[Goanet] Bid to revive Young Goans Club, Bahrain

[Goa's Pride www.goa-world.com]

        Bid to revive Young Goans Club, Bahrain
   
      One of the oldest expatriate clubs in Bahrain is hoping that members 
will help them find a new home. The Young Goans Club (YGC)  have 
been "homeless" since suffering a sharp decline in membership.
   
  Officials are now hoping to revive interest in the club, which was in the 
past amongst the most active social establishments in Bahrain.
  "It is our hope to bring back the YGC to the way it was years ago," said 
club president Andrew Fernandes.
  "The YGC for years served as a 'home away from home' for many Goans in the 
country.
  "It offered sporting events, other than the popular social events."
  The YGC has been without a premises since it was forced to vacate from its 
Hoora location, near the Omar Khayam Hotel, following an order issued by the 
then Labour and Social Affairs Ministry in March 2004.
   
  The club received many complaints from neighbours, who strongly objected to 
the selling of alcohol at the bar inside. 
  The YGC also ran up a debt of up to BD7,000 in 2004, but officials today 
assure that it is now in the clear.
  Formed in 1952, the YGC is one of the oldest expatriate clubs in the country 
and has in the past been at the forefront of several charitable, cultural and 
sporting activities. 
  The Hoora premises was the club's second. 
  It was asked to shift from its earlier location in the Shaikh Abdulla Road, 
in the suq area, in February 2003, after spending 50 years there.
  Neighbours had also complained then, saying that the club was located too 
close to a mosque, which has regular religious processions.
  "The YGC had more than 1,000 members at one time," said Mr Fernandes. The 
membership is now down to 120 members.
  Despite being homeless, the club is organising social events - many of which 
help raise funds for local charities.
   
  The YGC's Bandra Fair has been moved from September 8 to September 22.
  It will be held at the Baan Saeng Thai Auditorium, in Adliya.
  The programme features traditional game stalls, food stalls, live bands, 
dance competitions, fancy dress competitions, a DJ and the Tapori Contest, or 
the underworld don contest.
  Food and sweets are being especially flown in from Mumbai for the occasion.
  Entrance is free for all members of the Indian Community Clubs and invited 
guests. For more details contact the club General Secretary Mr. Francis 
Correia on 39659539.
   
  G.R. Crasto (Bahrain)
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  http://www.goa-world.com/
   
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