Commemoration and celebration at Heritage Centre

A COMMEMORATION and celebrationb marking the 209th anniversary of the Brigade of Gurkhas becoming part of the British army took place at the Purfleet Heritage and Military centre on Sunday (22 April), featuring many members of the borough's nepalese community.

Speeches were made by organisers Kishor Limbu and Kamala Gurung.

Guests included Mayor Sue Little and councillors Lee Watson, Aaron Green, Sue Shinnick and Quaisar Abbas.

Also joining in the event were Thurrock Scooterists and Thurrock Bikers.

Thurrock Sea, Army and RAF cadets attended.

A wreath-laying took place following the sounding of the Last Post. There was also cannon firing on the river front.

It was confirmed that the forthcoming memorial to the Gurkhas that will placed in the grounds of Purfleet Heritage Centrewill be unveiled at an event on 25 August.