13th AUGUST – KENDRA’S MUSICAL PROGRAMME & CELEBRATIONS
Today we celebrated Kendra's achievement of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and India's Independence Day with a grand party and full day musical programme by Nituben Shah and Group. There was no Yoga and Manishaben was present as our guest.
It was our largest gathering as 330 members and guests attended the programme - more than 'Houseful' . A Ferrero chocolate was given to all at the entrance. Attendees arrived wearing smart dresses then set down on the round tables which were decorated nicely. The Hall and the Stage, too, was beautifully decorated by the Ladies of Kendra. There were wonderful Rangoli decorations displayed on tables. The flowers also were arranged in the form of the India's flag's colours. Everywhere there was colourful decorations. Our Queen's Certificate with the crystal orb was displayed for all to admire. It was eye catching to see the lights in the Pattidar Samaj's Hall ceiling changing in rainbow colours throughout the programme..
The programme started soon after 11.00 am by a hearty welcome from our Hon. Secretary - Jayantbhai Doshi. He then thanked all the volunteers and others who made vital contribution to make the programme such a huge success. He said normally we do not make announcements on such programmes, but had to inform members:
* A donation of £251 from Bhikhubhai Solanki from South-end-on Sea to celebrate the 75th birthday of his wife -Kokilaben. Nituben and group sang the 'Happy Birthday' song for her. Kendra's Best Wishes and Heartiest congratulation to her and pray she enjoys many more birthdays. The couple, who are our members will also make arrangements for our picnic at South-end-on Sea on 18th August.
* £51 from Hansaben Khira on the occasion of her son -Dipesh's wedding and the joy of the birth of a baby boy to her daughter. Kendra's Best Wishes and many thanks to her.
* £25 from the father- in-law of Manishaben Wala who visited Kendra some time ago and who was very Happy to hear Kendra's achievement of the Queen's Award. Manishaben will convey our heartiest thanks, Best Wishes and Good Health to him in India.
*A new NVK Banner with the Queen's logo donated by Manojbhai Gandhi in memory of his mother. Many thanks to him.
* Ferrero chocholates from Rasilaben and Prabhudasbhai Shah - these were given to members at the entrance. Kendra's many thanks to them.
* A DVD of 'Bhajans' was presented to all present from Nituben Shah in memory of her parents. Kendra's heartiest thanks to her.
Jayantbhai informed members that there were still a few seats available for the day trip to South-end-on Sea on Tuesday -18th Aug. Anyone interested to give their names to Punambhai Patwa.
The programme was very well organised and it was good to see everyone in a happy mood and enjoying the fantastic music- sometimes even dancing near the stage. Nituben and Group sang some oldie songs from 1947. Other unforgettable tunes from the 'Bhuli Bishri Yadeein' were sung. Everyone joined in clapping and even singing with the melodious tunes and several requests for specific songs were given and sung by the Group.
Just before the interval for lunch, Vinodbhai Parekh announced by repeating the President's words -that the success of any society and organisation depends on its members' attendance at its various activities.. He was proud to see the largest gathering to=date. He also thanked all the volunteers who came very early this morning to help in various duties, including those who were at the Entrance to check tickets. He also thanked the kitchen volunteers, the Pattidar Centre's staff, Meera Caterers.
The President - Baburai Shah announced that he was happy to see everyone enjoying in our celebrations of Queen's award and India's Independence Day. He said that today even the 'A' Level results have come out and he congratulated to all the families who are celebrating the success of their grandson's or granddaughter's achievements.
A delicious lunch with 'Amrat Pak', Masala puri, Dhokra , Samosa etc was served and this was very well enjoyed. After lunch, the music continued and at 3.00 pm, ice cream was served to all. The programme ended at 3.30 pm.
We are proud of all the volunteers who put in a lot of effort in making this programme a great success and they deserve our heartfelt thanks.
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