SEVENTY invited guests from Thurrock enjoyed a day at the Gurkha Barracks in Kent, reinforcing relations between the borough's Nepalese community and local people.

Among those who travelled, on one of her first official duties, was new borough mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick.

The trip was organised by Kishor Limbo, President of Thurrock Nepalese Gurkha Community, supported by the committee and members of Purfleet's Heritage and Military Centre, where there is a permanent exhibition recording history of the Gurkha members of the UK armed forces., and memorial that was unveiled last year.

The visitors left Grays last week (Thursday, 22 May) on a  double decker bus for the visit to the Sir John Moore Barracks at Shorncliffe near Folkestone.

Mr Limbo arranged the visit to show the modern day workings of the Gurkha army and to expand the knowledge of those who made the trip.

Among civic dignitaries joined the maoyor on the trip were Jen Craft MP, mayor's consort Cllr Gary Watson, pimmediate past mayor Cllr Kairen Raper and councillors Qaisar Abbas and Aaron Green.

On arrival the party was greeted by Major Dillikumar Rai MVO of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles. He took the group to see the Hindu Temple and explained about a bit about Nepalese gods followed by a short service. 

Next stop was the Brigade of Gurkhas Visitor Centre, where Major Rai gave an informative briefing and short history of the Gurkha Regiment highlighting their connections with the British Army.

Some of the fascinating facts visitors learned were that each year advertisements are placed by the Nepalese government for men aged between 18 and 21 to apply to join The Royal Gurkha Rifles. Out of around 19,000 applicants only 330 succeed. They go through a rigorous nine months of training, which includes parachute training. This has an impressive 85% pass rate.

These elite soldiers can only stay as a Gurkha for five years then they must transfer to other army battalions.  

The Thurrock party was invited to meet Gurkhas soldiers for a hands on visit in the parade ground and were shown weapons, how they are used an and invited to handle them.

Lunch was provided in the military cookhouse, courtesy of Thurrock's Nepalese community,

The final stop of the day was to the Gurkha Visitor centre, a small museum where visitors could explore the history of the Gurkhas.

Heritage & Military Centre trustee and local hostorian Trevor Batchelor said: "As we were due to depart, we were invited to see the Queen's Truncheon (Nishani Mai), the Gurkha equivalent of the Crown Jewels.

"It is used swear allegiance to the Regiment and Crown, a symbol of loyalty. This is guarded at all times by two armed officers and it was a privilege to be allowed to see it close up. It was a full and fascinating day."