Watling Community Centre Open Day 2025 – A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Talent
FEATURED
No frills, just people — neighbours, families, and local groups — sharing a space and showing what our community is about. There were moments of delay, a few things ran over time, but the effort was there. From the first sound of the panche baja to the final performance, the Open Day gave everyone a chance to connect, contribute, and just be part of something local and real.
On Saturday 28th June, Watling Community Centre held its annual Open Day. The event brought together local residents, performers, and community leaders for a fun and cultural celebration.
Several important guests attended, including Deputy Mayor of Barnet Edith David, Deputy Lieutenant Martin Russell, MP for Hendon David Pinto, and councillors Lachhya Gurung, Kamal Gurung, Sara Conway, Charlotte Daus, Andreas Ioannidis and the BONC founder chairman and chairwoman, Mr Udai and Mrs Chij K Gurung. The Secretary of the Burnt Oak Residents Association also visited briefly.
The day began at 11:00 AM with the sound of the traditional panche baja (a five-instrument Nepali band) and a welcome from WCC Chairman Hasu and the BONC Chairman. Guests were greeted in a traditional style with bouquets and ceremonial scarves, offered by Ama Samaj and the pancha kanya.
Inside the QE Hall, guests visited community stalls and exchanged gifts. On the outdoor stage, the event was formally opened with the lighting of the diya — a candle symbolising hope and unity. Chairman Hasu gave his speech and invited key guests to join in.
The performances started with both national anthems, English and Nepali. What followed was a beautiful mix of tradition and talent:
From the sounds of the sarangi and madal to karate routines, folk dances, and even a bold rendition of Eye of the Tiger, a rock number, the stage held it all.
Fun for Everyone
While all that unfolded on stage, something equally important was happening in the background:
Kids giggled through face painting. Families snapped photos. Parents wandered through exhibits showing what the Watling Community Centre really offers — activities, support, and space to belong.
The ambulance and fire brigade even joined us, not just to raise awareness about safety, but to genuinely engage with kids and families.
Lunch was served at 12:30 PM — no formal break. Just food shared over conversation and laughter. That’s how real connection works.
A Real Community Effort
A few acts ran late. The host, Sudhir, crackled more than once. Schedules shifted. You could hear the occasional shout from the kitchen — “aru volunteers haru chaiho yo, hajur!” But no one minded. Because people didn’t come for polish.
A special thank you goes to Freddie and Shaesh, two of our young performers who, due to exam commitments and a delay in the schedule, couldn’t stay for one of their acts.
Moments like these remind us: community isn’t built in perfect conditions — it’s built by people who care enough to show up anyway.
Looking Back
By 3:25 PM, the event came to a close — marking the end of a truly memorable day. The Watling Community Centre Open Day was made possible thanks to the efforts and partnership of the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community (BONC) and the Watling Community Association.
In the words of Cllr. Kamal Gurung and Cllr. Lacchya Gurung:
"Well done to the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community for the outstanding success of Saturday’s Watling Community Centre Open Day and Community BBQ. It was yet another truly special occasion — one that brought together so many local activities, families, and individuals in celebration of our shared culture and community spirit.
We have seen hidden talents flourish ever since BONC acquired its own community hall. The hall has become a vital hub for social connection and development — please continue to use it well, take full advantage of the opportunities it offers, and work together to keep it sustainable for future generations.
Our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and organisers, especially the Chairman, Aama Samuha Chair, and the wider team for your tireless and benevolent efforts. The event was impressively well-run and brought joy to all, with excellent performances from the children, perfect weather, and a real sense of unity.
Let’s continue this momentum in all future events and projects. Once again, congratulations to everyone involved — especially the children and their parents."
In turn, the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community would like to extend sincere thanks to Councillors Kamal Gurung and Lacchya Gurung. We are truly grateful for their continued support and the strength they provide in helping us navigate both the community and political landscape. Their guidance is instrumental in enabling us to serve not only the Nepalese community in Burnt Oak, but also the wider social fabric that connects and enriches us all.
A small ask for anyone reading this:
The next time your local community hosts something — no matter how small — don’t scroll past it. Don’t overthink it.
Just show up.
Because when you do, you bring more than yourself. You bring connection. And that’s where real change begins.
