LONDON
Cultural history was created in Southampton when the Golden Goa Association, Southampton (GGAS), the flagship community group representing the Goan community in the maritime city, organised the traditional feast of St John the Baptist – São João – for the very first time, coinciding with the 15th year celebrations of the association.
The celebration at St Boniface Church hall on June 22 was attended by Goans from different parts of UK, including London, Wembley, Surrey, Portsmouth and Winchester.
The highlight of the event, which was free to all, was the participation of the Goan community of Winchester, the ancient capital of England. Savio and Daisy Fernandes from Winchester were given the honour of leading the traditional procession by GGAS President Sebastian D’Costa.
THE PROGRAMME
DJ Richiee was the main entertainer, while RJ Roque Vaz conceptualised the event as the lead compere. Esther Braganza made her debut as a host and welcomed the revellers.
Fr Tom Kleinschmidt, parish priest at St Boniface church, blessed the celebrations, while Fr Godwin Kambai, the assistant priest, said the grace before meal.
A big celebratory cake, sponsored by Nivedita Roberts, was cut by the children and all the attendees, whose birthday falls in the month of June, were also blessed by Fr Godwin, who loves Goan culture and traditional celebrations.
The sale of Goan snacks and housie together amounted to £ 313, which was donated to the Building & Maintenance Fund of the church.
THE SUPPORT
Polystar Plastics was the main sponsor of the event. There were significant cash donations by GGAS President Sebastian D’Costa, GGAS Vice President Assumpta Borges, GGAS General Secretary Roque Vaz, Dr Tracy Coelho, Nivedita Roberts, Lovyna Soobhang, Sheldon Braganza, Marissa Noronha and Ralston D’Costa.
The balloons décor was done by Nivedita Roberts and Ramona D’Costa sponsored the celebrations banner. Awaaz 99.8 FM’s ‘Konkani Uloi London Fuloi’ Konkani radio show was the media partner in promoting the event.
Many Goan families home cooked authentic Goan cuisine. Guests from diverse nationalities also brought in scrumptious dishes to share. Drinks were on the house. Aloysius D’Costa sponsored all the soft drinks and Allan D’Costa sponsored the beers. The Goans from Winchester also contributed many dishes and drinks, specially the traditional Goan sweet delicacy ‘Soji’ and Pork Roast.
Chef Wangstone Bosco Dias and his wife Ruby Fernandes homecooked and sponsored all the Goan snacks. GGAS Treasurer Bihula Vaz cooked Goan Pulao and Choneacho Ros along with green salad. Ramona D’Costa cooked Pork Vindaloo for the Goan buffet. Vegetable Samosas were sponsored by Pascal Fernandes and family. Jalebis as dessert were sponsored by John Paul and Lovely Soares.
THE PRIZES
Prizes were awarded for various games and competitions. A family from London winning three prizes were Jane Alisha Afonso (Best Kopel – adult), Blisha D’Souza (Best Kopel – child) and Blake D’Souza (Shahrukh Khan`s Signature Pose). They also contributed soft drinks and food.
The most romantic couple on the dance floor were Rosebud and Danita Diniz (Winchester); the best fashion model was Valancy Fernandes (Winchester), the best Konkani speech was delivered by Ruby Fernandes, while the best romantic Konkani song was sung by Newton Albuquerque.
The best dressed couple were Michael Cardoso and Zelia Cardoso, while a special spot prize was awarded to Michael Cardoso. Lucky prizes were presented to Allan and Aiden D’Costa, and DJ Richiee.
Ruby Fernandes won the bingo prize of an Air Fryer, sponsored by Assumpta Borges and presented by Eliza Rodrigues (Winchester). Marissa Noronha (Winchester) helped to conduct the Bingo, while Ralston D’Costa sold Bingo tickets and snacks coupons.
THE VOLUNTEERS
The overall success of any community event is shaped by volunteers. The main hall set-up volunteers – Sebastian and Ramona D’Costa, Roque and Bihula Vaz, Nivedita Roberts, Wangstone Bosco Dias, Ralston D’Costa and Maria Assumpta Borges. The clear-up volunteers who helped beyond midnight – Alex D’Costa, Sebastian and Ramona D’Costa, Roque and Bihula Vaz, Wangstone Bosco Dias, Ralston D’Costa and DJ Richiee. Serona D’Costa played a great role of welcoming the guests at the reception table.
Margaretta Livingstone, the parish secretary, showed great cooperation and assistance for booking the church hall. The event was houseful and well-organised by the managing committee of GGAS.
