By Lila Selung Mabo
On Friday, 11th July 2025, in Aldershot, there was an opening ceremony and an official handover programme of the Wellesley Community Garden to the Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community (GRNC)
It was a proud and historic moment for the Nepali community and residents of the Wellesley area. The purpose of this project was to engage elderly and vulnerable people with nature and physical activities to reduce their mental health problems.
PCSO Durga Thapa was a driving force behind the whole project shape following the sad and untimely death of Mr Dhanpati Rai. Former councillor Nem Thapa also worked to support initiate this project whilst working as community support officer for the Council.
I should also like to take this opportunity to record a personal thank you to our past president Mr. Ramdhan Rai as well as Capt (Retd) Gary Ghale, Capt (Retd) Bishnu Shrestha, the late Faguhang Limbu and treasure Milan Roka, together with the entire Wellesley resident committee for their unfailing commitment and support.
A special thank you for our immediate past president, Man Bahadur Gurung for his untiring effort and enthusiasm throughout and to our vice chairman of GRNC Dr. Bishal Gurung for co-ordinating this proud and historic project as well as Media secretary Milan Tamu (Gurkha Media) for the news, photos and videos of project.
Finally, our grateful thanks go to our past president/ former councillor Jib Belwase as well as all local councillors past and present for supporting the project; the Farnborough Airport Fund for their generous donation, together with the mayor of the Rushmoor Calum Stewart for attending the celebration.
We are extremely grateful to Grainger for providing the land; and Lucy Crockford for her tireless work and updates throughout.
Covid didn’t help and the soil test wasn’t very promising in the beginning, but that is all in the past and now we are to unveil the sign to the integrated Wellesley community garden.
I would also like to say a special thanks to Perimeter Fencing by Grainger Plc, Rushmoor Borough Council for providing Farnborough Airport Fund of £5000, former county councillor Charles Choudhary County councillor’s grant of £1000 together to enjoy with former Councillor Prabesh KC for the ward councillors grant of £1000 together with all supporters.
The garden is a symbol of unity, a vibrant microcosm of life, where people come together to enjoy the beauty of nature, the healing qualities of open spaces, together with a sense of belonging and shared values. GRNC welcomes volunteers.
