There was standing room only for a civic service to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of Chatham Memorial Synagogue, when some 200 people gathered for the commemoration.

The service was conducted by the Rev Malcolm Weisman, assisted by shul chairman Jon Weiner and Rabbi Cliff Cohen of Ramsgate Reform. Life president Gabriel Lancaster and vice-president Harry Gamp, welcomed the guests, who included local dignitaries and Alfred Magnus, a descendant of the founder family of the synagogue.

Mr Lancaster and Mr Weiner expressed delight at the large attendance, twice the number expected, and explained that the Jewish community had, for many generations, played a significant part in local life.