LONDON
The Goan Community in Southampton, South England, organised its first-ever Goan Community Day at the St Boniface Church in Shirley on August 16.
The community event is part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the World Goa Day being organised by the Goan diaspora across the globe. The Feast of Our Lady of Assumption and India’s 79th Independence Day were also a major part of the overall festivities.
THE MASS
The day began with a morning Mass in English celebrated by the Assistant Parish priest Fr Godwin Kambai OMV. An offertory of ‘all things Goan’ was arranged by Maria Assumpta Borges, Vice President of Golden Goa Association, Southampton (GGAS), which is observing its 15th anniversary this year.
A special Konkani choir was put together under the tutelage of musician and guitarist John Fernandes, along with Shane Fernandes (guitar), Duane George (saxophone) and Bianca George (violin). The other choir members were RJ Bihula Vaz, Maria Assumpta Borges, Sebastian D’Costa, Ramona Salins, Wangstone Bosco Dias, Brayden Whyte, Vailankina Cardozo, Aliana D’Costa, Talitha George and Sandra Fernandes, with RJ Roque Vaz as the choir conductor.
Cayden D’Costa narrated the introduction, Talitha George did the reading and Brayden Whyte read the offertory prayers at the church service.
THE SOCIAL GATHERING
The social gathering was organised in the church hall from 4 pm to 10 pm. India’s National Anthem was sung with great patriotic fervour and respect. London’s popular one-man band Chico was in attendance for the very first time in Southampton, while RJ Roque Vaz and MC Anjali D’Costa hosted the socio-cultural show.
Fr Godwin, who is completing his tenure in September, was accorded the honour of being the chief guest, while international media personality Teotonio Costa, who travelled from Wembley, was the guest of honour.
Dr Tracy Coelho and Maria Assumpta Borges, Konkani poetry radio stars on Awaaz 99.8 FM’s ‘Konkani Uloi London Fuloi’, recited Konkani poems and little Aliana D’Costa recited a Konkani Kovita for the very first time.
Isha Neshrio from Southall regaled the audience with her melodious rendering of Konkani love songs. Ruby Fernandes and Brayden Whyte did an entertaining act based on Lorna’s classic song ‘Piso’. Guest performer Santana Gonsalves from Reading sang a few songs in English, Konkani and Portuguese. John Fernandes and Aldrin Viegas (London) also sang Konkani songs.
St Boniface Church Assistant Parish priest Fr Jufel Baldado OMV, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members Fatima Amedu (Nigerian Community) and Mey Felongco and Vic Thunder Dagongdong (Filipino Community) were present at the social.
In his speech, Teotonio Costa, who is currently in UK covering various Goan events, highlighted the reality and importance of organising Goan community gatherings in UK to bring Goans together to promote Goan culture, traditions, heritage and Konkani language.
He praised the efforts of GGAS to organise a totally free event. Parish secretary Margaretta Livingstone expressed her gratitude towards the Goan community for organising the festivities. Fr Godwin was given the honour of cutting the celebratory cake in the presence of Ali Beg Bhai, Station Director and CEO of Awaaz 99.8 FM Community Radio Station, Southampton. Maura Fernandes (Southall) sang the Konkani hymn ‘Argam Tuka Somia’ before dinner.
On the occasion, the Goan Community’s Konkani Choir was named officially as ‘Abolim’.
HOME-COOKED FOOD
There was authentic cuisine especially home-cooked by several Goan, Indian and families belonging to the international community. They included Wangstone Bosco Dias and Ruby Fernandes (Pork Vindaloo), Alex D’Costa (Chonneacho Ros), RJ Bihula Vaz (Goan Pulao, Fish mayonnaise, bread loaves, salad and pickle), Alancy D’Costa (chicken cafreal), Sheryl Dias (chutney sandwiches), Vailankina Cardozo (chilli chicken), Lovyna Soobhang (Mauritian Cuisine consisting of chilli cakes and pasta salad), Maura Fernandes (Prawn Rissois), Rita Borges (Veg Spring Rolls), Michelle Desouza (Chicken Xacuti), Trupti Solanki (Indian Veg dish), Ramona Salins (Fruit Salad), Serona and her brother Ralston D’Costa (sponsored 50 samosas each), Newton Albuquerque (Pappadums with Chutney). The main celebratory cake was sponsored by Nivedita and Victor Roberts.
Drinks were sponsored by Dr Tracy and Dr Rochelle Coelho, while Simona De Souza sponsored four red wine bottles.
Ramona Salins was the decoration sponsor, while the overall event marketing and food management was coordinated by GGAS Treasurer RJ Bihula Vaz and the social media and event was conceptualised by RJ Roque Vaz.
FINANCES AND PRIZES
The financial donors at the event were President Sebastian D’Costa and General Secretary RJ Roque Vaz (£110 each), Dr Tracy and Dr Rochelle Coelho (£100), Ramona Salins (£100), Santana Gonsalves from Reading (£100), Victor and Nivedita Roberts (£51), Vice President Maria Assumpta Borges (£50), Soares and Albuquerque family (£50), Allan D’Costa (£30), MC Anjali D’Costa (£30), Alcina Fernandes (£20), Founder member Martha Fernandes (£20), Marissa Noronha from Winchester (£20), and well-wishers (£110). Coriander Restaurant sponsored two meal vouchers worth £30 each.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to choirmaster John Fernandes and his musician son Shane Fernandes, Aliana D`Costa, Teotonio Costa, Fr Godwin, Fr Jufel, Chico, Aldrin Viegas, Ruby Fernandes and Brayden Whyte.
Ali Beg Bhai presented the ‘Most Vibrant Couple on the dance floor’ prize to Denise Steele and Rome De Cruz, while Isha Neshrio and Tony Vaz (Southall) won the ‘First Couple on the dance floor’ prize. Ruby Fernandes won a special spot prize.
At the Bingo, the fastest 5-number prize winner was Lovely Soares (Breville Blender) and the mega prize for full house was won by Margaretta Livingstone (six-litre digital Express Air Fryer).
The entire proceeds of the community event amounting to £500 was given to Fr Godwin as a farewell gift as he moves to another parish in England.
The organisers thanked the volunteers for their wholehearted support before, during and post-event, comprising Sebastian D’Costa, Ramona Salins, Ralston D’Costa, RJ Roque and RJ Bihula Vaz, Maria Assumpta Borges, Allan D’Costa, MC Anjali D’Costa, Vailankina Cardozo, Analita Da Costa, Cayden Da Costa, Lovyna Soobhang, Wangstone Bosco Dias and Teotonio Costa.
Parish priest Fr Tom Kleinschmidt, who is away on his vacation in USA, gave his blessings and permission for all the Goan Community Day festivities at St Boniface Church Parish and Hall.
