By Udaibahadur Gurung MBE
COLCHESTER, UK – Sunday 8th November 2026, Colchester marked Remembrance Sunday with a solemn parade and service at the War Memorial, followed by the Colchester Nepalese Society’s traditional annual curry lunch.
Just after 10:30 am, the parade set off, led by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas in their first performance in Colchester since making the city their new home. Behind the band marched the Colchester branch of the Royal British Legion alongside veterans of the Colchester Nepalese Society, followed by British Army veterans, the Fire Service, and Cadets from all three services.
Following the arrival of Colchester City Council dignitaries, the Remembrance service commenced. As the clock struck eleven, the city fell silent for two minutes. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded in honor of those who gave their lives, followed by the National Anthem. At 11:40 am, dignitaries, veterans, and parade participants departed for the Town Hall and nearby reception venues.
While Society Chair Udaibahadur Gurung MBE joined civic leaders at the Town Hall, veterans, families, and guests gathered at Firstsite for the Society’s annual Remembrance Sunday curry lunch.
Opening the afternoon program, Chair Udaibahadur Gurung MBE welcomed the Mayor, Mayoress, Councillors, Rotarians, members of the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and community members. In his address, he highlighted the deep history of service of the Gurkhas, who served Britain with distinction in both World Wars and subsequent global conflicts. He also formally welcomed the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas to their new home in Colchester.
The cultural program featured traditional Nepali dances performed by the community’s youth, highlighting the preservation of Nepali heritage among younger generations in the UK. Veteran Sapper Roger Wille (Lepcha), who served during the Borneo Confrontation, performed an English song and presented a £100 donation to the Chair toward the Nepal Flash Flood Relief Fund. A couple’s dance was subsequently performed by Khagendra and Shova Hamal.
A central highlight of the afternoon was the formal presentation of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal, awarded by the Malaysian Government to honor service between 1957 and 1966. The Mayor of Colchester presented the medal to Rifleman Tek Bahadur Limbu. The PJM medal was also presented posthumously to the late Captain Aita Bahadur Limbu, accepted by his son, Major Chitraj Limbu MVO MBE.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a traditional Nepali curry lunch prepared by Assistant Food Coordinator Kul Prasad Limbu and the culinary team.
Concluding the event, Chair Udaibahadur Gurung MBE expressed sincere gratitude to the venue staff at Firstsite, the catering team, performers, civic leaders, and volunteers whose contributions ensured a successful and memorable Remembrance Sunday gathering.
