Goan Community Centre marks 25 years in North London

Candy Fernandes (third from left) along with the Mayor of Haringey Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, his wife, and the committee at the silver jubilee celebrations at the Goan Community Centre (GCC) in North London.

LONDON

Setting up and operating a community centre is by no means an easy task, but a Goan woman has managed the Goan Community Centre (GCC) in North London over the last 25 years.

The brainchild of Candy Fernandes, who hails from Santa Cruz, Goa, and was born in Nakuru, Kenya, the GCC was initially housed in a spacious Portakabin (portable building) in Keston Road and since 2018, has been permanently located along the Apple Tree Road, off Keston Road, Tottenham-Haringey. The GCC recently completed its silver anniversary on October 25.

Candy was a former librarian, until circumstances led her to become an independent dance instructor teaching older people to dance to improve their health and well-being. She now serves as trustee and CEO of the Goan Community Centre.

THE PURPOSE

When contacted, Candy said she had felt the need for a dedicated space for the Goans to avail of services delivered by the council and by extended bodies.

“There was a need for people to gain information about their welfare, benefits, etc., and for professional Goans to share their knowledge and deliver services to their fellow Goans,” said Candy.

Anticipating the need for a Goan Community Centre, Candy formed a committee in 1998 but admitted that it was not easy.

“Every now and then, I had different committee members. I was firm with my principles and government policies where certain certificates had to be obtained in order to function. At present, I have a team of volunteers who are not all Goan but excellent at work,” said Candy.

THE FACILITY

Candy acknowledged the tremendous support from the late Fr Arthur Moraes, who paid for the Portakabin to be relocated from South London to North London.

“The Portakabin arrived on October 25, 2000, and was inaugurated on December 10 that year by the late Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Herbie Brown. A Portakabin is a portable building that can be used as a temporary facility, but we successfully used the premises for many years, and it withstood the storms, snow, rain, and extreme heat,” said Candy.

The old Goan Community Centre in a temporary Portakabin in Keston Road, Haringey, in North London.

Incidentally, the Mauritians were the first community to have a Christmas party at the GCC.

“Not only did they conduct the event at the GCC, but the Mauritian community went on to help out even more by forming a band and teaching guitar and drums to children,” recalled Candy.

The new Goan Community Centre premises was offered to Candy in recognition of her stellar contribution to the diverse communities, and it was inaugurated by Deputy Mayor of London Joanne McCartney on October 4, 2018.

THE ACTIVITIES

Over the 25 years, several events and activities have been conducted at the GCC.

“The GCC hosted numerous activities and they included the Father and Toddler activities, Keep Up With the Children’s Education for Parents (KUWC), women’s issues like domestic violence, youth club, GCSE study, car mechanics for women, National Poetry Day, National Reading Day, Diwali events, Valentine's Dance, Black History Month, Christmas, New Year Dances, Whist Drives, dance classes to improve health, BBQs, Trook tournaments, and religious services for the Catholic community,” said Candy. 

“I even directed a play in Konkani for young people and organised the youth to mentor the children during rehearsals. My late sister, Grace Coutinho, had many talents and professional skills, even presenting Goan cookery classes.”

“After that, we set up a lunch club mainly with a 2-course English meal, organised socials such as East African night for those who hailed from E Africa. The Congolese community would also host functions at the GCC.”

“At present, we have professional tutors for Pilates, yoga, antenatal and postnatal yoga, capoeira for teenagers, dance for over fifties, dominoes, knitting, sewing, etc. The Caribbean community also conducts activities at the GCC.”

The new Goan Community Centre in a permanent location along the Apple Tree Road, Haringey, in North London.

“We opened up the GCC to various communities to promote their culture,” she added.

“I need to thank many who have helped me over the years: Robert built in the electrical wiring, Cos and his son, Matthew, replaced the floor every two years due to damp conditions, John and Irene helped with the printing, etc., my late sister Grace helped in cooking, decorating the hall and doing everything to make the GCC the success that it is today, Paixao helped with the Vailankanni devotions and our spiritual directors, late Fr Moraes, Fr Joe and Fr Oliver.”

THE SILVER JUBILEE

The silver jubilee of the GCC was conducted on October 25, which was attended by a number of guests and volunteers from diverse communities.

The chief guests at the event were the Mayor of Haringey Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, his wife and the Former Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Eddie Griffith.

They commended Candy for setting up and managing the GCC and for providing premises for diverse communities by hosting their activities.

Candy spoke at the function and thanked everyone for their presence and participating in making the GCC a huge success over the 25 years.

Candy presented the past committee with a book of poems by her late sister Grace. Candy also presented all her committee and volunteers with a gift in recognition of their services to the GCC.

THE FUTURE

Candy hopes to have a number of new activities and initiatives at the GCC for the Goan community.

“I would like to have Mando singing and dancing to Konkani music, Masses in Konkani, Carrom, Trook, and a Goan Lunch Club. I also plan to get senior citizens to avail of the services that we offer, which include making a will, inheritance tax, property in Goa, etc.,” said Candy.

“I am looking out for retired nurses, doctors, lawyers to guide and offer their expertise to offer support to their fellow Goans, thus creating a thriving Goan Community Centre.”