There is little to commend being a Newcastle United FC supporter at present. But a group of "sad" Newcastle fans belonging to Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue put aside their footballing misery to sponsor a kiddush for the shul's 60th anniversary.

Sponsors Richard Steele, Andrew Goldman and Joel, Richard and Aron Sager were marking a more bittersweet 60th anniversary of their own - the last time their team won a major domestic honour, the FA Cup in 1955.

Special guests included 29 people who turned 60 this year, two couples celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary and six 1955 barmitzvah boys. One of these was the shul's emeritus minister, Rabbi Alan Plancey.