FRESH APPEAL: Ralph Webber, Jean Racke

Did you or someone you know live in West Heath Court in 1960?

West Heath Court is a rather grand block of flats in North End Road, Golders Green, London, just a little up the hill and across from Golders Green tube station.

It was here, at around 5pm, after the sun had gone down at the end of a bright, sunny but cold December day, that baby David was found, lying on a blanket on the second floor of the building. The date was Thursday 15 December 1960.

In 1960, the flats were mostly occupied by Jewish couples, many of who had immigrated to London from Germany or Austria.

Thanks to a detailed police report that was filed at the time, and which David was fortunate enough to find with his adoption records, we now know the name of the person who discovered David.

This man's name was Ralph Webber.

In 1960, Ralph Webber (born Raphael Weber) was aged 47. He lived with his with Jean Webber (then aged 45). Jean's first name was Gertrude (she was born Gertrude Jean Racke), but she was known as Jean to her family and friends.

We know that both Ralph and Jean were Jewish and that they lived at 35 West Heath Court from at least 1956 until around 1970, when they moved to 85 High Mount, Station Road, Hendon (where they lived until they died).

During their working lives, Ralph had worked in the printing industry and Jean had been a saleslady.

Sadly, Ralph passed away in 1994, aged 83 and Jean died two years later in 1996, aged 83. To our knowledge they did not have any children.

Ralph had a sister called Eve Webber and Jean was one of around nine children! Jean's mother's name was Sarah Racke. Jean had three brothers, Albert Lazarus Racke ('Alf'), Richard Isaac Racke and Joseph Racke ('Joe') and five sisters, Milly Racke, Naomi Racke, Rosa Racke, Hilda Racke and Diana Racke. Jean had many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, many of whom must be alive today.

David would very dearly like to hear from any relatives or friends of Ralph and Jean.

Perhaps you knew Jean or Ralph when they lived at West Heath Court (approx. 1954-1970) or during the 25+ years that they live at High Mount in Hendon). It might be that Ralph or Jean told you about the day when Ralph found a baby in the hall where he lived. It was Ralph's quick-wittedness in calling the police that ensured that David was taken to a place of safety that day and eventually adopted. David may have been on the floor for some time and had very cold hands and feet when he was found, and physical signs suggest he was not born in a hospital and therefore had probably not been seen by a doctor of midwife prior to being found. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say that Ralph Webber saved David's life.

If you knew Ralph or Jean Webber or anyone who lived in West Heath Court in December 1960, David would be so grateful if you would get in touch with him at david@therainbowbaby.com.