Festival of Rice and Spice on Saturday, 24 June 2023

Dear All,

May I take this opportunity to thank those who came to help the planners from Ethnic Minorities to set up the Festival of Rice and Spice on Friday, 23 June 2023? They were the Vice-Chair, Cultural Coordinator, Advisor Umesh, Advisor Kiran, Area Rep New Town, Mr. Karna, Mr. Sobit, Mr. Surya, and Van driver Mr. Tara. They were the architects of the setting up, and I thank them so much from my inner heart.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Shailendra came and conducted setting up our stand and introduced soldiers' field ration. After that, some people assisted us, including the Vice Chair and Advisor, Umesh.

I had to go to London to attend my niece's wedding reception, so I left at 3:15 pm, leaving Vice-Chair and Sailendra at the helm.

I like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Shailendra Sherchan for taking leave from his job and running the CNS stand. I am grateful to him for his time and efforts and for explaining soldiers' field ration and how to eat. Some of the visitors were very impressed. Well done Shailendra.

Once the Festival of Rice and Spice was over, the following were present to dismantle the tents and marquees and take them back to Gurkha Home, including helping the planners to dismantle another marquee. Area Rep Gurkha Home, Mr. Karna Bahadur Rana, Mr. Sobit Gurung, Mrs. Mishra Gurung, Mr. Chin Bahadur Pun, Mrs Asha Thakali, Ladies Coordinator, Mr Dam Bahadur Pun. Once they had dismantled the tent and marquee, Mr. Tara Siris brought a van with Cultural Coordinator and Area Rep New Town and delivered them to Gurkha Home.

Mr. Karna Bahadur Rana, Mr. Sobit Gurung, Mrs. Mishra Gurung, and Mr. Chin Bahadur Pun remained behind and helped the Planners to dismantle another marquee.

There was very little support from the members of CNS; only a handful of people turned up as visitors.

Those who supported the Festival of Rice and Spice and took part in the setting up and throughout the Festival of Rice and Spice until 5 pm and those who dismantled tents and marquees and assisted the planners. I must thank them for their solidarity and for helping the planners. I appreciated their genuine help and their commitment to CNS.

Well done to everyone.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS