CNS 2026 Election Commission Report:

News
Jan 15
10 min read

Dear Chairman and Members,

Namaste

The 20th Annual General Meeting of the Colchester Nepali Society (CNS) was held on 11 January 2026 at First Sight Colchester in a very cordial atmosphere. The Executive Committee meeting held on 7 August last year entrusted the responsibility of selecting a new Executive Committee for this General Assembly to the Chairman of the Election Commission, Captain (Retd) Umesh Pun MVO, and Secretary Kiran Gurung. At the beginning of 29 October 2025, the Election Committee informed that interested candidates should submit their applications by 25 November 2025, The EC emphasising that this important task would be carried out strictly following the formalities of the democratic process and the norms of the Executive Member.

After the announcement of the dissolution of the current Executive Committee of CNS, Kiran Gurung acting as Secretary of the Election Committee, was authorised to conduct the election process with the approval of the Chairman of the Election Committee, Capt (Retd) Umesh Pun MVO.

In accordance with the CNS constitution and regulations, the election programme was conducted in line with the 2026 Election Code of Conduct and Work Schedule. Since no applications for any of the posts were received by the deadline, the EC requested the Chairman of the Dissolution Executive Working Committee to reinstate the posts for a further three years through mutual consent and understanding. The Chairman of the Dissolution Executive Committee, Major (Retd) Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, gladly accepted our request. However, we clarified that the nomination process had been completed by strictly adhering to all the formalities and norms of the democratic process.

Declaring the complete election process, the Election Commission team requested that all re-nominated members, including the newly elected Chairman, be sworn in with Khada. The re-elected Chairman gave his formal approval. Since this process was carried out in the best interests of the society and in accordance with the CNS code of conduct, he graciously accepted our approval.

Since most members of the dissolved working committee have been re-elected for another three-year term, we are proud that all present members at the 20th Annual General Meeting and Election agreed to the proposal, which was put forward at the request of the Chairman and Secretary of the Election Commission.

We sincerely appreciate their support and ongoing contributions and are confident that everyone will continue to support the society with faith and positive outlooks in the future. Special congratulations are extended to the entire newly nominated committee members. We are especially proud to have nominated the newly appointed Vice Chairman Kamala Bohora Khatri, as well as Mandy Gurung as Ladies Coordinator, and both Sita Limbu and Laxmi Poudel as the Assistant Ladies Co-Coordinators of the Society. Moreover, Sanu Subba, who has served as Vice Chairman since last year, is unable to continue for this term due to personal reasons. We have considered her request and managed to release her from her vital position, thanking her for her invaluable support and contributions.

The Chairman and the Secretary of the Election Commission are very pleased for the opportunity given by the Executive Committee to elect a new working committee, mainly the Chairperson, Vice Chair, and Ladies Coordinator of the Executive Committee. The EC would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone for sharing this significant moment with all CNS members during our memorable 20th AGM and Election Session 2026.

Finally, on behalf of the EC Chair, I wish to thank all members who attended this AGM and supported the election process for their time and suggestions.

Lastly, I personally would like to extend congratulations to the newly elected CNS Chairman, Major (Retd) Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, and all members of his Executive Committee, wishing them success in their next three-year term.

The nominal roll of the members of the newly formed committee under the current chairman is as follows.

COLCHESTER NEPALESE SOCIETY (CNS)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM 12 JANUARY 2026

Chairman - Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Vice Chairman - Kamala Khatri

Secretary - Mukti Limbu

Treasurer - Dinesh Thapa

Assistant Treasurer - Laxman Gurung

Ladies Coordinator - Mandy Gurung

Asst Ladies Coordinator - Laxmi Poudel

Asst Ladies Coordinator - Sita Limbu

PR & Media Officer - Ramesh Karki

Culture & Entertainment Coordinator - Mitra Gurung

Asst Culture & Entertainment Coordinator - Mahima Gyawali

Food and Property Coordinator - Dambar Limbu

Asst Food and Property Coordinator - Kul Prasad Limbu

Youth Coordinator:

Bikash Rai

Sagar Shrestha

Area Representatives:

St Michaels:

Raj Tamang

Pravin Kirati

Stanway:

Laxmi Gurung

Gurdon Road:

Dipen Mohora

Tbc

New Town:

Sagar Shrestha

Kiran Pandey

Highwoods:

Usha Gurung/Ghale

Greenstead:

Sotan Rai

Gurkha Home:

Jas Kumari Gurung

Non-Gurkha Members:

Purna Poudel

Advisers:

Umesh Kumar Pun MVO

Kiran Gurung

Tbc

With best regards,

Kiran Gurung

EC Secretary/Advisor CNS

For: Umesh Kumar Pun MVO

EC Chairman/Advisor CNS

Dear Election Committee Chairman and Secretary,

I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for your diligent, professional, and dedicated commitment to delivering the 2026 CNS election, which I believe has been one of the most effectively managed elections to date.

Your sound knowledge of the Constitution, clear understanding of the election procedures, and your judgment in navigating a challenging situation were commendable. Because of the lack of nominations received within the prescribed timeframe, you maintained transparency by keeping me fully informed throughout the process and by highlighting the limited engagement shown by some members. This has provided valuable insight for the Society as we reflect on how to encourage greater participation and responsibility among our membership in the future.

Notwithstanding these challenges, you remained steadfast, impartial, and methodical, ensuring that the election process was completed in full compliance with CNS procedures. Your commitment and perseverance are deeply appreciated. As a result of your efforts, we now have a largely well-balanced and capable committee, well-positioned to work collectively towards achieving our shared aims and objectives.

Well done, and thank you once again for your exemplary service. I am proud of what you have achieved.

Yours sincerely,

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)

Registered Charity No: 1152926

"AGM Minutes and Appreciation to Members and Volunteers"

Dear Members,

I am pleased to share with you the minutes of yesterday’s Annual General Meeting, which are attached for your reference.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Food Coordinator and his assistants for providing delicious, well-prepared food that was greatly enjoyed by everyone. My special appreciation also goes to Mr Tara Siris for his outstanding commitment in collecting, transporting, and distributing ration support to 64 members of our community, including pension credit and Universal Credit recipients, single mothers, and people living with disabilities. This included coordinating and collecting food supplies from Gurkha Home, which required significant time and effort.

I would also like to thank Sumnima Jewellery and its collections for supporting our community by making a wide range of items available locally in Colchester, saving many members the time and expense of travelling to Aldershot.

My heartfelt thanks go to Gurkha Home and its residents for their continued and unconditional support of the Society. Your dedication, commitment, and willingness to contribute whenever needed are truly admirable, and I am extremely proud of you all.

I would also like to thank all members who attended the AGM and those who came to collect the ration support. Well done to everyone involved. Subject to funding and availability, I hope we will be able to deliver additional ration support in May/June 2026.

Finally, my foremost thanks go to the Chairman and Secretary of the Election Committee. Without your guidance, professionalism, and steady leadership, the election process this year would not have run as smoothly as it did. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the committee members who have once again stepped forward to serve the Society, balancing these responsibilities alongside their personal and professional commitments. I am truly proud of you all.

Well done, everyone, and thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Colchester Nepalese Society.

Yours sincerely,

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)

Registered Charity No: 1152926

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) - Minutes

1.Welcome and Introductions  The Chair warmly welcomed all members to the 20th Annual General Meeting of the Colchester Nepalese Society.  The Chair reflected that the year was marked by both pride and sorrow. While the Society continued to excel across many areas and strengthen community cohesion, we also mourned the loss of four valued members of our community.

2. The Chair then formally introduced the Trustees and Committee Members to the Assembly.

3. Apologies for Absence  Apologies were received from:  Kul Prasad Limbu Dipen Mohora Raj Tamang Rajendra Sherchan  

4. Approval of Previous AGM Minutes  The minutes of the previous AGM were reviewed and approved as a true and accurate record.  

5. Matters Arising from the Previous AGM  All actions arising from the previous AGM had been fully addressed, and no further matters required action.  

6. Chair’s Annual Report  The Chair presented a comprehensive overview of activities and achievements during the year:  The previous AGM was held on Sunday, 12 January 2025.

Regular weekly activities continued successfully: Yoga Class – Mondays English Classes – Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Ongoing pastoral support was provided to members who lost parents in Nepal, including home visits and cultural rituals to support emotional and spiritual well-being.  Community Losses and Support  The Society mourned the passing of:  Kamansing Gurung Jit Maya Limbu Ruk Maya Rana Bimla Limbu  Support was extended to bereaved families, including repatriation assistance, welcome-home visits, and the placement of Rupa in accordance with tradition.  

Charitable contributions made in memory of members included:  £954 donated to Colchester Cancer Research Centre £780 donated to Oaks Care Home staff £1,696 donated to Mid & North Essex Mind to support suicide prevention and mental health services  

Key Events and Activities  Farewell to outgoing Vice Chair Rajendra Sherchan and welcome to Sanu Subba as Vice Chair 

Cultural evening at Britannia Gurkha Restaurant (22 March) Nepali New Year celebration (12 April),

Continuing tradition through intergenerational participation Participation in the 16th Yalambarhang Cup, reaching the semi-final stage 

VE Day Commemoration with dignitaries, including lighting of 108 lamps Buddha Purnima celebration 

Participation in Global Village - Bhaji on the Beach 

Recognition of achievements at the UK-Nepal International Bodybuilding League 

Continued advocacy at the Gurkha Pension Justice Gathering in London 

Launch of “Bridging the Worlds Through Shared Experiences” (6 July), strengthening intergenerational connections 

Successful organisation of the Colchester City Carnival and Funfair (19 July) 

Annual BBQ and Sports Day (26 July) 

Senior Citizens’ Seminar covering health awareness and GP services 

Dashain Celebration at Firstsite 

Active participation in Remembrance Sunday,

Firework Display Stewarding,

Lantern Parade, and Christmas celebrations 

First-ever English New Year’s Eve Celebration welcoming 2026  

7. Achievements, Challenges, and Vision  

Achievements: A highly active and impactful year across cultural, social, and welfare activities 

Challenges: Securing sustainable funding 

Vision: Long-term ambition to support the CDCN plan to build a community hall serving multiple generations and communities  

8. Treasurer’s Report & Accounts  The Treasurer presented a clear financial overview of income, expenditure, and reserves.  Accounts were independently examined by Community 360 at a cost of £275 Annual report and accounts were submitted to the Charity Commission No issues were identified  

9. Appointment of Independent Examiner  It was agreed that Francisca Abagi (Bedrock Accounting Services Ltd) would act as Independent Examiner for FY 2026/27, due to delays experienced with the previous provider.  

10. Secretary’s Report  The Secretary highlighted:  Successful delivery of events during 2024–2025 CNS support for youth sports participation (registration fees and travel support) Funeral support policy updated: eligible families receive £500, rather than public fundraising Regular classes delivered weekly: Yoga, English, Nepali language, and Dance Quarterly community meetings maintained Membership data reviewed by area Outstanding subscriptions noted; action to be taken by Area Reps, Treasurer, and Secretary  

11. Amendments and Special Resolutions  Key recommendations included:  Appointment of both male and female Vice Chairs Youth leadership within cultural coordination Expansion of Advisor roles  The Chair confirmed these would be considered by the incoming committee.  

12. Future Plans and Strategy  2026/27 Forecast of Events Outline presented Dinner Night scheduled for Saturday, 2 May 2026Continued delivery of health awareness events Review of membership subscriptions (due by 31 July) Dover Castle visit planned (1 August 2026) Everest Run proposal initiated CDCN Community Hall vision reiterated  

13. Open Forum  Members raised constructive feedback regarding: including food monitoring at functions with different stamps for members and non-members, and Nepali movies 50/50 split and singers 70/30 split.

Youth engagement and university student participation Inclusion and collaboration with other UK communities Equal representation across community groups  The Chair confirmed these would be addressed through targeted engagement and delegation.  

14. Election of Trustees and Committee  The Election Committee dissolved the outgoing committee and conducted the process in accordance with the CNS Constitution.  Due to insufficient nominations, authority was sought and granted to reinstate leadership:  Chair: Reinstated Vice Chair: New appointment Ladies Coordinator: Mrs Mandy Gurung  The new committee (2026-2029) was presented to members via PowerPoint.  

15. Closing Remarks  

The incoming Chair thanked:  

Election Committee 

Outgoing Vice Chair 

New Committee Members

Members, volunteers, partners, and supporters 

Gurkha Home

Daryl Howlett Operations Manager at Firstsite

Members were encouraged to remain actively involved, emphasising collective responsibility in strengthening the community.  16. Date of Next AGMSunday, 10 January 2027 (2:00-7:00 pm)

Signed: Udaibahadur Gurung

Chair,

Colchester Nepalese Society 

Date: 12 January 2026

Post-Meeting  Thanks extended by Mr Navin Gauchan 

Khada presented to new committee members and outgoing Vice Chair 

Messing and community shopping followed 

Meeting concluded at 8:30 pm

“सुम्निमा ज्वैलरी एण्ड कलेकशन अल्डरशटको आगमन - २ बजे ११ जनवरी २०२६ फस्टसाईटमा”

सम्पुर्ण कोलचेस्टर बासी नेपाली आमा बुवा, दाजुभाई तथा दिदी बहिनीहरुमा सुम्निमा ज्वैलरी एण्ड कलेकशन अल्डरशटको तर्फबाट नमस्कार !

सर्ब प्रथम कोलचेस्टर बसी आदरणीय सम्पूर्ण महानुभावको शुस्वास्थ्यको कामना सहित नया बर्श २०२६ को हार्दिक मङ्गलमय शुभकामना ब्यक्त गर्दै हामी सुम्निमा ज्वैलरी एण्ड कलेकशन अल्डरशटले New Year 26 Special Discount Offer को साथमा "Sumnima Jewellery & Collection Show" लिएर पुन तपाईहरुको आफ्नै शहर आउन लागेको कुरा सगौरब जानकारी गराउन पाउदा अत्यन्तै हर्सित र उत्साहित छौ। हामिलाई माया र बिस्वास गरेर यो अवसर पुन प्रदान गर्नुहुने नेपालीज समाज कोलचेस्टरको आदरणीय सम्पुर्न पदाधिकारी सदस्यज्युहरु र सम्पुर्न कोलचेस्टरबासीहरु प्रती हार्दिक आभार ब्याक्त गर्दछौ।

तसर्थ यहाहरुको मर्म र भावनालाई मध्यनजर गर्दै निम्नरुपमा सुम्निमाले अफर सहित आउने निधो गरेको छौ।

Sumnima Jewellery & Collection Colchester special discount offers :

• 100% off making charge for Beruwa Ring and Batareko Bala

• 25% off on making charge for all jewellery item and addition 5% off for Colchester Community only. So total discount is 30% off on making charge.

त्यसै गरि हामीसँग दैनिक रुपमा प्रयोग गरिने धेरै थरी घरेलु साँस्कृतिक सामाग्रीहरु को कलेकशन पनि उपलब्ध ।

जस्तै डालो, नाङ्लो, डोको, थुम्से, पिरा, मुढा, फिफि, हलो -जुवा, कुत्तो-कोदालो, राडी, गुद्री, कोक्रो, दुना - टपरा, दार बाट बनेको बिभिन्न साइजमा ठेकि, ठेका, कठुवा, हर्फे, पोङ, तोङ्बाको भाडा लगायतका सामग्रीहरुमा बिशेष छुटको ब्यबस्था गरिएको छ ।

त्यसैगरि नेपाली मौलिक सास्कृतिक बाजाहरु र सबै जातजातीका मौलिक गर- गहनाहरु को साथमा जेडको माला, हार , नेकलेस,ब्रासलेट, औठी, भ्यानक्लिप , कृस्टलको माला लगायत अन्य धेरै थरिका गहनाहरु उपलब्ध रहनेछ भने हामीसँग ठूलो मात्रामा विभिन्न रेडीमेड लत्ता कपडाहरुको पनि कलेकशन जस्तै युके स्वैटर, हङ्कङ कोट, होल्यान्ड लुङ्गी लगायत थुप्रै थुप्रै रहेको छ । यी सबै मा बिशेष छुटको ब्यबस्था गरिएको छ। हामी सबैजना हजुरकै शहरमा उल्लेखित मिति र समयमा भेट्ने बाचाको साथमा सबैमा सेवा नमस्कार सहित हार्दिक चुलो निम्तो गर्दछौ।