Thirty years ago, the late Lady Jakobovits described the League of Jewish Women as the community’s “jewel in the crown”. Times may have changed but past league president Miriam Kays told its 70th anniversary lunch that the importance of its voluntary work was undiminished.

“The demand for our volunteers, who help all communities, continues,” she told the 140 guests, including 10 past presidents, at London’s Carpenters’ Hall. Examples of wider recognition had been north-west region members receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and accolades for volunteers in awards marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Times executive editor Daniel Finkelstein was guest speaker and current president Marilyn Brummer hosted the lunch.