ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015 THE SIRMOOR RIFLES ASSOCIATION (SIRMOOR CLUB) TO BE HELD REMOTELY BY 12 SEPTEMBER 2015 AGENDA

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1 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015 THE SIRMOOR RIFLES ASSOCIATION (SIRMOOR CLUB) TO BE HELD REMOTELY BY 12 SEPTEMBER 2015 AGENDA ITEMS FOR ACTION Instructions for Members' Responses. VOTE 1. Those using the website, please follow the instructions on the website page. 2. Those unable to access the website, please annotate your vote for Items 1-5 in the Vote column and return just this page of the Agenda either by to the Hon Sec or post it to him (St Michaels', Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset, TA19 0LP). Any comments on these or other Items should be sent to the Hon Sec. 3. Responses are required by Monday 7 September 2015 at the very latest please. ITEM 1 AGREEMENT OF MINUTES ITEM 2 ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT ITEM 3 ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN ITEM 4 RE-ELECTION OF THE COMMITTEE ITEM 5 APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS The Minutes of the 2014 AGM were posted to non-internet members and placed on the website for all internet Members. Please make sure you have read them. Members are asked to approve the Minutes with a Yes or No vote as per the Instructions for Members' Responses at the head of this Agenda. Lt Gen Sir Peter Duffell announced at the last AGM in May 2014 that he would be standing down this year after 10 years in post. He has found a willing successor in Brig Ian Rigden who has been approved by the Committee. The Committee recommends that Brig Ian succeeds Lt Gen Sir Peter as President at a date to be decided mutually after the Sirmoor Sathis Delhi Day Reunion 19 Sep 15. Members are asked to approve the election of Brig Rigden to succeed Lt Gen Sir Peter Duffell as President with a Yes or No vote as per the Instructions for Members' Responses at the head of this Agenda. Brig Bruce Jackman has decided to stand down as Chairman after nearly 15 years in post. He has found a willing successor in Col William Shuttlewood who who has been approved by the Committee. He will be available to take over after the next AGM in May 16. Members are asked to approve the election of Col Shuttlewood to succeed Brig Jackman as Chairman with a Yes or No vote as per the Instructions for Members' Responses at the head of this Agenda. current elected members of the Committee have kindly agreed to continue to serve their term and need to be re-elected. Members are asked to approve Re-election of the Committee, with a Yes or No vote as per the Instructions for Members' Responses at the head of this Agenda. Account. A copy of the SRA(SC) Account for the period 1 Jan 13 to 31 Dec 14 is attached at Annex A. In summary, expenditure was 24,988 against an income of 26,383, leaving a small an excess of income over expenditure of 1,395. As at 31 Dec 14 there was 1, in the Deposit Account and 4, in the Current Account giving a total sum of 6, in the accounts. Members are asked to approve the Accounts with a Yes or No vote and/or make any comments as per the Instructions for Members' Responses at the head of this Agenda. 1

2 ITEM 6 SIRMOOR WEBSITE UPDATES AND ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND COMMENT/ACTION 1. Website. The website is now a vital means of communication for all Members with internet access. It has been particularly useful this year in managing the 200 th Anniversary Durbar. The improvements that our Webmaster, Nigel St George, has put in place over the year have greatly enhanced the site and its use. the Durbar photos and films have now been posted on the site. Our website is the most active in the Brigade of Gurkhas and the envy of most. 2. Webmaster. As the builder of our website and after some 5½ years as our Webmaster, all of which he has done free of charge except for the cost of software, Nigel St George has given notice that he wishes to stand down in 2016 in order to spend more time on other charitable ventures. In due course we shall be recognising Nigel's important contribution to the Sirmoor Club. We are in the process of finding a new Webmaster, hopefully from within our own ranks. Any volunteers? ACTION ITEM 7 SIRMOOR Durbar. will agree that the Durbar and all that went with it in Nepal was an outstanding success thanks to the extraordinary detailed planning and execution by Major David Thomas, Major Yambahadur Gurung, and the Sirmoor Club Nepal Committee led by Captain Bharatsing Thapa Chhetri, and its Durbar Committee. 2. Sirmoor Club Reunion Luncheon. As all Members will know this is to be held at the Travellers Club on 12 September and will be conducted in a style befitting the occasion with The Queens Truncheon as the Centrepiece on the main table. The maximum seating limits attendance to 110. Members who haven't yet applied should do so immediately to the Honorary Secretary. 3. Sirmoor Sathis Delhi Day Reunion. This is the final event in the Sirmoor 200 year. It is to be held on 19 Sep 15 at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading from 11am- 3pm (Note change of date and location). The Queens Truncheon will be on parade. The Sirmoor 200 th Anniversary Commemorative Medal will be presented to those who have not yet received it. Members of the Sirmoor Club are encouraged to attend. The cost is 10ph. Please notify the Honorary Secretary for catering purposes if you are attending. 4. Commemoration Medals & Medallions. a. Members who were not at the Durbar to receive their Commemoration Medal should apply to the Honorary Secretary for them to be posted. b. Sirmoor Club widows have received their Medallions through the post with a personal letter from the President. These have been very well received. ITEM 8 2GR TRUST ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 1. Trustees. Major Lalbahadur Gurung (Chairman of the Sirmoor Sathis) has been made a Trustee. 2. Value of the Trust. (as at 11 Feb 15) - 406,956 plus 8,315 in the bank. Total 415,271. However, this was before the major funding of the Durbar, Commemoration Medal, the Lal Gate project, and the Sirmoor Sathis Special Delhi Day, plus other unbudgeted expenses have been taken into account. It is estimated that the Trust will use about a quarter of its capital to fund all this, which will have implications for investment interest in future. The exact situation will become clear at the end of this calendar year and will be reported at the next AGM. 3. Investment Report. The Trust's portfolio had performed well and the Trustees are content to continue with the investment strategy. 4. Budget for With only 26,000 available from investment income, including cash in the bank, and 48,000 needed to meet grant commitments after Trustees' 2

3 scrutiny, the Trustees decided to draw-down 22,000 from capital and agreed the allocation shown below: Sirmoor Club Nepal Overall Grant 11,000 (incl Comms Grant from capital) Sirmoor Sathis 21,000 (one-off grant for '200' Reunion) Sirmoor Sathis (Contingency) 4,000 Sirmoor Club 4,000 (incl Comms Grant from capital) GWT General Fund 2,000 Gurkha Museum Endowment Fund 1,000 Gurkha Memorial Museum 550 RGR Property Maintenance 600 GBA (Subs, Bhela, Wreath etc) 270 In Memoriam Announcement 200 Benevolence (Mrs Collier) 300 Tuker Award (Engraving) 15 Airfares for SCN Trustee 800 Website 180 Kerseong 200 th Anniversary subs 200 Misc GBA subs for Ipoh Cenotaph 85 Admin expenses + bank charges+ VAT 1,800 48, The Future of the Trust. There is no change to the 10 year strategy that was to be reviewed regularly (2014, 2017 and 2020). The aim is to maintain enough capital to provide sufficient investment income to fund the annual requirements of the Sirmoor 'family' (the Sirmoor Rifles Association comprising the Sirmoor Club, Sirmoor Club Nepal and the Sirmoor Sathis) for as long as possible, including a judicious draw-down of capital as required and in line with policies agreed by the Trustees at the time. ITEM 9 SIRMOOR CLUB 1. Membership: With 55 Members of various categories 'suspended' until they have paid their subscriptions, despite many warnings, and 21 Members for whom we have no contact details now removed from the list, the totals in each category are: Full 161 Associated 95 (including Attached, Seconded, Relatives, Others) Honorary 68 (including Widows, Ordinary, Ex Officio) TOTAL New Members. The following new Honorary Members have been accepted: a. Colonel Lalit Mohan Sharma (ex-co 5/8GR ). b. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Gilham GTR (Brunei GTR Det Comd ). 3. Honours & Awards. New year's Honours 2015: a. CBE. Nigel W B Dunlop (2 nd Bn ). For services to Business and Economy in Northern Ireland. b. BEM. Major Yambahadur Gurung (2 nd Bn & 2GR ). For services to the Gurkha Memorial Museum, Pokhara, and Nepal. 4. Resignations. Major Tom Henderson-Peal (2 nd Bn ) 6. Deaths. (Since the last AGM) 3

4 A R Tanner Esq (Richard) (2nd Bn 58-59) 01 Jan 2014 Major Narbu Lama MBE (1st Bn 48-87) 04 Jan 2014 Major (QM) L Linskey (Lawrence) (1st Bn 78-83) 14 Jan 2014 Mrs Wendy Yarnold 01 Feb 2014 Mrs Oona Pert (Widow of Lt Col R Peart MBE 1st Bn 47 49) 16 May 2014 Major J W Kaye (Johnny) (1st & 2nd Bns 68-88) 02 July 2014 Lt Col D R Large (RC & 1st Bn ) 27 Sep 2014 Mrs Margaret Neill 6/7 Nov 2014 (widow of Colonel Nick Neill OBE MC (3rd & 2nd Bns ) C F Banyard Esq (3rd Bn ) N/K 2015 Reverend W G D Sykes (2nd Bn ) 17 Jan Sirmoor Club Activities in a. Shooting. (1) 8 Sep 15. Simulated Game Shoot. Barbury Castle, Marlborough. (2) 5 Dec 15. Game Shoot. Eastleach Valley, Cirencester. b. Skiing Mar 15. Andorra. c. Fishing. (1) Jun 15. Meon. (2) Jul 15. Wye/Usk. Cancelled. d. Sailing. (1) 29 Jun 01 Jul 14. Regatta, RCYC Cowes. Cancelled. (2) Sep 14. Odyssey Cruise, Turkey. Cancelled. e. Golf. (1) 04 Mar 15. Sirmoor Spring Meeting. Swinley Forest GC. (2) 30 Mar 15. Sirmoor Durbar Golf Meeting. Pokhara. (3) 14 May 15. Sirmoor Cup Championship. Corhampton GC. Lt Col Steve Clifton won the Trophy for the second time. (4) 21 Sep 15. GBA Golf Meeting (QOGLR) Army GC, Aldershot. (5) 14/15 Oct 15. Sirmoor Autumn Meeting, North Devon & Saunton GCs f. Armchair Battlefield Tours. 05 May 15. 'How it Began: The Birth of the Brigade of Gurkhas'. 08 Dec 15. Defeat into Victory the Burma Campaign Sirmooree. a. Colonel Nick Hinton is the new Editor and his first issue is the Summer Edition 75. He intends to review the future of the Sirmooree and is considering the requirement for either a fuller annual edition with additional reports from the Gurkha Museum, GWT, Nepal etc., or to retain two editions limited to a given number of pages which restricts its coverage. The use of the Website for more immediate and up-to-date issues/reports is a further factor/consideration. b. Winter Edition 76. Articles required by 20 Nov 15. 4

5 ITEM 10 SIRMOOR CLUB NEPAL (SCN) 1. Annual General Meeting and Central Committee Meetings. The AGM was held on 16 June 2014 in Pokhara. A total of 43 members from 12 out of 15 branches in Nepal and the member from Darjeeling attended. Committee meetings were held on 26 Sep 14 in Pokhara and 25 Jan 2015 in Pokhara to coincide with the Durbar Committee meeting. 2. Delhi Day Reunions. branches in Nepal except Myagdi, Lamjung and Palpa celebrated the Delhi Day on 14 Sep 14. The GRU also celebrated in Brunei. 3. Annual Tigris/Tamandu/Neuve Chappele Day Reunions. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Butwal branches celebrated in Feb/Mar 2014 in the form of a sports morning followed by lunch as in previous years. Because of the Durbar in March 2015 celebrations for this year were cancelled. 4. Vocational Training Update. This year claims made to date (Jul 2014 Feb 2015) stand at 25. Computer, driving, beautician, language courses, and now cookery, continue to be the popular courses. 5. Transport Hire Update. Transport has been hired on 140 occasions. Mostly used by Tanahun, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal and Chitwan branches for visits to religious places (Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, Mukti Nath, and Manakamana temple in Gorkha). Syanga branch claimed for attending their Delhi Day in Walling last year. No visitors to Dehra Dun. ITEM 11 SIRMOOR SATHIS 1. Sathis Committee. The Sathis have now formed a functioning Committee in every respect with its own bank account. As a result of this their Chairman, Major Lalbahadur Gurung, has now been elected as a Trustee of the 2GR Trust. 2. Membership. 2,308 Sathis have been registered and are grouped in five areas: a. Area One based on Aldershot/Farnborough and extending to West London. Approx 75% (1,731 members). b. Area Two based on Plumstead, SE London, including all areas in East London. Approx 12% (276 members). c. Area Three Nuneaton, near Birmingham, extending from Birmingham to Catterick. Approx 6% (138 members). d. Area Four Shorncliffe, extending from Dover to Tonbridge. Approx 7% (161 members). e. Area Five Far flung from Scotland to Wales and Europe. Few members most of whom attend Delhi Day at Farnborough. 3. Sirmoor 200. a. Durbar. Approx 820 Sathis (including wives) attended the Durbar in Pokhara. b. Delhi Day Sep. Approx 1,000 Sathis are expected to attend. This has had major implications on finding a suitable venue which has had to be changed twice and is now to be held at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading. The costs too are considerable estimated at 21,000 (not including the cost of food). 5

6 ITEM 12 GBA UPDATE 1. Appointment Changes. a. Chairman GBA. Brigadier John Anderson is to hand over Chairmanship to Colonel David Hayes this year. b. Chairman 7GRRA. Lt Col Bob Couldrey vice Brig David Morgan. c. Chairman QGERA. Col Mike Carter vice Brig A D Harking. 2. GBA Constitution. The GBA constitution was last amended in 2006, when membership of the Association was widened to cover Ranks. Several additional changes have been made and a new Constitution was agreed in Changes include: a. Membership. The combining of the two categories of membership for non- Brigade personnel, and the introduction of a fair and practical system of electing such members. b. Appointment of President/Chairman GBA. The introduction of transparent and practical forms of election for both posts. c. Small Corps. The introduction of measures to ensure that the interests of the two small corps (GSPS and the Band) are represented. d. GBA Funds. The clarification of the status and use of funds held on behalf of the GBA by the GBA Trust, a registered charity. 3. GBA Website. The GBA website ( has undergone significant improvements and Sirmoor Club Members are encouraged to visit it as a primary source of information on GBA matters as well as the serving Brigade. 4. GBA Reunion at RMAS Sat 6 Jun 15. This year's Reunion was the best attended for years and filled the Old College Dining Room. There were relatively few Sirmooris and it would be nice to have a better turnout in future. 5. GBA Bhela Sat 11 Jul 15. The GBA Bhela took place at Aldershot Queens Avenue. Despite this being special to celebrate Gurkha 200, again there was a disappointing turnout of British Officers at what was a very well organised event. 6. NMA GBA Gurkha Chautara - Sep 15. It is proposed to have an annual Memorial Service at the GBA Gurkha Chautara that would be open to all GBA Members unable to attend the London events. Sirmoor Club Members will be informed of developments. 7. Field of Remembrance, Gurkha Statue, and Dinner - 5 Nov 15. Field Marshal Sir John Chapple is to be the GBA VIP for the Field of Remembrance on 5 th November 2015, and to request from the RBL for an increase in the ticket allocated to the GBA contingent from 40 to 48 tickets, to enable Gurkha representatives to attend. The Sirmoor Club, along with other Regimental Associations (RA) is encouraged to have a bigger turnout this year, including Gurkhas, at all three events on 5 November, especially the GBA Dinner. 7. Cenotaph Ceremony - 8 Nov 15. Following the successful increase in the GBA Contingent from 48 to 60 marchers allocated in 2014, it was agreed that for G200, the GBA should field a significant marching contingent of 150 all ranks to march in the Cenotaph Ceremony. Each RA is encouraged to field 20 marchers, including senior Regimental Officers and Gurkha all ranks. Intended Marchers to inform the GBA Secretary. To offset travel costs, each RA agreed to consider providing limited financial support of not more than 13 per person to those requiring financial assistance. 8. Gurkha Statues, Memorials and Cemeteries. a. With the WW1 Centenary falling in 2014, there has been considerable interest 6

7 taken in the state and sometimes refurbishment of WW1 War Memorials. Apart from a few well known Gurkha Memorials there is no central record of those memorials that commemorate Gurkha service. There is a danger that corporate memory will fade on the location of the lesser known memorials to commemorate Gurkhas and individual leaders. The GBA in conjunction with the Gurkha Museum & RAs is proposing to: (1) Compile a Register of Gurkha Memorials and Statues in order to maintain visibility of Gurkha heritage in the UK and Overseas. (2) Where possible maintain a photographic record of the memorials and inscriptions. (3) Create a Database programme for the storage of data and photographs. b. RAs and GBA Individuals should inform the Bde Sec of any specific memorials which they believe should be registered. 9. Ipoh Gurkha Memorial. The GBA's appeal to all RAs to support the Gurkha Memorial Appeal at Ipoh had raised 4,400. The Ipoh Gurkha Memorial Services organised by the WIRA Association Malaysia took place on 13 Jun 15 at 1030 at 2nd Royal Ranger Regiment, Tambun Road, Ipoh. ITEM 13 BRIGADE OF GURKHAS UPDATE 1. HQBG Location. HQBG is now well established in very good offices in the old Army Staff College, Camberley. It's location at RMAS is very suitable and accessible. 2. Operational Effectiveness. a. Brunei. The resigning of another 5 year agreement with His Majesty The Sultan has occurred. An appendix covering Sharia Law has been added to the Agreement which satisfies both the Sultan s Ministers and the UK Government. b. Brigade Growth Areas. 117 new Gurkha posts have been added to the Brigade in the last year. These include 26men of the Close Support Troop in HQ ARRC and a new QG Signals Troop in Stafford. 3. Round up of Units. a. Gurkha 200. units have had a busy year supporting Gurkha 200 events, especially with Public Duties, the Dedication of the Gurkha Statue, and the Pageant at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. b. 1 RGR. 1 RGR in Brunei for the last 2 years. Exercised in NZ and more importantly doing a great deal of integration with the Brunei armed forces who are actively seeking combined exercises from which to learn, which augers well for the future. c. 2 RGR. 2RGR deployed at short notice, and helped with the flooding last February. 2RGR then deployed to Kenya as a Battle group for an exercise. Later they provided security for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They now have a training team of 25 in Malawi. Recently the Shorncliffe RGR battalion has become part of UK's 16 Air Assault Brigade, returning Gurkhas to their past parachute role and the wearing of the Red Beret. d. QGE. Last year 69 Sqn went to Canada and 70 Sqn to Nepal on exercise. 69 Sqn went to The Falklands to assist with the infrastructure repairs. 70 Sqn went to Cyprus for construction exercises. Squadrons are involved in relief work in Nepal following the Earthquake. e. QGSIGNALS. 246 Sqn have men in Kabul and another part of the Sqn deployed to the Falklands. 7

8 f. QOGLR. Last year 21men deployed to Sierra Leone to help with the British Ebola effort. The Regiment re-rolled last year. 4. Manpower. a. Redundancy. This has been to reduce our strength to the Army s 2020 strength. Tranches 1-3 have left the Army, those selected in Tranch 4 will leave this summer. Col BG expects that the actual figure will then be about 150 only (down from the original 213). b. Transfers. It was on the back of the 2007 Gurkha Terms Review that allowed our men to transfer to the wider Army after a minimum of 5 years service. There are now some 925 Gurkhas who have transferred out to the wider Army. c. Recruits. These are being increased from 126 to 230 this year. d. Welfare. With redundancies comes the responsibility of looking after our people and helping them with transition to civilian life. are briefed on excellent Resettlement courses available, and on ILR and citizenship. HQBG also makes a great effort to find them employment and has run a number of Employment fairs. It is interesting that there are more jobs on offer for Gurkhas than there are men to fill them. Gurkhas are very much in demand and our men are making a successful transition. e. Support to our ex Gurkha Community. The Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre staff do sterling work supporting the arrivals of the ex Gurkha Community in the Advice Centres in Aldershot and Salisbury. f. The One day s Pay Scheme. Col BG has asked the serving Brigade to increase their contribution by a small amount per head, which has allowed HQBG to further support The Gurkha Museum and they in turn have employed two ex Gurkhas to work in the Museum. 5. Communications. a. Communications Officer. HQBG has employed a new Communication Officer to make maximum use of present day media such as Facebook, Twitter and other media outlets and also the British Forces Broadcasting Service with Gurkha stations in UK, Kathmandu and Brunei. These serve not only our serving Brigade but also our ex servicemen and very much helps to bind them all together. Parbate has been updated and is now live on the GBA web site. This allows our ex servicemen around the world to keep right up to date. b. HQBG Outreach Programme. HQBG is encouraging greater links with Gurkha associations through out the UK and has started by organising annual Gurkha Briefing Days at which Gurkhas are invited to attend and discuss their issues. The first was held in the Spring of this year and and proved a useful forum. c. Ex Gurkha Demands. An Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Gurkha Affairs was set up in 2014 to take forward the grievances that had been highlighted by the Gurkha 'Hunger Strike Group'. During the year the APPG took evidence from various Government Departments and had regular meetings throughout the summer. In Sep/Oct there was a debate in the House and many MPs present were those who had large Gurkha populations in their areas. As a result of this certain parameters were applied to the aspirations of the ex-gurkhas demands. It was the first time parallels were drawn with other immigrants and other members of the British Army. It is now on record in Hansard. Some of the APPG visited Nepal, spoke to Ministers of The Nepalese Government and very briefly saw some of the work of GWS. They came back and a draft report was submitted. The Report was taken by the Chairman to the PM on the 23 October. The Government s response with a number of 8

9 recommendations was contained in a document dated 28 Jan 15 and can be obtained from HQBG. Work is ongoing. 6. Gurkha 200. Some 70 activities have been scheduled this year to celebrate the 200 years of Gurkha service to the Crown this year. The serving Brigade is playing a major part. Some of the key events are summarised: a. Nepal Bhela. The Band went to Nepal in March for a large Bhela for some 1500 ex servicemen with the Nepalese Army Band on the main parade ground in Kathmandu. This was attended by a Senior Officer from The Indian Army and The Nepalese Chief of Army Staff. Unfortunately the main Parade was rained off by a tumultuous thunderstorm at the time. b. Gurkha Memorial Service. On 30 April representatives from all the units and the Band and Queens Truncheon marched past Buckingham Place down the Mall past Horse Guards to The Gurkha Statue for a re-dedication service. c. Everest 200. In May it was hoped to put a serving Gurkha on the summit of Everest. However, the first earthquake struck on 25 Apr when the team was at Camp One. Their camp at Base Camp was completely destroyed. The team were evacuated by helicopter having demonstrated great resolve and fortitude in helping with the overall evacuation of survivors. d. Public Duties. In May the major Units performed Public Duties three times each at Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London. e. Gurkha 200 Pageant. On 9 Jun all units were involved in the very successful and high profile GWT Gurkha 200 Pageant at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea at which HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Prince of Wales and other Royalty, including the Sultan of Brunei, were present. f. Queen s Truncheon Presented to HM The Queen. On 11 Jun a discreet Audience with HM The Queen took place at Buckingham Palace when she was presented with the Queens Truncheon. HRH Prince Charles will also be present. COs & GMs of RGR were present, so too were the President and Chairman of the Sirmoor Rifles Association. g. The UK Bhela. The UK Bhela on 11 July in Aldershot was bigger than any before with the Nepal Cup final and other attractions, and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas performing. h. Ex Arctic Gurkha. Captain Jonathan Armstrong with Corporal Arjun Pun from 2RGR are in the the process of a Kayak and walk around Ellesmere Island which has only ever been done once before. They started on 24 Apr 15 (the date the Sirmoor Battalion was raised) and intended to complete within 104 days (6 Aug) to beat the previous record. This is to raise money for GWT. ITEM 14 THE GURKHA WELFARE TRUST 1. Income. Income in 2013/14 remained strong, particularly from legacies ( 5,691,000) and gifts from individual supporters ( 4,021,000). The One Day Pay Scheme totalled 247,000 and our Regional Branches raised 140,000. Income totalled 14,940, Expenditure. The focus of the Trust s charitable expenditure continues to be individual aid, responding to the financial and medical needs of our elderly Welfare Pensioners in Nepal. In 2013/14 Individual aid represented 80% of total charitable expenditure. Community aid, the Trust s support for the communities from where Gurkhas have been traditionally recruited, represented 20% of the Trust s charitable expenditure. The Trustees continue to monitor non-charitable expenditure closely. In 2013/14 it remained at 18% of total expenditure, a figure much lower than many contemporary overseas aid charities. For every 1 invested in fundraising, the Trust achieved a very commendable ROI of 9.23, against an industry standard of

10 3. Return on Investment (ROI). The Trust s total fundraising costs of 1,191,000 resulted in voluntary income of 9,040,000, representing an ROI of 7.59/. The Trustees consider this represents very good value and it is a better ROI than other comparable charities. 4. Welfare Pensions. The provision of the Welfare Pension remains at the centre of the Trust s Vision and key to enabling our ex-servicemen and their widows to live in security and dignity. In 2013/14 the cost of this Programme was 4,117,000 and represented the charity s largest single area of expenditure. At 31 Mar 15 there were 6,488 Welfare Pensioners. 3,120 (48%) are aged 80 years or over. Over 63% are widows. In July 2013 the Trustees agreed to increase the Welfare Pension by 16% from NPR 5,000 to NPR 5,800 per month to ensure it retained its value in real terms against rising inflation in Nepal. It was raised a further 21% to 7,000 NPRs in July Residential Homes. The Trust s first Residential Home in Kaski continued to provide round the clock care for 26 of our most vulnerable pensioners. The 2GR Trust funded 50% (6GRRA the other 50%) of the cost of a lovely garden with flower beds and fruit trees, and a vegetable plot, for the residents that was officially opened by the President and the Chairman of 6GRRA during the Durbar in Pokhara. The second Residential Home in Dharan was officially opened on 21 March Named The Ram Bahadur Limbu VC Home after the only living Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, Captain Ram Bahadur Limbu VC MVO, it will provide a haven for a further 26 ex-gurkhas or their widows in east Nepal, thus doubling the Trust s residential capacity. The capital cost of this Residential Home has been met in full by a single donor. The Trust will meet the annual running costs of 125,000 of each home from its restricted and designated funds. The Trust is currently exploring the feasibility of a third Residential Home in the Kathmandu Valley. 6. Medical Aid. The Trust s Medical and Key Hospital Scheme provides both primary and secondary medical care to all Gurkha ex-servicemen and their dependants. Primary care is delivered via the Trust s network of Area Welfare Centres, in each of which is a full-time medical assistant and access to a doctor. Secondary care is provided in 4 key hospitals in Nepal. In addition, the Trust has 3 Mobile Doctors who provide medical care to those pensioners unable to access our Welfare Centres. In 20113/14 the Trust tested employing District Nurses in Nepal to support house-bound and bed-ridden Welfare Pensioners. 6 District Nurses were recruited to trek from home to home undertaking basic health care checks and educating family members in how to care for elderly relatives at home. To support this initiative, the Trust also provided Home Carer owances of NPR 2,000 per family per month to support families who incur additional costs of caring for an elderly Welfare Pensioner at home. The Trust, in conjunction with the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, ran eight Medical Camps where over 14,700 individuals received medical care in the areas of general medical, dentistry, gynaecology and cataract surgery. 7. Schools Programme. The Trustees have focused the Trust s limited resources on the repair and improvement of existing schools, rather than on building new schools. During the 12 months, one new school was built and a further 71 were extended or refurbished. 8. Rural Water and Sanitation Programme. 49 new projects were completed during the period, ranging from the drilling for water to the installation of tap stands and latrines in village communities. The water systems in a further 21 villages were substantially improved. Funding for this substantial Trust Programme continued to be provided by DfID. DfID confirmed that it would be increasing its grant aid to the Trust until 2020 to enable us to install 80 clean water and sanitation projects per year. 9. Gurkha 200. The Trust, in partnership with the Brigade, GBA and the Gurkha Museum, has played its part in the celebration of 200 years of Gurkha service to the Crown the principle GWT fundraising event being the Pageant at the Royal Hospital 10

11 Chelsea. In Jan 15 the Trust launched its Gurkha 200 Bicentenary Appeal Our Duty of Care, to raise 6 million to fund a large expansion of its Medical Programme in Nepal. 27% of Welfare Pensioners now suffer with major or significant health issues. The Bicentenary Appeal will fund: 9 additional Mobile Doctors, 12 District Nurses, 4 Pathology Laboratories and Mobile Medical Equipment, and Home Carers owances of 2,000 NPRs per month for 750 families. 10. Nepal Earthquake Response. The events in 2015 have been overshadowed by the terrible earthquakes and aftershocks that have devastated Nepal. The Trust was very quick to respond by releasing emergency funds immediately to provide relief to those who had lost everything, and launching its own Nepal Earthquake Fund Appeal. The GWT was well placed to coordinate relief aid in every respect through its AWCs, especially to provide shelter through the monsoon. It is now drawing up plans for the longer term rebuild and support programme. ITEM 15 THE GURKHA MUSEUM, WINCHESTER 1. Staff Changes. Lt Col Miles Lemon (the Accounting Officer) and Mrs Arminel Tottle (typist) have both left. The following have joined: Eli Dawson (Collections Officer), Mrs Tara Desforges (Accounting Officer) and Mrs Mary Brown (Admin Officer). Through the generous financial support from the Brigade, Cpl Hombahadur Pun and L/Cpl Mekhbahadur Rana have been employed upon their leaving the Army in Mekhbahadur has also joined 7 Rifles as a Reservist. 2. Visitors. There have been many Unit visits from across the Brigade including the recruits from Gurkha Company at ITC Catterick who now include the Museum as part of their annual programme of visits. There have been a substantial number of visitors from Nepalese Community and Veterans Groups. The most notable being that organised by former staff member Kamal Purja who brought 350 visitors to the Museum on 24 May 14. Visitor numbers for the first half of 2014 was an increase of 4% over Displays, Exhibitions & Activities. The Museum has undergone significant upgrades in its displays, cases and storage. The Summer Exhibition in 2014 was entitled Across the Black Water - Gurkhas on the Western Front and displayed many objects and archives not previously seen. This year the Gurkha 200 Summer Exhibition (1Aug- 6 Sep) again featured 200 items from store not seen before. The Museum also ran a southern Battlefield Tour in Jun 15 to visit sites around Brighton commemorating Gurkhas in the First World War. In addition, the Museum entered a team for the 100km Trailwalker this year, a first, to raise funds for Gurkha Welfare Trust. Community engagement is being developed and Armed Forces Sunday and Heritage Open Weekend have provided good opportunities to encourage local residents to engage with the Museum. The Museum also hosts the Winchester s Military Museums winter lunchtime lecture series which are steadily growing in popularity. 5. Friends of the Museum. One of the aims of Gurkha 200 was to increase the Friends which now number 580. It has been through their generosity that the Museum has been able to buy new medal and insignia display cases for the McDonald Gallery. The changeover of insignia cases will provide the opportunity to run a NADFAS (National Decorative and Fine Arts Society) Heritage Project to clean, conserve and remount much of the collection. ITEM 16 THE GURKHA MEMORIAL MUSEUM, POKHARA 1. Visitors. Visitors in the year 2013/14 were 35,209 (a 16.5% increase on the previous year) and in the first 7 months of this year 25,229 visitors have been recorded. 2. Dehra Dun Lal Gate Project. As part of the Regiment's 200 th Anniversary the Regiment presented a replica of the central arch of the Dehra Dun Memorial Lal Gate, which has been built in the curtilage of the Museum as a Memorial to all those who have served in the Brigade of Gurkhas since The memorial was funded by the 2GR Trust and because the Museum represents the Brigade of Gurkhas all the regimental/corps cap-badges are inscribed on the gateway. The Lal Gate memorial was officially opened by FM Sir John Chapple during the Durbar. 11

12 3. Developments. The top floor library has been relocated downstairs to the Conference Room and the top floor has been converted into a new gallery. Redesign of the first floor Infantry Gallery has been completed. The second floor is being redesigned for Supporting Units and an extension of Indian Army Gorkha Regiments. A new Guard Rest Room faces the entry gate and improves the security of the Museum. ITEM 17 ANY OTHER BUSINESS Tuker Award Captain C J Shroeder 2RGR. His citation will be published in the Winter Sirmooree and on the website. ITEM 18 DATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT AGM We intend to return to the normal date and format of our Reunions in 2016, so the date will be Saturday 12 May 2016 at the Army & Navy Club, and this will be preceded by a short AGM in the usual fashion. Annex: 12

13 SIRMOOR CLUB ACCOUNTS JAN - DEC 14 Annex A to SRA(SC) Minutes - 26 Feb 15 EXPENDITURE INCOME Cost/surplus Comment Bank Charges - To Deposit Account - From Deposit Account - Donations / Grants - Donations / Grants GR Property Sale - 2 GR Property Sale Chairman - Expenses - Members' Subscriptions 4, Hon Sec - Postage Hon Sec - Expenses Hon Treasurer - Postage - Hon Treasurer - Expenses - Subscriptions* *Subscriptions Sirmooree Summer , Britain/Nepal Society 25 2GR Trust Grant 2, Sirmooree Winter , Gurkha Brigade Assoc 0 Communications Grant 2, has been received in Jan 2015 Reunion Luncheon , Gurkha Museum 20 Reunion Luncheon , , Spring Golf 2014 New Zealand GC 1, RGR Assoc 15 Spring Golf 2014 New Zealand GC 1, Champs Golf Corhampton RMAS Museum 10 Champs Golf Corhampton GBA Golf 2014 Frilford Heath Total 70 GBA Golf 2013 Frilford Heath Autumn Golf 2014 Royal North Devon & Saunton 1, Autumn Golf 2014 Royal North Devon & Saunton 1, Sailing Cowes Regatta 1, Sailing Cowes Regatta 1, Shooting Calmsden 4, Shooting -Calmsden 4, Simulated Shooting 3, Simulated Shooting 3, has been received in Jan 2015 Armchair Battlefield Tour North Africa Armchair Battlefield Tour North Africa Armchair Battlefield Tour Italy Armchair Battlefield Tour Italy Cufflinks - Cufflinks - Ties - Ties - Shields - Shields - Hatbands - Hatbands Sweaters - Sweaters - Sirmoor Sathis - Sirmoor Sathis - Treasurer Farewell Lunch Treasurer Farewell Lunch TOTAL EXPENDITURE 24,988 TOTAL INCOME 26,383 Excess of Income over Expenditure 1,395 Deposit Account as at Dec 13 1, Current AC balance 4, Total Cash 6,569.34