THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
The Golden Goa Association, Southampton (GGAS), the leading community organisation of the Goan community in the South of England, organised its annual picnic at Bournemouth Beach in the county of Dorset on June 18, which also happened to be International Picnic Day and Goa Revolution Day.
The theme of the picnic was ‘Bringing Communities Together.’ Incidentally, Father’s Day is also celebrated on the third Sunday of June in the UK.
Goan families and friends from the Konkan region living in Southampton were treated to a traditional Goan meal consisting of Goan boiled rice, Goan dry prawns Kismoor (Goan prawn) and lady’s fingers coconut curry, salad, roast pork, tandoori chicken wings, beef patties and chutney sandwiches. This constituted the main community meal of the picnic, which was home-cooked in authentic Goan style and seasoning by GGAS General Secretary Bihula Vaz.
In addition, there were various other snacks, beverages and afternoon tea. All the picnickers carried along a picnic basket of their own to share with everyone.
The picnickers enjoyed a sunny day of outdoor fun and relaxation. A beach volleyball match was the highlight of the picnic wherein both men and women took part and Assumpta Maria D’Costa, Vice President of GGAS, was the star player of the day. The Goan men also indulged in a football match with some picnickers from Bangladesh in a spirit of camaraderie.
There was a feeling of community spirit throughout the day. The picnic wound up with a beautiful sunset and a leisurely drive back home.
The GGAS has planned another picnic in collaboration with Awaaz 99.8 FM Community Radio Station, headed by Ali Beg Bhai, which also broadcasts the Konkani weekly radio show ‘Konkani Uloi London Fuloi’.
Goan families from Southampton and other parts of the UK are welcome to enjoy this picnic. Radio presenters broadcasting in various languages at Awaaz Radio along with their families and friends will be having a break at this beach event. This outdoor community event will take place at Boscombe Beach, Dorset, on July 23 from 9 am to 5 pm.
This outdoor event is open to all members of the community and Pier View Room, a beach house with a capacity of fifty persons, has been booked in advance. Registration is mandatory to participate in this picnic and RJ Roque Vaz may be contacted at (+447816195002) for registration and other details.
