The chairman of a Parliamentary arts and heritage group has praised the beauty and upkeep of the Grade I-listed New West End Synagogue following a visit by MPs and peers.
Sir Patrick Cormack was speaking after members of the Parliamentary groups on arts and heritage and historic churches had viewed the Bayswater shul — the first synagogue chosen for their annual trip, organised by English Heritage.
“The rabbi [Geoffrey Shisler] very kindly invited me to go to a service at the synagogue and I will take him up on this,” Sir Patrick said. “I have had a long association with the Jewish community so it was a particular pleasure for me to go.”
New West End was upgraded to Grade I status in 2007 for its exceptional architectural interest. Former Health Secretary Frank Dobson was also among the 30 visiting politicians, who were welcomed by Rabbi Shisler.
“It was good to have the opportunity to show our magnificent shul to such a distinguished group,” he said. “I hope they enjoyed the visit and gained a little more appreciation of the important role the Jewish community played, and continues to play, in the life of Britain.”
Henry Magrill gave a presentation on the shul’s history.
The New West End has received a £108,000 grant for roof repairs from a joint English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund scheme for listed places of worship.
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