Author makes reader appeal

A HISTORY lover is appealing to Chronicle readers to help her find out more about Oldham’s Jewish population of yesteryear as part of research for a new book.

Hilary Thomas, a teacher and speech and language therapist from Cheshire, has already written about the history of Jewish communities in Bolton and Wigan — and now wants to concentrate on Oldham.

Hilary said: “There was once a small Jewish community in the town. By the 1930s most of them had moved to Manchester, Liverpool or Southport but many Jewish people continued to run businesses in the town, including Flacks Fashions and Phil Cohen tailors.

“They’re all communities that no longer exist. It’s important that a history is written of those Jewish communities, just for the future generation to know that the small Jewish community were a part of the town.”

Hilary visits the local archives and studies centre, on Union Street, regularly. Anyone with information can find her at the centre on Wednesday, July 22, or leave a message with staff.

Alternatively, email hiltone@talktalk.net.