The day was opened by Colonel David Robinson (Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas) who updated all present on Gurkha Terms of Service, the impact of Future Soldier, and a plethora of Gurkha success stories from the last 12 months. The Brigade’s current success was then highlighted again as Col BG invited the shooting team from The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, who recently won the Defence Operational Shooting Competition onto the stage to receive applause. The King’s Medal for the best overall shot was then presented by Lieutenant General (Retd) David Bill.
Next to the stage was Colonel (Retd) David Hayes CBE, chairman of the Gurkha Brigade Association (GBA). He gave a brief about the GBA, and what it does and can do. He explained the support to the other organisations of the four pillars of HQ Brigade of Gurkha (HQBG), GBA, Gurkha Welfare Trust, and Gurkha Museum. He went on to explain how the GBA can offer advice and influence to the four pillars and HQBG when dealing with the UK and Nepal Government. The GBA supports the other regimental and Corps associations, and how some of the antecedent regimental associations would over the coming years wind down and the GBA would support their work and activity. He then highlighted the key GBA events that occur throughout the year, including the Brigade Bhela and Remembrance events.
The Director of the Gurkha Museum spoke about the work recent work of the museum, highlighting a recent fact and content-finding trip to Nepal, an increase in the digital and physical events that the museum runs. He thanked the audience for the donations and fundraising that is taking place across the Brigade of Gurkhas in support of the Museum. Looking forward the museum has secured funding to start a development programme for the Museum from the National Lottery Fund. This project will be called Project Kaida and will see development of the Museum displays and the digital tools over the next few years to bring the museum up to date and make it a modern experience for future generations.
Following the uplifting opening, those present received an update from the Gurkha Brigade Association and the Gurkha Museum about their activities over the last 12 months. Most notably the Museum Director, Dr Daren Bowyer, happily announced that the Museum has secured National Lottery funding for its long anticipated redevelopment initiative, Project Kaida. The project aims to modernise the Museum, using a thematic style, interactive exhibitions, and more Nepali voices to bring the Brigade’s history to life in a more authentic and immersive way.
After a short coffee break, Commander British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN) gave a presentation on the huge range of tasks BGN conduct and the extensive list of visitors they have hosted throughout the last 12 months. He specifically focused on the close working relationship the organisation has with the British Embassy in Nepal and the advice on policy they provide to the UK and Nepal Governments as well as the strategic effect BGN has in maintaining our permission to recruit in Nepal.
Continuing with the theme of Nepal, the audience were treated to two presentations focused on the impact organisations affiliated with the Brigade have within its homeland. Both the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) and Kadoorie Agriculture Aid Association (KAAA) demonstrated current initiatives within the country that are benefiting Gurkha Welfare Pensioners and the wider Nepalese community.
These ranged from engineering projects such as bridge building, providing safe drinking water and large hydro-electric projects, to educational initiatives that will give young people the skills to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Very kindly Deepak Shrestha (Ex Queen’s Gurkha Engineers) took to the stage to explain his role and work as a Programme Director within GWT and gave insight into a career that our service people may consider after leaving the British Army.
After lunch, the afternoon started with the Colonel Commandant’s annual address. Lt Gen Wardlaw opened with congratulations to several members of the Brigade on recent promotions and to the various organisations on their outstanding work on key events from the last 12 months. This included the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles II, the funeral of Capt (Retd) Rambahadur Limbu VC and Memorial Service for Field Marshal Sir John Chapple. The Colonel Commandant key message was one of modernisation and positioning the Brigade to ensure that it can seize the opportunities that the near future presents.
With ever changing picture of global security there is one certainty, that is that the British Army requires intelligent, adaptable, and motivated solider and officers. The Brigade of Gurkhas must continue to deliver these attributes as well as developing new skills, such as learning new languages and embracing new technologies to ensure we build on the reputation and legacy of our forebearers and deliver on the needs of Defence.
The two guest speakers for this year’s event are both GWT Ambassadors who have recently completed incredible feats in Nepal. First up was Lt Col (Retd) Johnny Fenn who walked the width of Nepal, west to east, fighting the terrain and the elements, to raise money for GWT. He spoke at length about the physical demands of the challenge as he lost a large percentage of his body weight throughout and at one point was hospitalised. The realities of living in rural Nepal were brought into sharp focus as he shared his observations of life in rural Nepal, and he highlighted the remote and basic conditions that a significant percentage of the population continue to live in. But his overwhelming message was one of hospitality, goodwill and the friendship he made on his journey, which is testament to the kindness of the Nepalese people.
The second guest speaker was Hari Budha Magar (Gurkha veteran) who recently became the first double above knee amputee to summit Everest. His presentation centred around overcoming hardship and adversary, a message that is applicable to all serving within the Brigade of Gurkhas. He illustrated this by using examples from his own life. Firstly, by talking about overcoming the difficulties of an upbringing in rural Nepal and joining the Brigade of Gurkhas before then speaking about overcoming the life-changing injuries he sustained while deployed in Afghanistan. His very candid segment on his personal battle with mental health after his injuries was inspiring and he hopes it will encourage others suffering from mental health challenges to speak up and find help. Finally, he finished by talking about the Everest expedition and the challenges it posed, including having to overturn a law that prevented amputees from attempting the climb. After getting to Everest, the climb itself was particularly challenging as he showed pictures of the awful weather conditions the team endured. Again, testament to his determination and resilience, the challenges were overcome to complete the summit. His presentation was greatly appreciated by all those present, and his message of overcoming hardship should be an inspiration to all.
