The Manchester Jewish Community Awards

Report by Melissa Chapman

The Manchester Jewish Community Awards this year took place on 11th March at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich, North Manchester. It was a wonderful celebratory event. 300 people from across the community came together to honour those unsung heroes whose contribution has been both remarkable and inspiring.

I was delighted to be part of the working group who co-ordinated the event, led by Sharon Bannister, the then Vice-President and now President of the Greater Manchester and Region Jewish Representative Council.

The Representative Council and The Jewish Telegraph were joint partners with JVN. Paul Harris, Editor and Managing Director of the Jewish Telegraph commented, “It was a tremendous effort all round, an event of which Manchester can be justifiably proud”. 

Journalist and broadcaster Angela Epstein hosted the evening. The ceremony paid tribute to volunteers young and old, inspirational communal employees, those who have built bridges between the Jewish and the wider Manchester community, non-Jewish friends of the community, and to Dr. Sydney Baigel who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. We received a record number of nominees this year, all of whom were recognised during the evening. The Independent Judging Panel chaired by David Berkley Q.C. also gave out four Special Recognition Awards to individuals who they judged to be worthy of exceptional praise.

The Awards were sponsored by Normie & Co, Richard Moss Solicitors and 18 St John Street Chambers.

Forming part of the evening for the first time was a volunteering fair. This showcased the incredible work of 20 different communal organisations and gave people the opportunity to meet volunteers and professionals and to find out what they can do!

We received wonderful feedback from representatives of the organisations involved. Diane Richardson, The Fed’s South Manchester Branch Manager, said, “It was a great night, all our volunteers thoroughly enjoyed it and the awards and framed certificates will be cherished.” Chris Mayho, College Principal of Langdon College made the point that, “It was humbling to hear what so many people (young and old) do for their community.”

Volunteers give their time without looking for reward, but that doesn't mean we can't say thank you. The people who attended enjoyed a busy volunteering fair, a heartwarming awards ceremony and the chance to congratulate friends and colleagues. Events like this show what is great about our community, as well as the range of organisations and the range of their work.