“Colchester Nepalese Society – Intergenerational and Inter-community Integration”

As planned, the BBQ took place at Berrifield Lawn, though a little later than our usual 9 am start, as the lawn was still in use by school children for their summer activities. We found some leeway and managed to begin preparations at 11:30 am, with the assistance of Tara Siris, proprietor of Dhaulagiri Store, who brought his van to help. Food Coordinators transported all the supplies to Berrifield Lawn, and with the help of Advisor Umesh and his older brother, Area Rep for St Michael's Raj Tamang, Mr Kushal Ghale, and Mr Deoman Limbu, the bouncy castle, guest tents, and PA system tent were all up and running, thanks to Cultural Coordinators Mitra Gurung and Mahima Gyawali. The Royal Gurkha Lounge set up the BBQ stands, and by 2:30 pm the food was prepared and ready.

Members began arriving from 1 pm, pitching their tents and settling in ahead of the BBQ. The starter was served from 2:35 pm, prepared by the Royal Gurkha Lounge in conjunction with Food Coordinators Damar and Kul Limbu, with Area Representatives on hand to welcome members as they arrived.

After the starter, our guests began arriving from 3 pm onward: the Mayor of Colchester and the Mayoress, MP Pam Cox and her partner, Councillor Lesley with her daughter and partner, Cllr Claire and her partner, Phil Sage and his partner, Tony McNicholl and his family from Firstbus, and Valentine West. We were delighted to let them enjoy the food and cold drinks, generously organised by Khagendra Hamal. Our guests were warmly welcomed by Vice Chair Kamala Khatri, Ladies Coordinator Mrs Mandy Gurung, and Assistant Ladies Coordinator Mrs Laxmi Adhikari, who made sure everyone felt truly at home.

Throughout the afternoon, the Cultural Coordinators kept the music playing and made announcements at regular intervals. Once members and guests had been served their starter, the Cultural Coordinators launched a Tug of War competition between the areas, first among the male members and then the female members, with both rounds fiercely and evenly contested. The winning teams in the men's category were New Town, Hughwoods, and Gurdon Road, while the ladies' competition ended in a draw. This was followed by a game of musical chairs among the ladies, with Assistant Ladies Coordinator Mrs Laxmi Adhikari finishing as runner-up, and Mrs Raj Kumari Tembe, Chair of the Colchester Limbu Society, taking the win.

As the Mayor and Mayoress were unable to stay much longer, we brought the prize presentation forward for the winners and runners-up. Before presenting the prizes, the Chair gave a short speech reflecting on the day, thanking everyone for their dedication and commitment to its success, and congratulating the Vice Chair, Ladies Coordinator, Assistant Ladies Coordinator, Food Coordinators, the Royal Gurkha Lounge, Cultural Coordinators, Tara Siris, Khagendra Hamal for organising the drinks, and Shova Hamal for looking after our guests. He also thanked the guests for accepting our invitation and members joining the BBQ. He then invited the Mayor and Mayoress to present the prizes and led three cheers in their honour, before they departed for home.

After the prize presentation, the thelo (traditional throwing) competition got underway. Half an hour in, Mr Dhan Bahadur Limbu threw the 5kg ball the furthest to take the win; the ball itself was generously sponsored by Cultural Coordinator Mitra Gurung.

The main course was served from around 6:45 pm, and at the same time, Sharon Pun began selling tombola tickets, organised by Cultural Coordinator Mitra Gurung, with the tombola set kindly sponsored by Mr Yubaraj Khatri and Vice Chair Kamala Khatri, to whom we extend our thanks for their generosity. The tombola itself took place around 8 pm, run by the Cultural Coordinators, with Rita Magar and Mr Pokhrel taking home the prizes.

While the tombola was underway, tents were dismantled alongside it, with everything cleared by 9 pm. We then enjoyed a dance and the rest of the evening together until 9:40 pm.

Afterwards, everyone pitched in to clear the litter from around Berrifield Lawn, and I locked up and returned the rear gate key to reception at Firstsite.

As Chair, I am truly grateful that our community came together to close out the event so beautifully; words almost fail me. You have made CNS proud of how well we look after ourselves and each other, and I congratulate everyone on the wonderful camaraderie shown throughout the day, a spirit we must carry forward for as long as CNS exists.

Well done, everyone.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE,

Chair / Trustee,

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)