Derek Silverstone failed in his bid for re-election as chairman. Kevin Leigh, the outspoken legal adviser to the shul board, was defeated by Michael Franks in the contest for vice-chair. Aron Engel from the Chasidic community was elected as a non-executive member.
Prior to the AGM, letters were sent to members suggesting that the newcomers were “totally against the way of life that the majority of our community follow” and urging recipients to vote for Mr Nelkin and Mr Franks. There is no suggestion either candidate had any involvement in the letters.
The key area of division has been the planned lease of the shul’s Talmud Torah building to the Chasidim for use as a school. Mr Nelkin promised that any proposed draft lease would be discussed, and voted on, by members. He wanted discussions with the Chasidim.
