Local Community Interests, Groups and Activities
Groups and Activities within BCHC
Table Tennis
Table Tennis is now running with 2 tables in the Gertrude Preston Hall, and a warm welcome awaits old and new members.
We play on Mondays from 10.15 – 12.15, and have a coffee break at around 11.00, so why not join us. We have a lot of fun !!! 😊
We look forward to seeing you.
Please call Lyn Baker on 07970 770 524 if you would like to come or have any questions.
Israeli Dancing
Because there was previously no group in Bournemouth, in 2001 an accomplished member, Natalie decided to start one. From the moment it began, a group of approximately fifteen women became completely devoted and, after Natalie left us, her legacy continued.
The friendly and welcoming group is now led by Irene Weintroub, with Marilyn Dexter, Irene having secured the future of the group after Natalie’s departure.
Dancing sessions are separated by a short break, so that the enthusiastic participants can catch up with friends and neighbours.
The Bournemouth group always offers a warm welcome to anyone who would like to try Rikudei Am for the first time, or to any visitors who dance elsewhere in the world and would like to join in. Likewise, members of the Bournemouth group have danced with other groups in Israel, America, South Africa, London and anywhere else they may find themselves.
Rikudei Am is extremely popular in many countries. It combines aerobic exercise with beautiful music, and a fun social activity. For further information please contact the Shul office on 01202 557433 if you would be interested in joining in.
Groups and Activities within the Wider Community
Meet ‘n’ Munch
Meet ‘n’ Munch operates a fortnightly lunch club on a Tuesday, for older members of the Community. We are kindly housed at BCHC, and have used the Menorah Suite as our venue for a number of years.
Meet ‘n’ Munch is operated by a group of experienced and dedicated volunteers, dividing activities between administration and finance, catering, entertainment and transport. We are always very pleased to welcome new volunteers to join our welcoming team.
Fortnightly events include refreshments on arrival, an interesting and enjoyable mix of entertainment, followed by a three-course lunch.
Bournemouth Community Whisky Group
The Bournemouth Community Whisky Group was launched very successfully in 2021. The group meets several times a year, generally in members’ homes, and the gatherings are elegantly themed to the time of year. Recent events have had Succot, Chanukah and Burns Night themes, where suitable food and refreshments are enjoyed alongside the whisky-tasting, which also follows the theme of the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Group, so please do make contact at bhcwhisky@gmail.com.
Wessex Jewish Golf Society (WJGS)
WJGS was formed in 2009. It is based in Bournemouth, and warmly welcomes members who have any connection with the Wessex area, even if they are not permanent residents.
WJGS welcomes gentleman and lady golfers of all standards and all ages. Whether you are seeking competitive golf, social golf or team matches, whether you are local, have a holiday home in the area, or you are an irregular visitor to the area, you will be welcomed into WJGS.
View our website and contact our Secretary or Captain, who will be glad to help.
Art Group
The Art Group meets on Wednesday mornings at 10.00am, at the Simcha Hall at Bournemouth Reform Shul, 53 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 3PA.
Classes are professionally led by our own, local art expert and BHC member, Di Roberts. Di is a trained Art Teacher and was appointed Artist in Residence at the “Attic at the Goat” Community Art Studio in the centre of Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Golda Emunah
At a specially convened EGM in April 2013 it was unanimously agreed that Bournemouth Emunah and Golda Emunah should merge into one group, to be known as Bournemouth Golda Emunah.
Our committee members are –
Honorary President: Rebbetzin Pamela Jesner
Chair: Corinne Rein
Treasurer: Marilyn Dexter
Secretary: Rosamunde Bloom
Publicity and Membership: Anne Ozdamar
Other Committee Members: Jenny Lamski & Gila Rose
CCJ (The Council of Christians and Jews) – Bournemouth Branch
We meet four or five times a year at the Menorah Suite at BCHC and the number of people attending is steadily increasing. Our average attendance is about 60, but there are times when we will have well over 100.
We aim to offer a varied programme; sometimes we have well known speakers from outside Bournemouth who are known nationally and internationally, but we are also fortunate to be able to draw upon local talent. We try to have a summer outing, such as visiting Yarnton Manor, the home of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish studies with which we have a special relationship.
Our year ends with a popular and well attended Chanucah/Advent party which gives an excellent opportunity for people to meet one another. We place great emphasis on dialogue and each meeting ends with tea/ coffee and biscuits and a chance to chat. People tend to stay after each meeting and our only “problem” is getting the last few out before we get reminders from those charged with locking up the building that the hour is late.
Get Involved
To see upcoming CCJ branch events and other CCJ events, click here. If you’d like to get involved, or to donate directly to the Bournemouth & Wessex Branch please get in touch with us here.
BAFI (Bournemouth Action for Israel)
Bournemouth Action For Israel (BAFI) was set up in July 2013, to educate the public about the Jewish State of Israel. In order to do this, BAFI are in contact with schools, universities, churches and the public across the region.
Since our inception, we have found a thirst for knowledge from both religious groups and from those in the community, who are informed by the media, but are confused about what they hear and read. What is fact? What is fiction?
Join us on our journey of unearthing the history of the State of Israel, its development, its inventions, its successes and how it is helping mankind, across the world.