[alf stone]

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue, 180 Bewick Road, Gateshead

Most of the scaffolding has now been removed from the roof area and the workforce is gradually dwindling.

 

[alf stone]

The last of the scaffolding has finally been dismantled:

 

[alf stone]

During the last couple of weeks a tanker with the legend JetVac has been hooked up to the inside of the Synagogue. Several vans from a tiling company have been evident. They have also been clearing away excess building materials and scrap. I was beginning to hope that the job was nearing completion. Alas when I was there this morning one of the elders told me that they have booked the first wedding to be held on the roof for early November. When the construction boss was told his answer was succinct, "No chance!".

This area on the Bewick Road side has been used for storage but is now mainly clear:

On the north and east elevations they have fitted what look to me like blanking plates but a couple of Yeshiva students told me they were for the ventilation system:

When I passed on Thursday afternoon I took this picture showing the glorious lighting on the ceiling of the main Synagogue area:

 

[alf stone]

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue, 180 Bewick Road Gateshead

The blanking plates have gone and have been replaced by ventilation outlets for the Mikveh (ritual baths). I am curious as to why they built the walls and then removed the bricks to install the vents but then I have never worked in construction: