THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
The Aldona Association, London, celebrated the 48th anniversary of their annual Feast of St Thomas in West Croydon on July 1. This year, over 200 people took part in the event.
The event began with a Mass at about 1.30 pm in the St Mary’s Catholic Church, which was celebrated by Fr Tony Fernandes. The congregation was led by a choir for the Konkani and English hymns.
In his homily, Fr Tony emphasised the importance of the sense of belonging, which was reaffirmed by the socialising of families and friends during the celebrations.
After Mass, the people moved to the hall adjoining the Church at about 2.30 pm, where they were served snacks including samosas and chutney sandwiches.
Music was provided by the live band ‘Buzz’ and DJ Ritchie, with a variety of new sounds and dance favourites, including Konkani and Swahili classics.
Drinks were served by Coscon Bar and a dinner of chicken xacuti, sorpotel, veg caldine and bebinca was provided by Bernie’s Goan Kitchen.
Children were served first while the adults continued to party. However, the roles soon reversed, with adults eating and kids cavorting around the dance floor to children’s songs. They were later entertained with a game of pass-the-parcel in the lobby.
To end the dinner, a speech was delivered by the Aldona Association President Richard Lobo, who thanked the committee, suppliers and guests at the event.
He emphasised the need to improve the sense of connection between Aldonkars and their shared history and culture, as well as raising the next generations with an appreciation of the ways of Aldona, which the Association has helped to do.
The speech was followed by more live music and then the raffle draw. There were a number of prizes, including cashew feni, wines, whiskeys, a pressure cooker and a voucher for a top restaurant meal in Goa. The event came to an end at about 8 pm.
When contacted, Richard Lobo said the Aldona Association aims to ensure their culture thrives and looks to improve connections and support throughout the diaspora, as well as strengthening relations with their home village of Aldona.
The Aldona Association was founded in 1975 by Assis Fernandes and only five other founding members, reaching a peak turnout of over 500 at Wandsworth Town Hall for their Feast and continues to attract hundreds of guests each year. Donations from the charitable organisation have included Rs 1 lakh to the St Vincent de Paul’s Society two years ago among other causes in Aldona.
“After a successful handover from the previous Aldona Association president, Tome D'Souza, this was the maiden event of the new committee and so it was great to see such success. Many local Goans also arrived, showing support of their Aldonkar friends, and we thank everyone for their continued support of our Association.” Richard added.
