Letter from the President, seconded by the Committee

THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

The Leicester Goan Association was founded on 25 November 1978. Our grateful thanks are due to the late Father Jones who was persistent and encouraged the Goans to form an association. One of the founder members, John Goes, worked enthusiastically and together with the guidance of Father Jones, it resulted in the birth of the Association that to this day has brought and continues to bring many happy memories to its patrons.

In the early days, various social occasions were organised by keen individuals who worked tirelessly as a team. A real sense of community was formed, especially through celebration of Easter, St Fancis Xavier (patron saint of Goa), Christmas and New Year.

The Goan's are notorious for socialising and just about everything gets shelved at the mention of a party. I would like to recap a brief history from my own memory. Which you can fully appreciate may have some grey areas.

THE FIRST GATHERING

At our very first gathering at St Peter's Hall, Hinckley Road, Leicester, there were around 45 people in attendance and on that day the first Committee was elected consisting of the President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary and Editor, an Independent Auditor, 3 Trustees and 4 Committee members. At the time of writing, there are still 3 founder committee members who continue to devote their time and effort to the fulfillment of the aims of the Association. The Association welcomes new office bearers and since 1978, many dedicated people have taken up various Committee positions volunteering their services and dedicating their time to carry on this good work through the years. Over the years many of the members, including our dearly departed and dearly missed with the Community to heart, have helped in many ways to promote the Association's aims on cultural, welfare, social, sporting and the well-being of the community. Their valued efforts will always be affectionately remembered.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Grateful thanks are extended to everyone involved for without their initial extensive efforts and courage, this Association would not have been in existence. 32 years later in 2010, the Association still stands proud and active. One person in particular deserves special mention, the late Sunny Mandricks, the first President of the Leicester Goan Association. Though Sunny was not of Goan origin he tirelessly walked from house to house to encourage members of the community to join the Leicester Goan Association. I feel confident that I speak on behalf of many when I say that we are indebted to Sunny.

To all members from different communities, we welcome you all in joining in our community spirit and thank you for your patronage.

THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE

The first Goan voice was produced on the 10th February 1979 by the Editor Digui Mascarenhas. The logo used by the Leicester Goan Assoication was designed by the late Nelson Fernandes and unanimously chosen and officially adopted by the Association.

Today within the community we are proud to witness the success of businesses including travel, pharmaceutical, child-care, dressmaking, wedding attire, innovation, refridgeration, catering and most recently the first Goan restaurant in Leicester.

We look on with excitement and pride as we enjoy the academic, professional, sporting and social achievements of the children - they are and can shape the future of the Leicester Goan Association. United we stand, divided we fall.

Ivor Pereira, President, July 2010