Sue Harrison writes from East Anglia in the UK with news of a thriving Triratna outreach group there. She says - “It’s been just over a year since the Norwich Buddhist Centre began working in the Great Yarmouth area and now this new and exciting outreach project is really beginning to feel established. The group, which has people coming from all over the borough of Great Yarmouth and from Lowestoft, meets in the beautiful old Quaker Meeting House, a site which was a cell of the Augustan Priory of Gorleston in the 14th century and was first used by the Quakers in the 17th century. It has a wonderful, airy and peaceful atmosphere, so is a lovely place to meet as well as being right in the centre of Yarmouth. We've held 'Introduction to Meditation' taster sessions, Meditation courses, Buddhism courses, talks on Meditation, Impermanence, Friendship and Truthful Communication - we've been busy!

To publicise Buddhism in Great Yarmouth, in April/May this year we had a market stall on Great Yarmouth market, once on a Wednesday and once on a Saturday. Both days were a fantastic opportunities to talk to local residents and answer their questions, raise awareness and of course to raise some funds – not only that but the sun shone too! We sold books, clothes, jewellery, plant cuttings, anything really that had been donated and made just over £140 which will go towards getting our own mats. We had lots of support on the market stall from regular meditators and from the Norwich Sangha too: thanks to all who lent a hand.

I have been involved in the development of the work taking place here since it started, (I’m a local resident) and I feel enormously fortunate and privileged to be part of what truly feels like a Sangha in the making. Saroja’s commitment to making this happen is really inspiring! There is a definite sense of commitment to the sessions from everyone, we’re never short of helping hands to set up, clear up and take part in fundraising or discussion. Friendships are growing, new people are made to feel really welcome by everyone and it feels incredibly positive.

With metta - Sue Harrison"

More details from their group on The Buddhist Centre Online: www.thebuddhistcentre.com/yarmouth.