Maidstone's Gurkha Statue
Diamond day for Queen's Gurkha Engineers
After just three months and a public appeal
which raised more than £15,000, a Gurkha statue was unveiled today
in front of hundreds of people to honour the Queen’s Gurkha
Engineers.
The Gurkhas have played a significant role in
the British Armed Forces since 1815 and are recognised for their
bravery, courage and loyalty. It is for this reason and to mark the
60th anniversary of the raising of the Queen’s Gurkha
Engineers that this tribute statue was unveiled outside Maidstone
Museum.
Sussex sculptor Mary Cox was commissioned to
create the bronze statue, which has been mounted on a granite
plinth and placed in the courtyard of the museum.
Before the ceremony there was a parade of
serving Gurkha Engineers led by their national pipe band. It
started from County Hall and marched along Week Street before
turning into St Faith’s Street to take up position outside the
museum.
Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr
Brian Moss and Cllr Dan Daley, who was the project’s instigator,
made speeches. The statue was unveiled by the Mayor of Maidstone,
Cllr Denise Joy and Colonel of the Regiment, Lt Gen David Bill CB.
Gurkha Pandit, Premprasad Gaire, blessed the statue.
The statue of the Gurkha Engineer in service
dress uniform was paid for by public subscription through The
Maidstone Trust, on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council.
Cllr Moss said: “Gurkha soldiers are held in
high respect by the British people and we in Maidstone have a
special affinity with the Gurkha Engineers who contribute so much
to life in the county town. Maidstone Museum also plays an
important part in our lives and I am proud that it has been chosen
to host this special tribute.”
Cllr Daley, whose inspiration initiated the
project added: “The Gurkha soldiers in Maidstone should know that
they and their families are welcomed here and that this tribute is
a genuine token of our friendship. The statue will remain in
Maidstone as a constant reminder of the debt of gratitude that we
owe to this unique band of fighting men and of our admiration of
them.”
Pictures by Caroline Rink
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