LONDON
People hailing from Cortalim gathered for the second Dine and Dance hosted by the Cortalim Association UK at Hounslow, London, on May 3.
The event began with the celebration of the feast of Saints Philip and James, the patrons of Cortalim Parish, at the St Vincent de Paul Church, Osterly, with Fr Renato Andrade as the main celebrant.
The gathering later proceeded to the Cranford Community College Hall for the social programme.
Music was provided by the band ‘Royals’, who also released their new song ‘Mogachem Vizmit’ at the event, as well as DJ Jonathan and DJ Marshlee, keeping the crowd on their feet. The mood setter was Jenel Fernandes.
The two chief guests at the event were Clayton Barreto, who has been working closely with the Goan community in the UK, and Pamela Rodrigues, a system training and support officer at London Borough of Hounslow since 2015.
On the occasion, the Cortalim Association UK honoured two senior citizens of the village, Manuel Colaco and the late Mathew Simao, for their extraordinary contributions to the village.
THE APPRECIATION
In his address, Clayton Barreto commended the Cortalim Association UK for setting up a platform to bring the heart of the Cortalim village into homes of villagers from Cortalim residing in the UK.
“In a short while, the Association has achieved so much — from organising events, providing valuable information, assisting the villagers with needful documentations, etc. The association has done this quietly, humbly, but with great heart,” acknowledged Barreto.
He also lauded the association on its future plans to invest in activities for the younger generation.
“That is forward-thinking. That is visionary. That is Goan. Because when we support our children, we secure our future. It's our duty to make them aware of our culture and heritage," said Barreto.
Offering his advice to the gathering, Barreto said: “May the Cortalim Association UK continue to grow, to serve, and to inspire. Most of you all present here are from Cortalim but remember one thing each of you are a Goan brand ambassador in the UK and how you behave in the society will generalise us all Goans in the UK.”
“Let us not forget: while we proudly call this organisation the Cortalim Association UK, at our core, we are all Goans first. And the dream to collaborate with other Goan associations here in the UK is not just a noble one — it is a necessity. In unity, there is strength. And in culture, there is continuity.”
In her address as the other chief guest, Pamila Rodrigues said she is working closely with the community to address a wide range of issues—housing, the NHS, education, and immigration—often in collaboration with local MPs.
“The UK is now our home away from home—a place where strangers become friends and our community continues to grow stronger. As Goans, we have ventured into all spheres of life across the UK. We are weaving a unique cultural fabric—one that thrives here while staying deeply rooted in our Goan heritage. No matter where we are, we keep our Mankulem Goa close to our hearts,” said Rodrigues.
“My humble request to everyone listening today is this: we are a strong and growing community in Hounslow—let’s use that strength to support one another and contribute positively to the society around us.”
“Let’s go beyond cultural celebrations and build a robust presence economically and politically. Let’s nurture leadership from within, so that our voices are heard, our needs addressed, and we can benefit from the various schemes and opportunities offered by the government and local councils,” she added.
THE ASSOCIATION
The present committee of the Cortalim Association UK comprises Vincent Colaco (Chairperson), Fanxeil Fernandes (President), Higino Puthanpurakal (Secretary), Francisco Fernandes (Treasurer), and Christopher D’Sa, Jonhson Dias, Ranford Fernandes, Luis Fernandes, Demis Fernandes, Sidney Rodrigues, Frayne Mascarenhas, Antonio Fernandes, Ralph Fernandes, Minguel Barreto, Joy Fernandes, Jerry Coelho (members).
Speaking to The Goan, Cortalim Association UK President Fanxeil Fernandes said the association was formed in May 2024.
“However, preparations to set up the association started in May 2023 when a few villagers discussed a possibility of having an association to support the well-being of villagers from Cortalim Villagers residing in the UK,” said Fernandes.
“It took numerous meetings in Swindon and Hounslow, both in person and virtual, where the support from villagers was overwhelming. The idea was first floated due to the unforgiving circumstances caused by COVID-19, as people suffered hardships, lost loved ones and struggled with their work and lives.”
“The association first hosted and celebrated the feast of Saints Philip and James, the patrons of Cortalim Parish, at the St Peter’s Church, Swindon, in May 2024, with Fr Lucas Rodrigues as the main celebrant.”
“Fund generated by the Cortalim Association UK are utilised to give aid to fellow villagers as and when needed. The association will not only be working for villagers hailing from Cortalim but would also like to help and work with other villagers across Goa residing in the UK,” Fanxeil Fernandes added.
