The death of our dearly loved Life-President, Mr Shalom Goldblatt has brought much sadness to the Prestwich Hebrew Congregation, write Mr Ian M. Creek, President and Mr David Mintz, Vice- President.

"He was a member for over 54 years and has been associated with every facet of Shul life. He was unique in the Shul as he held with distinction every possible office – Honorary Secretary, Warden, Treasurer, Vice-President, President, Elderman, Trustee, Life Vice-President and finally Life-President. He was our resident Shofar blower for many years. He also represented the Shul on the Board of Deputies, the Manchester Jewish Representative Council and the Manchester & District Council of Synagogues.

Shalom was utterly devoted to the Shul services and was one of the mainstays of our daily Minyonim. He was responsible for the initial organisation many years ago of the midweek early morning Minyan and the fact that it still continues to this day is a testament to all his hard work.

Shalom's dedication to his family, the Shul and his community was simply magnificent. He continued to attend services even after enduring such health difficulties as when he had a stroke. As frustrating as it may have been sometimes for him to communicate, he continued to communicate his warmth and friendliness in his trademark Shalom smile that he was so well known for. He truly never gave up.

He will be greatly missed by the whole congregation and his death leaves Greater Manchester Jewry immeasurably the poorer."

Ian Creek, President & David Mintz, Vice-President