Oswestry Holocaust speaker 'flabbergasted' after learning of her MBE
Jewish author and speaker Natalie Cumming, 88, has been appointed an MBE for her services to the Holocaust and the Missing People Charity
A Oswestry woman who has spoken about the Holocaust across the UK was ‘flabbergasted’ to learn she had been appointed an MBE by the King in his birthday honours.
Natalie Cumming, 88, has been awarded an MBE for her services to the Holocaust and the Missing People Charity.
The MBE recipient and published author is a regular public speaker on Holocaust Memorial Day and has given talks across the UK.
She has also worked with the Missing People Charity since 1986.
But Natalie, who is no stranger to awards having been given the Coronation Champion award for volunteering in Shropshire in May 2023, said she was “flabbergasted” on learning she was to receive an MBE last month.
“When the letter arrived from the palace, I had a friend at my home and I was so flabbergasted I let it slip - but she has been sworn to secrecy and has not told a soul,” she said.
“But I’ve not told my family or anybody else yet so am looking forward to telling people.”
She said her work has taken her all over the country.
“On Holocaust Memorial Day I am always asked to talk – anywhere from Southampton to Llandudno, Doncaster and London,” she said. “And then I wrote the book The Fiddle, which was published in May 2018.
“The book is a true story about my aunt, who survived three concentration camps as she was able to join one of the women’s orchestras, using the fiddle which is the crux of the book.”
Following the publication of the book, the eponymous violin was restored by the BBC’s The Repair Shop before being taken to Auschwitz by broadcaster Sky, who made a film on the subject.
“I was highly honoured to get the award,” added Natalie. “I have done a lot of work and have been all over the country especially on Holocaust Memorial Days.
“I’ve talked at every WI, all the U3A groups, plus many schools, as well as synagogues in Birmingham, Manchester and London, and several private groups.”
Natalie will be receiving her award at the Palace later in the year.
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