“Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) Joins Gurkha Pension Gathering in London”

On Tuesday, 1 July 2025, members of the Colchester Nepalese Society proudly participated in the Gurkha Pension Gathering: Honouring Sacrifice and Supporting Talks, held in London, a significant event in the ongoing campaign for justice for Gurkha veterans.

The day began early as Captain Umesh and Mr Kiran Gurung visited Robertsons of Colchester to sign out the minibus that would carry the group to London. Waiting at Gurkha Home were:

Major Chandra Bahadur Gurung MVO, Lt Tam Bahadur Pun and Mrs Pun, Mr Karna Bahadur Rana, Mr Chin Bahadur Pun, Mr and Mrs Sabit Bahadur Gurung, Mr Dam Bahadur Pun, Mr Bhoj Kumar Shrestha, Mrs Mandevi Pun, Mrs Yal Kumari Pun, Mrs Durga Gurung, Mr Rubin Gurung and Mr Singha Bahadur Limbu.

By 8:30 a.m., the group departed for London, arriving just after 11:30 a.m. Upon arrival, the Colchester group joined other participants near the Gurkha Statue, opposite the Ministry of Defence, where a solemn tribute was paid to the Gurkha ancestors who had given their lives for the future of our country.

The group then moved to Parliament Square, awaiting the arrival of Members of Parliament. Several MPs addressed the gathering, praising the bravery, loyalty, and long-standing service of the Gurkhas. Notably, Alex Baker MP, Chair of the APPG for Nepal, expressed strong support, stating that while she could not promise a resolution, she would rally cross-party MPs, including those from the Defence Committee, to table a motion in Parliament and push for justice. After the program, the Colchester group took the Underground from Parliament Square to Tower Hill, where they reunited with their minibus. However, the journey home took an unexpected turn: near Junction 19 on the A12, the minibus broke down. Fortunately, a van driver behind our minibus assisted in moving the vehicle out of harm’s way. A while later, the Police rescue vehicle came and rescued us to the service station at junction 19 on the A12.

Thanks to Umesh’s persistence and quick action, two taxis were dispatched to carry the group home. Meanwhile, Sagar Shrestha, spotting his father stranded on the way back from work, evacuated three passengers in his vehicle. Umesh remained until the AA recovered the minibus and returned it to Colchester.

It was a day of mixed fortunes, marked by success in the heart of Westminster, and a challenging return journey - but above all, a day characterised by unity, resilience, and a continued commitment to the Gurkha cause.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS