At the end of 2019, John Cowell, a local author and historian, formally launched his book, ‘Philanthropy, Consensus & Broiges, managing a Jewish Community’. This book is the result of many years of research and interviews with members of all the Southport Jewish communities, past and present. It gives a detailed insight into the growth of the Jewish population in the town. Of course, the Jewish population of the town has decreased significantly and the community has spread all over the country and indeed the world, but it is a fascinating read. If you or your family have lived in Southport in the past, it is worth a look as John has documented the communities from their foundation to the present day.
The book has been recognised by the Jewish Genealogical Society and earlier in 2021, John was awarded the Rabbi Dr. Susser Award and the David Hyman prize
About John Cowell
John Cowell grew up in Blackpool, Lancashire, and read Classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. He worked for Westminster City Libraries for many years. Since retirement he has written and published books on the history of the Preston Jewish community, then (jointly, with Hilary Thomas) on the history of the Bolton Jewish community. He has been chairman of the Liverpool branch of the Jewish Historical Society since the end of 2018. His book on the Southport Jewish Community was published at the end of 2019.