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The Sikh Society of Milton Keynes (SSMK) was formed in 1979 and registered as a non-profit making Charity in 1982 (Registration No 284603.). The aims were to provide a much needed religious, cultural, social and educational service for the Sikh community in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. In the early years the Sikh Community started holding monthly congregations in a hired community hall to satisfy their religious, spiritual and social needs. The frequency of the services increased to weekly as the demand and members of the congregation grew. On prominent Sikh festival days in the calendar year school halls used to be hired to accommodate the significant increase in the congregation.
In 1982 SSMK embarked upon a search for land to build a purpose built Gurdwara to cater for the needs of the community in UK and start free kitchen (Langar) for any body,Who follow the rules of The GURDWARA Sahib Ji.
The first application for the land for the Gurdwara Sahib Ji was made to the Milton Keynes Development Corporation (MKDC) in 1982. It took over ten years of difficult and strenuous negotiations with MKDC to finally obtain the land at Leadenhall (Off V6 Grafton Street). An offer was made in 1987 and was subject to the approval of the design and development proposals. The design was finally approved in October 1990. The purchase of the two 2.22 acres land with a development area of 2 acres was secured at a special rate as land designated for community use. The purchase price of £50,000 was raised by the Sikh community. SSMK signed the Land Development Agreement in April of 1991 and took possession of the site in April of 1992.
Since 1992 community had been contributing to a stop start self build program to build Gurdwara Sahib Ji and despite the best endeavours by the committees over the years there was no deliverable in site. The condition upon which the original land agreement had been signed stated that the first phase of the building project was to be completed by 2005. This date was re-negotiated in November 2004 for an extension up to 2009 and if the first phase was not completed by then, then MKDC would take the land back.
The committee elected in April 2005 resolved to have a full review of the project and spend to date. It had become apparent in a short space of time that without a loan the project could not be delivered. The original design was too grand in the scheme. An eleven step project plan was put in place that led up to the redesigning of the steel structure that was standing in 2005, resubmission of planning approval and tendering for the build project. After a successful tendering, the program of works was started in September 2006 with a completion date of July 2007. The project was delayed and was finally handed over in March 6th 2008 and continue to complete.
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Direct Debit Mandate
Forms are available from the General Secretary or the Treasurer/ Assistant Treasurer. Alternatively you can make your own arrangements, our bank details are as follows:-Bank - Natwest Plc - Milton Keynes Branch, 501 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes, MK9 3ER
Sort Code - 60-14-55
Account Number - 60694718
