Reel History of Britain: on Tuesday September 13, 6.30pm Melvyn Bragg takes film footage from a classic 1930’s documentary on slum clearance and asks Bernard Kops and others about their experiencc of poverty. See below BBC2 programme schedule note and pic.
Bernard Kops’ parents were Jewish immigrants who came to the East End at the turn of the 20th century.Bernard felt that he was quite fortunate to live in the slums because the sense of camaraderie was great and he was supported by the love of his sisters. He did however become aware of the importance of reading so he could help him to educate himself to get out.
In the programme he reads his poem Whitechapel Library, Aldgate East which brings the library to life and celebrates his escape from the poverty through discovering a love of books.
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