A SOCIAL care charity is celebrating 150 years of supporting the Jewish community by turning back the clocks.

The Fed is marking its 150th anniversary and looking back at what life was like for the Jewish community dating back the charity’s inception in 1867.

To celebrate the exact month of the founding of the Jewish Board of Guardians in July 1867, a display is now in place in Heathlands Village, in Prestwich, charting the history of the organisation from 1867.

Artefacts from the past, including a gold key used at the official opening of Heathlands Village in 1973 and a photographic record book of residents dating back to the 1930’s, are on display for residents and guests to enjoy.

There is also a gallery of large re-prints of photographs – some more than 100 years old – on display.

Mark Cunningham, CEO of The Fed said: “Over its 150 history The Fed has transformed beyond all recognition.

“It originated as a charity giving handouts and sanitary advice to poor Eastern European families seeking refuge from the pogroms in the UK.

“Mergers, most recently with Heathlands Village in 2009, and professionalisation, have made us what we are today – a beacon of social care for people of all ages.

“I am incredibly proud and humbled to be leading such a great historic organisation into the future, ensuring we continue to adapt to the changing needs of the community, and providing the highest standards of service.”

The charity’s first incarnation was as The Board of Guardians and over time went through a number of changes, transitioning into Manchester Jewish Social Services in the 1970s, before becoming The Fed in the 1990s. Heathlands Village and The Fed joined in 2009, to form today’s organisation.

In 1867 a meeting was held of influential Jews in Manchester, to establish a board of guardians for the Jewish community.

The names of those appointed to official positions on the board have been recorded and as part of The Fed’s 150th celebrations, the charity is appealing to track down family members of the original board.

Anyone with information or knowledge of the descendants are asked to get in touch with, Robert Marks on Robert.m@thefed.org.uk, or Joyce Khan or Jamie Zvikler in The Fed’s fundraising and marketing department on 0161 772 4800.