Gurkha welfare after all they've done for us

North Bersted Village WI's February meeting turned into an open gathering with a good attendance including many men, to hear Mr Plowman talk about the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Feb 2009, 09:59 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:10 BST

This was established in 1969 for the relief of poverty stricken ghurka ex-servicemen and their dependants.

Mr Plowman showed slides of the beautiful scenery of Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, which suffers from earthquakes and landslides.

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Living conditions are poor with no national health, no public housing and no unemployment benefit.

The trust operates 20 welfare centres in Nepal and one in India where dentistry and eye operations are carried out. More than 120,000 medical treatments are provided each year.

Without the support of the trust, this work and the community projects such as schools, water pipes and bridges could not carry on. For nearly 200 years, the ghurkas have helped to fight our wars.

Jackie gave a vote of thanks for an excellent talk. Refreshments were served and the raffle drawn before the business part of the meeting.

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The president, Joan, welcomed everyone including visitor Angela Richards.

A minute's silence was observed for Phyllis Wilbraham who died in January and in her memory and in the memory of Ethel Buvyer, it is hoped to donate flowers for the entrance to North Lodge next year.

Four members attended the shortlist resolutions meeting at North Mundham.

Iris reported there were five resolutions in total and the one to receive most votes to go forward to the AGM in London was regarding the SOS for honey bees and the vital role they play in our environment.

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Iris provided a quiz for social time, this being won by Gill and the competition for a Valentine card was won by Jackie, with Peggie second.

March sees the 40th birthday meeting with musical entertainment by Mr Eagle.

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 2.45pm at Jubilee Community Centre, Chalcraft Lane. All are welcome.

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