In November 2005 we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II with the subject of "Chaplaincy to H M Forces" presented by Reverend Malcolm Weisman and Wing Commander Reverend Nick Barry. We commemorated National Holocaust Day honoring Sir Nicholas Winton with the showing of his video in the presence of some of the "Winton children". Our "traditional" "Doughnuts & Mincepies" social in December was enhanced by another enjoyable presentation by Joan and Bernard Tiley, of "Jewish and Christian themes in opera". We held two meetings in the series "Christian & Jewish ritual and custom at the time of..." covering "the time of death" and at "the wedding ceremony" with speakers Reverend Olwen Field and Mr Martin Broad, and Rabbi Mark Solomon and Reverend Charles Martin respectively. "Jewish Business Ethics" was most interestingly portrayed by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and the Bishop of St Albans gave a most thought provoking talk on "Images of faith: time for another look". We arranged another "Any Questions?" panel with Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Reverend Alison Walker and Father Mark Vickers. We held the third annual three faith symposium with Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer, Imam Monawar Hussain and Dr Clare Watkins on the subject of "Sex & Marriage". We returned for the second time to St Giles' Church, Ickenham and discussed "Pastoral Care" with Reverend Adrian Guthrie and Mrs Sharon Goldstein JP, and to enjoy another conducted visit to the 14th century church.

Our annual conducted coach outing in May commemorated the 350th anniversary of the readmission of Jews to England by visiting the East End of London. Nearly 40 participants enjoyed visiting two of the oldest synagogues still in use and the Brick Lane mosque which was previously a synagogue and a church. We are indebted to Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein for providing a most informative commentary on Jewish life in London's East End.

Our publicity for the branch has continued to grow from strength to strength. The hard work put in by Bernard Tiley, our Press Officer is much appreciated. Our events continue to be promoted in the magazines and websites of local churches and synagogues without charge. We now distribute over 50 posters advertising each of our meetings for display in local churches and synagogues and retailers, and to all the Public Libraries in the Hillingdon and Harrow. We maintain contact with members, previous visitors and friends of the Branch by post and email. Our Branch website, maintained by branch member Phil Groom, continues to attract new interest in our activities. I am pleased to note that our activities frequently attract numbers beyond our expectations.

We have increased the number of venues made available, without charge, to us for our meetings thereby establishing interest in our activities in more host congregations. We thank our various hosts during the year for their kind and generous hospitality and once again we will be showing our appreciation by way of annual donations to the venues involved.

I again place on record my sincere thanks and appreciation for the support I have received personally from members and Committee members. Our Vice-Chairmen, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein continued to provide priceless guidance, input and support. Our stalwart Hon. Treasurer, Regula Sharp maintained our finances in good order. Our Hon. Secretary, Carol Prager, in her second year in office, has carried out the many duties of Hon. Secretary most efficiently and enthusiastically and I am most appreciative of the considerable support she has afforded me personally throughout the year. Gill Burton, Neil Drapkin and Judith Kramer have each made an invaluable individual contribution to the deliberations of the Committee. Neil and Gill have continued to take responsibility for security throughout the year and Branch member Clive Abrahams took a co-opted role on the Committee early in the year and added a further dimension to our work. It is with much regret that we learn that our Hon. Treasurer, Regula Sharp has decided to "retire" after serving ten years in the post. The Branch will always be indebted to her for her unfailing stewardship of our funds throughout the years. I am pleased however that we will continue to benefit from her extensive experience as she has indicated she wishes to remain a member of the Committee.

The activities of the Branch have continued to progress but there remains more to be done. There is still a crying need in the UK to create a just, tolerant and civilised society where same faith communities can co-exist harmoniously and in which people of all faiths and none can live together in peace and without fear.

Sidney Moss
Hillingdon Branch
July 2006