Help renovate a Landmark into a Vipassana Meditation Centre

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are thrilled to invite you to join us in a transformative journey. The Dhamma Centre has been entrusted with a nearly 100-year-old historic building—a former church at 175 Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex. This cherished landmark, whose cornerstone was laid on May 22, 1924, carries the profound inscription: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner” (Psalm 118:22). We are honored to breathe new life into this building, preserving its rich history while creating a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to Vipassana meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

Our Goal

We aim to raise £30,000 for essential renovations that will make this space welcoming and accessible to everyone in our community.

Your Contributions Will Support:

1. Buddha Altar Installation: Crafting a serene focal point for meditation and teachings, honoring the spiritual essence of the Centre.

2. Accessible Bathroom Facilities: Ensuring our facilities meet the needs of all visitors, including those with disabilities.

3. Damp Proofing: Upgrading living areas for our resident Sangha members (monks) to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment.

4. Structural Remedial Work: Repairing and preserving the building’s structure to safeguard its longevity for future generations.

5. Kitchen Refurbishment: Updating the kitchen with new fittings and suitable furnishings to enhance functionality for community events and daily use.

6. Garden Maintenance and Landscaping: Cultivating peaceful garden spaces for walking meditation and contemplative practices, providing a natural haven in the heart of the city.

Our Vision

The Dhamma Centre aspires to be a beacon of peace and mindfulness in Colchester, offering a place where individuals from all walks of life can learn, grow, and find solace. Our vision extends beyond physical renovations; we seek to create a community hub that fosters personal development, cultural enrichment, and spiritual well-being through the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.

By transforming this historic building, we hope to:

• Preserve a Cherished Landmark: Honor the legacy of the building and the New Church, whose trustees have entrusted us as the most suitable custodians. The secretary of the New Church remarked, “We are confident that the Dhamma Centre will love this property and look after it well.”

• Create a Community Space: Establish a welcoming environment for Vipassana meditators to come together, fostering a community of strong practitioners supported by experienced Buddhist monks.

• Inspire Mindfulness and Peace: Become a beacon for Dhamma, inspiring many to develop and cultivate meditation and mindfulness practices enriched by the teachings of the Buddha.

Why Your Support Matters

Your generous donations will help bring this vision to life. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Your support will enable us to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all who seek tranquility and mindfulness.

Join Us in This Transformative Journey

We are deeply grateful for your kindness and consideration in helping us make this wholesome project a reality. Together, we can create a sanctuary that not only preserves a piece of Colchester’s history but also enriches the lives of countless individuals through the practice of mindfulness and compassion.

Thank You

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your generous support. Let’s make this vision come alive!

Warm regards,

Dr. Shiroma Bandara

On behalf of the Dhamma Centre, Colchester

Above- Floor plan of current church building

The Kitchen, which has to be equipped to prepare meals for the meditators engaging with day retreats at the centre and for Sangha.

Lakshman has been meditating with us for some time, and he kindly volunteered to help us out with taking measurements and preparing the necessary drawings for the council and the builders.

Cracks on the ceiling which can be seen in a number of positions

Water damage from leaking guttering above.