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County Council
Thursday, 17th September 2026 at 10:00am

 
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  1. Rev Kirk-Smith
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  1. Jeremy Eustace
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  1. Joel Cook
  2. Jeremy Eustace
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  1. Linden Kemkaran
  2. Richard Palmer
  3. Jeremy Eustace
  4. Tim Prater
  5. Jeremy Eustace
  6. Chris Burwash
  7. Jeremy Eustace
  8. Paul Thomas
  9. Jeremy Eustace
  10. Spencer Dixon
  11. Jeremy Eustace
  12. Albert Thorp
  13. Jeremy Eustace
  14. Mark Hood
  15. Jeremy Eustace
  16. Antony Hook
  17. Jeremy Eustace
  18. Richard Streatfeild, MBE
  19. Jeremy Eustace
  20. Connie Nolan
  21. Jeremy Eustace
  22. Trevor Shonk
  23. Andrew Kennedy
  24. Jeremy Eustace
  25. Linden Kemkaran
  26. Jeremy Eustace
  27. Vote
  28. Jeremy Eustace
  29. Lt Col Sean Parr RE
  30. Standing View
  31. Lt Col Sean Parr RE
  32. Jeremy Eustace
  33. Screen
  34. Jeremy Eustace
  35. Screen
  36. Rev Kirk-Smith
  37. Lt Col Sean Parr RE
  38. Major Babindra Gurung
  39. Jeremy Eustace
  40. Lt Col Sean Parr RE
  41. Major Babindra Gurung
  42. Jeremy Eustace
  43. Major Khadkabahadur Gurung
  44. Major Babindra Gurung
  45. WOI (RSM) Nick Chadwick RE
  46. Jeremy Eustace
  47. Webcast Finished

Are we ready Joel? Fantastic. Good morning everybody.
I love the enthusiasm and what a wonderful way to kick off because today is a very special day.
And I'm really pleased to invite everybody here and welcome you to this very special Freedom of the County of Kent meeting.
This meeting is webcast so may be viewed by the public during and after the meeting.
Please note that the meeting with the exception of the Lord's Prayer may also be filmed by any press or public present here today.
If anyone is not willing to be shown in any webcast or filming, please alert the clerk now.
Thank you members. I now formally open the first meeting of the County Council today,
which has been called for the purpose of considering the granting of the freedom of the county to the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Before we get into the main item, we have our normal opening items to manage,
and I will now open the formal business with the Lord's Prayer as item number one.
I am now pleased that we have Reverend Steve Kirk Smith here with us today to recite the prayers.
Any members who do not wish to do so may not participate, but I invite anyone who wishes to participate to now stand.
Thank you.

1 Lord's Prayer

Rev Kirk-Smith - 0:01:09
So, welcome again. I feel like I know you now.
It's a real privilege to be here today, especially as the Gurkhas are getting freedom of Kent.
My background is I came from Folkestone, where the Gurkhas were based.
I used to be a minister at Cheriton Baptist Church, where we had a Nepalese second congregation.
So I feel there's a real connexion. Congratulations, by the way, you guys.
So let's say the Lord's Prayer together.
Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses.
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not in to temptation;
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever
and ever. Amen.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:02:28
Thank you, Reverend Kirk Smith.

2 Apologies for Absence

Agenda item number two is apologies. Mr Cook.
Joel Cook - 0:02:38
Thank you, Chair. For today's meeting, we have apologies from Mr Barrett, Mr Defriend,
Mr Logan, Mr Williams, Mr Evans, Mr Sole, Mr Sefton, Mr Moreland and Ms Randall.

3 Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Significant Interests in items on the agenda

Jeremy Eustace - 0:02:56
Thank you Mr Cook. Agenda item number three, declarations of
disposable peculiar interests or other significant interests in the items on
this agenda. Does any member wish to declare any
disposable pecuniary interests or other significant interests in items on
today's agenda and if so please state which item the interest relates to. To be
specific that relates to the meeting about the freedom of Kent.

4 Freedom of the County - Brigade of Gurkhas

Thank you. Now move on to agenda item number four which is the freedom of the
County Brigade of Gurkhas. Council, before I call this motion to be proposed and
seconded, may I welcome as guests of the council a number of distinguished
visitors here today. Representing the Lord Lieutenant, I welcome Sir George Jessell; I welcome three former
chairman of his council Brian Sweetland Gary Cook and Peter Lake who's also an
honorary alderman. From the Brigade of Gurkhas itself I welcome Lieutenant
Colonel Sean Parr commanding officer of 36th engineer regiment and Queens Gurkha
engineers major Khadkabahadur Gurung who's the Gurkha major of 36th engineer
regiment and the Queens Gurkha engineers and major Babrindra who is the Gurkha
major of the 1st battalion the Royal Gurkha rifles I also welcome the
Reverend Stephen Kirk Smith who led us in prayers. I would also like to pass my
thanks to the Mayor of Medway for joining us today. I think that symbolises
this is the freedom of Kent and I think it's wonderful that we brought both
parties together so thank you Mayor for attending and joining the ceremony today.
Council please join me in welcoming our guests. Motion. Leader I realise I
understand you're gonna be proposing the motion today so over to you. Thank you.
Linden Kemkaran - 0:04:37
Thank you Mr. Chairman and fellow members and our honoured guests today.
It is my great honour to propose that the County Council confer the freedom of the County of Kent upon the Brigade of Gurkhas.
I have spoken before in this chamber of my dedication to supporting the military at every opportunity.
I believe it is a vital duty for any nation that wishes to protect its rights and freedoms
and those of its allies from all manner of threats.
As the County Council, I want us to do all we can to recognise the huge contribution
made by those who have dedicated themselves to serving in the armed forces.
Today is an opportunity for us as members to recognise and reward, as far as we are
able some of that great dedication and commitment to service that has been displayed by a military
group with an important connexion to our great county.
And few military formations have earned such universal admiration and affection as the
Gurkhas.
For more than two centuries, since 1815, Gurkha soldiers have served the Crown with extraordinary
courage, loyalty and self -sacrifice.
They fought alongside British forces in conflicts spanning the globe, from the trenches of the
First World War to the deserts of North Africa, the jungles of Burma, the Falklands, and more
recently in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Their record of service has been recognised through numerous gallantry awards, including
the Victoria Cross, the George Cross, the Military Cross, the Distinguished Conduct
Medal, and the Military Medal, to name but a few.
and Gurkha soldiers have earned the respect of generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
Yet today we are not merely recognising a distinguished brigade of the British Army,
we are recognising a community that has become a valued part of the fabric of Kent
and a particular military contribution made by those units based in our wonderful county.
Kent is proud to be one of the principal homes of the Brigade of Gurkhas in the United Kingdom.
The 1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles, is based at Sir John Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe in Folkestone,
while the Queen's Gurkha Engineers serve from Maidstone as part of 36th Engineer Regiment.
The band of the Brigade of Gurkhas is likewise based in Folkestone, bringing its distinctive contribution to military and civic ceremonies across the county.
The Brigade's long -standing presence at Shorncliffe has also been commemorated through the Brigade of Gurkha's Visitor Centre, preserving and sharing this remarkable heritage in Kent.
Over many years, Gurkha soldiers and their families have become part of our local communities. They've served not only overseas, but also as neighbours, volunteers, parents and friends.
In Folkestone, Maidstone and across Kent, they've enriched our county through their
dedication, humility and strong sense of public service.
The award of the freedom of the county is the highest honour that our council can bestow.
It is reserved for those whose service and contribution are truly exceptional.
The Brigade of Gurkhas embodies values that Kent holds dear.
duty, courage, loyalty, professionalism, and selfless commitment to others.
As I set out the Rationale Council to bestow this honour, I am reminded of the famous words used by Sir Ralph Lilley Turner
of the 3rd Queen Alexandra's own Gurkha Rifles to describe his Gurkha comrades.
He said, bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful
friends than you.
And these words may still be found quoted on the Gurkha memorial in Whitehall and they
remain as true today as when first recorded in the early part of the last century.
By granting the freedom of the county, we would not only honour the brigade's distinguished
service to our nation, but also celebrate its enduring and special connexion with the
people of Kent.
So Mr Chairman, I therefore commend this proposal to Council and ask Members to support the
conferral of the freedom of the County of Kent upon the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Thank you.
Thank you Leader.
I understand, where is he?
Mr Palmer, you are going to second.
Thank you.
Richard Palmer - 0:09:06
Yes, Chair, and I'll second now, I won't reserve.
Chairman, Members, Honoured guests, and to our Gurkha friends, Namaskar.
I'm pleased to second this motion.
The Gurkhas have served the Crown for over 200 years,
and nowhere has this service been tested harder than in Burma during the Second World War.
In the spring of 1944, the Japanese 15th Army crossed the Chingin River with three divisions aiming to break through India's north -east frontier at Imphal and Kohima.
If they had succeeded, the road into India would have laid open.
At Kohima, a small garrison of 2 ,500 men, many of them non -combatants, found itself surrounded by the entire Japanese division.
Gurkha troops held the line alongside the 4th Battalion,
the Royal West Kent.
The fighting so close that in places it was the width
of a tennis court separating the two sides.
The siege lasted from April to May until reinforcements
from the 2nd Division broke through.
Further south, Gurkha battalions were doing the same
at Imphal, holding the ground under constant attack
until the Japanese offensive collapsed.
Kohima and Imphal broke the Japanese army in Burma. It never recovered and the road to the Allied advance through South East Asia began there,
on those ridge lines, fought yard by yard by men from Kent and Gurkhas.
Kent and Gurkhas soldiers stood together in that battle. That shared history is not a small thing.
We should recognise that in this county, and this forms part of the distinguished service to the Crown and the United Kingdom.
This motion asks us to recognise today.
Even during more recent times, the Gurkhas have fought alongside British troops.
When the call has come, they have aided civil authorities in times of need and disaster.
These proud people, the soldiers and the families, have shown incredible loyalty to this great nation.
I am proud and privileged to second this motion and I ask that the Council grant the Brigade of Gurkhas the freedom of the County of Kent.
Thank you, Chairman.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:11:36
Thank you, Mr Palmer. I have now invited others to speak and Mr Prater, you were the first to raise your hand.
Tim Prater - 0:11:45
Thank you, Chairman, I'm delighted to support the giving of the freedom of Kent to the Gurkhas.
It's an honour that they massively deserve for their work for our country and for our allies,
and not just over recent years, but as has been already said, dating back over 200 years of service to the British Army.
Since 2001, Shoncliffe, firmly in the heart of my division, has been the home to the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
I should actually mention that as a matter of local pride, the Sir John Moore Barracks are actually in Sandgate, not in Folkestone, but we're very happy to share the pride and the honour with our neighbouring town.
We're therefore fittingly marking the 25th year of their home in Kent with the Freedom Award today and I think that's an excellent thing to do.
Because I'm proud that not only are they at home in my division during their time in the service,
but then so many more go to make their home in Sandgate and in Folkestone after they leave the Gurkhas,
and they are massively welcome in our area.
And with this award today Kent are following an honourable tradition.
The Folkestone Charter Trustees awarded the Brigade the Freedom of Folkestone in 2004.
Sandgate Parish Council awarded the freedom of Sandgate in 2008. I don't know why four years later.
Although marching across Kent will be an even more challenging task than marching across Folkestone and Sandgate,
I have learnt over time that you should never underestimate the challenges to which the Gurkhas will rise.
So it's been both, as you'll know, Shorncliffe is not just the home to one battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, but two.
and every three years we see a rotation of the 1st and 2nd Battalion between Shorncliffe and Brunei.
And that's both a huge privilege and a challenge.
And for the first few rotations here, I think it's fair to say that there were challenges in that rotation,
but it's been a huge testament that both the Gurkha Rifle support teams and our council teams,
including the school admission team, have risen to that challenge.
There's a well -oiled machine in place that may not have to happen so that, for instance,
school children get into a school when they haven't been there for three years and that's
logistically difficult.
So again, I would ask all members of this council to support this award.
I thank you for bringing it forward.
And from Folkestone and Sandgate, we very much welcome it.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:14:10
Thank you, Mr. Prater.
And I'm sure the challenge of marching across Kent will not put our friends off to the left
here at all.
Mr Burwash.
Chris Burwash - 0:14:20
Thank you very much, Chairman.
The Gurkha motto is "better to die than be a coward" and they've shown this time and time
again in every battle they've been.
I think the country of Britain owes them a huge debt and I'm absolutely delighted to
be endorsing this motion.
Thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:14:37
Thank you, Mr Burwash.
I'll now call on Mr Thomas.
Thank you, Chair.
Paul Thomas - 0:14:43
We've heard a lot mentioned of the Gurkhas, but as I've been living in Maidstone for so many years, I wanted to just briefly mention the association with Maidstone.
Maidstone has a long -standing military history and is home to Invicta Barracks, which has housed various Gurkha units.
As a result, Maidstone developed a substantial and well -established Gurkha and Nepalese community,
with strong military links that remain an important part of the town's identity.
To that end, there's the Gurkha statue, which is housed at the Maidstone Museum courtyard,
not very far from this building.
But I'd like to briefly mention, when I was campaigning, I went to the South Park Pavilion
on the doorstep of my division and shared a cup of tea with one of the ex -Gurkhas,
who humbly informed me of their bravery in two tours of duty in Afghanistan and fighting again for the recovery of the Falkland Islands.
For this reason and numerous others, the Restore Britain Group are very proud and honoured to support the freedom of the county for the brigade of Gurkhas.
Thank you very much.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:15:59
Thank you Mr. Thomas. I now call Mr. Dixon.
Thank you very much Mr. Chairman.
Spencer Dixon - 0:16:08
I don't think I need to say everybody knows how much the Gurkhas have given to this country.
I've had the privilege of working alongside the some ex- Gurkhas many, many years ago when I was working in security.
And I can assure you that the stories of their abilities are not exaggerated.
As a member from Maidstone we have always been proud of our connexion to the Gurkhas
and I'm immensely proud that this administration has pushed to grant this privilege to a most deserving recipient.
So I wholeheartedly support this and thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:16:40
Thank you Mr Dixon. Mr Ford. Yes, Mr Thorp.
Albert Thorp - 0:16:48
Thank you Chair. I wholeheartedly like to support this.
As a member of Dover Town, we have Burgoyne Heights in Dover, which has the Nepalese and ex -Gurka community.
And they do spend a lot of time trying to integrate and help with the community stuff and invite us to days out at different events they do.
I have the privilege to have a number of friends who are ex -Gurkas and Nepalese and I've worked with them and I fully endorse this. Thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:17:15
Thank you Mr. Thorp. Mr. Hood.
Thank you very much, Chairman.
Mark Hood - 0:17:22
Ayo Gorkhali is, I believe, the battle cry.
The Gurkhas are here, and very welcome they are here in County Hall, and in Kent, where so many have made their homes in Maidstone and Folkestone, even after their services concluded.
The connexion between Nepal and Britain followed the Anglo -Nepali War, 1814 -16, which unexpectedly resulted in huge mutual respect, resulting in Nepalese soldiers being incorporated into the British East India Company Army.
Since then the Gurkhas have been part of many conflicts and those conflicts have been listed already.
I'm told that the Gurkha's stated mission is to serve as an integral part of the British Army whilst retaining its Nepalese identity and culture and adhering to the terms and conditions of Gurkha service.
Many Kent towns benefit from active Nepalese communities who are highly visible and highly valued by their friends and neighbours.
I've been lucky enough myself to have Nepalese neighbours of a family of an ex Gurkha and
they were such a lovely family.
And in Tunbridge, where I'm a member, we have a significant Nepalese community who are regular
participants at community events.
Our town and county is a far better place with you as an integral part of the fabric
of our wider culture.
We thank you for your service and congratulate you on receiving the freedom of Kent.
Thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:18:51
Thank you, Mr. Hook.
But now Mr. Hook, I can see you chomping at the bit there.
Antony Hook - 0:18:56
Mr. Hood and I are often confused.
Chairman, guests, honoured guests, namaste.
Chairman, the speeches by Mr. Prater and Mr. Palmer reminded me of the 2000s when,
led by Kent resident Peter Carroll, the Gurkha pension campaign was taking place.
I remember going to one of the fundraising events for that campaign, and that was in the 2000s.
And at that event were a couple of gentlemen who I think must have been in their 80s or 90s who had fought in the Burma campaign.
And it was a massive honour to meet those men, and I think an honour for us that they have settled in Kent.
It's an honour to have you with us today. It's an honour to be supporting granting the freedom of Kent to the Gurkhas.
Gurkha soldiers have served our country with extraordinary valour for centuries.
And Gurkha Nepali families who settle here enrich our society.
Your presence reminds us that our country at its best is one with broad horizons,
one that is open, diverse, and has an international outlook.
A country of people of many origins, many first languages, many religions, stronger together.
And today we celebrate your extraordinary military service and our shared home that you helped defend,
our deep friendship and our common future.
And we proudly grant you the freedom of Kent.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:20:46
Thank you, Mr. Hook.
And just before we go on to the next speakers, I have now drawn a line, so if you wanted to speak, I'm sorry.
But we do need to ensure we get through the business today.
So I now call Mr. Streatfeild
Richard Streatfeild, MBE - 0:21:00
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was commissioned with three Gurkha officers.
Welcome, gentlemen. One of whom was more like a green jacket and he should be kept behind glass and only broken out in time of war.
But I have served alongside the Gurkha soldiers in Bosnia.
I was fed by Gurkha chefs from which I had never recovered in Kosovo.
and I have served alongside some of our very best officers that came from the
Gurkhas, through the Gurkhas in Afghanistan and it is a moment of huge
pride to be able to vote for the brigade to get the freedom of Kent. I think
we are from all sides very proud of our association. I particularly am proud of
giving the freedom to fellow riflemen. I was honoured myself to receive the
freedom of Dorchester and I know what an occasion that will be. This is the
smallest part of that occasion because what comes next in terms of the parade
and the ability for the whole of the people of Kent to be able to honour the
Brigade and the service of the Brigade is really important and what comes after
that which is our responsibility to you, to your families and to our ongoing
relationship is equally, if not far more important than this particular moment of the grant of
the freedom. So I am hugely proud. Welcome here and we look forward to seeing you stay
in Kent for the foreseeable future and I hope you enjoy the freedom and everything that
Jeremy Eustace - 0:22:28
comes with it.
Thank you Mr Streatfeild and I'll call Ms Nolan.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Connie Nolan - 0:22:37
Namaskar to the honoured guests.
Canterbury has a strong connexion with the Gurkhas.
I know people have spoken about the Shorncliffe Barracks and so forth, but the Gurkhas were
housed in Howe Barracks for a number of years.
And although they marched out in 2016 and marched through the city of Canterbury, an
occasion I well remember, there remains a thriving Nepalese community in Canterbury,
particularly in my division and in fact my Canterbury City Council ward of Barton.
Perhaps the most famous Gurkha in Canterbury is Hari Budha Magar a double amputee who
was injured during the Afghan war.
He has conquered not only his disability but has trail blazed by his determination in being
the first double amputee to summit Everest. Hari is the embodiment of the values and
spirit of the Gurkhas. He is active in the local community, giving inspiring speeches
to the school communities and therefore having seen people like Hari in action, I am absolutely
delighted that we are giving the freedom of the county to the Gurkha Brigade. Thank you.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:23:53
Thank you Mrs Nolan. I now call on Mr Shonk.
Trevor Shonk - 0:23:58
I'll stand up so you can hear.
I agree with this motion. I've just done some homework on the Gurkhas.
They're the most decorated regiments in the British Army.
26 Victoria Crosses, Gurkha Brigade, British highest braveries of those 26.
13 were British officers which is great and 13 of them were Gurkhas.
I'll keep it short. World War II I think 250 ,000 Gurkhas fought alongside us.
Their motto which is good, better to die than be a coward. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Shonk. And finally, I call on Mr. Kennedy.
Andrew Kennedy - 0:24:53
Chair, thank you very much indeed. I am very pleased on behalf of my group to support this motion, obviously,
and I thank both the leader and her colleagues for bringing it forward.
I can't claim any credit for serving alongside Gurkhas, as Mr. Palmer and Mr. Stretfield both have.
I can claim credit for having many in my division. My division, which is situated both on the borders of Maidstone and Chatham,
where Gurkhas served, many have settled in my division, which is of course also home to the
Royal British Legion where many of you live. Others have spoken far more eloquently about
your courage. Mr. Stretfield has spoken about your food. I do go regularly to a Gurkha restaurant in
Chatham and I understand what he means, but keep doing what you're doing. I'm very honoured to have
many of you as friends. We are hugely privileged as a country that you have shown such loyalty
to the Crown, to the British Army, to the British Interest, and I share what others
have said about the importance of integration and how we benefit from your culture in our
culture, and I wish you every success and thank you for your service.
Thank you, Chairman.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:25:56
Thank you, Mr Kennedy.
I'll just return briefly to the Leader to follow up on the correct.
Do you have anything further you would like to say as the Proposer of the motion?
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
Linden Kemkaran - 0:26:06
I'm just absolutely delighted to have such support in the Chamber for conferring this honour on the go.
Thank you everybody.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:26:12
Thank you Leader
I would like to make one apology to RSM Chadwick because I forgot to welcome you.
But we're now getting to the part where RSMs are very good.
It's time to put this to a vote and ensure people are in the right place at the right time.
So be careful today because you are being watched by someone who really knows how the drill works.
So with that in mind, I'd like to invite the Chamber.
So we're actually going to do a recorded vote on this because I think it's really important
that we are very clear on how everyone stands.
So I'm going to invite everybody to vote in a second if you are for the motion for,
if you are against, against, or if you wish to abstain, abstain.
Vote - 0:26:44
And if you'd like to do that now, please.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:27:01
I am delighted to say that that is an overwhelming support for the motion.
We have 69 yes, two abstained, no objections.
The requirement was two -thirds.
In normal Gurkha style, you've more than crossed the finishing line.
In great style.
Lt Col Sean Parr RE - 0:27:23
Thank you very much everybody and just on that note though, I would just like to say to the council that you've decisively decided to exercise the highest honour this council can gift.
And it falls to me now as your chairman, together with your vice chairman, Dodger Sian, to give effect to that decision.
So we will be signing a document today, but I would just like to start by saying it's a privilege and an honour to do so.
Thank you very much indeed.
Standing View - 0:27:47
Lt Col Sean Parr RE - 0:27:53
Thank you.
Just bear with us for one moment.
We're just going to sign some documents.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:28:07
This was not predetermined.
and it's happening in the room.
Screen - 0:28:23
Jeremy Eustace - 0:28:50
Screen - 0:28:54
.
Rev Kirk-Smith - 0:29:09
Lt Col Sean Parr RE - 0:29:12
Major Babindra Gurung - 0:29:34
.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:30:01
Lt Col Sean Parr RE - 0:30:03
Chairman, leader of the council, councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Namaskar and thank you for your time today.
It's a great privilege to address you today on behalf of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
May I begin by offering our sincere thanks to all the Councillors present for considering this honour,
and for the warmth, friendship and support that Kent has consistently shown to the Brigade of Gurkhas and their families over many years.
Kent is proud to be home to two Gurkha regiments, the Queen's Gurkha Engineers and the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Together these two regiments represent approximately 1 ,000 serving soldiers.
For decades they have lived, worked, trained and served from this county, contributing
not only to the defence of their nation, but also to the rich social fabric of our communities,
and you have welcomed them all.
In both Maidstone and Folkestone, Gurkha families have become an established and valued part
of the local community.
They support local charities, volunteer in community initiatives, participate in civic
events and contribute enthusiastically to any sport they can find. Their presence
enriches our towns and villages. The relationships forged over the years are
characterised by mutual respect, friendship and a shared purpose. Now while
the serving soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas are proudly Nepalese, I do think
it's important that we remember that many of their spouses and children are
indeed British citizens. The Brigade is therefore not simply a military
community living in Kent, but it is a Kent community in its own right.
Indeed, there is perhaps no greater example of successful integration than the one I witness
regularly, and personally there is nothing that gives me greater delight than hearing
children in local primary schools speaking Nepalese with a distinctly Kentish twang.
To me, that is integration at its very best.
It speaks of children who are proud of their heritage, whilst being equally proud of the
communities in which they now live.
It demonstrates the strength of modern Britain and the enduring ability of Kent to welcome and embrace those who choose to make their lives here.
The Gurkha community also brings with it values that resonate strongly with the people of the county.
Loyalty, service, humility and a deep sense of responsibility towards others.
There remains within the community a profound respect for elders, teachers, public servants and professionals.
values which many in the United Kingdom would recognise as reflecting a traditional sense of duty and respect.
These principles are not only taught, but they are lived, and they contribute positively to the character of the communities in which Gurkha families belong.
So to be granted the freedom of Kent will be received with immense pride and gratitude.
It will be regarded not simply as an honour bestowed upon the soldiers who serve today, but as a recognition of generations of service and sacrifice.
It will resonate throughout the wider Gurkha community, among families, veterans and children who have made Kent their home.
Most importantly, it will affirm the special bond that exists between Kent and the Brigade of Gurkhas,
a relationship built not merely on military service, but on friendship, shared values and common citizenship.
On behalf of the Brigade of Gurkhas, thank you for your consideration today,
and for the continued support that Kent has shown to our soldiers and their families.
we remain deeply grateful for the welcome we've received in this remarkable county.
The granting of the freedom of Kent will be treasured as one of the highest honours that our community could possibly receive.
Dherai Dherai, dhanyabaad, thank you very much.
Major Babindra Gurung - 0:33:30
Applause.
Jeremy Eustace - 0:33:40
Colonel, would you like to invite any of your other officers to speak?
Would the local majors like to address the chamber?
Please do so now.
Thank you very much indeed.
Thank you.
Major Khadkabahadur Gurung - 0:33:49
Namaste.
I'll keep it short Chairman, friends.
It's an absolute honour to represent the Brigade of Gurkhas, just over 4000 now.
I've had the privilege of serving 33 years for this country and the crown
And I'm also proud to be a third generation Gurkha.
And it means absolutely everything to me.
When out of four, only one of my great great grandfather
came home.
The Queens Gurkha Engineers, the regiment you see here in Maidstone,
was born in 1948 at the peak of the battle in Malaya,
now known as Malaysia.
And this Saturday, we're celebrating
the regiment's birthday, the 78th year of the anniversary.
With the close down of the Hong Kong garrison,
the regiment moved to Maidstone.
And since then, it's been a home for the Gurkhas, the engineers,
and the fellow Gurkha rifles in Kent, the families and children.
And I'm also honoured to be here with my fellow Gurkha Major,
Babindra, both of us joined in the same year, 1994.
To be here today for this historic occasion is both a privilege and a humbling experience.
Thank you.
For more than two centuries, the Brigade of Gurkhas has served
the British Crown and its people with loyalty, courage and
dedication in the same spirit that the people of Kent and
Britain have always stood beside us. You have welcomed our families, supported our veterans
and help our community flourish.
Most recently, during the devastating floods in Nepal,
we were deeply touched by the compassion,
generosity shown by the people of Kent.
Individuals, charities, and the community groups came together
to offer support and solidarity to those affected.
On behalf of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the families
and the Nepali community, I offer our heartfelt thanks.
Your kindness reminds us that the bond between Kent and Nepal is built not only on friendship,
but on genuine care, respect and mutual support.
The granting of the freedom of Kent to the Brigade of Gurkhas marks another proud milestone
of our shared journey.
It is a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship.
Marked between Kent and the Gurkha community,
a relationship we are proud of and hope will continue to grow
for generations to come.
Friends forever, from the heart of the battlefield
to the heart of the community,
and from the Himalayas to Kent.
Thank you.
dhanyabaad
Major Babindra Gurung - 0:37:34
Mr. Chairman, leaders, the members of the Council,
namaste and good morning.
I'm Major Babindra Gurung the Gurkha Major of 1st Battalion,
the Royal Gurkha Rifles, based in Shorncliffe, Folkestone.
On behalf of my commanding officer, all soldiers and families of 1RGR I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity today.
My commanding officer sends his apologies as he is currently engaged with a new appointment.
For more than 25 years, since the Royal Gurkha -Rifles first established a presence in Kent, our relationship
with the people of this county has grown from friendship into a union partnership.
The bond between the regiment and the RGR and the communities of Folkestone, Dover, Hythe Ashford
and beyond has strengthened year after year.
Built on mutual respect, support, and shared values,
therefore I'm always grateful for that.
The Commanding Officer briefly touched
on the RGR unit move earlier, but for the RGR units,
unit move are never easy. Having experienced five such a move myself, I understand the challenges involved.
Relocating hundreds of soldiers and families is a significant undertaking, even made more difficult during COVID period.
Every effort and every move, however, has been a successful unit move since then.
That is all because of the outstanding support that the local authorities provided, the communities
around the county provided, the school supported us, and the agencies provided us.
Your support, your help, our children securing school in places, supported the spouses to
settle into the new surrounding, and welcomed our young families with warmth and kindness.
In particular, I would like to thank you, Mr. Peter, who is in the corner today, for
is unwavering support throughout this transition.
Once again, Mr. Peter, thank you.
Because of your continued generosity and support,
our soldier and family truly feel part of this community.
Knowing that our loved ones are welcome,
herefor that helped us to focus on our soldiering duty
and remain ready to serve wherever and whenever the nation call.
Today as the Brigade of Gherkhas is granted the freedom of a Kent, we are deeply honoured and profoundly grateful.
grateful. This is far more than a ceremonial privilege, I would say. It is a powerful symbol
of friendship, respect, and belonging. It recognises a relationship built over many
years and confirms that Kent is not only the place we serve, but also is a place now many
people of us proudly call home.
This is an honour that neither we nor generation of Gurkhas
who follows us will ever forget.
It is a distinction that we will proudly
share with our fellow Gurkha servicemen
and their families around.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your friendship,
for your trust and continued unwavering support. dhanyabaad. Thank you.
WOI (RSM) Nick Chadwick RE - 0:42:23
Jeremy Eustace - 0:42:37
Colonel, Majors, thank you very much indeed. On behalf of the entire council, I would like to,
Again, thank you for being here today, for accepting this honour.
It is our honour that you have accepted this today, and we are so pleased to see that happen.
This is only the second time in the history of Kent County Council that the freedom of
Kent has been awarded.
The previous recipient was HMS Kent and her ship's company at the end of 2023.
So it is a very important moment and a very important day.
I'd like to thank you all again for attending.
I'd like to thank our honoured guests for also attending.
Members, thank you all for supporting the consideration of this honorary award.
And thank you for ensuring that we have today honoured a very important brigade within His
Majesty's Armed Forces.
So I hereby close this special meeting of the County Council.
We'll shortly move on to the ordinary meeting and ask members to return at 11 o 'clock.