ANNOUNCEMENTS ON WEDNESDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2015
1). Today is the last gathering we are having in the current year. We will be meeting next on the 7th January of next year. On behalf of Kendra, we send the season’s greetings to all members and wish you all enjoy your holidays. May the Merry Christmas bring you all good tidings and a time of peace and happiness for you and your family and may the Almighty bless you in the coming years.
We would also like to thank all the members and volunteers who have always been ready to help us throughout the year. We have received great encouragement from members, after all the good programmes that were arranged this year and this has given us the impetus to do even better.
We may have made mistakes, but we learn from mistakes. If any member felt he or she was wronged by any of the committee, then we ask for forgiveness.
2). DONATIONS : * £51 from Nimaben Kakad on the occasion of the 74th birthday of Surubhai Kakad, which is today. Let us all sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and give him our Best Wishes and pray that he enjoys many more birthdays to come. They have also donated three tins of chocolates in celebration.
3). After lunch, we will have the Christmas Party for children and at Tea Time, Kendra will distribute Ice Cream.
PROGRAMME :
First of all, I must inform all members that this was the first ever Christmas programme organised in a short time for the member’s grand-children and we had 57 names of the participating children. Though there was a little confusion here and there, we have learnt how to make this even better next time.
Jasuben Sheth had arranged a wonderful and highly impressive programme for the children with the help of Ellaben Shah, Vindobhai Kapashi ,Pragnaben Mandalia and Ramesh Shah. As soon as the children started arriving, they were directed to the other Hall, where they were treated to some very enjoyable games by Prgnaben Mandalia’s son – Dr. Uday( who is a consultant) and daughter-in-law –Dr. Maya. Kendra’s many thanks to them for the way they kept everyone entertained.
Whilst Yoga was conducted by Manishaben as usual in the main Hall, here Bharitben and Kanesh Gandhi were preparing the whole set up of gifts, decorations etc. with the help of other volunteers. Kendra highly appreciates all the wonderful gifts donated and packed with compliments from Ayush, Klisha, Bharti, Kanesh Gandhi in memory of Late Ruxmaniben & Chimanlal Gandhi and Damyantiben & Dhirajlal Gathani. The expensive gifts in proper gift bags were highly admired by all the children.
Just before announcements everyone from the other Hall was called in the main Hall and the children were called to take their special lunch of Pizza, cakes and fruits. After them, all others were called for the lunch, which included ‘Shrikhand’ and crispy ‘Bhagias’(again we thank Meera for their special effort in giving all a real Christmas treat).
After lunch Jasuben started the programme and what an amazing sight to see so many young children coming one after the other on the stage and giving fantastic recitations of music, kathak dances, violin play, Christmas carols and songs. They were all marvellous – really they had talent. Even Nimaben and Suru Kakad gave a dance to celebrate Suru’s birthday.
After this programme, Ice Cream was served to all present and then Christmas Father (Ramesh Shah) came on the stage and presented all the children gifts.
Our Hon. Secretary - Jayantbhai Doshi gave a short speech praising the work done by all the volunteers and also thanked the donors by calling them near the stage.
Everyone was happy and praising the wonderful programme for which all credit goes to Jasuben Sheth and all the volunteers. Well done and keep up
4). Remember there will be no gathering on Thurs – 31st Dec –New Year’s Eve, and we meet next on 7th January when we may have a gujarati natak, if the same is ready by then.
5). Normally we have been celebrating Kendra’s Anniversary and New Year on the first Thursday of the Year. However as many members are on holiday during this period, it was decided to hold our celebrations later - on 21st January.
6). Everyone, including all guests, are requested to sign the Register at the Entrance Main Table and Guests should obtain their Passes.
7) Jasuben Sheth announced the details of the X-mas party after wishing all a Merry Christmas:- * She advised the parents or grand-parents to take care of their children/grand-children and as the food will be served to the children first, if any child has any allergy, it is their lookout, as Kendra will not be liable to any consequences. * Games are being arranged for the children in the other Hall, where they should relax until everyone is called. * After the special programme, all children will be presented with presents by Christmas Father after being called each one by their names.