Page 5 - Booklet_Design_Bury_Park_Revised_005

Jewish Community:
At the 1939 war outbreak, there were about 25 families in Luton. However, this swelled up to 2 thousand with the
evacuees from London. This meant the Jewish community needed a new Synagogue. In 1949 the Empire Cinema in Bury
Park Road was purchased. By late 80s due to member declining, few members live near Bury Park, so they needed new
premises. The synagogue in Bury Park Road was sold in 2001 and the Islamic Cultural Centre was built.

Muslim Community:
Bury Park’s large Muslim community has grown since the 1970s and Luton Central Mosque in Westbourne Road, built in
1982, was one of the first purpose-built mosques in Britain. Currently there are over 30 mosques in Luton and Bury Park
Jame Mosque, on Bury Park Road being the largest mosque in the town. Initially Bury Park Mosque started with purchase
of a single terrace house in 1971.
The Caribbean Community:

Nadeem Plaza, which was the Co-op back then and behind there was a parade of shops with an old club called ROAB
club. It used to be club where lot of people from West India community used to attend with their exciting and very
noisy game of dominions. In the 60s and 70s there was a very sizeable West Indian community and they were many
nationalities in that area. A fair number of people lived on Selbourne Road but the numbers thinned out over the ears
and elders retired and back to retire in the Caribbean.

The first Restaurant:

The first Indian restaurant in the area was at the corner of Dunstable Road and Oak Road Called Nazma. It opened in
the early 60s and catered the local community. In the 60s, if you wanted authentic Indian food, there were only 1 or
2 shops in Luton who could supply. There was a Kashmir Stores in Oak Road and a Food world on Dunstable Road. In
addition to this, there used to be a shop on the corner of Ash Road owned by Mr Parker. There used to be van delivery
from London on 2 weekly basis. In the 60s, there were many houses that did not have bathrooms. So people used to go
to the Bath Centre. People would hand over One Shilling and 6p and for that they would get a towel and a soap bar for
30m.

Clothing:
On Oak Road, there was one Indian shop called Amir Brothers, which was there since early 60s. This was the most liked
Indian sop, which sold ladies clothes as well as duvets. This Store closed about 10-15 years ago.
Wedding Venues:

In the 60s, if there was a wedding, people would hire a hall or a restaurant. Drill Hall on Old Bedford Road was one of
the most popular Asian wedding venues in Luton for larger number of guests, while school halls and local restaurants
were used for smaller weddings.

5