Trustee and roving reporter Dave Capps brings us this report
Khumjung 50 years Celebrations
26th – 29th May 2011
In 1961 Sir Edmund Hillary built the school in Khumjung which has delivered spectacular and profound results ever since.
The Sherpa community has embraced the educational opportunities provided by Khumjung School which have transformed lives, prospects and the local economy.
The 50th anniversary was celebrated over four days from 26th to the 29th May.
I found that I had a relative-in-law in the domestic airport Kathmandu this is better than having a first class ticket; I was whisked through proceedings onto the first plane and was trekking out of Lukla towards Khumjung just after 06.30.
A gentleman called ‘Ang’ who used to fly Kathmandu Lukla was on the plane with two British trekkers. It was not until early afternoon when I trekked to Monjo and settled into his sister’s lodge that I realised that Ang was Ang Zangbu the international pilot from Khumjung School who I photographed for the newsletter fourteen years ago; his two companions, Simon and Kevin, were trekking with him to raise funds for the UK Trust.
I met Mary off the plane from Luckla to Shyangboche STOL airstrip at 06.00 on the 25th May. Mary has only recently had a new hip and a new knee and we steadily worked our way down from Shyangboche to the Panorama Lodge above Namche Bazaar where we partook in a well earned breakfast.
The Panorama Lodge is quite sophisticated with en-suite, hot showers, sheets and an uninterrupted electricity supply.
Next day (26th) Mary and I set out on what was planned to be only an acclimatisation walk for Mary but she kept on going with only the occasional rest and arrived at Khumjung after two and a half hours in time for all the opening celebrations.
The event was opened by Peter Hillary and Apa Sherpa (20 summits). A comprehensive welcome speech was given by Headmaster Mahendra Kathet who made reference to the Golden Jubilee House being a UK Trust project. He made a particular mention of Ray Illman who suggested this project and helped to raise the funds.
The whole event was very well attended with huge local interest 3 catering kitchens had been set up representing Namche, Khunde and Khumjung;
Trust guests were given ‘access all area’ passes and were invited to sample the lovingly prepared food. Mary and I can confirm that the bakery round the corner serves the best apple pie and fresh coffee.
On the 26th the Gateway building known as Jubilee House was formally opened by Karen O’Conner one of our colleagues from Canada. The HT Advisory Committee acknowledged that this was a UK driven project and explained that had they known Mary was going to make it on the first day then they would have been honoured for Mary to cut the ribbon; Karen however did a great job and the building was opened.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon was taken up with cultural performances and shows; Mary retired to Namche – up 200 metres and then down a further 400 metres to return again the next day in a personal best time but this time to stay in Khumjung.
Over the next three days there were cultural ceremonies and various entertainments; it was delightful to see just how important the event was to the local people.
There was a special flag ceremony where five flags were unfurled celebrating 50 years of Khumjung school.
The UK Trust was proudly represented by Mary raising the centre flag.
The last day had Lady Hillary fly in; there was a special ‘front row’ seating arrangement for herself with Peter sitting nearby; Mary as the then senior UK representative was also accorded front row status. The UK Trust was given an award which Mary went on stage to receive and Jim Strang was also given an award.
After about twenty minutes into the proceedings a buzz went around that George Band would arrive in half an hour (mobile phones). And sure enough George and Susan made it, flying in under the mist to land in someone’s field. There was a special announcement of their arrival which was very well received. As George was the link to Sir Ed not only representing the ’53 Everesters but also Chairman of The Himalayan Trust UK, both Mary and I were delighted by the presence of George and Susan, it was the icing on the cake of a memorable few days.
Dave Capps Himalayan Trust UK Trustee
Khumjung 2011
