Ledbury’s ties with the Gurkhas gets stronger (From Ledbury Reporter)
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Ledbury’s ties with the Gurkhas gets stronger
5:10pm Saturday 16th June 2012 in News
More than 800 people turned out to watch the Band of the Brigade if Gurkhas play on the recreation ground at the weekend.
HUNDREDS attended a free concert by one of the British Army’s most loved units.
The Band of the Brigade of the Gurkhas has offered to return for a second concert in the town after Saturday’s success.
Ledbury’s Mayor, Councillor Phill Bettington, had nothing but praise for the performance given on the recreation ground.
Coun Bettington estimated that more than 800 Ledbury people watched and heard the stirring performance, and he added: “It was excellent.
“The Gurkhas have offered to come back in 12 months time. The concert was top marks, the weather was good and everyone enjoyed the event.”
Coun Martin Eager said: “What a stunning day in all respects. Hats off to everybody who worked so hard to make the day work; all those involved should be very proud of themselves.”
The extra special event coincided with the unveiling of a plaque to Ledbury servicemen who died during the First World War. The plaque, located near the skate park and bearing an image of the Market House, was dedicated by the Rev Howard Mayell, of the Ledbury Team Ministry.
Few Ledbury residents today are aware the Recreation Ground was originally dedicated as a public memorial site, for recreational use.
A collection was made for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The total raised will not be known until the end of this month.
The Gurkhas’ recent tours have included Nice, Cyprus, Canada and the USA, for the International Military Tattoo.
Until recently, the town had no specific links with the unit, famed for the use of the curving kukri knife.
But the ties grew after the scenic market town was chosen for the launch of the Gurkha Action Fund in August 2010.
That event, Gurkha Sunday, disappointed many residents because only a handful of soldiers attended.
But in March this year, Ledbury Town Council received a request from the Gurkha Welfare Trust for soldiers to visit the town once more, and things have gone from strength to strength.
