Improvements to the temple:
recent roof work

There has been an issue with the back roof of our single-story extension since before we moved in, with the surveyor pointing out water marks on the wall at one end. Water has been getting into the ‘soffit box’ behind the gutter, and coming out through the air vents and around the downlights, although fortunately nothing has been coming into the building.

The water has been getting in at one end of the roof, where it runs off the side rather than down to the gutter, and also at the bottom where the slope of the tiles is too shallow. Various improvements to the mortar on the end of the roof and to the roofing membrane just above the gutter cut down the amount of water greatly, but it was still seeping in at various points. It was clear that a larger-scale change was needed.

We decided to ask the builders who had worked for us a few years ago to take off part of the roof and re-do it. On the first day they took off about six rows of tiles so that they could make the slope of the roof steeper at the bottom. The picture above shows where they had got to after the second day, where the new roofing membrane is in place, as well as the battens. They have also started building up a parapet wall at the right-hand end, to stop the water flowing off the side of the roof.

We were very lucky that there was warm dry weather during the time that the builders were working on the roof, as the period before and after were both very wet and windy.

By the end of the third day they had got almost all of the tiles back on, and formed a valley next to the parapet wall, in order to carry the water down to the gutter.

On the final day they concentrated on the valley and the parapet wall, lining the valley with lead, cutting the tiles to fit, and putting coping stones on the top of the wall. They then cleared away all of their tools and the old roofing materials and left the patio very tidy.

The photo below shows a close-up of the parapet wall and the leaded valley. The heavy rainstorms that we had just a couple of days after the work was finished were a stern test of the new roof, and fortunately there has been no sign of water going anywhere that it shouldn’t. We are very grateful to the builders for making such a good job of it.

Forthcoming Events:
The Festival of Great Master Bodhidharma

On Saturday the 12th of October we will be celebrating the Festival of Great Master Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is an important figure within Zen, as he is credited with bringing the meditation school of Buddhism from India to China. His emphasis on “pure meditation”, and the need to spend time “just sitting” facing a wall, are still central to our tradition. This festival is an opportunity to celebrate the life of Bodhidharma and to focus on some of his important teachings.

The festival day will start with two periods of meditation at 10am. These will be followed by the Festival Ceremony and a Dharma Talk and discussion, ending at 12.30pm.

In addition to welcoming visitors to the temple for the festival (please book in advance), we will also be holding the festival over zoom so that Lay Sangha members can join in from where they are. Full details of the festival will be sent out by email to Lay Sangha members prior to the festival.

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The garden still in bloom

Before the recent stormy weather set in, we still had several plants flowering in the temple garden. Just outside the temple front door we have a hibiscus plant in a tub, which is pictured below whilst it was in full flower in early September.

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Alms Bowl Requests

Donations of Food
Offering food is a traditional way to support a monk, and all donations of vegetarian food are most welcome. In particular:

• porridge oats
• peanuts or other nuts
• peanut butter
• fresh fruit and vegetables (except garlic or peppers)
• dried herbs
• cheese, eggs and yoghurt

Any other suitable items would also be appreciated.

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Donations

The temple is dependent on donations for its continued existence, and any financial support you are able to offer is greatly appreciated. Details of how to offer support can be found on the Donations page of the website.

All donations are received with gratitude