Photos: Lloyd D’Sa
UK Konkans celebrated their 18th annual Christmas party with great pomp at Addlestone Community Centre on 11 December, 2022. The venue was beautifully decorated led by Gration, Sheela and team. It was great to be “back to normal” after the pandemic celebrating Christmas with the UK Konkans family. The event was hosted by Kevin Madtha and Beena D’Souza.
UK Konkans inaugurated the celebration with Christmas carols in Konkani which everyone joined in. This was followed by a nativity reflection by Tom and Beena with little children dressed up as nativity characters reminded us of the nativity scene.
UK Konkans new President Sylvester D’Souza welcomed the guests and Presidents of other Konkani Associations in the UK. Bouquets were presented to our sponsors Mr. Vincy Menezes, MR. Peter D’Sa, Mr. Hebroyn D’Souza and Mr. Jeevan Lobo. Unfortunately, our other sponsors who couldn’t attend Mrs & Mr Lobo and Mr. Maninder were also thanked for their continuous support and generosity. New guests were introduced and we warmly welcome them to the UK Konkans family.
This year UK Konkans started Community Achievement Award in recognition of service to our communities. This year the award was presented to Tom D’Souza. Tom D’Souza is a very well-known member within our Mangalorean communities for his contributions and had recently won ‘Inspiring Leader Award’ by the NHS. We intend to continue this award and we will invite nominations for this award every year during Christmas.
Pre-lunch Stage entertainment was kicked off with lovely dance performances by Darlene Mendonca, Kian Jamdade, Arina D’Souza, Adora Lobo, Diyala Mendonca, Aiden and Riana. They had some beautiful moves and are the upcoming talents in UK Konkans.
The charity home made Kuswar Sale one of the trademark event of UK Konkans Christmas celebration, this year is supporting charity for Manasa Rehabiltation centre in Pamboor. Ladies group Shanti, Beena, Charlotte, and Clara were the winning bid at £250 for Kuswar hamper. Kuswar sales and individual envelop contribution increased the charity collection to £900. Raphael D’Souza has generously agreed to top up the fund so that Manasa will receive Rs 1 lakh as donation on your behalf.
Violet D’Souza offered Grace before meals, and delicious Mangalorean buffet including Pork bafat, Tandoori chicken, Tendli & Channa, Sannas, Raita , Salad, Biryani and Pickle were thoroughly enjoyed by the guests. The guests were entertained during lunch time with songs by evergreen Gratian, Sylvester, Shanti and Beena.
Post-lunch Stage entertainment was kicked off with great performances by Riana Menezes , Mum and Son duo Sinatra and Kian Ferrao. The stage was rocked by dance group consisting of Elvira, Elvita, Cimona, Diyona, Ashlyn, Diyona, Aiden & Arwin.
After lunch, the D’Souzas (Tom, Raphael, Sylvester and Harry) entertained crowd with their Konkani Skit “Bhikaryanche Naseeb”.
Santa arrived with the tune of Jingle bells and entertained all kids with sweets.
DJ Ashley bought everyone to the dancefloor with his energetic songs and enthusiasm. Disco Lights, fog and music together created a perfect dancefloor for the party to get grooving.
This year Jennifer won the famous UK Konkans Christmas hamper. There were five follow-on hamper prizes and also prizes for various for spot games. The youngsters were delighted with their Christmas stocking and goodie bags.
UK Konkans Secretary Shanti Menezes thanked everyone for their presence and contributions. It was a lovely Christmas celebration, packed with entertainment with the guests enjoying to their utmost. Special thanks also go to all our guests who helped in the cleaning and clear up of the hall.
The UK Konkans Committee wishes all members & their families and everyone a
MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2023.
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