Esmond was born and educated in Birmingham graduating from Loughborough Colleges in 1974 as a PE teacher. He commenced his career at Hendon School Barnet until 1977 when he travelled with wife Hilary, on public transport through Europe, Asia to India and Nepal. He then returned to Birmingham as the first Sports Action Community Organiser in the UK, a role which has become a model for inner City sports developments. Es was then appointed as the original Birmingham Jewish Youth and Community Worker, moving to Richmond upon Thames as Principal Youth and Community Officer in 1984. Appointed Director of the Liverpool Jewish Youth & Community Centre in 1986 and for the next 18 years, amongst other responsibilities was elected Chair of the Liverpool Faith Network. This played a significant grass roots role in enabling Liverpool, to achieve the Award of European Capital of Culture.
Married to Hilary, with two children and 6 Grandchildren.
Imam Hamid was born and raised a Finchlean having attended the Madrasa at 36 Long Lane (where the Masjid used to be) and secondary school at Christ's College Finchley.
Having finished his secular education, Imam Hamid began to pursue an understanding of the Islamic disciplines by travelling to Cairo, Egypt, and joining Al Azhar University. He received a diploma from the Islamic Missions College, Al Azhar, in Islamic Studies. He then went on to complete a degree in Islamic Law at Al Azhar University and, thereafter, undertake a Masters in Islamic Political Science.
Imam Hamid has since returned to Finchley, delivering intensive courses, detailed seminars and inspirational talks. He has recently taken up the position as Director of IANL.
Outside of work, Imam Hamid enjoys reading, playing football, and cycling in the afternoons.
Barbara Carter is Secretary to the Forum. Her professional background is in HR and she currently runs a consultancy providing HR advice to small companies and charities. Having lived in Barnet for many years, she has been involved in various volunteering activities through the Jewish community – currently as an Advisor at Resource, a community employment advice service and previously as a founder of a communal welfare network.
In her spare time, she enjoys criss-crossing the Atlantic to visit her children and grandchildren in the USA and Canada and, when in the UK, the more relaxing pursuits of theatre, bridge and yoga.