A fundraising event for Nepal
The Embassy of Nepal 12th June 2015
In the presence of His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester,
President of The Britain-Nepal Society

A recent fundraising event for Nepal saw the members of the Britain – Nepal Society at their very best. Motivated by the sad and serious plight of thousands of Nepalese people, the committee had sprung into action, one result of which was the planning of a fundraising reception and auction of promises held on the 12th of June at the Embassy of Nepal.

The ballroom was filled to capacity with guests who listened to a fascinating talk given by Isabella Tree on the subject of The Living Goddess. The subsequent book sales were testimony to the interest provoked by the presentation.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester, our President, having been welcomed previously, addressed the assembled company in order to emphasise the urgency and significance of the evening.

The auction in the more than capable hands of Will Axon of Rowley Fine Art Auctioneers proved an entertaining and productive feature of the evening. Promises ranging from the opportunity to have your pet’s portrait painted to stays in faraway places were competed for to the benefit of the causes being supported. The proceeds are still being counted and details will be posted as soon as possible.

Representatives of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and the Britain – Nepal Medical Trust were present to witness the efforts made on behalf of their charities.

As always on these occasions, thanks are due to masses of people whether members of the committee, Embassy staff, generous donors, assorted press-ganged junior family members (especially Solons) and guests galore. A particular name check has to be made for our new secretary Mrs MJ Streather. The expression “baptism of fire” was never more aptly applied...Frances Spackman

Ongoing Nepal Earthquake Appeal

As mentioned above and on our "home" page, the Britain-Nepal Society is raising money for victims of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. We are channelling funds through two highly reputable organisations – The Gurkha Welfare Trust www.gwt.org.uk and the Britain Nepal Medical Trust www.britainnepalmedicaltrust.org.uk. Both organisations have well-established operations in Nepal and are eminently well-placed to assist with emergency relief.

Anyone who would like to contribute to these charities can do so either via their web sites (see above) or by sending a cheque payable to The Britain-Nepal Society to Rupert Litherland, Hon Treasurer, The Britain-Nepal Society, Monkomb Farm, East Claydon, Bucks MK18 2LF.

The 2014 Nepali Mela

The 6th annual UK Nepali Mela was held at Kempton Park racecourse on Sunday 24 August 2014. Around 7000 Nepalis from all over the country attended.

The organisers, Tamu Dhee, a Gurung association, recognise that the 150,000 Nepalis living in UK tend to maintain their diverse cultures in distinct tribal, religious or regimental communities, and the Mela provides an opportunity for them to come together to showcase their unique colourful dress, dance and cultures to a wider British audience.

The Chief guests were Mr Tej Bahadur Chhetri the Chargé ‘D’ Affaires from the Nepalese Embassy and Lord Swinfen, whose medical charity is active in Nepal.

The Mela was a riot of colour and noise. A rich diversity of tribal, ethnic and religious groups paraded in their traditional costumes. Following the parades there was a cultural programme of dancing, music and displays. Behind the arena were art and trade stalls and tempting choices of Nepalese food.

The event was entertaining, good humoured and colourful. Many of the attendees were retired Gurkhas who proudly wore their medals. There was an emphasis on integration and the Nepalese Flag and Union Jack jointly displayed together by the processioners.

Unfortunately there were very few British attendees. The Society is to circulate information about events of interest to members in good time in future by email.

Click HERE or on any image to see larger versions.

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The Society’s Farewell Party to HE Ambassador Suresh Chalise

The Vice-Presidents and Committee of the Society hosted a farewell party for the Ambassador and His wife Madame Milan Adhikary on 7th February 2014. Some thirty members enjoyed a most convivial evening during which the Chairman thanked Dr Chalise for his very successful and supportive tenure as Ambassador. Presentations were also exchanged.

Our thanks go to Mrs Julia Basirov who welcomed us all to her house in Holland Park.

The Chairman makes a presentation to Madame Adhikary

His Excellency Ambassador Suresh Chalise, Dr Raghav Dhital,
Sir Neil Thorne and BP Joshi
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News & Feeds Related to Nepal

BBC News - Country profile of Nepal: a link on the BBC site, or just Search BBC.com for Nepal to find more information

Link to current information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The Digital Himalaya site http://www.digitalhimalaya.com/ produced jointly by YALE and Cambridge universities. (You should come up with a list of journals for you to select one to view)

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BRINOS Major Project in Nepalgunj

Members will know of Neil Weir's 25 years with BRINOS, the Britain Nepal Otology Service and their work providing ear care and bi-annual expeditions to provide ear surgery. They are now building an Ear Care Centre in Nepalgunj, to provide permanent more extensive facilities for day care and overnight admission. They have made progress on providing the budget, but have along way to go before the planned opening in 2015.