Nepal- Brecon- 50 years

On Saturday June 8th, the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends were delighted to welcome Major Khusiman Gurung, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, to y Gaer to deliver the latest in the Society’s monthly talks. Taking as his title, Nepal-Brecon-50 years, Major Gurung spoke about the geography of Nepal, its history, the origins of the links between Gurkha soldiers and the British Army and the remarkable bonds formed with Brecon since 1974.

Major Gurung was accompanied by members of the Brecon Gurkha community wearing traditional dress, illustrating the types of traditional clothing from different Nepalese states.

Gurkha soldiers are world-renowned for their bravery, professionalism and humility. Major Gurung became a Gurkha in 1981 at the age of 18 following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. During his 30 years of service he has served in Bosnia, Brunei, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Hong Kong as well as the UK.

The audience were delighted that the  Army had permitted a young Gurkha to attend the talk in full uniform.

Major Gurung, along with members of Brecon Town Council were instrumental in the establishment of a town twinning between Dhampus and Brecon, the UK’s first official town twinning with Nepal.

A recent 3 month project at y Gaer, funded by a Welsh Government Museum initiative has seen the establishment of display cases at Brecon museum celebrating the lives and culture of Nepalese people in Brecon. The project was led by Leliza Pakhrin who was also able to tell the audience more about the project.