Goan Association North West also opens call for new committee member
[From L to R]: Strip Cardoso, Melroy Carvalho, Cefona Gracias and Melanie Antao Fernandes at Potyo in Wilmslow, Cheshire-England.
MANCHESTER
The Goan Association North West (GANW) has unveiled its 2025 community events dates, as part of efforts to foster cultural celebrations and connections within the Goan diaspora across the North West region.
At the same time, it has launched a search for a new committee member to help drive its future growth.
The GANW will host the São João Festival at the Sale Suite, Manchester (June 29), World Goa Day Picnic (August 24) and the Christmas Party (December 14).
"These events remain at the heart of GANW’s mission to unite people, celebrate Goan heritage, and strengthen community bonds," said Melanie Antao Fernandes, President of GANW.
This year also marks the organisation's second anniversary.
“Completing two years is a proud moment for all of us at GANW,” said Melanie.
“What began as a simple idea to unite our community has become something truly meaningful. These upcoming events are a testament to the energy and spirit that define our members. We look forward to growing even stronger in the years ahead.”
As part of this new chapter, committee member Louie Pereira has stepped down to focus on his personal and professional journey.
He is set to marry Abigail Corte this month, and the association extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the couple for a wonderful future together.
Louie Pereira said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to build a vibrant community of Goans and friends of Goa in the North West, and to contribute to the association's success”.
"GANW is now inviting expressions of interest for a new committee member. Someone passionate about community, fresh ideas, and a good understanding of social media to help shape and grow the association’s presence and impact," Melanie added.
THE ASSOCIATION
Shortly after it was formed, the GANW hosted its first event with the celebrations of the ‘Festa de São João’ (São João feast) on June 11, 2023, which attracted over 100 people from across the North West of England.
The GANW committee includes Strip Cardoso, Cefona Gracias, Thomas Alphonso, Melroy Carvalho and Melanie Antao Fernandes.
Melanie said the region lacked a Goan association for a long time and the formation of the association in April 2023 has filled a void to bring the community together to celebrate its culture.
“The support and attendance at the first-ever event of GANW in 2023 and subsequent events had been tremendous. We are thankful to so many people for saying ‘yes’ to any help we asked for. We plan to keep the community connected and engaged with further initiatives,” said Melanie.
“We want to engage with Millennials and Gen Z and keep them close to our Goan heritage and culture.”
“We know we are on the right track and will continue to serve the Goan community,” added Melanie.
For more details on upcoming events or to apply for the committee role, the association may be contacted by email (goanassociationnorthwest@outlook.com).
