Young people from National Citizens Service cleared historic synagogue outdoor space in coordination with congregation
After Stephen Morgan MP became aware of the overgrown state of the Portsmouth And Southsea Synagogue garden during a visit to the local Jewish community, he set about connecting local young people and leaders in an effort that has transformed the once unusable space.
After being contacted by Stephen, volunteers from a local National Citizens Service (NCS) group spent a week clearing overgrown vegetation and obstructions at the site at the heart of one of the UK’s oldest Jewish communities.
The scheme is run in Portsmouth by Pompey in the Community and engages approximately 460 young people in over 37 projects across the city.
Locals praised the speedy work done by the NCS group as their work uncovered a pond and pathway that had previously been lost under a mass of overgrowth, and it is now hoped the recovered space will be used to host events and raise funds for the further development and maintenance of the historic synagogue in Southsea.
The volunteers braved a torrential downpour and warm weather as they battled to finish the work within a week. Once the clearing was complete, Mr Morgan undertook a follow up visit to congratulate volunteers and the NCS team personally at a celebration event at the end of the week.
Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“This project showed our city and its young people at their very best. It was great to get stuck in myself and help, but the difference in the space I saw on my return to the Synagogue on Friday is simply brilliant, and all down to this incredibly dedicated NCS group and our friends at the only local synagogue.
I couldn’t be prouder of our city’s young people or Pompey in the Community for the brilliant work they’re doing across Portsmouth. I want to thank them and the team leaders for their storming efforts.
This is about more than just a week of hard graft and teambuilding, the NCS volunteers have provided our local Jewish community with a legacy that will hopefully raise funds for years to come, as well as recovering a valuable asset and green space for the wider community to enjoy.”
Tony Cooper, Warden at Portsmouth Synagogue, added:
“The garden is a great testament to the unique bond that the Jewish Community and Portsmouth have had for nearly three hundred years.
We as a community are lucky to have such a good friend in Stephen.”
