London Gurdwara Plans to Expand

June 8, 2006

Source: This is local London

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/indepth/features/display.var.786898.0.community_building_new_temple.php

On June 8, 2006 This is local London reported, "Followers of Sikhism have made a noticeable impression in Gravesham. The Sikh community has shaped the skyline of the borough by constructing one of the largest Sikh temples in Europe. Khalsa Avenue in Gravesend, the site of the new temple, is named after men and women who have been initiated into the Sikh faith. And on a quiet afternoon gentlemen wearing traditional turbans, compulsory for Sikh men, can be seen taking strolls through the town centre. The impact of the religion may stem from its large presence in the borough. Gravesham boasts the second largest Sikh community nearly seven per cent of the community in the whole of the south east. Sikhs currently worship at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, a Sikh temple, in Clarence Place. The temple, which officially opened in 1968, has a hall for worship, nursery facilities, daycare services for the elderly and welfare services. There is also a separate education centre offering Punjabi GCSE, A level and religious studies to Sikh youngsters and a sports centre. Within a few years the shape of worship will be transformed with the opening of a new £8m Gurdwara, which is being funded entirely by the Sikh community."