A NORTHWOOD couple are awarded British Empire Medals in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Holocaust Education.

Kindertransport survivor Ann Kirk, 90, educates young people about her experiences as a child in Nazi Germany and also as a refugee when she arrived in England.

She and Bob, 93, travel to schools to raise awareness of the dangers of anti-semitism, racism and prejudice, supporting inter-faith initiatives and guarding against a resurgence of intolerance and hatred.

Ann (as Hannah Kuhn) was born in Berlin and was 10 when she arrived on the Kindertransport in April 1939.

It would be more than 40 years until the couple were able to speak about their painful experiences.

She is a member of the volunteer pastoral community care team which reaches elderly members in their homes or in hospital.

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Bob and Ann have written their life stories as an online resource and take part in national events such as the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s project with Picturehouse Cinemas.

He has been president of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue and served as honorary secretary of the Leo Baeck College, then the only progressive Jewish seminary outside America.

 

ALSO from Northwood, Dr Dwain Neil, 64, is made an MBE for services to the British African Caribbean community.

He co-founded and chaired the Reach Society, a social enterprise that encourages, motivates and inspires young people to develop their potential.

He also co-founded and chaired the British Caribbean Junior Chamber of Commerce and served on the Commission for Race Equality.

Dr Neil worked for Shell Chemical International for 21 years and ran a management consultancy for 15 years.