On Wednesday the Right Worshipful Mayor of Reading Jenny Rynn opened the Gurkha Drop-in Centre in Queen's Walk. It was fantastic to see this goal achieved, the latest in a campaign headed by Trustees Peter Beckinsale, Chandra Burathoki and former councillors Peter Beard & Tom Steele. 
There was a huge turnout with the majority in colourful traditional Nepalese clothing. The charity was set up in Peter Beard's mayoral year and he became a Trustee, very keen to support the cause. As a result of Tom Steele's steadfast commitment to the charity, he too was asked to become a Trustee. It was Tom who proposed the fitting tribute of asking former Gurkha Sergeant Major Gyranraj Rai to join the Mace Bearer team for the Council last year.
The Forgotten British Gurkha charity offers support in many ways including teaching English, dealing with housing issues and form filling. The Drop-In Centre gives the charity a much-needed central Reading base to continue their good work. You can donate and read more on their website
