British Foreign Legion of Thailand’s planners were proved correct when they thought they’d need a bigger venue for this year’s annual “Gurkha Curry Night.”
Jameson’s Irish Pub was filled to the rafters with ex-servicemen, Rotarians, Freemasons, friends and staff for the popular evening where guests enjoyed conversation and a selection of curries prepared by Gurkhas from Malaysia. More than 55,000 baht was raised for the “poppy appeal.”
Sgt Major Hari Lal Pun MBE and the Gurkhas.
The July 28 event was the fourth held by the legion; the first was at the embassy and the following two at Tropical Bert’s in Pattaya. But after last year’s dinner, planners realized they needed more space for such a popular evening. Jameson’s turned out to be a perfect fit.
Secretary and welfare chairman Bert Elson, Chairman Derek Brook and President Graham MacDonald hosted the event, with Brook praising Sgt. Maj. Hari Lal Pun MBE and the other Gurkhas for preparing the curries. He also thanked Jameson’s boss Kim Fletcher for providing the fixings and extended happy hour. It didn’t hurt that it was his birthday as well.
Graham Macdonald (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Greg Watkins from the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, who sponsored the first Gurkha Curry Night.
An awards presentation followed, with recipients including Mick Newblatt from the British Embassy’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Greg Watkins from the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, who sponsored the first Gurkha Curry Night; and others who have supported the legion, including proprietors of Patrick’s Belgium Restaurant and Pig & Whistle; May & David Haddon and Simon Philbrook from MBMG; Earl Brown for poster design, Rodney Charman and Ron Smith for a basic care worker course; and Joe Cox from Defense International Security Services.
Chairman Derek Brook and President Graham MacDonald present a certificate of appreciation to Mick Newblatt from the British Embassy’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Thailand Riders fill up a corner of Jamesons all on their own.
