Police_World_02_2018

Cutlure Corner

Branch Visit to Slough Sikh Temple Pauline Osborne , Thames Valley Branch Social Secretary On the 14th February 2018, 22 members ventured to Slough, home of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, where we were met by the engaging Nirmal, one of the volunteers in the Gurudwara who was giving his own time as our host for the visit. We were greeted with the most infectious welcome from all the community at the Gurdwara on the day, even the men who, again volunteers, were clearing the drains. Every job has equal importance. R emoving our shoes and donning appropriate headgear, savvy ladies had brought their own headscarves, we set John having a turban fitted

off on the tour. First stop, the gym! Nirmal thought this is the only Gurdwara with a gym, was well used by the community - men and women alike - and was a good avenue to encourage the young,

Our guide in the gym

In the gym

men and women wear turbans although more usually seen on men. After a fascinating question and answer session one member, John Bull, was the recipient of a turban tying demonstration, clearly this takes practice! Then it was into the Langar Hall where the group were to sample the earlier made chapattis accompanied by vegetarian curry, dahl, yoghurt and a homemade cake. The more supple joined worshippers crossed legged on the floor to eat their meals and chat with the community who were again very welcoming and engaging. Sadly it was all too soon to leave and whilst the group had booked into a local restaurant for lunch, most could only manage a starter or pud and coffee. All agreed it had one of the Branch’s most successful visits and definitely to be repeated.

rolling the dough before it was flipped on the huge griddle. We knew we were going to be treated to these later! Nirmal explained that anyone of any or no faith can attend the Gurudwara for help, be it a meal, a bed for the night, a shower or new clothing, no payment requested. Then it was on to the Prayer room, the Darbar Sahib where Nirmal demonstrated the protocol of bowing to the Guru Sahib or holy book. Each member of the group, dependent upon the conditions of their knees and hips, very happily made a bow, of varying depth and offered a small discreet offering, careful not to deliberately turn their backs on the Holy Book . All offerings contribute to the upkeep of the Gurudwara and the aforementioned food and assistance. The group then viewed a video explaining the main tenets of Sikhism, all being equal and that only through leading a good life and doing good deeds does one reach heaven. We learnt about the 5 K’s, symbols of Sikhism and their significance. Kesh, uncut hair, Kanga, a wooden comb, Kaccha, specific underwear, Kara an iron bracelet and Kirpan a small symbolic sword. Both

John Bull

Then it was on to the kitchens where volunteers can feed up to 500 people a day. All the ingredients necessary are again donated by the community, huge sacks of flour for the essential chapattis, bags of onions, vegetables and huge quantities of milk. The dough pile for the chapattis was a sight to behold and the ladies in the kitchen kindly offered to provide a demonstration. Clearly expertise gained over years, the ladies chatted whilst moulding and

In the food store

Trying the vegetarian food

POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 2, 2018

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