Description
Discover the remarkable story of Jewish teenage twins who fled to Bradford from Nazi Germany in this poignant talk, which includes a short film.
The story of Fritz and Hans Toczek, who took the names Fred and John after settling in England, is told in a nine-minute film called Tvins. This was researched and co-produced by John’s eldest son, Nick. In 1938, sent by their father, the teenage twins left their Cologne hometown for the UK to escape growing anti-Semitism, eventually settling in Bradford. Both secured places at Bradford College to study textiles.
Their path to freedom wasn’t easy. As ‘enemy aliens’ they were interned in the Isle of Man, then sent to Canada, before eventually returning to Bradford.
The twins have since died, and this moving film is told through the eyes of their children. This fascinating talk by writer, Nick Toczek, will also discuss Bradford’s rich immigrant heritage and how he explored his Jewish family history in the city.
About the Author
Nick Toczek
Bradford writer and performer Nick Toczek was born and raised in the city. As a dedicated metal detectorist, he’s a features writer and reviewer for Britain’s leading detecting magazine, Treasure Hunting. He also has a monthly column in that journal as The Yorkshire Detectorist.
He’s published sixty books, mostly of poetry, but also of politics, prose, and lyrics. As a writer and tutor in schools (plus professional magician and skilled puppeteer), he’s toured throughout Britain and visited schools in forty countries worldwide. He’s released two dozen albums of music and/or spoken word, recording with leading rock and classical musicians and composers.
As a music journalist, he writes for the UK bi-monthly magazine, R ‘n’ R, contributing reviews, features, and his humorous column, Funny You Should Say That….
In December 2023, the University of Bradford conferred on him their Outstanding Achievement Award for his contribution to culture and the arts.
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