A successful collaboration between the  New Inn Talgarth and HBTSR helped to raise money to provide school uniform for disadvantaged children in Dhampus and to help HBTSR to run Welcome days in the year ahead. It was so much more than just money however.

It was a chance for people to get together, to share stories, to learn about Nepal and sanctuary seeking , to eat delicious food and have an enjoyable evening.

When Khusiman Gurung MVO approached HBTSR with a proposal for shared fundraising, it wasn’t quite certain that much money would be raised but we knew that supporters of HBTSR wanted a chance to meet up and we knew that the food would be good. Tickets sold quickly and some generous items were donated for a raffle and an auction.

The hall was decorated by staff from the New Inn, Melrose, Colin, , Lawrence, Robert, Ailsa, Khusiman and his family. Prayer flags added an extra special touch. Melrose worked hard to try to ensure groups  and friends could sit together. Ord worked her charms on the raffle raising over £330 and Colin’s daughter and family worked on the bar throughout the night. the New Inn staff brought the 3 course meal and supervised the servings.  The mixed vegetable bhaji were exceptionally tasty and the vegetable curry proved popular even surpassing the chicken curry.  The salad, naan rice and popadoms  ensured everyone had an enjoyable and filling meal.The fruit in yoghurt and cream was also popular.

Scenes from nepal and from HBTSR welcome days played during the meal together with Nepalese music. Nepalese dancing was much enjoyed with people commenting upon the colourful costumes and athletic performances.

Screenshot

Screenshot

Each table was given an item to auction and the chosen auctioneers all managed to exceed the reserve prices. The winning auctioneer was difficult to choose but was the performance that had the most laughs as a shawl was modelled expertly by Paul whilst the auctioneer persuaded the audience that they could hardly manage without such an item.

All in all over £2000 was raised  to be shared between the two charities .A great result from a great evening.