Foundations poured, walls about to go up.

The foundations for the 13 metre Enlightenment Stupa on Kangaroo Island at De- Tong Ling Retreat Centre were poured last Thursday (March 20). Just as the last truck load of concrete was poured to complete the slab the first bombs started to drop on Iraq. At least we all had something positive to celebrate on such a dark day.

The weather was perfect for a concrete pour. Not too hot and NO rain, which was the most important thing. The whole operation took about 7 hours, with 33 cubic metres of concrete being poured.

Over the preceding 6 days a small group of 4 to 5 volunteers plugged away at setting steelwork up and boxing the edges of the foundation, leveling and general laboring etc. All had a grand time. Mind you, I think that we breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over and the slab was rapped up and put to bed under an orange plastic blanket to cure for a few weeks.

The Next Phase

Along with the foundation steel that was delivered to DTL, we were also able to purchase the structural steel beams and columns and the steel sheet that will hold the suspended concrete slab above the room. To be able to proceed any further we had to get the structural steelwork out to DTL as a minimum.

Working Bee - April 12 - 27

This is our last opportunity to work on the Stupa until the Christmas holidays. Our aim is to have a big working bee over the Easter school holidays, starting April 12th and going through to April 27th.

This is the weekend before, to the weekend after Easter. In this time it is envisaged that the walls for the room under the Stupa will be built. Once we start this part of the project it is important to finish it, including sealing the walls before winter sets in with it’s lashing wind and rain.

Can you help??? We are looking for about 15 people to come over. Then it will be pretty light work. A few people have expressed a wish to come. We could do with a few more though. Even for a couple of days would be a great help.

If you think that you could assist in this part of the building, please don’t hesitate to call Will on 0417891921 or 82783970, or send us an email.

Click here to see times of cars leaving Adelaide for KI.

Stay well, stay happy

With kind regards

All at De–Tong Ling Retreat Centre