Tim Mulroy, the speaker at Bassetlaw Cardiac Support Group’s meeting on Friday 3rd August at The Crossing, Worksop, spoke with passion about The English Schindler, Nicholas Winton. Nicholas, born a Jew in Czechoslovakia, baptised a Christian but an agnostic had become aware, and understood, the rise to power of Hitler in 1938. He saw first hand, the persecution and when a German officer was killed by a Jew, Hitler had his excuse and Natziism grew.
Nicholas flouted all the rules and through the British Committee for Refugees, he sought and obtained foster parents in England for hundreds of children. A bond of £50.00 per child was necessary as, although the British Government were helpful with funding, there was no money in place for repatriation if, indeed, war came. Two such children (twins) Hans and Hanna Plzner were found homes near to one another in Rotherham. Their elder sister, Greta was, unfortunately not so fortunate.
Hans was welcomed by the headmaster of a local school, who had other children and Hanna to a family with two boys who wanted a girl. They had the best of love and education. Both children learned the language in a year and passed their 11 plus. Hans became a doctor and Hanna a teacher of language. Hans looked after his adoptive parents until their deaths. Hans was the father of our speaker and Hanna his aunt.
Nicholas continued his life raising money for needy causes. He was given an MBE and knighted in 2009, aged 100. He died in 2015, aged 106. What a heart rending, wonderful story.
The group’s next meeting is on 7th September at Retford Hospital, Collington Rooms at 2.00pm. The speaker will be Joanne Pritchard, talking about Osteoporosis. All are welcome. For more information call Pat Broskom on 01909 562361.