By Maj Udai Gurung MBE

COLCHESTER  UK- Gurkha veterans and their spouses gathered in Colchester city centre on Saturday, 31 October, to raise funds for the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

Nineteen volunteers from the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) assembled at the Royal British Legion shop in Lion Walk at 10:00 am. Wearing their own service medals and, in several cases, those passed down by their fathers and grandfathers, the volunteers spent the morning collecting donations from shoppers throughout the city centre.

This year marks a major milestone for the organisation. CNS has supported the Poppy Appeal every year since its establishment in 2006, making 2026 its 20th consecutive year partnering with the Royal British Legion’s Colchester Branch.

Reflecting on the milestone, Major Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, Chair of the Colchester Nepalese Society, said:

“The Royal British Legion has stood by our community from the very beginning. It helped our members when they first arrived in the UK and supported us through difficult times. Collecting for the Poppy Appeal is our way of giving something back.

“I am immensely proud of everyone who came out on Saturday. The money raised will directly assist veterans struggling to make ends meet. Our volunteers demonstrated true camaraderie and the enduring Gurkha spirit of mutual support.”

Among those collecting was Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, Adviser to the Society, who joined fellow veterans and spouses, some of whom are in their seventies and eighties.

The Colchester Nepalese Society will return for a second collection on Saturday, 7 November, beginning at 11:00 am. Society members will also join the Remembrance Sunday parade at Colchester Town Hall on Sunday, 8 November, starting at 10:00 am.