Atisha Buddhist Centre

The day had finally arrived, watching the months of careful planning by Audrey, Kath and Debbie had left the rest of us exhausted!   The marquee was up and correctly orientated, the bunting, kindly 'found' by Kevin and expertly hung by Chris Hill, adding the final touches.  Lets face it, even a  wooden horse would have shed a happy tear  upon hearing  Debbie's delighted comments of   ´oh it looks  just like a proper open day now!´ Chris and Lorne had arrived and were busy preparing for Chris´ Stupa making and Lorne's textiles,  who could have failed to be impressed by Lorne´s sterling efforts at erecting Chris's wet weather protection!

Inside Atisha centre the Gompa had been beautifully prepared with the help of Jake to hold meditation sessions and  show the Life of Buddha video. The kitchen had been converted to a cafè by Sam, and  even  Mike looked dynamic in his efforts to keep both coffee machines flowing  whilst placating the tea urn. Many very kind volunteers had baked for us, Ann, Elisa and Rebecca's beautiful cakes and biscuits looked wonderful. Paul stood ready with his camera to capture the  happy day and Bob our steward had his little'counter thingy' ready  to add up the people who came through the doors.

As the time approached 'ten', more volunteers arrived, Jackie heading straight to aid the valiant Mike, Michelle and  Rebecca opting to help Kath and Moira in  the shop,  but the big question was, would anybody come to visit us?

Well the answer was yes they did, according to Bob's 'counter thingy' about 110 visitors (including volunteers).  Adults, Mums, Dads and children  all came for a look around, watch exhibitions by Tara and Chris Hill, browse in our shop, enjoy a tombola stall, enter raffles and competitions,  join in meditation sessions,  and  learn a little about us. Audrey and Don's lunch for volunteers gave us strength and the rain managed to stay  away for most of the day;  there was a happy relaxed atmosphere 'about the place', except in the cafè where Mike's dynamic efforts to keep the ship afloat seemed to know no bounds!

We raised about £620 on the day, and the unseen benefit of raised  awareness within the community  will hopefully  be felt during the year.  A very big thank you to all who helped to make the day a success, and a very  special big thank you  to our wonderful  Resident Teacher, Chödor, whose vision and inspiration made the whole thing possible (not forgetting the fact that  he was the only one brave enough to judge the kiddies competitions!).