GOAN FESTIVAL – 2017
TROOK TOURNAMENT – Sunday 25th October 2015:
Eleven teams took part in this annual indoor event held at the ATC Hall in South Wimbledon. The Tournament was opened at 12.00 noon by Jacinto Fernandes who has been organising this event for the last thirty years. The atmosphere was noisy but friendly with fierce rivalry between the teams.
The proceedings were interrupted for a moments silence to remember those Trook players that passed away, particularly Peter Mendes and Claude Santimano. The marathon event finished at about 11.00pm and the winners were Greg’s Five (see photograph of Gregg receiving trophy from Flavio Gracias) with worthy runners-up being Lisboa. Bosco Saldanha, the Vice-President, thanked Jacinto Fernandes for organising the event and the players for taking part. He presented the trophies to winners and losers and the floating trophy, donated by Bonnie De Souza, was presented by the man himself.
The Golden Jubilee Trook Tournament next year takes place on Sunday 30th October 2016 and Jacinto confirmed that it will be the final event for him.
Chandor, Goa: Seraphino Antao Gymnasium Fund
30 Oct 2015: Chandor Club.
Seraphino Antao’s birth anniversary falls on 30 Oct. This year the event was marked by the handing of a cheque to the value of Rs 1 lakh to Dominic Mendes, President of the Chandor Club, Chandor being the ancestral village of the late Seraphino.
Among those present were Dominic Mendes (photo), Rosario Antao (Seraphino’s brother)/ Matilda and Eddie (photo) /Lira Fernandes. The sum donated was the amount raised at the Seraphino Antao Memorial Mass in London organised by the Goan Association (UK), particular thanks are due to Norma Menezes and Flavio Gracias. Chandor Club will soon be moving into new premises (photo) and it is proposed to spend the money in equipping the gym and naming it after Seraphino Antao.
For a Goan Voice profile of Seraphino Antao, click here
GOAN ASSOCIATION (UK) SPORTS DAY – SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2015 – LIST OF WINNERS
St Joseph Vaz
An Oratorian priest, St Joseph Vaz, who single-mindedly kept the fledgling Church alive during the Calvinist Dutch persecution is being Canonized by the Pope in Sri Lanka, All readers (Catholic Herald) were invited to celebrate the feast day of the new saint on 16 January 2015 at the London Oratory, with a Latin Mass, Te Deum and Blessing. A relic gifted by Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo rested here.
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A day with our Lady of Fatima
GOA (UK) held their first annual Day with Our Lady of Fatima at St. Boniface Church on Sunday 24th May, 2015.
The event was supported by just over 200 people, the majority of which were Goans and commenced with the Rosary, Benediction and consecration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Holy mass was then celebrated by Rev. Father Peter Soares who gave a fabulous homily and at the end of the service asked all the attendees to come and touch the statue of Our Lady. This is one of the four statues commissioned by Pope Benedict XV in 1917 following the third apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope Benedict XV then sent the statues to the four corners of the earth in 1917 and this statue reached Europe and was later blest by Pope Pius X.
Following the event, all were invited into the Hall where GOA treated their guests to refreshments including a plate of snacks whilst listening to hymns of Our Lady.
Ravi Vaz, the President of GOA UK thanked the guests for attending the event and confirmed that this will be an annual event in the calendar promising that next year will be bigger and better. If you would like further information, please contact Juliette DeMenezes-D’Costa on +44 (0)7958 537314 or via email goanassociationuk@gmail.com.
Table Tennis Tournament – 19 April 2015
The day went well with 15 players participating. The age range was from Maya Fernandes (8 years old) to Arnold D’Souza (70). The seeded players came through the qualifying rounds. Both semi-finals were evenly contested.
Arjun Pereira
The final was between the new kid on the block Arjun Pereira (13 years old) and last year’s runner up Vince Fernandes (55+). The final was fiercely contested, but youth prevailed and Arjun beat Vince 4-3. Congratulations Arjun….
The only disappointment was there were only about 35 people to witness the first sporting event of the GOA Calendar. We should make it a point to support our Goan youth players.
Blessed Joseph Vaz to be canonised as Saint
An Oratorian priest, Blessed Joseph Vaz, who single-mindedly kept the fledgling Church alive during the Calvinist Dutch persecution is being canonised by the Pope in Sri Lanka, All readers (Catholic Herald) are invited to celebrate the feast day of the new saint on 16 January at 6.30pm at the London Oratory, with a Latin Mass, Te Deum and Blessing. with a relic gifted by Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo.
Blessed Joseph Vaz
Ravi Vaz appointed UK Executive Head of Congress’ NRI global Goans cell
Ravi Vaz
10 Jan: News Karnataka (Qatar).
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has announced the establishment of NRI Global Goans Cell under the Chairmanship of Qatar based, Simon D’Silva… Executive member for U.S.A. is Effie Tavares, U.K. – Ravi Vaz, Italy – Esmelinda Fernandes, Australia – Agostinho De Melo and more Executive members in the committee from other countries will be announced shortly… The establishment of this cell is to express solidarity with Goans overseas understanding their contribution and sacrifices, to spread awareness of government schemes amongst the global Goan community with a view to motivate them for productive occupations, business and employment in Goa, to ensure that the state government creates better and proper avenues for children of NRI Global Goans to take up higher education in Goa, to work with the government for establishment of a special NRI window to provide quick and speedy relief and services, understandin g the NRI potential to the private business sector. The cell will open the channels of communication for mutual benefit, to facilitate setting up of NRI… click here click here
Video: Ravi Vaz – Speech at the Goan Extravaganza Grand Dance organised by Goan Association (UK) Ltd…click here.
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (EGM / AGM)
– Saturday 29th November 2014
The EGM & AGM were held at Archbishop Lanfranc Academy on Saturday 29 November 2014 and, although we have nearly 700 Members, the attendance was most disappointing this year.
The EGM was inquorate and the Chairman, Ravi Vaz, was forced to adjourn the meeting. However, he did give a verbal report on our property investment in Ilford. He confirmed that since the property was rented from its inception, we have not had a single vacant month.
Fortunately, by the time the AGM started, we had a quorum and business was able to proceed. Richard Fernandes explained in detail, various aspects of our Financial Statements of Account and said that he was stepping down at today’s AGM. A vote of thanks for his 14 years of service was recorded.
We are delighted that new Directors joined the Board. Juliette De Menezes-D’Costa was elected as Public Relations Director and Vincent Fernandes, as Sports Director. Calvin Barreto became the new Finance Director and as a result his former position of Assistant Finance Director is now vacant.
Mass for the Deceased
Saturday 8th November 2014
This year the service was held at the Church of Ss Peter & Paul (Pilar Mission) in Mitcham and the celebrant at Mass was Fr Lucas Rodrigues. Just over 45 Members of the Community attended the Mass which was then followed by a three-course lunch in the adjacent Church Hall. The sumptuous food was provided by Bernie Caterers and it appears that the dessert of bebinca & ice cream went down very well. The complimentary ‘cajel’ based cocktail, especially prepared by
Flavio Gracias, helped to liven proceedings at the start of the meal. Our thanks to: the Pilar Fathers for very kindly allowing us to use the Church & Hall, Nina Pinto for her help with the organisational arrangements and to Sally De Mendonça and Anita Rebello for their tremendous support on the day.
St. Francis Xavier’s Feast
Sunday 30th November 2014
A lively and enthralled crowd attended our St. Francis Xavier’s Feast at Archbishop Lanfranc Academy. Fr. Orlando Lopes celebrated an inspiring Mass service which was of significant importance as the Exposition of the Body of St. Francis Xavier takes place in Goa this year.
The Mass was followed by a lively social, thanks to our energetic Social Director, Chloé De-Mendonça. Music was provided by ‘Harmonics’ Band who ensured our guests were up and off their seats throughout the function. An exquisite cuisine was prepared by Bernie’s Caterers. Sally De-Mendonça kindly prepared and donated traditional grams with coconut pieces.
Membership
Membership renewals are due by 31st January 2015. Members are asked to renew their Membership as sending reminders is an unnecessary cost. If you are paying by cash or cheque, please consider payment by Standing Order.
We would also be grateful if Members of the Goan Association UK could sponsor at least one new Member in 2015 and we call upon the parents to encourage their children to become Members. Membership provides a sense of identity and belonging to the Community.
SPORTS NEWS…………..
Table Tennis Men’s Singles League
Entries are invited to participate in the Table Tennis Men’s Singles League. The League organised by the GOA (UK) Ltd will commence in December 2014 and will end in March 2015. It will be based on a Home and Away basis.
For more details and entry forms, please contact:
Richard Fernandes – 07711 401157 / richardilona@aol.com
Vince Fernandes – 020 8764 8760 / marisolandvince@blueyonder.co.uk
Carrom Tournament
Arrangements are in hand to hold a Carrom Tournament in February 2015.
For details contact Richard Fernandes – 07711 401157 / richardilona@aol.com
Meeting with all the Village Organisers
An idea proposed by a Board Director is to look at the current status and future of our Village Organisations with a view to improve their sustainability as some have gone “dormant”. It would be great if we could generate the revival of those Village Feasts which are no longer present in the social calendar.
June 24, 2014
To,
All the Indian Missions
All Goan Overseas Associations
7th Know Goa Programme 2014
The Government of Goa, Department of NRI Affairs presents compliments and seeks support and assistance of the Indian Missions and the Goan Overseas Associations to promote the “Know Goa Programme (KGP)” formulated for the benefit of Goan Diaspora Youth who are not Indian Nationals but whose parents and/or grandparents are of Indian origin, and have had no opportunity to discover their roots in India in general and Goa in particular.
The 7th Know Goa Programme 2014 is scheduled to be held from November 30 to December 14, 2014. It is intended for students and young professionals in the age group of 18 to 28 years who have distinguished themselves in various fields and who have shown an abiding interest in Goa and in India. The participants will get an opportunity to visit premier educational, cultural, historical and industrial places of interest, besides interacting with local youth and elected representatives at the grass root level, and meet State and Central Government dignitaries.
During their stay in Goa from 30th November to 09th December 2014, they will also get an opportunity to call on the Hon’ble Governor of Goa, the Chief Minister, the Dy. Chief Minister, Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and the Commissioner for NRI Affairs. The participants will be escorted to Delhi on 10th December 2014. The programme in Delhi will be chalked out in consultation with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and will conclude with visit to World Heritage Monuments at Agra on 13th December 2014 before the participants depart to their respective countries on 14th December 2014.
The Government of Goa will bear 90% of the total cost of the air ticket at lowest economy excursion fare from the home country of the participant to India and back as well as cost of all local travel and accommodation with meals. The terms and conditions and the eligibility criteria is attached.
May we request your Mission to kindly give this programme wide publicity among the Goan Diaspora in your country, including the local Goan Associations, and solicit applications of interested youth latest by July 31st 2014. The applications with suitable recommendations may kindly be forwarded to this office by August 31st 2014.
With regards
Yours sincerely,
Sd/-
(U. D. Kamat)
Director, NRI Affairs
Sunday 13 April 2014:
Book launch ‘A Railway Runs Through’
Indian High Commissioner UK H. E. Ranjan Mathai being presented with a copy of the newly released book, ‘A Railway Runs Through: Goans of British East Africa, 1865—1980’ by Goan Association (UK) President Ravi Vaz. Photo courtesy Clayton Barreto The … Continue reading
London Marathon:
Francis Borges to support the Goan Welfare Society (UK) at the London Marathon. Francis Borges (photo) is to compete Running Number: 56867. He lives in Belgium with his wife and two children. He was born in Cuncolim, Goa and attended St. Xavier’s College Mapusa. He has been running long distance since 2006 and has competed in Antwerp, Brussels, Mumbai, Brussels, Rotterdam, Tilburg and Paris.
Francis Borges is taking part in the London Marathon later this month for the first time. He has very kindly agreed to solicit sponsorship for the Goan Welfare Society (UK). Please support him and a “just giving” link will be available shortly.
If you would like further information, please contact Flavio Gracias on 020 8723 1322 or by email at: berniegracias@aol.com
Saturday May 3, 2014:
The Goan Association (U.K) is pleased to invite you to the book launch of ‘A Railway Runs Through.’
The book is the outcome of the three year ‘Histories of British-Goans Project’ and forms a unique record of our history. The launch will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday May 3, 2014 at the following address: Sterling Suite, HSBC Sports and Social Club. Lennard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1QW. Ample parking available. For those travelling by rail, the New Beckenham BR station (Travelcard Zone 4) is adjacent to this club. Refreshments will be served at the event.
Please confirm your attendance to lescarvalhos@yahoo.com indicating the names of those in your party. Thanks to a generous grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund, 100 copies of this book will be available for distribution, free of charge, on this day (restricted to one copy per family) on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about the project, click here.
KNOW GOA PROGRAMME
The Government of Goa, NRI Commission, and the Commissioner for NRI Affairs, support and assist Indian Missions overseas, to promote the Know Goa Programme. The Programme is formulated for the benefit of Goan Youth who are not Indian Nationals but whose parents and/or grandparents are of Indian origin, and who have had no opportunity to discover their roots in India in general and Goa in particular.
It is intended for students and young professionals in the age group of 18 to 28 years who have distinguished themselves in various fields and who have shown an abiding interest in Goa and in India. The participants will be taken to educational, cultural, historical and industrial places of interest, besides interacting with local youth and elected representatives at the grass root level, and will meet State and Central Government dignitaries. They will also visit the national capital of Delhi and the World Heritage site at Agra.
The Government of Goa will bear 90% of the total cost of the air ticket at lowest economy excursion fare to and from the home country of the participant to India, as well as the cost of all local travel and accommodation with meals.
The 2013 Programme will be held from 24 November to 8 December 2013.
Interested applicants in the UK should in the first instance contact the Goan Association, to obtain the application form and other related information. Please email: goanassociationuk@gmail.com or contact Ravi Vaz on 0790 9927539
BRITISH GOANS – ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Preparing the Oral Histories of British-Goans for the Project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund UK was a tremendous task that was ably headed by Selma Carvalho and backed by the Goan Association UK. The culmination of this work was shown at an interesting and well-planned exhibition at the Nehru Centre in London between 4 to 14 June. A record number of people attended the Exhibition and on the preview night, guests were given an insight to the Project by Flavio Gracias, Eddie Fernandes and Selma. To add variety to the proceedings, guests were treated to operatic duets and solos by the world-renowned Goan soprano, Patricia Rosario, and rising star, Oscar Castellino. There were gasps of surprise when Cabinet Minister – Vince Cable – made a brief and impromptu appearance. Selma plans to finalise and complement the Project with a well-researched book. To quote Selma: “It is despairingly lonely to look into the mirrors of history and never find reflections of yourself,”
MASS for the DECEASED MEMBERS – Saturday 29 JUNE
The annual Mass for Deceased was held in the spacious hall at the premises of the Goan Chaplaincy in Mitcham and was followed by a generous reception. An impressive number of people travelled from far and wide to remember and reflect and were treated to a poignant and respectful day which began at 12pm and ended at 4.30pm. Everyone provided support of some kind – be it behind the scenes, during the Mass and throughout the generous and tasty 3-course lunch that followed, as well as with those running the bar and mini raffle. The choir was led by Jovito Dias on keyboard.
Appreciation was accorded by the President, Ravi Vaz to all those who had contributed in some way or another to make this such a special event, including Fr Francis Rosario SFX – our hard-working Goan Chaplain, the Directors and Nina Pinto. Some pictures follow …
Senior Citizen’s Trip to Herne Bay and Canterbury – Saturday 17 August 2013
Our day trip for the Senior Citizen’s Away Day for the first time was a two centre trip enjoying the fish and chips at lunch time by the seaside in Herne Bay. Thankfully the weather was fairly warm, but breezy and there was enough time to walk by the seafront and see the fun of the resort as it was the beginning of the festival with a live music programme.
Herne Bay is a town full of character and a hit with visitors since the Victorian era, that legacy lingers on with a bandstand, fragrant seafront gardens and a distinctive clock tower.
Half an hour away is Canterbury and a jewel in Kent’s crown buzzing with a youthful vibes because of the universities, and also excels at the magnificence of the Canterbury Cathedral; parts of this Cathedral dates back to the11th century when Archbishop Thomas Beckett was murdered there. Our day trippers also had the opportunity to go on an historic river tour and discovered the interesting facts and hidden gems of the city. Punting on the river is also popular – and many of our day trippers were not disappointed with the shopping and came away with a shopping bag or two!!!