On Saturday, 20 December 2025, Buddhist Gumba Reading UK held an introductory visit programme with Wokingham Borough council’s mayor, councillors and local neighbours.
On the day, Mayor Councillor Louise Timlin and Deputy Mayor Councillor Alvin Jones of Wokingham Borough Council, along with more than half a dozen other councillors and local neighbours have visited the monastery.
The monastery was established on 21st April 2018 and was registered with the charity commission England and Wales on 21st June 2018 officially. This was the first visit by representatives of the local government, and guests were welcomed by president, Insp (Retd.) Khem Bahadur Gurung, General Secretary Mr Kamal Gurung, treasurer Maj. (Retd.) Buddhi Bahadur Gurung, Vice president Krishna Bahadur Gurung, VP Nar Bahadur Gurung, property Coordinator Mr Chandraman Gurung, TDUK past president Mr Kamal Gurung and BGRUK members.
On the visit with Wokingham Borough Council’s Mayer and Deputy- mayor, councillors Mike Smith, Stephen Nyunton, Andy Ng Siu-Mang, Canadine Smith, and Chetna Jante have been participated.
On the occasion, council representatives were given detailed information about the monastery’s structure, objectives, and its cooperation with the community.
Treasurer Major (Retd.) Buddhi Bahadur Gurung briefed about the monastery’s vision, current membership numbers, future plans, and the various religious and social programs being conducted so far. He also spoke about the role the monastery has played in the community and the activities planned for expansion in the coming days.
Similarly, Insp. (Retd.) Khem Bahadur Gurung briefed about the core Buddhist philosophy, the peace and nonviolence, compassion, and human welfare. He stated that Buddhism promotes tolerance and harmony in a multicultural society.
During the program, Lama Harka Jang Ghale Guru and Lama Guru Pradeep Gurung conducted religious reciting and provided insights on Buddhism, meditation practices, and spiritual traditions. Actually, Buddhist Gumba Reading UK is developing as a centre of both spiritual faith and social harmony.
General Secretary Kamal Gurung informed about various charitable activities the monastery has done so far, as well as the delivery of Buddhist knowledges, moral educations, and messages of peace by its Lama Gurus visiting in different schools across the UK
On the occasion, the mayor and councillors praised the important role the monastery has been playing in the local communities. They also expressed their commitment for cooperation and support from the borough in the future too.
Subsequently success of this visit, further call from the Wokingham Borough Council informed that Mayor is reluctant to visit monastery as a visitor very next day on Sunday, 21 December 2025, which was a special honour for BGRUK and both events were accomplished successfully.
