“CNS Annual BBQ - Sat 29 Jul”

Dear All,

The Annual BBQ and intergenerational and cross-community integration took place yesterday after quite a deliberation by the MoD and allocated the CNS at B Ground next to the athletics track at Abbeyfield on Saturday, 29 July. The day began with gloomy weather, and as the day went by, it turned out to be the most excellent day for a BBQ. The CNS must have prayed well to ensure we get the best day at our BBQ.

The day began at 08:00 hours with the Chair drawing the keys from Merville Barracks reception of the B Ground, the Property and Food coordinator collecting stores from Gurkha Home assisted by Tara Shrees from Dhaulagiri stores with a van, and Singha Bahadur Limbu, Devendra Limbu, Mahesh Gurung, Karna Bahadur Rana, Surya Bahadur Gurung, Chin Bahadur Pun, Cham Bahadur Pun and Sobit Gurung. The setup began in earnest, and with the assistance of everyone, we were ready by 10:30.

The authentic BBQ atmosphere began at 11:00 when Santosh Sherpa, the caterer, arrived and began preparing BBQ. The members began to trickle in from noon, and the starter began at around 13:00. The food was delicious, with plenty of items, and they were mouthwatering. The guests arrived at 14:35, and the Deputy Mayoress Cllr Lesley Scott-Boutell and her daughter Jessica Scott-Boutell arrived just after 15:00. Among the other guests Garrison Comd Lt Col Ed Rankin, Colin, Tim, and Valerie Bennett, CEO from Tudwick Foundation, Sarah and Anthony Knee our Nepali tutors for our Nepali class, Tony, Jim and Kai and their spouses from First Bus and Major Valentine West and Major Fred and his Mrs were there.

The competitive edge began just after 16:15 with THELO, where everyone competed to the best of their abilities. Eventually, two young men, Yugal Khatri and Man Prasad Ghale, became the winners after a hard-fought competition. The Deputy Mayoress presented the prizes to them both. The second competition was musical chairs among the ladies, it was laughter, and I believe everyone enjoyed the musical chair competition, including the spectators and participants; eventually, Mrs Usha Gurung/Ghale won the competition, and Mona Limbu from St Michael Estate became the runners-up, Garrison Comd gave away the prizes. The crunch and hardly fought Tug of War competition took place as the last competition of the day between the First Bus and CNS representatives, it was a draw and ended up the pull for the third time to decide the eventual winners, and First Bus became the winners yet again, I presented the prizes.

I then thanked everyone for joining the BBQ, and without their attendance, it was not very helpful for organising the BBQ; their participation made the day, which will be remembered for years to come. I thanked Secretary, Cultural Coordinator, Ladies Coordinator, Assistant Ladies Coordinator, Area Reps, Highwood and Greenstead, New Town, St Michael Estate, Gurdon Road, Gurkha Home, Food/Property Coordinator, his assistant, Youth Coordinator, Beverages Coordinator, Advisor Kiran Gurung, Nainasing Gurung who purchased the PA system and operated them, we also remembered the committee members who were unable to be present. Their dedication and commitment have made us stand and operate as a unit in Colchester and keep up the excellent work. The Advisor Kiran Gurung highlighted the event and thanked the Chair for his unswerving commitment to the society, and may this be continued in the future.

The main meal of the day began at around 19:00, with first-class items, and it was delicious and mouthwatering, and everyone enjoyed the evening meal. I congratulate Santosh Sherpa and his fellows for providing such first-class food, freshly cooked and enjoyed by everyone. Well done.

Bingo was the next event that took place at the BBQ, and it was won by Tarachand Gurung, Rehika Limbu on any line sharing a £50 prize, and a Full house was won by Sushila Gurung and Sunita Pun, sharing the £100 prize. I gave away the prize monies to the winners of any line and the Full house. I also like to thank those who sold Tombola tickets, and well done to them.

Finally, Bhisan Mukang Rai was invited to the BBQ, and a Pragya Pratisthan Nepal member sang a national song by the Ladies' Coordinator. Due to lack of time, he sang only two more songs, and we called a day by 21:15, and I thanked Bhisan Mukang Rai for his first-class performance, and enjoyed it by everyone.

I also like to thank you for opening up your pockets and contributing towards Bhisan Mukang Rai's performance; we collected a substantial amount of money and well done to everyone.

We dismantled marquees and tents, cleaned B Ground and closed the gate, and handed over the keys to Merville Barracks reception by 22:00. I also like to thank Tara Shrees, Cultural Coordinator, Man Prasad Ghale, Sobit Gurung, Chin Bahadur Pun, two sons of Mrs. Tilak Thapa offloading all the stores back to Gurkha Home.

All members at the BBQ must have enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere at B Ground, including food, company, music, entertainment, and competitions organised by the cultural coordinator, assistant lady's coordinator Advisor Kiran Gurung, and others.

A huge congratulations to everyone.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS