A file photo of previous celebrations of the East London and Essex Goans.
LONDON
There have been several Goan associations in the UK for over 6 decades, with all of them promoting Goan identity and culture in different ways. One such association is the East London and Essex Goans (ELEG), which was set up in 2008 to cater to the Goan community in East London and Essex.
The ELEG is managed by a six-member committee consisting of the president, treasurer, social secretary and three other committee members.
“We have a membership of about 50 paid up members and we invite non-members for all our functions at a special rate,” said Joyce Travasso, secretary of ELEG.
“We start the year with our AGM and invite all our members to participate and voice their opinions. We then break up for refreshments with a savoury/sweet plate for every attendant, which is then followed by a Bingo and Whist Drive with some good cash prizes.”
“At the AGM, we agree on the old minutes, welcome the old office bearers and nominate and elect new ones. We offer the members our Diary of Events wherein the programme for the year is chalked out.”
EVENTS
Joyce said the ELEG conducts two events for senior citizens in summer and autumn, with an attendance of about 50 members and non-members.
“The afternoon starts with a prayer and a starter, followed by a meal and dessert. A quiz, bingo, raffle and sing-song are the highlights of the day,” said Joyce.
“Another event is our Whist Drives which are very popular so we space them out three times a year. These are held in the neighbouring Church hall. At the break, everyone is offered tea/coffee with sizzling samosas fried on the premises and a chocolate bar to sweeten their taste buds, after which we have a quick round of bingo with two cash prizes for the winners. The second half of the game then continues and the highest lady’s score and gent’s score bags the prize with some left for a booby prize.”
The ELEG organised a couple of coach trips to Devon, Torquay, Manchester, Chester and Liverpool.
“We have had some very good responses to these trips,” said Joyce.
One highlight of the ELEG is the St Francis Xavier’s Feast, which is held annually in December at the Ford’s Sports Hall with a capacity for 200 members.
“This year, the feast will be celebrated by the parish priest of St Teresa’s Church on December 3, which will then be followed by a distribution of hot boiled ‘Goenche Chone’. We have our popular Goan caterer providing some mouth-watering Goan delicacies,” said Joyce.
“Entertainment will be provided by the seven-piece band ‘Treble Makers’. We’re all looking forward to this event.”
