“Colchester Nepalese Society Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025: A Year in Review and Future Outlook”

On 12 January 2025, members and committee members of the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) gathered for the much-anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Cinema and Studios 1 and 2 at Firstsite. This annual event serves as an opportunity to reflect on the society’s achievements over the past year and discuss its future direction. The meeting commenced at 2:30 PM, following a pre-AGM held on 17 December 2024, during which the agenda was discussed and finalized.

The AGM began with a safety briefing from the Secretary, who provided important guidelines for the event. The Chair then welcomed the attendees, highlighting the meeting's significance in fostering community engagement and transparency. The Secretary followed with a detailed report on the CNS's activities from 14 January 2024 to 12 January 2025, covering a range of initiatives and achievements.

A key discussion point was the amendment in the constitution, especially members' subscriptions and continued progress in language education for UK-born children of Nepalese heritage. CNS received donation from Tudwick Foundation enabling the teaching of the Nepali language to children born in the UK. The money was used to provide educational resources and teaching materials, which will help ensure the continuity of the Nepali language among younger generations under the watchful eyes of Dr Sarah Knee and an English-born PhD.

Additionally, CNS received £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support a Yoga program aimed at improving the mental and physical health of veterans, their spouses, and widows. This initiative, which includes English language classes, has been a significant part of the society's efforts to contribute to the well-being of the Nepalese veteran community in the UK. Similarly CNS successfully secured funding of over £8,000 from the Essex Association of Councils, which paid for rations and distributed to members who are receiving benefits.

The Vice-Chair emphasized the importance of member safety, particularly in the face of emerging challenges such as online security and privacy concerns. This was followed by the Chair’s forecast for upcoming events in 2025. The next AGM is already scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The Treasurer provided a comprehensive financial update, highlighting CNS's income, expenditures, and key sources of funding. These discussions were essential in maintaining transparency and ensuring the society’s continued success.

The meeting concluded with a session for any other business, followed by a warm and hearty meal provided by the food coordinator, his assistant, and the generous support of Gurkha Home residents. Attendees enjoyed an assortment of delicious dishes, including pork, chicken, paneer curry, chutneys, and tea, which provided a perfect ending to the afternoon.

As members dispersed at 7:30 PM, there was a sense of optimism for the year ahead, with new plans and initiatives to look forward to. The CNS AGM not only celebrated past accomplishments but also set the stage for a vibrant and promising future for the Nepalese community in Colchester.

The next AGM will be held on 11 January 2026 at Cinema and Studios 1 and 2, marking another milestone in the Colchester Nepalese Society's ongoing growth and success.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS