Rabbi Meir Shindler "has brought stability" to Richmond Synagogue in its centenary year, says chairman Jon Katzauer.

The south London shul's former minister, Rabbi Jonathan Hughes, moved to Radlett Synagogue in 2015 amid claims of "poaching". But under Rabbi Shindler's spiritual leadership, the 250-member congregation has recovered from what Mr Katzauer termed a "difficult" period.

And Sunday's celebration of the landmark anniversary doubled as the induction ceremony for the minister, whose previous communal role was as the living and learning rabbi at Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue.

In an affluent area, with neighbouring art galleries and pet pampering stores, the United shul counts many professors, barristers and bankers among its membership.

But Mr Katzauer stressed that "we don't have many egos in play. The warmth of the community differentiates us."

We don’t have many egos in play

Members have raised £100,000 to mark the centenary, the money going towards improving facilities and renovating its sifrei Torah.

Simchas are few and far between - two barmitzvahs a year on average - but between 30 and 40 people attend on Shabbat morning and more than 150 on the High Holy-Days. There are 40 children in the cheder, a programme of women's activities and social events such as barbecues that attract up to 70 people.

Rabbi Shindler, 33, said that Census data suggested untapped potential for growth. He also noted that "our membership is quite spread out, with a much higher percentage of people whose Jewish identity isn't as important to them. We have to be aware of that.

"That's why we need the personal element. Two of the parents who only came to pick their kids up from the cheder are now on the shul board."

For the kashrut observant, "there's some kosher food in Waitrose. But if you want a variety of kosher food, you have to go to north-west London."

The rabbi added that he and his family enjoyed the natural beauty of the nearby parks and Kew Gardens.

And with south London now served by a Jewish primary school, "unless you want to go to Kosher Kingdom every day, you'll be fine".