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On the way to Pokhara many Sirmooris attended Brigade of Gurkhas events
in Kathmandu. The British Embassy had arranged a reception on the evening
of 25March. Under the direction of the Defence Attaché, Colonel Sean
Harris late RE/QGE, the Residency lawn had been covered with a large tent
and lights were strung among the foliage. The principal guest from the UK
was the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Houghton. Several other
senior officers from Britain and Nepal were invited. As well as 2GR
attendees there were several of those going to the simultaneous 7GR event
in Dharan. Other regiments were also well represented. Waiters and
waitresses generously refreshed drinks and offered canapés but,
disappointingly for an ambassadorial cocktail party, no Ferrero Rocher
chocolates. The trumpeters and pipers of the Royal Gurkha Rifles band
entertained us, and speeches were made by senior diplomats and soldiers
about the importance of the military connection between the British and
Nepalese. It was a well-organised, enjoyable and sociable introduction to
events of the following days.
The following day The Nepalese Army hosted a
bhela
for all regiments of the
Brigade on Tundikhel, within sight of the historic Bhimsen tower that has
since been demolished by the earthquake. This gathering was followed by
curry lunch in a covered and decorated area nearby. Sadly a tattoo planned
that afternoon in the local football stadium had to be abandoned because of
a torrential thunderstorm.
27 March was a travel day. Most of those coming from Kathmandu had
opted to fly to Pokhara. Those on earlier flights achieved this between the
morning cloud lifting and the poor weather closing in again, but many
travelling later had to go by road, arriving very late at night. For those lucky
enough to fly, the reception at Pokhara airport, splendidly organised by
Major Hitman Gurung, made the visitors feel very welcome to a specifically
2
nd
Goorkhas environment. Visitors registered for the Durbar at the
reception centre in the Gurkha Haven hotel, where an efficient team under
Major Debiprasad Ghale issued everyone with 2GR hats, commemorative
medals and tickets for the following two days’ events. It was a gregarious
meeting-place where many old friendships and acquaintances were renewed
as people passed through.
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