A trip to Swindon

As some respite from Brexititis, I head off to meet my chum in Swindon.  First stop though is the excellent Swindon Art Gallery and Museum.  

http://swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk/

The smallish gallery is situated in the old town in an unassuming Victorian or Georgian town house.  It includes a collection of 20th-century British art, one of the best in the country outside London.   The collection was established in 1944 by a local benefactor, H.J.P. Bomford, through a significant donation of artworks.  The collection focuses on major artists and movements of 20th and 21st century British art.  Artists in the collection include Ben Nicholson, Henry Moore, Lucian Freud, LS Lowry, Paul Nash, Maggi Hambling, Augustus John and others.  The media include paintings, photography and studio pottery.  

Presented in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts, there is currently a solo exhibition, Hide and Seek, which is a remarkable collection of Eileen Cooper’s unique works on paper spanning almost 40 years, and complimented with a number of drawings from the Swindon Collection hand-picked by Eileen Cooper. 

Cooper’s practice as a painter and printmaker is underpinned by highly individual drawings, which reveal her working methods and strongly autobiographical preoccupations. Celebrating themes including sexuality, birth, family, creativity and identity, Cooper’s distinctive imagery has afforded her much recognition and critical acclaim.  Animals frequently feature in her work. 

She is now the first female keeper of the RA Schools where my art historian works.  It is on her recommendation that we are here today.  I like the works very much.  It was permitted to take photos but the reflecting glass prevent this.  So please view her works on line.  My favourites were Red Sun, Fawn and Giant.  

T of N, who has come along for the ride heads to the Hop Inn.  Meanwhile we go to Balula for lovely goats cheese and fig relish sandwichs with sicilian lemonade.  

Back to the car through the oasis that is Old Town Gardens.  'Just like Central Park' I say.  And on the M4 the heavens open. 

Family, Friend and the RA Schools Show

I am off to London today to meet my lovely friend and daughter and to see the latter's show.  So I feel better for some distraction therapy.  Since Friday June 24th, life has been a living hell.  I have been  feeling as bad I ever have, such as at times of bereavment or terrible work pressures.  Last night I took 10mg of amitryptiline, not my chosen response to such things and in my drawer since my lovely Mum 

died.  But I have slept and feel a little better.  What's going on you might ask, but only if you are on Planet Zog.  

I awoke on Friday and realised my nightmare was a reality. Scotland, Ireland, London and a few other places including West Berkshire had voted to Remain in the EU but the national result was for 'Brexit'.

(The scenario many people on the Remain side had predicted had been labelled 'Project Fear' but now it is 'Project Reality'. Here are the results: 

Leave won by 52% to 48%. 

The referendum turnout was 71.8%, with more than 30 million people voting. It was the highest turnout in a UK-wide vote since the 1992 general election.

England voted strongly for Brexit, by 53.4% to 46.6%, as did Wales, with Leave getting 52.5% of the vote and Remain 47.5%. 

Scotland and Northern Ireland both backed staying in the EU. Scotland backed Remain by 62% to 38%, while 55.8% in Northern Ireland voted Remain and 44.2% Leave.

Markets are tumbling, David Cameron has offered his resignation and Nicola Sturgeon is preparing for a second referendum on Scottish Independence. 

Right wing Politicians in France and Holland have begun crying out for their own referendums.  

The 'United Kingdom' and the European Union itself are beginning to fall apart.

I campaigned for Remain and was shocked to discover how angry people are. They are fed up with not being able to get appointments with GPs, not being able to get school places and a shortage of housing. Leave's effective but meaning less slogan 'take back control' seduced them. But it was and is a lie. 

People feel ignored by Westminster politicians, exploited by big employers and badly let down. The real problem is that government funding has not met the demands of the increased population. Our public services have been squeezed by Tory policies.  Now the right wing of the government will be in charge and I fear what Leave voters wished for will not come true. On the contrary 'decent people' as Nigel Farage calls them will be even more ignored and the big corporations who run the world will continue to avoid tax and award themselves big bonuses. 

What does not help matters is that our two major political parties are in disarray and fighting amongst themselves. Meanwhile, having pretty much sacrificed themselves for economic stability in 2010, the Liberal Democrats were nearly wiped out at the last election. Now we are the only party which is united and tolerant.  So I am fueling my anger, which I do not like into something positve and working for the libdems in a membership drive.  

As time has progressed, we hear we will have a new Prime Minister by September.  The Labour party will probably still have Jeremy, despite a challenge from the Parliamentary Party.  The pound is at a thirty one year low are down by 3% (4% in Europe), contagion is spreading in Europe where the people are bemused and the polititians angry.  As El Pais, the Spanish newpaper summarised, Cameron burnt down the house to save the furniture, now they are both on fire, and all to solve his own problems' 

The eurosceptics have won.  We have been in Europe in a half hearted way, and despite all the many benefits, have pushed for more for ourselves.  As they used to say when I worked in New Zealand.  'How do you know when a plane load of Poms lands in Auckland?'  Answer: 'When the engine turn off the whining doesn't stop'

Here are some quotes from people I have encountered.  

And now the most we can hope for is free trade and free markets.  This will come at a higher cost ( so much for all the money for the NHS), and without protection of workers rights, human rights and the enviroment.    

I am in despair over the EU referendum result. In my 70-year life span I can't recall a time of such political chaos, fraught with dangers both economic and social. 

'I am ashamed to be English'

'I have not felt like this since I lost my Dad.   The hedge fund people ran the campaign by peddlong lies and they will be the only benefactors.  As far as I am concerned, the fight begins now' 

And finally, 

'Pull yorself together, we will be fine in the end, remember the British Bulldog, this is a good choice'  

'I am a global citizen and I am very upset' 

 Our divided land.  In it's capital I relax with friend and family.  The referendum result dominates our conversation.  There seem to be rays of hope.  Coffee, lunch and a walk in the park.  Here are my favourites from the RA Schools Show. 

 Yeasty Yeast Balls

Elliot Dodd

Dead Man 

Kira Freije

Home now to rain but FGW were kind. 

The Last Morning of my Great Trip North

After a disappointing breakfast I have a last wander before my train at 1200 hours.  Above is the William Penny Alms Houses, see above.  Previously named Penny's Hospital, as hospices or work houses for the poor tended to be back in the day, the complex comprises eleven homes plus Warden’s accommodation.  It is situated in King Street in the heart of the small city.  Ten dwellings are suitable for single people, and one for a couple.  The larger one has a bedroom, sitting room, bathroom and kitchen, whilst the singles are ‘bedsit’ style, with separate kitchen and bathroom.

The central courtyard provides a pleasant garden which gives Penny’s Hospital a distinct community atmosphere.  A small chapel at the head of the courtyard completes the scene, and services are held at regular intervals throughout the year for residents, family and friends and Trustees.

Lancaster Charity runs the scheme and actually does what says on box, which is good in this day and age.  The Grade II* Listed almshouses were built in 1720, using a £700 endowment left by the former Mayor of Lancaster; one of the main streets also bears his name.

More sanity, see below

I buy a bunch of bananas and give them to a poor homeless man.  My karma feels good.
Can anyone expalin Bashful Alley?

Lancaster Cathedral, below, has an early modern look unusual for Catholic churches. Also known as The Cathedral Church of St Peter and Saint Peter's Cathedral, is in St Peter's Road. It was a Roman Catholic parish church until 1924, when it was elevated to the status of a cathedral. The cathedral is in active use, arranging services, concerts and other events, and is open to visitors. The building is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building.

Until the passing of the Roman Catholic Relief Act in 1791 Lancaster's Roman Catholics met in a makeshift chapel in St Leonardsgate. Building the first Catholic church in the town began with the laying of the foundation stone for the Lancaster Catholic Mission in Dalton Square on 13 March 1798. The chapel was consecrated during the following year. By the middle of the 19th century, there was a need for a larger church. Land for this was purchased on a different site near to the mission church, and the parish church dedicated to Saint Peter was built. It was designed by the local architect E. G. Paley. Before the church was built, Paley had already designed schools, a convent, and a presbytery which were built on this land. Tenders for the church were invited in March 1857, the foundation stone was laid on 29 April, and the new church was consecrated on 4 October 1859 by Dr Alexander Goss, the bishop of Liverpool. The church and its associated buildings cost a total of £15,000 (£1,360,000 in 2015), of which £2,000 was bequeathed by Thomas Coulston. During future years, additions and alterations were made to the church by Paley and his future partner in the practice, Hubert Austin, and by his own son Henry Paley. These included the addition of a font in 1860, an organ gallery in 1888, chancel stalls in 1899, and a new baptistry in 1901. 

The golden jubilee of the church was celebrated in 1909, and a number of alterations were made under the direction of Giles Gilbert Scott. These included a new altar, replacement of the tiles on the floor by black and white marble, re-flooring of the nave, painting the walls, and replacing the pine benches by oak pews.  In 1924 the Diocese of Lancaster was created and the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral. The cathedra (bishop's throne) was placed in the chancel. When the centenary was celebrated in 1959, the pipe organ was refurbished, and the painted Stations of the Cross were replaced by a set of carvings. Since then, there have been further minor changes to the interior of the cathedral,[14] and in 1995 the east end was reordered by Francis Roberts.


The baptistry contains a central marble font, an altar with a reredos, and stained glass windows by Shrigley and Hunt. There is more stained glass by the same firm elsewhere in the cathedral, and other windows are by Hardman

In the stained glass window below, on the right we see Peter denying Christ.  Peter struggled on his spiritual path but persevered.  A message to persevere also comes from The Buddha. 

Originally a fisherman, Peter played a leadership role and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration. According to the gospels, Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, and was part of Jesus's inner circle.  He thrice denied Jesus and wept bitterly once he realised his deed, and preached on the day of Pentecost.

According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar. It is traditionally held that he was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. Tradition holds that he was crucified at the site of the Clementine Chapel.

I receive a depressing and angry email from my niece whilst in the Cathedral.  I manage to reply compassionately.  I have not heard from her since which is good as contact helps neither of us. 

At the station there is service with a smile for dogs and old ladies.  
I have an hazzle free journey home to my lovely husband and rabbit.

An evening in Lancaster

Now I am cleansing my taste buds in the Sun Hotel bar after cleansing mind at Conishead 

I stay put for a nice meal and blogger time.  Sleep like a log in the comfy bed.

Leaving Ulverston for Lancaster

Up bright and early today with the light, wondering how I can survive on five hours sleep yet again.  Melatonin?   That's a hormone that pops out with the light as I remember.  

Thrilled to see five bunnies playing on the lawn.  (One ran into the bush; See above)

So I pack my case and decide to go for a walk.  I bump into K from the North East and make a new friend with whom to do the paradise walk by the bay.  See below. 

We see more bunnies leaping. 

After breakfast I think about all the things I have learnt.  Things that are falling into place. Questions that remain.  Thinking of all the nice people I have met.  

We reap what we sow.  This will be my theme this week.  Overlaps with the message of another enlightened being. 

And I will remember 

No cause no effect

The Hell that exists is a result of disturbed mentalty

Like the karma in a spider, crocodile or terrorist 

There are no trees, just components

Hell realms are similar to appearances in our mind 

Nirvana is hell is samsara.  It's all a mental illusion

Brain is mind

Like sight is eye, eye is not sight 

After tea and the teachings it's some prayers for world peace.  

World peace is achieved via peace in our own mind 

Not through destroying weapons or putting up barriers 

Be kind to ourselves first 

The teaching mentions a father: Jo Cox's husband and how his response to the tragdey was to shower his kids with love.  This is real compassion as is his idea of building a kinder society as a response.  

This came up in context of Father's Day, which is today.  

I feel very happy that J can see T of N today.  

In the final meditation I see a path through a forest taking a bend that I cannot see round 

Now I have the confidence to approach that bend and to use this human life in a free society to achieve spiritual awareness

I see the lady who gave me the lift on Friday. 

And I sit on the platform after a lift from my new friend, K, still with peace, patience and calm 

This is a nice part of the world.  Although born and bred in the North West, I never came this way as my parents said 'Blackpool is nearer and anyway there is no sand at Morecambe!'  I missed a treat!  

I always wanted to go to Lancaster too as a child, and later I wanted to go to Lancaster University but there was no medical school.  At primary school there were four houses. Lancaster, Chester, Derby and York.  I was in Chester (it was an alphabetical thing, the start of the alphabet went in Chester; these were my pre Thomas Days.  Obviously). This meant my summer trips were to Chester Zoo and Speke Hall.  OK, but I really wanted to go to Lancaster.  More appropriate for someone born north of the Mersey, ie a Lancashire Lass. Not a Greater Manchester lass!  Where did that new fangled idea come from?  

Once again I enjoy my journey round Morecambe Bay on the train.  Five minutes after arriving in Lancaster, and a short work through the old 'Northern' centre, where I instantly feel at home, I receive a warm welcome at the Sun Hotel.  

http://www.thesunhotelandbar.co.uk/

The Lancaster Brewery (too far away to get to in the time available, boo) bought and did the two hundred plus year old pub up a few years ago.  Good on them.  It's lovely.  Cosy but not pretentious.  

I have a comfortable, quiet room at the back.  A nice touch is actual fresh coffee and a cafetiere.  

Soon I am exploring.   Sign spotted in Meeting House Lane.  

Lancaster knew Art Deco!  

Sanity in Lancaster! 

Above is the Judges' Lodging Museum, formerly a town house.  This Grade 1 listed building is the oldest existing town house in Lancaster.  It was used by judges when they attended the sessions of the Assize Court.  

Use of the house by visiting judges ended in 1975, and the building was converted into a museum; featuring a museum of childhood, French and English paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries and the Gillow furniture collection. 

The future of the museum is currently in doubt, following an accouncement from Lancashire County Council that it would be closed permanently, secondary to the cuts from the Tory government.  Closure was initially proposed to take place on 31 March 2016, but it was deferred. I need to shout.  TOTAL DISGRACE.   Sadly, it is not open today, despite a poster outside, stating it is open.  And it won't open tomorrow till I have left.  Next time.  Unless austerity wins.  

There is evidence that older buildings have stood on the site. Roman remains were discovered in the garden. It is likely that the first house on the site was built in wood, and later replaced in stone. It is possible the house built in 1314 for the ex Norman, Robert de Holland, was on this site.  The oldest fabric in the present house dates from the 1550s.The current building was constructed around 1625.  By 1639 the house was owned by Thomas Covell, Mayor of Lancaster, and Keeper of the castle.  That building has been called the "Old Hall" of Lancaster.  The house was used as lodgings by visiting judges attending the Assizes Court at Lancaster Castle, perhaps as early as  1635.  Lancaster was severely damaged by Royalist forces in 1643 during the Civil War. Around 1662 the property was bought by Thomas Cole, Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire.  The building was extended and altered in 1675, and the new building was called "New Hall".The house was sold in 1826 to the county magistrates. 

In front of the museum you can see a cross.  I have a close look. 

The present day Covell Cross was designed by Austin and Paley and erected in 1903 to commemorate the 

coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. It marks the site of an ancient cross, and is named after Thomas

 Covell.  I know nothing about the ancient cross, but in my investigation, I find out 

that Thomas Covell tried the Pendle Witches.  I make a note to tell my friend in Quito who will be very 

interested. 

I soon happen upon a little gem.  I find a tiny cottage with a friendly and helpful lady (who I bore with my 

Primary School story) inside.  This tiny and intriguing 18th century cottage is spread over five floors.  Also 

under the jurisdiction of the council and thus subject to possible closure, the Cottage Museum offers 

an intimate glimpse at early Victorian life and contains gadgets and utensils used in the 19th century. 

The date above the door is taking liberties.  Although the cottage dates back to these times, this stone 

was probably put in place in the following century.  

Artesans such as weavers lived in this house, as both owners and servants.  Later the house was divided into two.  It was inhabited until 1961 when it was declared unfit for habitation.  It was unused for over a decade but then rescued with grants from the county council.

I  have to tell you that my Gran had a mangle just like the one above well into the seventies.  Very efficient it was too.

The bedroom below could also be her's. 

And as for the nineteenth shoes, they look pretty modern day to me. All this makes me feel close to these people of whom we have no actual memory. 

I hope this lovely piece of history survives this era of madness. I head to the castle just round the corner, in heavy drizzle, and again bore them with the primary school story.  

Our very interesting guide explains that the castle was of great importance as a symbol 

of regal power on the road to Scotland.  It has a very similar history to Oxford Castle, serving as 

a prison and court as well as suffering severe damage in the Civil War, such that most of the castle 

today is only two hundred years old, despite having a history going back to Roman times when,

from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes.

Owned by The Duchy of Lancaster (Her Majesty the Queen is the Duke of Lancaster despite not being a man; a duchess is someone married to a Duke.  Like Philip? ) The  castle, which is currently 

undergoing restoration, has witnessed scenes of significant historical, cultural and political impact 

throughout the centuries. These include incidents of religious persecution, the trials of the 

'Pendle Witches' and two hundred executions for everything from murder to stealing cattle. The last of 

these was not public and took place in the early twentieth century.  The castle is a court to this day, 

with two seperate courts for civil and criminal proceedings.  We see the handcuff where the accused 

was branded. 

 Until 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison and today we see photos the last prisoners. Back in the 

day the criminals had appalling conditions but the debtors lived in comparative luxury, with supplies

of booze  and all sorts.  There was a Quaker Room too. I hope they too were well cared for. 

In the court room where no photos are allowed by English Law, we see shields dating back to 

Norman  times, in honour of past sheriffs.   I am thrilled to see the Shuttleworths up 

there!  My Mum was a Shuttleworth.  She always said she had posh relatives!  Now I 

believe her!  Delving deeper, I discover that this name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational name from Lancashire, Derbyshire and West Yorkshire.  Shuttleworth in Bury, Lancashire, was recorded as "Suttelsworth" in the 1227 Feet of Fines for that county, and as "Shitleswurth" in the 1246 Assize Court Rolls. Locational surnames were originally given to the lord of the manor, or as a means of identification to those who left their place of origin to settle elsewhere.  The Shuttleworths of Shuttleworth Hall, in the Parish of Whalley, Lancashire, were in residence there as early as 1329, when Henry de Shuttleworth "died seised of it and eight oxgangs". His son, Ughtred, lived at Gawthorpe, near Burnley, Lancashire, and Ughtred has survived as a popular given name in this family into modern times. One Thomas Schytylworth was noted in the Corpus Christi Guild Records of Yorkshire, dated 1477. 
A Coat of Arms granted to the Shuttleworth family is a silver shield, with three black weavers' shuttles tipped and furnished with quills of yarn, the threads pendant gold.dit

In the background of the photo below is the Keep, the oldest part dating back nine hundred years.  There is no public access as it is unsafe. 

Here is the entrance. 

And here are the older cells of unknown age. 

Outside a monument to the Witches.  What a terrible fate for an imagined crime 

More about Manjushri

The meditation room we used for our teachings

Visitors outside the cafe

Views of the dry rot in the chapel

The windows in the chapel , Saint Augustine is top right

Walking by the lake

Walking to the bay after teachings

Manjushri Meditation Centre

A peaceful mind sees hope and positivity in everything.  This is something that sticks in my mind from this morning's teaching.
As yet, I know little about Conishead Priory where I am staying, but expect to find out soon.

I walk down to the morning's meditation class

I have a walk outside after class, feeling very peaceful. I realise that I do practice quite well and now have permission to want to meditate for myself and my own well being.  And peace. For all.

The afternoon is free to take a walk or attend the tour.  I opt for the latter.  This is open to the public as well for a small fee; it seems clear that Manjushri is a thriving business.  'There is no house in England like Conishead’ 
says Simon Jenkins in 'Englands Thousand Best Houses' yes, the Simon Jenkins, the political journalist.

Conishead Priory welcomes thousands of visitors each year.  They appreciate the historic building and peaceful atmosphere, giving it 4.5 stars. Described by English Heritage as
'a very important Gothic revival country house with few peers in the north west; the distinctive two towers of the front elevation are an important local landmark.'

The Priory has played an vital role in the life of the local community for a long time; formerly as a hydropathic spa and a convalescent home for miners and for the past twenty five years it has been home to this international centre for Buddhist studies. When the Buddhist community moved into Conishead Priory it had lain empty for four years and was entirely derelict and close to collapse. Over the past three decades Manjushri Buddhist Centre has raised almost £1,000,000 and invested thousands of hours of voluntary labour to eradicate dry rot, and bring the building back into use. The Buddhist Community has rescued and restored Conishead Priory.  How wonderful.  

The present house at Conishead is a magnificent Grade II* listed example of early Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is dominated by the two octagonal towers, each a hundred feet high.

Between them is a fine window depicting the principal benefactors of the original Priory - Edward II, William de Lancaster and his wife Gundrid, Duchess of Warwick, together with St. Augustine, the founder of the religious order. (it's nice that he crops up in my life again;  he is the guy who inspired Stanley Spencer to create Sandham Memorial Chapel)  In the West wall, stained glass windows by Willemont depict eighteen scenes from the life of Christ.
Below is the vast cloistered corridor which is one hundred and seventy seven feet long and in pure Gothic style.  Across the corridor is the dining room containing one of the finest ceilings in the house. The walls are panelled with oak wainscotting of a linenfold design.
Adjoining the dining room is the saloon (now the Priory shop) which was the only room to escape the ravages of dry rot. Its ornate plaster ceiling bears the arms of the Braddyll family, and the fire place is carved from Carrera marble. The Conservatory Café, which is very cool, overlooks the southern lawn which covers the foundations of the Priory church.
Rising from the main corridor is the double cantilevered staircase, its great balustrade surmounted at either end by a badger - the emblem of the Braddylls. The staircase is lit by a north window which contains the arms of the Braddylls and the many families with whom they were linked. Made by Wailes it is a fine example of early nineteenth century stained glass, rich in colour. (see top photo)
At the top of the stairs is a gallery from which open several other principal rooms. These upstairs rooms are now used for teaching, reading and meditation.  There are bedrooms, bathrooms and dorms as well.


In 1976 the house and grounds were bought by Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre for £75,000. This consisted of a motley crew of western buddhists and hippies (thier words not mine).  However, the full extent of the damage was not realized. The first priority was to save this unique building from collapse by propping the structural beams with trees from the woods. Then an extensive examination was carried out to determine the extent of the dry rot fungus before starting to eradicate it. Many of the structural beams were replaced. Tons of wood, bricks and plaster were ripped away leaving few of the eighty rooms untouched.
Once the fungus had been exposed, fungicide was injected into the walls and the remaining timbers chemically treated to prevent recurrence.


Although it appeared semi-demolished, by 1980 Conishead Priory was structurally secured and saved for future generations.  The motley crew had found a spiritual leader by this time.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso came over from Tibet and has since inspired thousands with his teachings and writings. Through Geshe Kelsang’s tireless activities and kindness there are now over 1100 centres and groups offering Buddha’s wisdom and advice to people in 40 countries across the world.


In 1991 an appeal was launched to raise £500,000 to complete the building of accommodation rooms and the restoration of the majority of the interior of the building. By the end of 1994, over half of this total had been raised by generous donations and other fund raising activities.

In October 2004 Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre received confirmation from the Heritage Lottery Fund that they would receive £899,000 towards a £1.2 million first phase of restoration work to the Priory.
The work involved replacing slate roofs and fiberglass gutters as well as repairing stone features.
In early September 2015 residents and friends of the Centre completed a major sponsored trek, called the ‘Mountain Mandala Trek,' in the Lakeland fells which took 6 days and covered 76.5 miles distance and 29,300 feet ascent (approximately the height of Mount Everest.) The trek raised around £15,000 towards the repair costs.
Restoration work is ongoing, the chapel still needs much attention. 

Manjushri KMC is an internationally renowned centre for meditation, where everyone is welcome to enjoy a peaceful environment or join in the many programmes offered throughout the year.

Daily free 15 minute guided meditations are held in the World Peace Temple (more later), everyone is welcome.  Each day there is a guided meditation at 12.30pm and 2pm.

The New Kadampa Tradition, International Kadampa Buddhist Union, the NKT-IKBU follows the pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism handed down in an unbroken lineage from Buddha Shakyamuni through the ancient Kadampa teachers Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa and introduced into the West by Geshe Kelsang.

The purpose of the NKT-IKBU is to increase the Buddhist faith throughout the world. It is an entirely independent Buddhist tradition that has no political affiliations.  It is an international non-profit organization registered in England as a charitable company.

Manjushri KMC is home to the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace, which houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha cast in the West.  Though built according to a traditional design, it is a modern Temple that provides a peaceful respite from our otherwise busy world. Each year, thousands of people visit the Temple to admire its artistic and architectural features and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.The Temple was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who oversaw its construction and inaugurated the International Temples Project (ITP) with the intention to build a Temple for World Peace in every major city of the world. To date there are over twenty Temples opened under the auspices of this project with many more being planned. The statues and many of the adornments for these Temples are manufactured at the Kadampa Studio based at Manjushri KMC.

During the tour, I learned more about the history of the Priory.  Our guide was one of the original motley crew.  In 1160 the priory was a hospital run by Augustine monks.  It was elevated to priory status and did ok till Henry VIII came along.  Or guide commented that
1800 years before the priory was born, The Buddha was born as royal prince in Lumbini, India. 
At 29 years of age left the palace on his spiritual journey and to make a long story short reached enlightemenmt under the Bodhi tree at Bodgaya at the age of 35.  The spread of the Buddhist Dharma began. 

In 1537 the Priory was seized by Henry VII and the canons were evicted and their trappings sold.  Stone was used to convert it to a country house.  Ownership passed through various families for two centuries.  In 1821, it was rebuilt for Col Bradwell By Wyatt, in the Gothic Revival style.  The colonel became bankrupt in 1848 and sold the mansion.  There followed a rapid change of hands until 1878 when hydropathic hotel with salt baths, tennis and boating was created along with a branch railway.  In 1929, the building became a  convalescent home for Durham Coal workers and next it was a WW2 militrary hospital.  It was auctioned off in 1971 and empty for five years. Permission was refused for a holiday resort!  In 1976 it was purchased by the motley group of western buddhists as we have learnt above.  

Our guide explains that members of the Community have no salary, the work is shared and everyone pays their own way, usually by going out to work nearby.

As we set off to tour the grounds and house and our guide points out Hermitage Hill with a folly.  A hermit was employed here in Victorian times.  We saw a hermit's hole at Yorkshire Sculpture Park earlier this year. He explains that some Buddhist symbols were inserted into the main stain glass windows during the restoration work. 
Here are some other bullet points I pick up from the tour and our later teachings.  Morecambe Bay was not silted up in the hey day of the priory but a prosperous shipping channel  
Acceptance of the problems of others as they are without judging
You cannot be happy and angry
Be kind and patient with ourselves but ruthless with our delusions
Accept them for what they are and realise they may last, we have potential to lose them
We worry about external things, what ifs
But they happen
The worry steals our peace of mind
The antedote is patient acceptance
If you cant change something accept it

Always look at the external and internal problem
There is no guilt in buddhism
We are often guilty, we blame ourselves or others
Identify with our potential not our negative state of minds
A calm mind lets our selves off the hook

I see a bunny running.  I text Jo and she replies amazing! 

I chat with people. 

The temple

To bed.  Feeling peaceful.
And wishing well to myself and others