Leeds Solicitor, Richard Manning, has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the recent King’s Birthday Honours List.
Richard has been involved in the community from an early age, leading the Shabbat youth service at the United Hebrew Congregation at just 10 years old. He continued this involvement throughout his education, leading services at Leeds Grammar School.
After graduating from the University of Leeds, Richard became the first Provincial Chairman of the Younger JNF, overseeing monthly meetings and supporting over 50 young JNF groups nationwide. He later joined the executive of JIA (now UJIA) and played a key role in establishing the Renewal committee, which focused on retaining funds within the UK to support the future of Jewish life locally. Under his guidance, Renewal (now known as Jewish Continuity) raised £120,000 for Leeds.
Richard’s leadership extended further when he joined the LJRC, eventually becoming its youngest president at 41. He was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the UHC Synagogue on Shadwell Lane, ensuring it opened debt-free, and led fundraising for the current site of The Zone. Despite his many accomplishments, Richard has no plans to retire and remains actively involved, continuing to advise on community matters.
