02 August 2025 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
The Gurkha Centre successfully hosted its highly anticipated Annual Get-Together and Summer Barbecue on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, at Hayes and Harlington Community Centre. The event brought together approximately 150 Gurkha veterans, their wives, widows, and families for a day of delicious food, cultural celebration, and community bonding.
Special guests included Cllr Janet Gardner, Trustee of The Gurkha Centre, and David Brough, Chair of Hayes Town Partnership. Cllr Gardner, a steadfast supporter of the Gurkha community, raised vital funds for the event and generously donated earrings and artwork for charity fundraising. David Brough, an ardent advocate for the Gurkhas, spent the afternoon engaging warmly with attendees and even joined veterans and ladies on the dance floor to Nepali songs, showcasing cultural appreciation and solidarity.
A team of staff and managers from HSBC Bank also attended, volunteering their time to help run the event. This collaboration reflects the ongoing partnership between HSBC and The Gurkha Centre, enabling community members to open bank accounts without the stress of long application processes.
Culinary contributions added to the festive spirit, with Pokhara Restaurant providing chicken chow mein starters, Newa Che Restaurant supplying two cartons of chicken wings, and the Nepalese Centre Butcher and Grocery Hayes offering discounted meat for the BBQ. NepBridge Services also donated funds towards event costs, while individual contributions came from Siba Kumar Isbo and Laxman Lawati.
The event was brought to life with vibrant entertainment. Local artist Tayahangma Rai captivated the audience with her melodious voice, supported by DJ Hem Bista who provided music and sound. Youth volunteers from Hayes and Hounslow helped manage the event, while local performers showcased traditional Nepali and Bollywood dances.
Our Gurkha vetearand and ladies also took the opportunity to congratulate our Welfare Staff, Sanjila Joshi, on her recent MBA graduation. The community warmly appreciated Sanjila’s dedication and tireless work in supporting Gurkha veterans and their families, ensuring her personal achievement was celebrated alongside the day’s festivities.
Ram Kumar Rai, an adviser, well-wisher, and leader of the Veterans Group at The Gurkha Centre, addressed the gathering to highlight the charity’s dedicated efforts and the positive impact made for its beneficiaries. He emphasised the importance of everyone contributing their part and following the leadership of our CEO to accomplish the mission and vision of the charity.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hayes and Harlington Community Centre for providing the venue and for their ongoing support to The Gurkha Centre and its charitable activities.
Attendees expressed heartfelt thanks to The Gurkha Centre for organising the gathering, which provided a valuable opportunity for veterans and families to socialise, reconnect, and celebrate their heritage in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
