REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - 9 NOVEMBER 2025

This year’s Remembrance Sunday was observed with solemn dignity and community spirit, amid the participation of Colchester City Council, the Colchester Branch of the Royal British Legion, the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, and the Colchester Garrison.

The event commenced at 10:00 a.m., gathering next to the Three Wise Monkeys Bar and Restaurant. At approximately 10:35 a.m., units from the Brigade, Cadets, Veterans, Standard Bearers, Police, and others began their march toward the War Memorial under the watchful direction of the Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM).

By 10:55 a.m., the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, members of the City Council, the Commander of the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, and the Garrison Commander arrived at the memorial.

The GSM brought the parade to attention, and the Standards were raised. At precisely 11:00 a.m., as the sound of a single gun echoed, the lone Bugler played The Last Post, marking the start of the two-minute silence. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex then laid the first wreath, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom. He was followed by the Deputy Mayor, the Brigade Commander, and other dignitaries, as well as members of the public who wished to pay their respects. The Bugler then played Reveille, signifying the end of the silence.

Following the wreath-laying, the Reverends led the congregation in prayers and hymns before concluding with the National Anthem. The VIPs departed for the Town Hall, and the parade marched back under the steady leadership of the GSM. At the Town Hall, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Mayor, Brigade Commander, and other dignitaries took the salute from the dais, marking the formal end of the parade. After the ceremony, a select group of guests gathered inside the Town Hall for tea, coffee, and biscuits, accompanied by speeches from the Deputy Mayor and the Commander of the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.

Post-Parade Reception and Curry Lunch

Following the formal Town Hall event, the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) hosted a curry lunch at Studios 1 and 2, Firstsite, in honour of the guests from the City Council, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, and Garrison.

The lunch was meticulously prepared by Assistant Food Coordinator, Mr Kul Prasad Limbu, Mr Singha Bahadur Limbu, the Area Representative from Gurkha Home, and the ladies from Gurkha Home, who served a delicious boneless curry for the occasion. The venue was beautifully decorated by Mr Daryl Howlett, the operations manager at Firstsite, and Mr Ross Mason, assisted by Advisor Umesh and Ladies Coordinator Kamala.

At around 1:10 p.m., the Chair formally opened the lunch, welcoming all guests and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their presence. He then introduced a song written by Mrs Kamala Khatri and sung by the renowned artist Mr Rajesh Payal Rai, followed by a dance performance by Mr Khagendra and Mrs Shova Hamal.

A special guest, Ms Deeya Pun, was then introduced and shared her inspiring story of climbing Mount Everest and raising awareness of Gurkha Pension Issues from the summit.

The Mayoress congratulated Deeya by presenting her with a khada. The Commander of the 16 AA Brigade Combat Team presented Khagendra and Shova with appreciation envelopes and spoke warmly about the Gurkhas, praising their leadership in jungle warfare, discipline, and professional excellence. He expressed his pride in commanding such an elite force.

Later, Pam Cox MP presented a khada to Mrs Kamala Khatri, commending her lyrical talent and artistic contribution. She also reaffirmed her strong support for the Gurkha Community, stating her intention to raise the Gurkha Pension Issue directly with the UK Government, bypassing civil service bureaucracy, to ensure fairness and justice.

Curry Lunch and Appreciation

Once the formalities were concluded, the curry lunch was served, beautifully presented and warmly received. The lady guests were served first, followed by the gentlemen, then the lady members, and finally the male members.

The meal, prepared under the direction of Assistant Food Coordinator, Mr Kul Prasad Limbu, Mr Singha Bahadur Limbu, Area Representative Gurkha Home, Mrs Mishra Gurung, and the ladies from Gurkha Home, was widely praised. Numerous guests expressed their appreciation, including Mr Nick Hinton from ex CO 1 RGR North, who kindly donated £400 to the Gurkha Veterans Fund, along with letters of thanks from both the Garrison Commander and the Brigade Commander.

Acknowledgements

Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all who made this event a success:

Mrs Kamala Khatri, for her beautifully written song. Mrs Deeya Pun, for her courage, determination, and advocacy for Gurkha causes. Mr Khagendra and Mrs Shova Hamal, for their engaging dance performance. Assistant Food Coordinator Mr Kul Prasad Limbu, Mr Singha Bahadur Limbu, Area Representative Gurkha Home, Mrs Mishra Gurung, and the ladies from Gurkha Home, for their dedication, hospitality, and culinary excellence. Vice Chair, Advisors Umesh and Kiran, and all supporting members, for their invaluable help in looking after guests and ensuring the event ran smoothly.

Finally, sincere thanks to everyone who joined the Remembrance Parade and lunch. Your presence, support, and commitment to honouring the fallen made this day truly memorable.

Well done to all.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS