A GROUP hoping to build a Hindu temple in Ipswich has managed to find a temporary place to hold meetings while they wait to find their own premises.

A GROUP hoping to build a Hindu temple in Ipswich has managed to find a temporary place to hold meetings while they wait to find their own premises.

The Ipswich Hindu Samaj was set up last July following news of plans to build a temple in the town.

The group, which has been registered as a charity, said it wants to offer Hindus a place to worship and meditate while also building links with the wider community.

The samaj is currently looking for a suitable site or premises for the centre and in the interim period has also been offered use of the Ravenswood Community Centre on Sundays and for two evenings during the week.

However, the community centre is not yet in use and in the meantime the samaj is holding meetings at the Unitarian Meeting House in Friars Street, Ipswich.

The next meeting there will on Saturday, June 9, when a Sankeertan/Bhajan evening will be held from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

Sushil Soni, president of the samaj, said the group is also looking for new members.

He said: “The project will not only provide a meeting place for social, educational and cultural activities, but also a place for spiritual atmosphere for worshiping and meditation. It will also be a place to give warm welcome to newcomers, which is often appreciated.”

The nearest Hindu temple to Suffolk is in London. The samaj says as the Indian population in Suffolk is growing, a place of worship closer to home is necessary.

It is thought around £150,000 will be spent building the temple.

N Would you like to see a Hindu temple in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk