“Colchester Nepali Society Annual BBQ 2025: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Togetherness"

Under warm skies and an even warmer spirit of unity, the Colchester Nepali Society (CNS) hosted its much-anticipated Annual BBQ on Saturday, 26 July 2025, at the B Ground next to the athletics track at Abbeyfield. A collaborative celebration of the military, veterans, and the wider Nepali community, the event once again demonstrated that tradition, teamwork, and togetherness are at the heart of CNS.

Seamless Planning, Flawless Execution

The groundwork was laid during the AGM on 12 January, with follow-up preparations finalised at a productive face-to-face committee meeting on 15 June at Firstsite. With each member stepping up to take on responsibilities, planning was smooth and efficient, a reflection of our growing experience and unity. What once took hours of coordination is now second nature.

On the morning of the event, everything clicked into place with military precision. Staff Sergeant Harka Raj Rai collected the keys and essential equipment from the Garrison. Our Food Coordinator and assistant arranged the delivery of tables, chairs, marquee tents, a bouncy castle, and more, while Iman Sing Limbu and his sister gathered the day’s refreshments. By 11:50 am, the grounds had been fully transformed into a festive and welcoming BBQ village, complete with the CNS banner, food station, and shaded seating.

A Feast and Festivities Begin

From 12:30 pm, members began arriving with their families, greeted by the delicious aroma of BBQ food prepared by the Royal Gurkha Lounge. Iman Sing Limbu and his sister offered iced cool drinks to members. At the same time, Miss Pramila Limbu was ready to serve beverages to our esteemed guests, creating a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere.

By 2:00 pm, we were honoured to welcome special guests, including the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Mike Lilley, the Garrison Commander, Sarah and Anthony Knee (Nepali class), and Valentine and his daughter. While MP Pam Cox, Colin Bennett, and their spouses were unable to attend despite prior confirmations, the presence of 13 guests out of 26 invited made the occasion both intimate and meaningful. Miss Pramila Limbu served the guests with her usual smile, providing them with food and drinks to the best of her ability. I am grateful to her for her steadfast demeanour.

Games, Laughter, and Music

A series of light-hearted competitions added fun and flair to the afternoon. The ladies’ musical chair competition was a hit, with Tisha, the Chair’s daughter-in-law, claiming the win. Unfortunately, due to a damaged Tug of War rope, that event had to be cancelled.

The Thelo competition showcased strength and skill, with Ravi Rai, son of Kumar Rai, taking first place, and Kiran Paudel as runner-up, after both threw an impressive 5kg medicine ball. The Chair presented prizes in a celebratory moment of community pride.

The Tombola, led by Miss Pramila Limbu, added an element of excitement. The full house winner, Mrs Shova Dewan, daughter-in-law of Ratna and Dipti Dewan, walked away with a £120 prize. It was run skillfully by the Cultural Coordinator.

An Evening of Culture and Community Spirit

As the sun dipped and appetites rose again, another round of delicious food, freshly prepared by the Royal Gurkha Lounge, was served for the evening meal around 6:45 pm. After the meal was served, an excellent entertainment programme curated by the Cultural Coordinator followed, featuring vibrant contemporary Nepali music that had everyone smiling, singing, and swaying to the beat.

The evening reflected the true spirit of our community: celebratory, inclusive, and full of heart.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

On behalf of the CNS, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who made this event a success:

Food Coordinator and assistant, your organisation was second to none.

Iman Sing Limbu and his sister, for their thoughtful drink service.

Cultural Coordinator, for orchestrating a brilliant entertainment programme.

The setup and cleanup teams, comprising all those members, were appreciated for their early arrival and late stay, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. I am chuffed to bits.

Tara Shris, for providing essential transportation.

Royal Gurkha Lounge, for the good food throughout the day.

WO1 Khadak Chhetri and Staff Sergeant Harka Raj Rai (FSA) for securing the venue.

And most of all, to our members, for showing up in support of one another and our shared culture.

This year’s BBQ was extra special as we were joined by members of the Nepali military community, deepening the bonds that connect us all.

As we look ahead, I warmly invite everyone to join us again for the 2026 BBQ, where we will continue to build on the success, laughter, and sense of belonging that define our society.

With warmest regards,

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

Colchester Nepali Society (CNS)