The Gurkha Memorial Fund (GMF) are delighted to confirm that during a special ceremony last Saturday the 2nd June 2018 the Gurkha Memorial statue within Christchurch Gardens, Folkestone was officially handed over to Folkestone Town Council (FTC).
The Town Mayor Cllr Ann Berry was presented with a Certificate of appreciation from the Chairman Dhan Gurung where trustees and representatives from the Gurkha and Nepalese community enjoyed the occasion.
Dhan Gurung, the Chairman of the Gurkha Memorial Fund, commented:
“I am honoured that the Gurkha Memorial statue which acknowledges the Gurkhas sacrifice and their great contribution to the United Kingdom is recognised as a local government Folkestone Town Council memorial and we will continue to hold our annual memorial service on the first Sunday of each October on behalf of the country’s Gurkha community. I would also like to thank the Mayor, our trustees and supporters.”
The Town Mayor commented:
“It is always a delight to be with the Gurkha community and join members of the charity and I wish the charity future success with the various projects moving forward.”
Ray Johnson – Project coordinator trustee commented:
“We are most grateful that FTC have taken on this special statue as custodians within its vast collection. Moving forward the GMF will continue with many projects to help and assist those both in Nepal and here in the UK. We are developing a second computer suite at school in Nepal and are further enhancing connectivity between schools in both countries to improve skills and communications for future work prospects.”
The statue was unveiled in October 2015 by Joanna Lumley to recognise the service of Gurkha soldiers, and further information is available here: https://gurkhamemorialfund.org.uk/the-memorial/