News 9

the tender age of 22, and suffering a bout of Malaria as well as poisonous spider bites living in a tent in those tropical places. (He always brought Chanel No 5 back for his little sister, Joy.)

After the war, while they were doing tricks’ flying spitfires, Buddy’s brother Vernon died in a plane crash at a very young age. This left the family devastated! To read the full article go to the website and look at the families under Goldman. (it will be there soon if not already) http://kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/kimberley/Families.html Pictures are of Buddy as SAAF pilot and Buddy, Vanessa and sister Joy here. More on the website.

Barbara Dave passed away

We were saddened to hear of the death in Johannesburg, of Barbara Dave. I was at Girls’ High School with her in the mid-1950s. She was the daughter of the late Becky and Monty Dave who lived at Mount Curtis Flats in Dutoitspan Road, just a door or two away from Marky Rauff (Arnold's dad). She is survived by her brother Alan Dave who also lives in Johannesburg. I remember Barbara Dave from when we were at school. We went to Jewish Assembly - which was pretty boring, and only went in to the main assembly for the announcements, after they had finished their prayers and hymns. In those days, there was a real Jewish 'crowd' of teenagers in Kimberley. We used to walk together down ‘Pan Road to the Plaza or Astra or Vaudette on a Friday afternoon to see lovely films, musicals and biopics - not violent or sexy films like today. We had parties on Saturday nights at each other’s houses, where we listened to jazz and swing LPs, danced (bopped) and played 'postman’s knock'!! But as each generation left school they went away to study or work, and very few came back to settle. So it’s good to keep our memories together here. Condolences to the family and may she rest in peace.

Alfred Beit

As I mentioned in the last Newsletter, I have been doing some research on the very interesting character of Alfred Beit. He was arguably the most significant individual on the diamond fields first as a buyer of stones and then of claims and shares. He is the unassuming figure behind all the big deals on the diamond and goldfield enterprises – establishing a viable mining industry in South Africa. The story covers his Hamburg family background, his intense business and emotional relationship with Rhodes, the nail-biting story of how De Beers Consolidated Mines was achieved and talks about IDB. It brings in other colourful characters like Barney Barnato and the Kimberley Club. Using mainly contemporary accounts by friends and colleagues who loved him, I try to bring to life his very much neglected character. It was he who brought the qualities of fair play, generosity and friendship into business, and who when he died at 53 in 1906, was one of the richest men in the world. I am attaching my story about Beit which I hope you will find as fascinating as I have. If you know any anecdotes about Beit that I can add, please let me know.

Kimberley Community - Facebook pages – website.

If you are not already a member, you may want to join the facebook pages run by the Kimberley Shul which also keep everyone in touch and mark special occasions. Barney Horwitz, Chairman writes, ‘We are still on the ground and last Purim, 12 people turned up for the Megillah Reading and Hammantaschen which by Kimberley standards is encouraging.’ There are also pictures there of Chanukah candle lighting in the shul. It’s great to know that the community is vibrant and active, thanks to Barney and the stalwart champions there. We all wish everyone a happy Pesach. If you want to support Barney and the synagogue see bank details in previous Newsletters http://kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/kimberley/News.html

'Klezmer in the Park'

Kimberley was certainly in evidence in Regent's Park last September. Although we were only a handful who were available to meet, everyone that I spoke to, saw Gail Bernard’s placard proudly proclaiming ‘Kimberley’ being marched up and down the crowds there for quite a while. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon with great ambience, though Jeff said the music has not to his taste. It was good to catch up with Gail, Jeff and Trevor Toube. Perhaps we can get together again this year – probably on 10 September. Dust off your Kimberley sign, Gail!

Wedding gallery

We are still receiving pictures for our gallery of Kimberley weddings. Soon to go up is the picture of Natalie and Cecil Sussman’s in 1949 – also Alma (Frank) and Arnold Steinberg in 1966. You may have noticed, that, where the pictures were taken on the steps of the synagogue, you can see above the retinue, the three arches and also the reflection in the glass of the beautiful semi-circular window over the front door as in this picture (left). Well here is a closer look at those arches which cover the roll call ‘to the memory of the brave soldiers of our race and religion who lost their lives in the service of their country in the Anglo Boer Ward 1899 – 1902. And there really are a lot of them – officers and privates. I wonder if they are all from Kimberley or the whole of the Cape – or SA – and whether they fought for the British or the Boers. Maybe Barney or someone from Kimberley can elucidate us on this interesting memorial wall.

If you can dig out a wedding picture in Kimberley do send it – or any other pictures, comments, stories or information connected with your family or others in Kimberley that you would like to share in the next Newsletter or on the website. Many thanks to those that have already done so. Do also please pass on to me any email addresses of anyone who might like to receive this twice-yearly Newsletter

Best wishes

geraldine.auerbach@gmail.com