“Colchester Remembrance Sunday Parade and Curry Lunch – A Day of Honor and Gratitude”

On Sunday, 10 November, the annual Remembrance Sunday parade took place at Colchester's High Street and War Memorial. At 10:40 am, the procession began, led by the Garrison Sergeant Major, with army units, sea, air, and army cadets marching alongside members of the public. The dignitaries from Colchester City Council arrived at 10:55, and the solemn remembrance ceremony began at 11:00 sharp to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Act of Remembrance began with Jim Burgoyne, and at 11:00, the Firing of a Light Gun and two minutes of silence began. The silence ended after two minutes of firing a light gun. Then, the wreath laying began. Jim Burgoyne read the Kohima Epitaph and The Hymn Jerusalam, sung by three beautiful ladies, followed by Scripture Reading, Prayers, another Hymn, I vow to thee my country, another prayer, and a blessing. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.

The parade then marched from the War Memorial to the City Hall, where salutes were given to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the Mayor, and Pam Cox MP.

Afterwards, the Colchester Nepalese Society organised a curry lunch at Studios 1 and 2 at Firstsite. The Mayor, Mayoress, local MP, and special guests, including SSAFA representative Major Valentine West, Colin, Sue Bennet from the Tudwick Foundation, and Sarah and Anthony Knee, who teach Nepali to UK-born children, the Colchester Nepalese Society members and their families for the event. Prepared by Kul Prasad Limbu and assisted by Umesh Pun MVO, Area Rep Gurkha Home Jas Kumari Gurung, Masana Limbu, Jit Bahadur Limbu, Ajay Thakali, Rajesh Rai, Macchindra Limbu, Raj Tamang and few dedicated ladies from the Gurkha Home the meal was met with high praise from all who attended.

The event continued with Kiran Gurung being announced as the First Bus; East of England "Our Way Awards 2024, Do What's Right" winner, congratulated with a traditional Khada cloth presented by the Mayor. Kamala Khatri Bohora was also introduced, and her touching Nepali song, sung by Rajesh Pal Rai, debuted in tribute to fallen Gurkha soldiers by the MP.

Additionally, ASDA vouchers were presented to two elderly widows from Nepal, organised by Major Valentine West (SSAFA) Representative Essex.

The event closed with gratitude to all who contributed, including Pam Cox MP for her commitment to Gurkha Pension issues, Liz Mullen for her longstanding service with BFBS, and the Firstsite team for their support. By 3 pm, the gathering concluded with warm farewells and hopes to reunite for another memorable Remembrance Sunday next year. Our gratitude must also go to our photographer, who captured the most memorable photos of Remembrance Sunday, including the curry lunch hosted by the Colchester Nepalese Society.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS