В Ранкорне сотни людей собрались на празднование 13-летия буддийского храма и завершение 50-километрового мирного марша

Hundreds of people turned out for a special event to mark a host of milestones at a landmark Buddhist temple in Runcorn, with monks walking nearly 50km to be there for the occasion as part of a ‘peace walk’. Wat Phra Singh Uk has been a long-standing fixture in Runcorn Town Centre and it recently marked its 13th anniversary. Not only that, but it was also the second anniversary of the opening of its peace garden – itself now a landmark in Runcorn Old Town. It was the first event to be held in the temple’s new Ubosot Hall – the most sacred and important building in a Thai Buddhist monastery. It serves as the official ordination hall where new monks take their vows. The day also saw the unveiling of two Yakh statues – the ceremonial guardians of the temple. The event was attended by more than 350 people, with 33 monks in attendance – including the Abbot, Luang Por Sopano – from the temple’s parent temple Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai. Thailand. Monks and lay persons from Wat Sriratnaram in Kearsley, Bolton completed a three-day 49km peace walk when they arrived at temple. The annual pilgrimage brings together members of the Buddhist community and the wider public for a symbolic walk that celebrates peace, kindness and mindfulness. Tony Collacott, Trustee of Wat Phra Singh UK, said: “Throughout the event people were saying how inclusive and colourful it was, with a real community feel. It was vibrant and uplifting – and of course there was some delicious food! “Feedback from the community was 100 per cent positive.” The temple has become a major landmark in the town centre after being converted from the former Waterloo Hotel in 2013, which served as the exterior for The Archer pub in the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.