Trombonists accompany the band.
Gurkha dancers perform at a charity concert.
Gurkha Concert
CONCERT-GOERS helped raise more than £5,000 for destitute old soldiers as a community rallied to help retired Gurkhas. A packed house enjoyed a charity performance to remember at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre. The band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Gurkha Rifles entertained almost 400 people for two and a half hours with a blend of military, classical and popular music.
Sponsored by Vauxhall motor dealer Sherwoods, proceeds totalling more than £5,150 will go to the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The trust supports destitute old soldiers, widows and their families in Nepal and the band was in the region for the annual passing out parade of 250 new Gurkha recruits at Catterick Garrison. Sponsored by Vauxhall motor dealer Sherwoods, the concert featured a variety of music and traditional Gurkha dancing, including the daring Kukhri Nautch, which involves flailing razor sharp knives. Honorary Yorkshire chairman of the Gurkha Welfare Trust Lt Col Keith Ryding, of West Burton, was delighted with the turnout for the concert.
He said: “Everyone really enjoyed themselves and their presence at the concert was a clear demonstration of their support. “We support 10,500 pensioners and proceeds such as these help keep them alive which is necessary because they have no other means.” The concert also featured a grand raffle in which three lucky people won two kukri knives and a VXR mountain bike donated by Sherwoods.
Its managing director Alasdair MacConachie, an ex-soldier, said: “The concert was absolutely fantastic. It is amazing to think that most of the soldiers cannot play an instrument when they come to this country and in a short space of time become proficient. “I am thrilled so much money was raised which goes some way towards recognising the loyalty and dedication shown by the Gurkhas to this country.”
Renowned as one of the most loyal and fierce fighting forces in the world, the Gurkhas have served the British Army since the early nineteenth century in countless conflicts around the globe. But many returned to Nepal with no pension because they had not served the minimum 15 years to qualify. The Gurkha Welfare Trust strives to repay this debt of honour by providing them with the money to live, pay medical expenses and help in circumstances of individual disaster.
It also provides community aid including funds for water schemes, footbridges and the rebuilding and refurbishing of schools. Last year more than £6m was spent directly in Nepal, just under £4.5m on individual aid and slightly over £1.5m on community support. Most pensioners are in their 70s and 80s but 310 are in their 90s and one is over 100.
