Malcolm’s Memorial Walk

Help Re-Open Lam Rim

On Sunday, 12th March, 2023 friends of Malcolm Durham will walk in his memory and climb the Sugar Loaf  - the mountain he loved to gaze upon from his beautiful garden – and which he had hoped to climb once more. 

We’ll be carrying his boots in his memory!

Malcolm was very badly affected by Covid 19 in the early days of the virus, and he never fully recovered. Sadly, he passed away last year, before he could achieve the climb that would have confirmed his return to health.

“As near to his birthday as possible (which was March 15th), friends and supporters will walk on his behalf, at the same time fundraising for Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, with which he was heavily involved.”

So, as near to his birthday as possible (which was March 15th), friends and supporters will walk on his behalf, at the same time fundraising for Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, with which he was heavily involved.  The Centre is about to reopen after the pandemic, and will offer retreats and workshops, available to all, that quiet the mind and support wellbeing.

Malcolm was a great supporter of Lam Rim Buddhist Centre and was passionate about enabling its re-opening, following its closure since March 2020.  Since he discovered the Centre (almost on his doorstep) in 2018, Malcolm had greatly valued attendance at many day courses to gain an understanding of Buddhist teachings and how he could apply these to his daily life and sense of well-being. He joined the weekly meditation classes and was inspired to meditate daily at home, finding this hugely beneficial.  His understanding of Buddhist teachings and practice served him well during his stay in hospital and during his time back at home, whilst we continued to try to get him well.  Malcolm understood the concept of ‘staying in the moment’, appreciating the ‘little things’, and taking things in his stride – all of which were useful attitudes and tools to help him through his most challenging times.

On a practical basis, Malcolm loved to help in the Lam Rim grounds – his love of nature and gardening skills were greatly appreciated at the Centre.  He was a regular participant in our Lundi Munch Club – a chance to meet with friends at Lam Rim over a leisurely home cooked lunch – often enjoyed outside in the wonderfully glorious sunshine that Malcolm so loved!  And how could we not mention those scrumptious chocolate Brownies that he so kindly brought from time to time – making him more than welcome on those occasions!

Malcolm was also a great asset to the Centre as he so generously provided his business advice and accountancy skills and soon became a valued member of the Trustee’s Executive Committee.

“Any donations no matter how big or small, will all help to ensure the future of the Centre so it can benefit the local community and everyone who wishes to use this space for personal development, rest or relaxation.”

We know Malcolm would be so proud and pleased to think that his friends, family and anyone who knew him might join together to raise funds to contribute towards the essential repairs and immediate costs needed to re-open the Centre.  Malcolm’s Memorial Walk is so timely as we are now close to being able to commence our phased re-opening. Any donations no matter how big or small, will all help to ensure the future of the Centre so it can benefit the local community and everyone who wishes to use this space for personal development, rest or relaxation.

Let’s all give whatever we can in memory of Malcolm…  and think of him as friends walk the Sugar Loaf. We’ll be carrying his boots in his memory and he’s sure to be there with us in spirit!

Whether you join the walk, or just wish to give to Lam Rim on his behalf, all donations will be gratefully received by the Centre.

About the Walk

Meeting and Start Point:

We will meet at the National Trust car park NP7 7LA (note: the post code will take you most of the way, be sure not to take the left fork - signposted as a dead end - and follow the right fork signed 'Sugarloaf car park’) from 10.00a.m. and the walk will start at 10.30a.m. As car parking is limited at the NT Sugar Loaf car park, you may wish to meet with others and park free in Abergavenny Byefield Car Park, NP7 5DL in Castle Street/Tudor Street, and then car share to drive to the Sugar Loaf car park.  The entrance to Linda Vista gardens within that car park is a good meet up spot.

Walking / Distance:

It takes around an hour and a half maximum to reach the top from that point.  It's a steady climb with some short, steep parts at the summit and some wonderful views. The height gain is about 350 metres and the walk is around 8kms in total. There will be no pressure to climb fast - we can all go at our own pace!

If you'd like to bring a picnic, we can (weather permitting) spend a little time at the top before the descent.

PLEASE do join us in celebrating Malcolm's life and raising funds for a great cause whilst at the same time getting out in our beautiful landscape and maybe making some new friends!

“The Sugar Loaf mountain dominates the skyline of the surrounding countryside and provides a spectacular backdrop to the market town of Abergavenny in South Wales. See panoramic views across South Wales, the Brecon Beacons and into south-west England from its peak.”

Visit Sugar Loaf | Wales | National Trust

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