UK: 29 April Cortalim Celebrates Ruby Anniversary – A Champagne event at Beer Prices
With the cold icy wind from the artic still blasting the London (England) area since the start of the feasts season just before Lent there is nothing like the warm welcome that awaits the annual get togethers at Goan village feasts where our people with their family and friends meet greet pray and celebrate together all the ingredients forwards health and wellbeing as personal troubles are forgotten for at least one day. Taking centre stage this year was the 40th Annivisary of Cortalim Union UK celebrating the Feast of St Philip & St James at the newly Refurbished Archbishop Lanfranc Academy nr Croydon.40 Years is a long time ago and the dedication with good governance of committee members past and present must be acknowledged to keep any organisation going in these difficult days. Village organisations play a vital part in keeping the spirit of Goa alive. The support given by Cortalim union members and guest is no exception as many travelled long distances to meet greet and celebrate. Sunday Mass Celebrant was Fr.Tony Fernandes (Nairobi/Aldona/Manchester) who informed about the importance of communication with young people as he explained the reading Peter3:18-24. After mass , Holy pictures were distributed by Francis on behalf of the Gomes Family while the seating was rearranged to an intricately decorated hall with the collective creative talent of Lourdes Da Cruz,Loreta Da Costa,Sandra Fernandes and Linda Thomson. it could easily pass as the state ballroom of Buckingham Palace no effort was spared. A personalised tag was designed for everyone to collect a gift bag containing the 40th Anniversary Souvenir delightfully edited by Christopher Da Cruz and a China mug embossed with the picture of Cortalim Church of St Philip and St James along with the logo of Cortalim Union Uk. The Logo at first glance is unusual on explanation “C” is converted into the rising sun and “U” is into water/ocean with swaying palms to emphasize the nature of Cortalim .Orange is the warmth of Cortalim People. Blue is for perfection, Professionalism and Unity. This criteria was 100 percent including the annivisary cake designed by Lourdes Da Cruz not forgetting the flower buttonholes by Piedade DMello and Francina Lobo. No Goan Party is complete without the ingredients of Good Food,Music and Drink ,the Sumptuous meal was provided by Bernies Catering, music by John Pinheiro Lead Guitar and Singer,Hilary Pinheiro Drummer,Amorin on Bass Pratnov Fernandes Keyboard Player Gladrin Fernandes female singer apologies to Rainbows end and Outbreak I may have got you mixed up both good bands. The generation gap was filled in by DJ Stephanie and a mention must be made for the low cost bar services provided by Cos Fernandes and Conrad Henriques of Coscon Bar Services who contributed to the feel good factor keepin all entairtained and in liquid refreshment till well after sunset.Spare a thought or the organisers it will have been a long day organising a champagne event at Beer Prices people came happy and went home happier long may this trend continue. Melvyn Fernandes Thornton Heath Surrey England 30 April 2018
