Ledbury Town Council has backed an early plan to launch a Gurkha Action Fund (GAF) in the market town. [break]
The project is the brainchild of several local figures and ex-Gurkhas who run a Nepalese restaurant near Newent.
They want to give £1,000 to the estimated 12,000 families moving to Britain following their well-publicized campaign.
Proceeds will come from the sale of military memorabilia and Royal Gurkha-branded alcohol from the Three Choirs Vineyard.
The charity also wants to provide training and skills, while helping Gurkhas to support their families in Nepal.
Organizers want to launch the fund in Ledbury partly due to the town’s connection with the UK National Defense Association. The pressure group receives funds from the sale of military paintings produced by Ledbury artist Derek Durham.
Durham and Ledbury solicitor, Robert Van-Es, want to launch the Fund in Ledbury High Street later this summer.
The co-organizers believe the launch would be a major coup for Ledbury, and would attract several high-profile military figures.
“What we have here is a grand opportunity to do something for the Gurkhas and to give something back,” said Van-Es.
Ledbury Town Council agreed last week to allow a launch party under the Market House later this summer.
Organizers could hold the party in early August, but need permission from Herefordshire Council to extend onto the High Street.
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