Representatives of the Sagarmatha Gurkha/Nepalese Community Ashford, Kent (SGNCAK) held an informal meeting with the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Winston Michael, at the Mayor’s Parlour on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Four members represented the Community were Chairperson Mohan Limbu, Chief Vice-Chairperson Chiran Rai and Secretary Dewman Lawati.
The friendly and constructive discussion covered a number of matters concerning the Community and its future aspirations. A key topic was the Community’s “Dream Project” of establishing its own community hall, which would provide a dedicated space for community activities, cultural programmes, youth engagement and other initiatives.
Importantly, the proposed community hall would not be solely for the Nepalese community, but would also be open to and benefit the wider local community. It is envisioned as a welcoming hub where people from different backgrounds could come together, helping to strengthen community cohesion and further support the Nepalese community’s integration into the wider Ashford society.
The discussion also focused on the empowerment of younger generations and the importance of sharing and preserving Nepalese culture, traditions and heritage, while encouraging active participation, integration and positive engagement within the wider local community.
The representatives also discussed the recent devastating flash floods in Nepal and the Community’s response to the tragedy, including the candlelight vigil held in memory of those who lost their lives and in solidarity with those affected.
The informal meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share the Community’s aspirations, activities and future vision with the Mayor, while further strengthening the relationship between SGNCAK and the wider Ashford community.
