LONDON
In an unusual display of community service, a Goan cycled for charity and raised funds to organise Leicester’s first free dine and dance for senior citizens from the Goa community.
The event at the city’s iconic Indian fine dining restaurant, ‘Memsaab’, was made possible by Seby Fernandes, a graphic designer hailing from Vasco-Goa, who hosted the event in memory of his late father, Remy, a famous Tiatrist in Goa and part of the renowned trio, ‘Rom-Rem-Rod’.
THE CAUSE
Seby, who also serves as president of the Goan Community of Leicester-UK, explained that the idea to treat the senior citizens to a free dine and dance came from his experience of losing his father.
“I lost my dad on September 16, 2024, and since I was unable to attend his first death anniversary, I thought, why not do something right here in Leicester?” said Seby.
“So, I decided to get on my cycle and do a charity ride to raise funds and make it happen. I split the 300-mile cycle ride into 2 parts: one was to raise funds for the dine & dance event for senior citizens, and the second was to help the blind & disabled people.”
“Why did I choose senior citizens and the blind? Because my father was a senior citizen and had turned blind for the last seven years of his life.”
Before moving to Leicester, Seby spent 10 years in Arusha-Tanzania where he was the secretary of the Goan association in Arusha for two years and had played a key role during the 8th East African Goan Convention at Arusha in 2012.
“When I moved to Leicester, I had had a desire to do something for the Goans,” said Seby.
Incidentally, Seby plays for the Leicester-based band ‘Amigos’ and is also part of the Vasco Goan Association based in Southall-UK.
THE EVENT
The Dine & Dance event began with music by DJ Abner Fernandes, followed by the band ‘Amigos’, comprising Seby Fernandes and Savio Coutinho.
Seby Fernandez, a senior citizen who shares the same name and who has been in Leicester for over 50 years, cut the cake on behalf of all senior citizens present.
This was followed by a toast raised by the organiser, Seby Fernandes, and the ‘Saudichem Kantar’ song sung by Anita.
A game of bingo was conducted by Nessa De Oliveira and Eloy Roy Dias, with all proceeds generously pledged to support the blind and disabled at the Bethany Society in Meghalaya-India.
Nancy Fernandes led in the grace before meals, and the senior citizens were treated to a delicious meal prepared by the ‘Memsaab’ restaurant.
The band kept the event alive with old classics, Goan Mandos, and retro tracks, creating a nostalgic and joyous mood where everyone danced, sang along, and shared laughter.
“The event was a success, filled with love, laughter, music, and fellowship. Our senior citizens reminded us of the richness of wisdom and cherished memories they carry, while new friendships blossomed alongside old ones being rekindled,” said Seby.
“We thank every senior citizen who joined us in the celebration, and here’s to many more gatherings where we celebrate community, culture, and the generations who paved the way for us.”
THE OUTREACH
Through his Dine and Dance event and cycling, as well as donations from friends, Seby managed to raise £1,100 for the Bethany Society in Meghalaya, where Carmo Noronha is the secretary. Incidentally, Noronha was the former principal at Regina Mundi High School, in Chicalim-Goa, where Seby had studied.
“My friends, Alvita, Emanuel, Roy and Vanessa, and I have hosted small Bingo sessions where the profits from these events were donated to the church,” said Seby.
“Many organisations in the UK organise dances, but these events are mostly for their own benefit. I believe that we should give back to our community by helping the needy.”
Currently, Seby and his team are hosting another dance, ‘Winter Sparkx’, to raise funds in aid of the St Anne’s Church in Karwar near Goa.
“This church needs financial assistance, and I would appeal to our Goans to assist this church in whatever manner possible,” Seby added.
