The Gurkha Memorial Fund (GMF) is pleased to confirm that it held an extremely successful 10th Gurkha Memorial Day Service within the Christ Church Memorial Gardens, Folkestone. The event commenced with a regimental piper escort and was attended by distinguished guests, blessed with fair weather throughout the proceedings.

Everyone was warmly welcomed by the Worshipful Town Mayor of Folkestone and the Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, followed by the Bugler sounding the Last Post and a two-minute silence. The service continued with prayers, national anthems, and the traditional wreath laying by dignitaries and local community members.

Distinguished Speakers

Speeches included an introduction from Colonel David Robinson MBE, Brigade of Gurkhas, followed by addresses from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent and The High Sheriff, Jonathan Neame DL.
Chairman Dhan Gurung of the Gurkha Memorial Fund expressed heartfelt thanks to all supporters and participants.

A summary by Ray Johnson, UK Chief Coordinator, highlighted the Fund's tremendous achievements — with over £680,000 in value contributed toward vital community and international projects.
The ceremony also featured a message of gratitude from His Excellency Chandra Kumar Ghimire, the Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, who spoke warmly of the friendship between Nepal and the United Kingdom. The Gurkha Memorial Foundation team in Nepal joined the celebration simultaneously via live stream.

Acknowledgements

The GMF extends sincere thanks to all who supported the event, including:
The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Folkestone Nepalese Community, Police Cadets, Church & Dwight, Dover Rotary, Voco Clifton, Burlington Hotel, Police and Border Force, Everest Cash & Carry – Cheriton, and The Bouverie Tap.

The event was professionally recorded by Mike Alan Videos, with copies to be made available soon for those wishing to keep a memory of this special occasion.

Continuing the Mission

The Fund is now focusing on its seventh Computer Technology Project — establishing a new computer suite with 30 computers in the Mechinagar region of Nepal. GMF is also working closely with local police to enhance security for Nepalese residents within the Folkestone district.

The next fundraising event, the Charity Dinner Evening, will take place on 21st November at the Burlington Hotel.
For advance tickets, please contact John Barber at barberjd49@gmail.com.

On behalf of the Gurkha Memorial Fund
Ray Johnson – PR & Trustee
📞 07968 290352