. Cook in microwave (defrost power-30) 14 mins. Chill well before serving.

Through Malcolm’s Lens

Once again, our volunteer computer instructor and keen amateur photographer, Malcolm Burnard, has shared some of his recent published photographs with us.

Malcolm’s work is regularly seen in local media and the two stunning photos shown here, both taken in Heaton Park, have, been published in The Manchester Evening news and Your Local Bury magazine.

Thanks for sharing Malcolm and keep snapping.

Autumn leaves in Heaton Park

Canada Geese in Heaton Park

A Right Royal Quiz

How well do you know our Monarch?

Part 1

1) How many grandchildren does the Queen have?

2) What year did Princess Elizabeth marry the Duke of Edinburgh?

3) What year was Princess Anne born?

4) What year did the Queen make her husband a British prince?

5) How many UK prime ministers have served during the Queen's reign?

6) How old was the Queen when she made her first radio broadcast?

7) What year did the Queen and Prince Philip celebrate their Platinum Wedding Anniversary?

8) What year was the Queen's first grandchild Peter Phillips born?

9) What age was the Queen when she was crowned?

10) How many Popes has the Queen met at official visits during her reign?

Part 2

1) What dog breed is the Queen famous for owning?

a) Labrador Retriever

b) Dalmation

c) Dorgi (corgi and dachshund cross)

d) Jack Russell Terrier

2) What was Prince Philip's nickname for the Queen?

a) Lizzie

b) Beth

c) Queenie

d) Cabbage

3) What was the name of the dog the Queen was gifted on her 18th birthday?

a) Susan

b) Sugar

c) Honey

d) Candy

4) Who was the Queen's paternal grandfather?

a) King George VI

b) King George V

c) King Edward VIII

d) King Edward VII

Special Thanks

To all the organisations who supported our Royal Beacon Lighting:

- AJEX

- Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation

- Hillock Hebrew Congregation

- Manchester & District Rep Council

- Manchester Maccabi Community & Sports Club

- The Focus Foundation

- The Parklife Community Fund