On 17th July 2001, members of 8G3 visited the Sikh Gurdwara in Calderwood Street, Woolwich.

This gurdwara - the name used for a Sikh temple - is one of the central Sikh places of worship in South London, boasting several thousand members and worshippers.

The group travelled from Bexleyheath to Woolwich by train. Here are members of 8G3 at Bexleyheath waiting for the train.

It is considered a mark of respect to cover your head when inside the Gurdwara, so 8G3 were asked to wear a hat.

The group was given a very interesting guided tour by a member of the Temple committee.

Inside the prayer hall is a large canopy called a 'takht'. This covers the Sikh holy book - the Guru Granth Sahib, which is read throughout the day by a granthi.

The group were offered Karah Prashad, special sweet food which represents God's blessings.

The musical instruments used during services.

Having studied the Sikh faith in the Summer term, 8G3 were well aware of the importance of the Gurdwara to Sikhs. However, everything they had learned previously had been from textbooks or videos. This visit allowed the students some real-life experience of another faith community. We hope to be able to take more groups in the future - who knows, perhaps one day we might visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar! The RE Department and 8G3 would like to thank the Woolwich Gurdwara for their hospitality and kindness.

All gurwaras have a free kitchen called a langar. Here anyone, of any faith is welcome to a free meal prepared by members of the congregation. During our visit we were generously given Coke and crisps, but some braver souls, like Dominique here, tried the more traditional food.

Here Miss Lycitt enjoys the food in the langar.