GH 10 launch!

I'm sitting in the reception at the Spean Bridge Hotel, which is, as always, the nerve centre of the Gurkha Highlander Operation each year.This is GH10.
Frank, the owner, and all the staff are so good to us that despite the place being generally overcrowded, we love being here.
Together with my chum, we drove Arnold Clark's minibus down to Sandhurst on Friday, and I ate my first curry of the period. Quite why I'm not sure, as I could have had a KFC or a McDonalds or a kebab in the immediate vicinity of the Travelodge we were in.
On second thoughts, the curry was the most acceptable option.
It didn't stop us having an egg & sausage McMuffin for breakfast - the option of GBP7.50 or GBP 1.99 was no contest when every fiver we can save pays for the food for an old pensioner for nearly a week in Nepal.
Sandhurst itself almost brought tears to the eyes of my pal as we drove to collect the lads - he had been there 37 years earlier as a sprog lieutenant. I have to say he has lost none of his military bearing over the years, despite not being career military.
We stopped off in Stafford to collect the rest then battered on up the road. My chum got off at Croy to take the train back to Edinburgh, and I drove on.
Frank welcomed us like long lost friends, insisting all the kitchen staff met us,as well as the customers in the bar, the restaurant, the hotel and the fish and chip shop, so it took a while to get to the first drink - which Frank paid for himself.
His boar curry was delicious, as was the chicken and pork, and the rice mountains were quickly demolished. Mind you, we do not have The Man Mountain with us this year who could eat any four people under the table and still be looking round for seconds....
Sunday dawned dull and cold ( 14C) so the smart new fleeces were donned for the assault on Ben Nevis.
The format is a bit different this year ( you can read about it here) which means I will have slightly less driving to do ( if you discount the 2000 to collect and drop off the boys. This was done to save enough for 20 pensioners for a month - times are really tough in the world of charities and we have to go for even more value for money.
So please - give money if you can, but even more importantly mention the Gurkha Welfare Trust on your blog, or Facebook or whatever.
I promise you it will make you feel good....

A Charitable weekend

To Corstorphine Fair on Saturday for the Gurkhas.
30,000 people attend this event which is in aid of local charities.We had a visit from mthe local MSP, the MEP, the ex-MP and the new MP, all of whom ( of course) wanted their pictures taken and to be associated with the Lumley Campaign.
I wouldn't mind so much, but not one of them put their hand in their pockets ( or handbag) to give us a donation.
Overall though, it was a good event, and apart from collecting money, we gave out lots of leaflets. In common with most military charities, our supporter's average age is increasing so we need some younger blood at the bottom end.
The preparations for Gurkha Highland 2010 proceed apace. There is no offical cap this year as we are trying to reduce the budget ( where have I heard that one before?) so I will be wearing my 2009 cap.
Or maybe the 2008 one.
On Sunday I helped out the Friends of Maxwell Park at the Ready Steady Grow event.
I really must start charging for my time...

Wear it with pride..

Yesterday was the annual Gurkha Welfare Trust Curry Lunch, which this year was held at 2 Div. Headquarters at Craigiehall outside Edinburgh.
We had an excellent day, including a band concert, which was a bit chilly standing outside to listen to.
The thing about the GWT is that the people involved, and it's supporters, are all terribly nice people - generally of a slightly older tinge and therefore polite and caring, but also with a sense of humour.
At the risk of offending my reader, two senior officers ( long retired) were passing through a door to collect their food. One stopped dead.
" Have you just farted?"
"Of course I have, " said the other. " You don't think I smell like this all the time do you?"
The main preoccupation of most of the elderly army people is with their medals. Some, of course, are for extreme bravery, but quite a lot are "campaign" medals or what are called "theatre" medals.
A dear friend has been trying to get his theatre medal for Malaya since 1966. He has reams of correspondence on this, and supporting letters from all and sundry saying he was there. Including the son of the then Prime Minister.
The problem is two-fold. He can't remember when he actually arrived, and the MOD has lost his records.
His arrival date is critical, because you have to do 6 weeks in a theatre of war to get the medal.He might have arrived 42 days before the end of the campaign. Or he might not. Or,if he arrived 43 days before the end, is that six weeks before or is that six weeks bar one day.
It's a bit like how many angels can dance on the point of a pin.
Of course, the fact that the MOD has no records is less of a drawback. They can simply rule that he was there.
So it was with some glee that he appeared yesterday, looking incredibly smug, wearing his new medal. I'm sure he bought it on ebay.
I questioned him about it.
" Well," he said, "I've been keeping it inside my jacket. I wasn't actually sure I was allowed to wear it. However, I went onto Google and they say I may."

So that's all right then.

He's now turnd his attention to a TA medal he feels entitled to....

Money,sex and finger-pointing

I've had a pleasant couple of days, if somewhat motorway centric, driving to Salisbury for a Gurkha Welfare Trust meeting.
I went with our new (Scottish Branch) Treasurer, who proved a delightful companion, and we managed to talk nearly the whole way there and back.
We were asked to put our expenses in in order to get a cheque before leaving, which we duly did.
As we had only had a couple of sandwiches and 2 coffees on the way down, it was deemed appropriate that we should receive simply double this paltry figure for sustenance.
I had intended to take our Treasurer to a London lap dancing club, eat at Mr. Chows and stay at the Ritz, but sadly it was not to be. Perhaps if our Chairman had been with us...
So with GBP 11.60 in hand, we got as far as Tebay before stopping.
Now you probably know that even the most unappetising plate in such places is GBP10, so the Treasurer - excellent chap that he is - said as I was the driver, he would have a packet of crisps.
But a solution was found - two bowls of soup, rolls and butter, juice and a yogurt came to GBP 10.56, leaving GBP 1.04.
The Treasurer, true to his excellent accountant's honesty, suggested we should send back this sum.
I, true to my spendthrift tendencies, bought a packet of crisps and blew the budget.
We had used the Tom Tom and ended up doing about 40 miles over some rather nice country roads.
When we were discussing this with one of the girls in Salisbury, she brought up the business of map reading. In descending order, the best map readers are supposed to be heterosexual males, followed by lesbians, gay men and heterosexual females bringing up the rear.
I know its incredibly non-pc, but we discussed why gay men should be worse than gay women, or straight men.
"Ah" said our hostess "They have difficulty keeping their hands pointing in the right direction."
So there you have it.

Just Giving

I just found out about Just giving.
I've set up an account for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Go online at www.justgiving.com and look for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

It's Curry for dinner....

I apologise for being so dilatory with posts but since Saturday night when I hitched up with the Gurkhas I've hardly had a minute.
We set off early Sunday and were in good time at Spean Bridge to have a practice of the laying of the wreath at the Commando Memorial. It went off well and the Press were, if not out in force, at least well represented.
Monday we were on the boat from Mallaig to Inverie on Knoydart and the boys started walking about 11:05.
By the time I got back to Spean Bridge, did the emails, and fielded some phone calls, its was time to collected them at the extreme end of Loch Arkaig, which has to be one of the worst roads in Britain.
On Tuesday morning I had a call from STV saying they wanted to come to film the wreath laying. When I explained we had done it, they suggested we should do it again.
Never loathe to turn down a chance to lay down in front of the Press, I agreed we would redo it at 9am the next morning.
It went very well and STV used it on their 6pm news. Its also available at STV North. I am slightly miffed they cut my third spear carrier part....
Wednesday night was spent at Corour, the highest station in the UK. The boys of course walked in , but I had to take the train from Tulloch.We had a great reception, and I caught the train back to Tulloch just as the boys disappeared over the horizon in their midge nets.As an aside, I was wearing a purple sweater, and rather than land on my skin, they clearly found the colour reminiscent of the heather ( just coming out) and formed a complete covering on the sweater without bothering me at all.
The train back in the morning is a request stop, and the only information I could get was that you just put your hand out and it stopped, like a bus. It wasn't quite like that but it did stop - eventually.
The train was actually the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William, from London, and a youngish man got off the train at Tulloch with me.
Walking along the platform to greet him was one of the most dazzling young women I have seen in a long time, not only for her looks, but her attire. She wrapped her arms around the youngish man and kissed him passionately ( On Tulloch platform at 9am - I ask you!) and as I walked past them I heard her whisper.. " I'm not wearing any...." I hurried away. I could have been socks of course.
One of the boys doing the walk was involved with EOD ( bomb disposal) and one of the areas they have been involved in is the East End of London around Stratford. You might know that the 2012 Olympics are supposed to be there. There are so many bombs left over from the Blitz that the Army can't cope ( it has many more important commitments in this regard as you might realise) and the work has now been put to a private contractor. My informant tells me.." I have this wonderful dream that when they light the Olympic Flame, the whole lot - sportspeople, media, politicians - will all go up in one almighty bang."
We stayed last night in Kingussie in a proper hotel, so we were able to have baths instead of showers. One of the local GWT committee had laid on a reception for us, and we collected over £1500. Nairn RBL came all the way down and handed over more than £800, and a local arranged a raffle for a bottle of whisky which raised over £150. There were a party of Germans staying who had to be persuaded that they needed a ticket - and as luck would have it, they won the bottle. Give them their due, they put £10 in the collection tin.
So today I came over the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road that the BBC always says is closed in the winter. It's easy to see why as its high, steep and exposed - except you can get to Tomintoul quite easily from the other end. People always imagine the poor souls shivering in the village waiting for the spring thaw.
I'm now in Ballater which benefits from Balmoral just down the road - though I have to say the weather this year is identical to last - pouring. The boys set off at 6:20 this morning and I don't expect to see them again until nearly 8pm. Last year, the best moments of the whole week was them appearing out of the rain at Linn o' Dee.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed - they will have done 42 miles of heavy duty by the time they get there.
And we'll be having curry again for dinner...
Give online at www.gwt.org.uk

Joanna Lumley in Nepal

JOANNA LUMLEY - A DAY WITH THE GWS

After a hectic couple of days meeting VIPs and thousands of grateful ex-Gurkha servicemen and their families in Kathmandu, Dharan and Birtamod in East Nepal, Joanna Lumley and her entourage arrived in Pokhara early on 29th July in two chartered aircraft. Pokhara’s small airport was swamped by enthusiastic, and some rowdy well-wishers from GAESO, NESA and ordinary ex-Gurkha servicemen and their families. Airport security couldn’t cope with the crowd and, after some negotiation, it was agreed that GAESO would lead Ms Lumley through the hundreds of supporters and well-wishers present. Twenty minutes or so later, submerged in phul-mallas and khadas, Ms Lumley was rescued by Col Jeremy Ellis, Director Gurkha Welfare Scheme (GWS) and
Deputy Field Director GWS to start her long planned visit to the GWS. Before leaving England, Joanna Lumley had said how much she wanted to see the work of the GWS and a whole day had been set aside in her programme to do just that. She was joined by her husband and son, her ‘Chief of Staff’ and his wife and a large group of national and international radio and TV media. After the banner waving and raucous crowds at
the airport the welcoming party that greeted her at AWC Kaski were rather more organised but no less enthusiastic and pleased to see her! The path leading into AWC Kaski was lined with eager and excited welfare pensioners, service pensioners as well as AWC Kaski and HQ GWS staff, everyone craning their necks to catch a first glimpse of Nepal’s newest Goddess’ arrival. Ms Lumley was greeted first by HE Dr Andrew Hall (the British Ambassador), Lt Col Adrian Griffith (Deputy Field Director GWS), Mrs Hall, Fiona Ellis and Anne Griffith, followed by AWC Kaski staff and the pensioners.

She gracefully accepted khadas from everyone, spending a few moments speaking with each of our welfare pensioners and widows. She was delighted to meet and speak with some Burma veterans from 3/6th Gurkha Rifles, who had served alongside her father during the war.
Reception party at AWC Kaski

After refreshments, Ms Lumley, her team and senior media correspondents were given a comprehensive brief by Field Director GWS on the GWS’s organisation, mission and
objectives as well as its past, present and future programmes. In support of this brief, Director GWS emphasised the benefits for Service Pensioners remaining in Nepal. The tour of AWC Kaski began with the visit to the AWC clinic where in average of 80 patients are seen everyday by the AWC Doctor and his team.
Ms Lumley showed keen interest in the quality of the services provided to ex-Gurkha servicemen and their dependants and was especially pleased to see the well stocked pharmacy and that a gynaecologist was available to support female patients.
Ms Lumley was then shown the site of the GWS’s first Residential Home, under construction for our most vulnerable welfare pensioners. She was briefed on the progress of the project by Capt(Retd) Khembahadur Thapa, Staff Officer Residential Home. She seemed delighted by the new project and looked forward to seeing the first group of residents in the Home.
With the whirlwind tour of AWC Kaski over, Ms Lumley gave an impromptu press conference to the international (BBC, ITN, Sky and others) and Nepalese national media to say how impressed she was with the work of the GWS in its support of ex-Gurkha servicemen and their families. She also said how much she was looking forward to seeing other work being carried out by the GWS in the field.
Her next visit was to Pumdi Bhumdi village where the GWS had completed a major school project for Shree Sukraraj High School in 2002, funded by Trailwalker money. Here again, the students, teachers and members of the local community showered their appreciation with garlands, bouquets and khadas on Ms Lumley. She was surprised to see the ‘Trailwalker’ marble tablet on the wall of the school, so the Deputy Field Director explained the history behind the ‘Trailwalker’ charity event and the work of Queen's Gurkha Signals and Oxfam in Hong Kong to raise money for schools in Nepal. After further filming opportunities for the media Ms Lumley departed for AWC Syangja .Her welcome at AWC Syangja by Maj(Retd) Krishna Gurung BEM, the Area Welfare Officer (AWO) and his team was every bit as warm and enthusiastic as elsewhere. As importantly, many welfare pensioners had walked and bussed for hours in the hope of seeing the "Nepali Cheli" (daughter of Nepal) and Goddess in person.
After the pensioners had made their offerings of flowers and khadas, the AWO gave Ms Lumley a comprehensive brief on the role and work of a busy rural AWC. This was followed by a well deserved and relaxed lunch for the whole travelling party and the accompanying media around the AWC 'chautara'. The BGP Master Chef excelled himself by preparing first class vegetarian ration packs. After lunch, she toured the AWC complex and was thrilled to visit the AWC pig farm and to see newly born piglets – the AWC staff were very surprised that the mother pig did not interfere when Ms lumley handled the piglets!Then it was off to Chaura village to see the RWSP’s newly completed drinking water project there.
Here again, crowds from the local community had gathered for a chance to see and meet the most famous person in the World for Nepal that week. After greetings with garlands and khadas, Ms Lumley and her team were briefed by Capt(Retd) Bhaktabahadur Rai, Project Director of Rural Water and Sanitation Project (RWSP) on the water project.
I think the climb was worth it ! What a lovely reserve tank!After a short uphill walk (with breaks for breath) to the reserve tank and seeing the completed tap stands at individual houses, Ms Lumley spoke of the importance of access to clean, safe drinking water and added that her mind was now filled with ‘water, water and more water’.
Wives of GWS Staff Officers with Joanna LumleyHaving returned Ms Lumley and her party to her hotel at the end of the afternoon to the exact minute in her programme, preparations were well underday at AWC Kaski for an evening function in honour of Ms Lumley and the GWS’s other visitors that day.
The function was attended by HE Dr Andrew Hall, Mrs Hall, Director GWS and Fiona Ellis, Field Director GWS and Anne Griffith, Deputy Field Director GWS and a host of GWS staff and their ladies.
Councillor Peter Caroll with GWS & RWSP staff At the end of a memorable day, Director GWS thanked Ms Lumley and other the other distinguished guests present for giving the GWS the opportunity to explain to them what the field arm of the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) really is about, what it does and the impact it has in Nepal.
He highlighted the importance of the support of the Ministry of Defence, the Department for International Development, the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation and, above all, the enormous contribution made by the British public in ensuring the success of the GWS on the ground. He then presented Joanna Lumley with a memento photograph taken earlier in the day during her visit.
In response, Ms Lumley said that she had known something of the work of the GWS in Nepal before before leaving home, but having now seen just a small part of it at first hand she admitted it was far more impressive than she had ever imagined. She ended her short speech by thanking everyone involved and promising to return to Nepal as soon as she was able.
In conclusion, the visit was a great success. The GWS was given an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to Ms Lumley, her team and the media the scope, scale and importance of its individual and community aid work in Nepal. As the day wore on, the real story of the day came out, that the interests of ex-Gurkha servicemen, their dependants and their traditional communities in Nepal are deeply cared for, supported by resources raised by the GWT from small and large, government, non-government and private donors in the UK by a dedicated team of professionals, who continue to deliver an outstanding service, despite the turmoil and uncertainty that plagues the rest of the country.

Charity begins overseas *

I'm back doing what I think I do best - asking people to give money to a charity. Yesterday was spent in the lovely new Telford College in Edinburgh at Claymore '09, the Scottish Wargames convention. The Gurkha Welfare Trust was given a prime pitch right at the entrance and overall we did very well. They also give us a share of the gate takings. Numbers were well down on last year, partly because of the change of venue, partly because of the recession, but probably mostly because it's really difficult to find.
One of the biggest sellers at these events is the "Gurkha Teddy Bear". For no discernible reason, people identify with these cuddly creatures. I always say they are really hard bears, but one lady, when I suggested that the half dozen on show were identical, assured me that one particular one "spoke" particularly to her, and chose that one. She also opined it would have to be called " Lumley". Quite appropriate I thought.
In respect of Miss Lumley, currently being feted in Nepal, she tells a lovely story about a man coming up to her and assuring her that she was following in great footsteps helping the Gurkhas.
" That Jonah Lomu has done a great job for them," he told her.

* JL might help some 3-400 ex-Gurkhas to settle in the UK. The GWT helps 10,600 every month in Nepal

A busy day

Yesterday was a really busy day, what with the talk for the Gurkha Welfare Trust to the Royal British Legion Women's section, and then the wedding of the year in Ayrshire.
The talk was most enthusiastically welcomed, and, as ever, the ladies were charm itself, even if some of them were definitely in the battle-axe category. Whenever I look at somewhat older Scottish ladies, I am reminded of the story of the women who said their men would not be getting any sex until they had vanquished the foe. Mind you, in Scotland,that might in some cases lead to a reaction of downing weapons and breathing a sigh of relief...
And talking of relief, what's this about no longer teaching " I after E except after C" because the rule is so often broken. It may be but not with words we use every day, like friend, relief and receipt.
The wedding, of course, went on far too long as they all do nowadays. What happened to the wedding, champers, cake and tea, Bride and Groom leave at 6 sharp, and the guests are home in time for Casualty? What's all this standing and sitting about waiting for thinks to happen? My other bete noire are the speeches. No one nowadays as far as I can make out has to read a lesson or make a speech, or read out loud in class,so they can't be heard ( even with microphones) and the speeches themselves are too long, bad and embarrassing.
I've long said if anyone ever asks to marry any of the Ms Lears, they will be made to give their wedding speech first, as will the best man. It's things like this that make me think no one will ever bother to ask - they'll just do it if they want to.

Gurkha motion in Scottish Parliament

This is the motion as proposed by Jim Tolson, Dunfermline West.
"That the Parliament welcomes the victory for the rights of Gurkha soldiers achieved in the Commons defeat on 29 April 2009 when MPs voted by 267 to 246 for a Liberal Democrat motion offering all Gurkhas equal right of residence in Britain; believes that this is a historic victory for the Gurkhas who have served the United Kingdom so bravely; notes the widespread opposition to the UK Government’s proposed guidelines, which are considered to permit only a small minority of Gurkhas and their families to settle while preventing the vast majority to do so; believes that the UK Government’s decision fails to recognise the long history of dedicated service by Gurkha soldiers; welcomes the support for justice for the Gurkha soldiers by former Gurkha officer, Major Bill MacKay of Dunfermline; commends the 70 years of continuous service given by Sergeant Sunar Gurung, who served with Major MacKay, and Sergeant Gurung’s six sons who all served with the Gurkha regiment, and believes that such service should be recognised. "

This is an email from Director, Gurkha Welfare Trust, in respect of the motion being debated today in the Scottish Parliament in connection with Gurkhas, and is addressed to Alison Tolson.

"Dear Alison
Thank you for your interest in the Trust and letting us know about Mr Tolson's motion.

As I explained, the Trust is a non political organisation and we avoid becoming involved in any debate concerning matters of HMG policy. Furthermore, many of the issues championed by Miss Lumley, and in turn referred to by Mr Tolson's motion are outside the remit of the Trust.

However, I really welcome the opportunity to bring the work of the Trust to your attention and appreciate your undertaking to raise awareness of our endeavours . To assist with this:

1. I attach a brief one pager on the Trust. You will see that our core activity is the provision of a monthly welfare pension of some £29 to 10,000 Gurkha soldiers and widows who did not serve the 15 years' to earn an Army pension. For many, this is their only source of income and all that stands between them and destitution. Last year we spent £4.4 million on this activity.

2. Also attached are two previous editions of our newsletter, Samachara. You will see on page four of both editions, the feats of Scottish men and women figure large. The newsletters will also give a feel for the Trust's response to the recent debate on Gurkha immigration.

3. You note correctly that Gurkha Highlander is one of the Trust's most successful fundraising events. Last year's walk was lead by John Archibald (ex Queen's Gurkha Engineers) and previously for a number of years by Neil Griffiths.

4. The Trust is reviewing its response to welfare for UK Gurkha in light of HMG's relaxation of immigration requirements and a likely increase in UK based Gurkhas seeking welfare support . The Trust is in close consultation on this issue with Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas and other service charities and will announce a response shortly. Currently, we work in partnership with the Army Benevolent Fund and Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas. in recognition of the work the ABF does for UK Gurkhas, the GWT provides an annual grant to the ABF. This broadly covers the costs ABF incurs helping UK Gurkhas.

5. The response of the British public in general and the Scottish public in particular for the Trust is overwhelming. Our Scottish branch is an active member of the Regional Branch network and offers sterling support for the Trust, both financially and in terms of raising awareness of the Gurkha soldier. Last year, the British public donated £7.5 million to support the work of the Trust.

6. The Trust also enjoys the support of MOD who provide grant in aid funding for our field operations. This funding covers the lion's share of our infrastructure and admin costs in Nepal.

7. DFID provided £994k to support clean water and sanitation projects in the Hills.

8. As we discussed, we note the huge groundswell of support for the Gurkha solider and Joann Lumley's campaign. However, the Trust is mindful that this good news may mean people lose sight of the plight of our welfare pensioners who will rely on the Trust for the remainder of their lives. Our mission is therefore as vital as ever. Any help you can providing in raising awareness of the ongoing plight of our welfare pensioners would be gratefully received.
Yours sincerely
Etc"

The Royal Overseas League

I was giving a talk this morning on behalf of the Gurkha Welfare Trust at the ROL in Edinburgh.

After the talk, and elderly lady came up to me and stuffed some cash in my hand and opined that" It's really nice to see younger people getting involved in charity work"

I felt I should disabuse her, and mentioned I was now an OAP.

" Goodness! " She exclaimed." OAPs are getting younger every day!"

Really helping the Gurkhas

I've been invited to address the Royal British Legion ( Scotland) Women's section later next month.


It's quite a big affair, I believe with something like 2000 attendees and held after a parade and wreath laying in George Square. Its from 09:30 on the morning of 20th June, and I'm the first speaker. I have a feeling I am the warm up act...


The reason I am first on is the requirement for me to change into my glad-rags and attend a wedding in Ayrshire in the afternoon. The mother of the bride ( who originally assured me it would be a small affair), now tells me the costs are approaching £70,000, and I'm willing to bet they will go higher. German Dave, who is the groom, definitely has his eye on the main chance...


Anyway, back to the RBL(S)WS.


I have a variety of talks of varying length which I trot out for various occassions, but I felt this time I would redo the longest one which is about 20 minutes, the length of time I have been allocated.


My understanding is that the ladies want to hear about what the Gurkha Welfare Trust does, but you can't talk about it without talking about Nepal and it's poverty, it's beauty and it's magnificent people.


So I have been revisiting themes and facts, information and key features, and in the process have rediscovered all my enthusiasm for these best friends of ours. Of course, I have to talk about our latest National Treasure, Joanna Lumley. I caution the ladies about being too sure it will all come out all right - the MOD is not known for giving in.


I'm also allowed to make a plea for funds, which is in part why I'm doing it. We've just launched this year's Gurkha Highlander so the heart rending letters with their donations are already starting to come in. If I could collect £1 for every person who holds the Gurkhas dear in some shape or form, the GWT's job would be done.


Gurkha Highlander
We are seven serving Gurkhas who will walk the Gurkha
Highlander route again this year, 10th to 18th.August, in support of
the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The Trust cares for 10,000 old soldiers
and widows who did not serve long enough to earn an Army
pension. Now old and frail they rely on a monthly welfare pension
of £20 from the Trust for survival.
Help us to repay a debt of honour that is nearly 200 years old. Please support Gurkha
Highlander and make a donation of £20.
“Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful
friends than you.”
Donations welcome at The Gurkha Welfare Trust Scottish Branch,
Gurkha Highlander Headquarters, c/o The Hexagon Building,
674 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 2QE or www.gwt.org.uk

Gurkha Welfare Trust Registered Charity 1103669

A Famous Victory?

I'm sure you have seen the pictures of David Cameron, Joanna Lumley and Nick Clegg celebrating the victory for Gurkhas in the House of Commons.
It is, of course, wonderful news, and a huge slap in the face for Brown and his Bunker, but let me remind you that the Gurkha Welfare Trust is still caring for 10,600 pensioners and their dependants in Nepal.
That is the real disgrace in this situation, and it's why the GWT keeps desperately raising funds.
A fellow committee member emailed me last night:

"This afternoon's vote is merely a token victory and commits the Government to nothing if Brown's political lickspittles in the Immigration Dept decide to rough it out, which legally they are quite entitled to do. "
Brown and his minion's spite will be all the more sharp.
Please give generously at www.gwt.org.uk

Gurkha Highlander 2008.

Today was the Gurkha Welfare Trust's Gurkha Curry Lunch in Edinburgh. It's always a good occassion and this year, with 140 attendees, it had more people than ever before.
We had had to collect the Deputy Director who had flown up to attend the event. Unfortunately, her heel had broken, so our first job was to get to M&S for a pair of shoes.
The lunch went off excellently well. The people concerned with the Trust, both Committee and supporters, are all in the incredibly nice category. We support 10,600 ex Gurkhas and their dependants who get no money whatever in retirement. The £30 per month we pay them ( which because of the fall in the GBP is costing us an extra £600,000 pa) makes the difference, quite literally, between life and starvation. Do feel free to go online and donate at www.gwt.org.uk
The food was excellent, the raffle well supported.
Amazingly, the man who won three prizes last year ( he gave two back) won a further four this year ( he gave three back). I told him next year he has to bring prizes rather than win them.
One of the matters mentioned was the book that Walker John has written about the walk. It is called "Gurkha Teuchter" and will shortly be published. It's good. I had to proof read it.
If anyone is interested, leave your email addresses in the comments.All proceeds to the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
UPDATE:
The new film " Centurion" about the 9th Legion that disappeared in Scotland was mostly shot on Glenfeshie Estate. The lads had to cross it in a day.....