First AGM 2026

Date: 26 August 2026 | Location: Ashford, Kent

The first Annual General Meeting of Tamang Hyulba Kent (UK) was held on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at Palri Ling BCC Kent Monastery, Ashford. The meeting was opened by Secretary Mr Jaya Lopchan Tamang and Assistant Secretary Mrs Aashika Tamang, who welcomed all attendees. Chairman Mr Gopal Tamang then gave the opening address, setting out the agenda and the objectives of the AGM. Here is a summary of the important points discussed:

Annual Report

The Secretary presented the annual report covering the organisation’s first year.

• Establishment & Meetings: The committee was formed under the leadership of Mr Gopal Tamang on Saturday 12 July 2025 at Annapurna Restaurant, Folkestone. Three committee meetings have been held since.
• Major Event: Sonam Lhosar 2026 was celebrated successfully on 10 January 2026.
• Membership Registration: 53 members registered to date. Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible for lifetime membership on payment of a £10.00 fee. Registration is still open.
• Approved Purchases: Damphu, chair covers, tablecloths and female cultural dress.
• Donated Items Received: One Thee set including table (choksi), three Thee sets, and two black bins for cold drinks.
• Donation: £51.00 pledged to the BCC Kent Buddhist Organisation, to be transferred shortly.
• Name Change: The organisation’s name was officially changed from Kent Tamang Hyulba to Tamang Hyulba Kent (UK).

Sonam Lhosar 2027 Date Confirmed

Financial Report

Treasurer Mr Ista Tamang presented the accounts for the year ending 31 July 2026.

Membership fees have been received from 47 members, totalling £470.00. Fees for a further 6 members (£60.00) are yet to be received in the bank account. Cash in hand at year end was nil.

For the detailed accounts: View the PDF  |  View the spreadsheet

Decisions Taken at the AGM

• New Domain Name: A new domain will be purchased for the website following the change of name. The new address will be www.tamanghyulbakentuk.com.
• Bank Account: The name on the Metro Bank account will be changed from Kent Tamang Hyulba to Tamang Hyulba Kent (UK).
• New Banner: A new organisation banner will be produced.
• Official Stamp: An organisation stamp and a receipt pad book will be made.
• Purchases Approved:
  • Projector, including stand and screen
  • Female cultural dress × 4 sets
  • Damphu × 2
  • Large Lungdar for the Lhosar event
• Future Purchase: Five tables, if needed.

Preserving Tamang Identity

Advisor Mr Kabiraj Ghising stated that preserving and transmitting the Tamang community’s distinctive identity, rituals and cultural heritage is important. He emphasised the need to educate members about the Rimthim ritual, marriage and death ceremonies, the roles of Tanba and Ganba, and the traditional knowledge embedded in the Tamang way of life. He further underscored the importance of arranging lessons led by cultural experts from Nepal, to strengthen the modern generation’s awareness of its rituals and identity and to ensure their continuity for generations to come.

Chairman Mr Gopal Tamang stressed the necessity of using receipts and vouchers for transparent accounting, and of maintaining accurate records for future reference.

Property Update

The property report was presented as at 26 August 2026.

Attendance Record

Present — 12 members

• Gopal Tamang
• Manju Tamang
• Radhika Tamang
• Aashika Tamang
• Amar Tamang
• Ista Tamang
• Jaya Tamang
• Kabiraj Ghising
• Shanti Pakhrin Tamang
• Dil Maya Ghising
• Rama Tamang
• Kusum Tamang

Apologies — 5 members

• Mohan Tamang
• Amar Thing
• Surendra Tamang
• Purnashing Tamang
• Binod Moktan

The Chairman formally closed the meeting at 11:59. The date of the next meeting will be confirmed in due course.