LONDON
Golden Goa Association, Southampton (GGAS), the community organisation representing the Goan diaspora, organised a free Easter Dance Party at Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre on April 5 with enthusiasm and ‘Goenkarponn’.
GGAS’ 60th community event was hosted by MC Anjali, MC Sybolia and General Secretary RJ Roque Vaz from Awaaz FM Radio. Chico, the one-man band, entertained the audience with different genres of dance music, including ballroom dancing.
Fr Paul Ubebe, assistant parish priest at St Boniface Catholic Church, Shirley, was the Guest of Honour and blessed the gathering. He appreciated the event as an “amazing get-together of Goan community” and encouraged them to “keep up the good work.”
Rajan Jolly, Founder of Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community (ESAC) graced the occasion as a Special Guest. In his address, Jolly praised the organisers for organising such community events.
Ashish Dankhara from Indian Tadka vegetarian restaurant was welcomed as an Esteemed Guest.
The culinary highlight of the evening was the Goan buffet complete with snacks. Friends from various communities also brought in different food items to share. The entire family of President Sebastian D’Costa, his wife Ramona Salins, Ralston and Serona D’Costa and Cecilia Salins sponsored the one-man band.
Homecooked food was gifted by RJ Bihula Vaz (Mutton Xacuti, Green/Fish/Russian Salad, Chutney Sandwich, Forminas and fish cones), Ramona Salins (Pork Vindaloo), Alex D’Costa (Chicken Curry), Steffi De Souza (Beef Potato Chops), Marilyn D’Costa (Palak Chicken), Lovyna Devi (Aubergine Fritters), Alcina Fernandes (Chilli Con Carne), Henal Shah (Potato Bhajias), Semona De Souza (Serradura Dessert). Two main dishes, viz. Pilau Rice and Vegetarian Curry were donated by Indian Tadka Vegetarian Restaurant, Southampton. Freshly prepared Falooda with ice-cream was sponsored by founding member Dina De Souza and prepared by Bihula Vaz and her team of volunteers, Steffi De Souza, Ramona Salins and Pooja Naik. Sheldon and Swati Braganza sponsored the big celebratory cake. MC Sybolia Fernandes said the grace before meal in Konkani.
There was a free bar serving cocktails and mocktails and managed and sponsored by three mixologists – Clint and Clive Silveira and Maldini Fernandes. All drinks were on the house. Aloysius and Delicia D`Costa sponsored the soft drinks. Blake D’Souza brought in drinking water. Wangstone Dias and Ruby Fernandes sponsored the beers. Shawn and Khushi sponsored red wine bottles. A wellwisher Goan family sponsored 25 boxes of Easter Eggs for the kids.
A special Easter poster was displayed on the stage, designed and sponsored by Ramona Salins. Blake D’Souza designed a poster for social media promoting the event.
Jane Alisha Afonso and Blake D’Souza from Wembley along with their daughter Blisha were adjudged as the best dressed couple and family. Isidore Cabral won the Bingo Prize, which was presented by Aubrey Martins. Maldini Fernandes was given the ‘Best Entertainer’ prize. MC Sybolia Fernandes and Levito Rodrigues from Winchester were given a special memento. Rome De Cruz and Denise Steele from Windsor were adjudged the best couple at the fashion show contest. Clint Silveira and Natasha D’Costa Silveira were awarded the title of Most Compatible Couple at a competition.
Savio and Sandy Pires sponsored the spot prizes. Jane Alisha Afonso gifted a special Easter hamper for kids. Jane and her husband Blake also presented Easter hampers to RJ Roque Vaz and Bihula Vaz, Sebastian D’Costa and Ramona Salins, as tokens of appreciation for their community work. Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Rochelle Coelho sponsored the Bingo Prize – 6-litre Digital slow cooker along with a cash donation of £100.
The other cash donors were Allan and Anjali D’Costa (£50); Marissa Noronha (£25); Sybolia (£30); Lovyna Devi (£50) and wellwishers (£105).
The volunteers for hall set-up, decoration and transport support were RJ Roque Vaz, RJ Bihula Vaz, Sebastian D’Costa, Ramona Salins, Ralston D’Costa, Steffi De Souza, Lovyna Devi, Clint Silveira, Allan and Aloysius D’Costa. They were also present for serving and clear-up duties along with Vice President Maria Assumpta Borges, Pooja Naik, Vishal Soobhang, Serona D’Costa, Maldini Fernandes, Clinton and Clive Silveira. RJ Bihula Vaz was the hall manager for the event. The event concluded with RJ Roque Vaz singing the Konkani hit ‘Adeus’.
Later in a message to the organisers, Rajan Jolly stated: “A big thanks for the amazing Easter party! The food was super delicious and your organisation was wonderful.”
