From Clive Bettington, JEECS chairman

1. Isaac Rosenberg Statue

I continue working on the above project as I want to ensure that the statue commemorating Rosenberg, the acclaimed East End artist and poet who is recognised as one of the finest poets of the Great War, is erected this year. JEECS has to continue until the project is completed. We have reverted to the original sculptor, Etienne Millner, one of Britain's foremost figurative sculptors who, among other project, has completed two statues of the Queen.

He is keen to assist us and is creating a maquette free of charge. He will also be creating up to 10 more maquettes, which we are hoping to sell for about £5,000 each. These superb works of art will be real collectors’ pieces. If you wish to purchase one, please contact me by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07941 367882.

I also implore you all to send donations to the fund and to send me any ideas you have on how we can complete the project. Once I commission the statue I become responsible personally for any shortfall

2. Walks

I have two fascinating guided walks through the East End coming up shortly. Do come, and bring your friends and family.

(a) Sunday January 27. Theme: The Jewish East End, World War Two and the Holocaust.
I shall discuss the situation in the Jewish East End during the war and how the Jewish East End had important links to the Holocaust itself. You are also invited to attend the Holocaust Memorial event at the Nelson Street Synagogue after the walk
We meet at Aldgate Tube at midday.
The walk is free, but you are requested to purchase one of our Cable magazines and/or to make a small donation to the Rosenberg statue fund.
Booking is essential. Phone me on 07941 367882 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(b) Sunday March 31. Theme: The Whitechapel of Isaac Rosenberg.
The walk will mark the 101st anniversary of the disappearance of Isaac Rosenberg on the Western Front and will look at how Whitechapel influenced his life and works.
We meet at Aldgate tube at 11am.
We are asking participants for a minimum £10 donation.
Booking is essential. Phone me on 07941 367882 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. Montefiore drinking fountain, Stepney Green

I have raised £6,000 towards the cost of the refurbishment of this drinking fountain but, very disappointingly, members of the Montefiore family have resolutely refused to make any donations. If the drinking fountain is not restored shortly it will be demolished – it has become a real eyesore. Soon there will be nothing left to remind people of the very rich contribution of the Jewish community to the area
If anyone wishes to donate anything or knows of a member of the Montefiore family who might wish to help please contact me.