Sikh community needs larger premises

9:37am Wednesday 28th February 2001

AN EXPANDING Sikh community in Gravesend is looking around for bigger premises.

The Shree Guru Ravidass Temple, in Brandon Street, has around 300 members.

Although it does not have as many members as the Guru Nanek Temple, in Clarence Row, which is also looking for bigger premises, its community is expanding.

Spokesman Dee Ilyas said: “Many people forget about the Shree Guru Ravidass community because we aresmaller. But we are now becoming more and more popular with young people and our temple in Brandon Street is getting too small, so we will soon be looking around for bigger premises.”

She explained the temple is currently raising money for the Indian Earthquake Appeal.

President of the Shree Guru Ravidass Temple, Chan Singh Jassal, celebrated the Guru's birthday on February 18 by donating a cheque for £3,600 to the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission UK Indian Earthquake Appeal.

Mrs Ilyas said: “We wanted the funds to be distributed equally to all those in the area regardless of caste, position, race or religion.

“By sending money directly to the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission UK Indian Earthquake Appeal the money will go straight to where it is needed and with no middleman or administation costs.”

If you would like to make a donation, call the Earthquake Donation on 020 8838 3600.

For more information about the Shree Guru Ravidass Gurdwara, call 01474 363124.