Gurkha Peace Foundation

GURKHA PEACE FOUNDATION

Minutes of the Meeting of Prospective Trustees and Friends

18th September 2010

Present:

• Bhimraj Tumbahangphe                      
• Tul chhantyal                                        
• Dambar Giri 
• Santosh Thalang                                              
• Gopal Giri     

• Brian Staley
• Ron Flaherty
• Robert Brown                                    
• Charlotte MacCaul                                             
• James Walker 

ACTION

Welcome and Introductions:

Brian gave a brief history of the Gurkha campaign and its successful legal outcome. Mass demonstrations greatly helped and were supported by Peter Carroll and Joanne Lumley.

Gurkhas now have the right to settle in this country but the injustice relating to pensions remains.

Brian then introduced the British members and Bhim introduced the Nepalese representatives.

Apologies for Absence:

Kelly Marie Blundell, Annie Watsham, Chris Took, Ted and Helen Harrison, Season Prater, Lyn and Peter Carroll, James Flanagan and Amanda Cottrell.

Mission Statement:

It was agreed that this would be drawn up after the objectives of the charity were written and agreed. James to draft this. JW

1. The primary aim is to bring the Nepalese and British communities together by creating a cultural centre close to where Nepalese people have settled, i.e. Ashford/Folkestone. Other communities include those in Aldershot/Farnborough.
2. Provide basic education for the Gurkhas’ orphaned children in Nepal (presently 14 children are being supported).
3. Publicise the conditions of those who have suffered/are suffering from the effects of war.
4. Build support for the UN’s peace making charter.

 After discussion, it was decided to delete no.4 as being too broad, and to add an objective to continue the campaign for justice for the Gurkhas, notably in relation to pensions. It was agreed that objectives needed to be succinct and achievable. In relation to no.1, it was noted that it might be possible to work with an existing centre/organisation as an alternative to renting suitable accommodation. Working in partnership is also a very good means of attracting extra funds. Ron agreed to draft the objectives taking the discussion into account. RF

Amalgamation of Gurkha and Vietnamese Charities:

 After discussion and debate it was decided to ask the trustees of the Vietnamese charity if they would be willing to wind up this charity and transfer their funds to a ringfenced account with the Gurkha Peace Foundation charity. The aims and objectives of the Vietnamese charity are contained within objective 3 above. A written agreement between the two charities would be needed. With these points clarified, the Nepalese representatives agreed to the amalgamation. With these funds transferred to the Gurkha Peace Foundation, this charity would have the required financial base to register with the Charity Commission. Brian was thanked for his efforts to bring this about. Brian agreed to deal with the Vietnamese charity and James will deal with the legal issues to comply with the Charity Commission’s rules. BS & JW

Financial Report:

The Gurkha Peace Foundtion has two accounts, the balance in the current account is £??and in the deposit account it is £?? The Vietnamese charity’s funds stand at £ ?? giving a total of ?? It was suggested that a membership fee of £10 be charged per annum.

Specific Responsibilities:

It was agreed that there should be two chairs and two vice-chairs, one Nepalese and one British to obviate any language problems. The following positions and responsibilities are as below:

Co-Chairs: Bhim and Brian]

Vice Chairs: Gopal and Amanda Cottrell

Secretary: Charlotte

Treasurer: James Walker

Membership Secretary: Robert Brown and Nepalese representative

Legal Advisor: James Walker

Political Advisor: Chris Took (presently seeking info from MOD under Freedom of Info. Act)

Educational Liaison: Ron Flaherty. Lauren Salisbury also available to help

E-campaigner: James Flanagan

Website: Kelly Marie Blundell (Vice Chair of Ashford Branch of the Foundation)

PR/Marketing/Leaflets: Peter and Lyn Carroll. David Salisbury also available to help with videos.

It was also agreed that it was crucial to have a fundraising committee and it was agreed that the vice Chairs should chair this and call on Annie Watcham’s business promotion skills.

James agreed to deal with registration with the Charity Commission as soon as all the requisite paperwork was in order (Constitution, mission statement, aims and objectives, finances).

Date and Time of Next Meeting:

It was decided that another meeting would need to be convened to agree all the above points before calling a general meeting and giving a presentation to potential members and trustees.