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This is Nottingham --
VETERANS of the famous Gurkha army brigade and their families have officially been welcomed to Nottinghamshire.
More than 50 members of the Nepalese community joined dignitaries and officials at a special civic reception at County Hall on Saturday, where a friendship book was signed to mark the arrival of the families to the county.
Gopal Kumar Rai, 56, chairman of the British Gurkha Ex-servicemen's Society Nottingham, presented a traditional Nepalese knife called a kukri to Nottinghamshire County Council chairman Councillor John Allin.
Mr Rai, who set up the society two years ago, hoped the event would mark the start of a special friendship between the county council and the Gurkha community.
Mr Rai, of Ena Avenue, Sneinton, said: "Settling into new places is never easy and it has been challenging for some of our Gurkhas with their families. But as a whole we are very grateful and indebted for the support we have received from the county council and the local communities."
Mr Rai's wife, Deepa, 45, entertained the audience with a performance of a traditional Nepalese song as well as a cover of Foreigner's, I Want to Know What Love Is.
Haikamsing Dewan, 50, of St Ann's, moved to Nottingham in 2008 with his wife and four children.
His youngest son Vibin, 12, attends Nottingham Academy in Sneinton.
He said: "Never in my life have I had this kind of reception. I really feel now like I am part of Nottingham."
The council has been working with around 50 Gurkha families to help integrate them into the Notts community.
The council's community and voluntary sector team has used a £5,000 Government grant to provide a range of help including English language and computer courses at Central College Nottingham, as well as the launch of a Nepalese and Gurkha Veterans' Group.
Sureh Shrestha, 46, has set up his own restaurant, Mount Everest, in Derby.
He said: "Today's event is very important not just to welcome us to Nottingham but also to help the people of Nottingham learn about us.
"We have been a part of the British Army since 1815 but some people don't know about it, so this is a good way to educate people about who we are.''
The name Gurkha comes from the hill town of Gorkha, which had been a focus point in the Nepalese kingdom.
They were first recruited as soldiers during the Victorian ere and have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, serving in all major conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars, the Falklands and Afghanistan.
Five years ago, members of the Gurkha Regiment were granted the right to live in the UK following a successful campaign led by actress Joanna Lumley.
Councillor Allin said: "The huge public support behind Joanna Lumley's campaign showed just how grateful the British public is to the Gurkhas for their loyal, dedicated and fearless service to our Armed Forces.
"We are privileged that so many families have chosen to settle in Nottinghamshire and enrich our local communities.
"I am delighted to hear that they are settling in well and that so many have quickly found employment."
Are you a Gurkha who is now living in Notts or have you ever served in the Armed Forces and have a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com Reported by This is 18 hours ago.
Clik here to view.
This is Nottingham --VETERANS of the famous Gurkha army brigade and their families have officially been welcomed to Nottinghamshire.
More than 50 members of the Nepalese community joined dignitaries and officials at a special civic reception at County Hall on Saturday, where a friendship book was signed to mark the arrival of the families to the county.
Gopal Kumar Rai, 56, chairman of the British Gurkha Ex-servicemen's Society Nottingham, presented a traditional Nepalese knife called a kukri to Nottinghamshire County Council chairman Councillor John Allin.
Mr Rai, who set up the society two years ago, hoped the event would mark the start of a special friendship between the county council and the Gurkha community.
Mr Rai, of Ena Avenue, Sneinton, said: "Settling into new places is never easy and it has been challenging for some of our Gurkhas with their families. But as a whole we are very grateful and indebted for the support we have received from the county council and the local communities."
Mr Rai's wife, Deepa, 45, entertained the audience with a performance of a traditional Nepalese song as well as a cover of Foreigner's, I Want to Know What Love Is.
Haikamsing Dewan, 50, of St Ann's, moved to Nottingham in 2008 with his wife and four children.
His youngest son Vibin, 12, attends Nottingham Academy in Sneinton.
He said: "Never in my life have I had this kind of reception. I really feel now like I am part of Nottingham."
The council has been working with around 50 Gurkha families to help integrate them into the Notts community.
The council's community and voluntary sector team has used a £5,000 Government grant to provide a range of help including English language and computer courses at Central College Nottingham, as well as the launch of a Nepalese and Gurkha Veterans' Group.
Sureh Shrestha, 46, has set up his own restaurant, Mount Everest, in Derby.
He said: "Today's event is very important not just to welcome us to Nottingham but also to help the people of Nottingham learn about us.
"We have been a part of the British Army since 1815 but some people don't know about it, so this is a good way to educate people about who we are.''
The name Gurkha comes from the hill town of Gorkha, which had been a focus point in the Nepalese kingdom.
They were first recruited as soldiers during the Victorian ere and have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, serving in all major conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars, the Falklands and Afghanistan.
Five years ago, members of the Gurkha Regiment were granted the right to live in the UK following a successful campaign led by actress Joanna Lumley.
Councillor Allin said: "The huge public support behind Joanna Lumley's campaign showed just how grateful the British public is to the Gurkhas for their loyal, dedicated and fearless service to our Armed Forces.
"We are privileged that so many families have chosen to settle in Nottinghamshire and enrich our local communities.
"I am delighted to hear that they are settling in well and that so many have quickly found employment."
Are you a Gurkha who is now living in Notts or have you ever served in the Armed Forces and have a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com Reported by This is 18 hours ago.