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Our new Synagogue for the new Millennium

What you see above is how our new Synagogue looks from the outside and internally as at 5th September 2004 when our Synagogue dedication service took place, and Rabbi Frank banged the mezzuzah into place. Below you can see how it has evolved from the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2003 up to completion. The new building comprises two floors. On the first floor is a dedicated sanctuary able to seat up to 270 people. The first floor is the site of the Rabbi's office and an administration office. Below, on the ground floor, are six classrooms for the use of our Cheder, as well as the Hall able to hold up to 330 people for High Holy Day services and other functions. Toilets, including facilities for the disabled, are also sited on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor is a library, which is used as the Council Room and for small meetings.The upper floor is reachable by stairs or via an eight person lift. There is car parking for up to 35 cars with overflow parking in the public car park opposite.

Below are pictures of our new building as it has developed with the most recent nearest the top. After the groundbreaking ceremony in August, when Katie Salter, wife of the first President, Max Salter, used a ceremonial trowel to start the construction phase, a large hole was dug. Then the foundations were laid using steel rods and concrete; next a red steel frame was erected and put in place; then brickwork on the ground and first floor was completed; the timber roof frame was put in place; roof tiling was completed; then the building was rendered. Next internal works began. The lift was installed and the concrete floor prepared. Then electrical work began and the bimah was built. After this the wooden floor was installed and the kitchen was completed. Finally furniture, including new seating was put in place. Soon the outside will be landscaped. All will be ready for the Inauguration service on 5th September.

By the weekend of 6th/7th August the building is complete and the first services are held. Still a bit of work to do on the car park and the downstairs hall though!

By mid July the interior is taking form and there is less than a month until we can take occupation and services can begin.

By mid June the scaffolding has been removed and rendering is nearly complete.

By the end of May tiling is complete and the front has been rendered.

By the 8th May the timber roof frame is in place and tiling has begun.

More of the brickwork is complete by 4th April!

How it looked on 6th March 2004 as brickwork progressed.

How it looked in early February 2004 after the red steel frame had been put in place.

How it looked when we started.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony held in August 2003, as Alan Solomon, Chairman of the Development Committee launches the construction phase. Next to him is Stewart Drage, then Synagogue Chairman, and our Rabbi in the baseball cap!

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