Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

I (Sue Rosner) joined Council in November and have taken on board the responsibility for being the Jack Petchey Co-ordinator. For those unfamiliar with this award I thought it useful to give some information about the award scheme which is a recognition of the achievements of young people. The synagogue has Silver membership of the ‘Jack Petchey’ scheme which means that we can nominate 6 children (usually from Cheder) to gain the award. Winners need to be people between the ages of 11 and 25 and the one category for this award is someone who has done something to the best of their ability, no matter how small. Perhaps it is the person seldom recognised.

What is this scheme? Established in 1999, The Jack Petchey Foundation gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25. The Foundation is eager to help young people take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. The major focus of their work is the Achievement Award Scheme. The Foundation focuses on London and Essex. Since it has been established the Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £65million.

Jack Petchey is one of the UK's most successful businessmen. Born in East London in July 1925, Jack came from a working class background with very few advantages. From an early age he showed the entrepreneurial skills that have aided his success.

In 1937 a 12-year-old Jack was prosecuted at East Ham Magistrates Court for working under age. The prosecution evidence was that Jack was carrying vegetables, i.e. tomatoes, the defence being that tomatoes were a fruit - not a vegetable. The case was dismissed!

Having left school at 14 Jack worked as an office boy before joining the Fleet Air Arm in 1943. At the end of the Second World War Jack left the Navy and became a clerk. He applied for a management position but was told by the personnel officer of his firm: "you'll never make a businessman"! So Jack Petchey decided to go it alone.

With £60 to his name, he bought a motor car and founded his first Car Hire business. From there a thriving Car Sales business was formed. Jack eventually branched into property and in 1969 was introduced to the idea of a holiday complex in the Algarve, Portugal, which he still runs to this day.

Having just celebrated his 83rd birthday, there is no sign of Jack Petchey slowing down. He currently manages Petchey Holdings Plc and Petchey Leisure, a management company for several holiday resorts in Spain, Portugal and the UK.

In 1999, he set up the Jack Petchey Foundation as he wanted to give opportunities to young people in London. Over the last ten years he has donated over £65million to schools, clubs and projects which benefit young people in London. In 2004 Jack was awarded an OBE at Buckingham Palace, by Her Majesty The Queen.

 So who are our past winners? 2008:- Hannah Pedro, Elliot Curtis, Jodie Tiller, Nathan Bloom, Bryony Bathie, Georgina Cohen, David Pedro

2009 – Jack Shepherd, Hannah Lewis, Daniel Bhattacharya, Joseph Watch, Zac Cohen, Rebecca Cohen. Our winners for 2010 are as follows:-
Jack Balcome (Jan), Ellis Robinson (Feb), Lucinda Lewis-Bathie (April), Lawrence Brooks (May)

In addition we can nominate one Adult Leader a year. Past recipients have been Jocelyn Shepherd and Tracy Pedro.

There is a nomination box in the synagogue and members are welcome to nominate young people for the award. Award winners are chosen at the Education committee meetings held during the year. The winner receives a certificate and has £200 to spend on a project for the synagogue. Money has been spent on a variety of things including football posts and sports equipment for use at break, display boards and a microwave. In addition the award winners attend a Community Youth Award Reception in December.

If you would like to nominate someone please feel free to put your nomination in the Jack Petchey nomination box or contact the synagogue. Well done again to all our winners on your achievements.

Sue Rosner