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