Gurkha Association Launch Citizenship School

6.15.00pm GMT Sat 16th Jan 2010

A new service has been launched by the Gurkha Association in Ashford to support the wives of retired Gurkha soldiers by teaching the language, traditions and customs of British people.

Bhimraj Tumbahangphe, founding member of the Gurkha Peace Foundation announced in the Kentish Express that he was looking for volunteers and would be holding a press conference on Saturday 16th January.

Bhim told those assembled that the basis for the class stemmed from when a Gurkha died in Folkestone because his wife could not use the telephone.

In order to prevent this reoccurring, the Gurkha Association have established classes to teach the wives English and citizenship.

Many people attended, including Liberal Democrat County Councillor George Koowaree, Leader of Ashford Liberal Democrats Council group Cllr Bob Davidson, His Worshipful The Mayor Cllr John Holland, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone Peter Carroll and Liberal Democrat Canterbury City Councillor Cllr Brian Staley.

The Mayor lit candles to commence the classes. All of those present to support the initiatives were honoured with sashes.

Cllr George Koowaree pledged £750 towards to the classes. The Association hopes to receive more support as it develops.

Classes are to be held on Saturdays and Sundays in International House.

To assist please contact Bhimraj Tumbahangphe on rajbhim@hotmail.com