Nottingham (UK): MUKA holds Annual Summer Picnic

By John Peter Fernandes
Bellevision Media Network

Nottingham (UK), 16 August 2010: The much awaited annual summer picnic of MUKA, Nottingham took place on 14th August to the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Leicestershire. Mangaloreans living in and around Nottingham took part in this event under the aegis of Mangalorean United Konkani Association.

In spite of the unpredictable English weather nearly 70 people participated in this much appreciated event.

A coach was arranged for those traveling from Nottingham to Rutland Park, while others reached the venue with their own transport. Rutland Water Reserve is set on 4,200 acres of land and is Europe’s largest man made water reserve which has a spectacular landscape.

People set to this place as early as possible as the God of rain seems to have blessed us with his on and off rains. However, traveling in a coach and singing various songs all along the way reminded them their days participating in school picnic’s. Around 10.30 am, president of MUKA, Mr Jeevan Menezes welcomed the gathering and Fr. Olvin Veigas SJ led the group into a short prayer service.

Mr Conrad Aranha arranged a delicious breakfast for all, followed by various games for young and adults. The popular children’s games entertained the little ones and made them feel at home in a diverse group. Mr. Stany Sequeira, the Cultural Secretary of MUKA organized the games meticulously with the able assistance of Jeevan Menezes, Vincent D’Souza, Deepak Alvares, Pius Rasquinha and Anita Menezes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        

 

 

 

 

The event saw some of the spectacular games being played with whole hearted participation by the members. In addition, the attendees were divided into two groups and games like, tug-of-war, dog and the bone, shoe game, bottle and carrot game, coconut game, shooting the wicket, etc, were played for everyone’s joy.

Besides the various games, the attendees enjoyed a sumptuous lunch prepared by the Shivalli Restaurant from Leicester with inimitable traditional South Indian style.

The whole group went on a cruise trip in the lake for an hour which was enjoyed by each and everyone.

Mr John Peter Fernandes, secretary of MUKA thanked all those who worked hard to make this day-long picnic successful, especially the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, members and guests. The day was very well organized by cultural secretary Mr. Stany Sequeira with the support of the executive committee members which was appreciated by one and all.

Prizes were distributed to the winners as a token of appreciation. All the members departed with fond memories of sharing in joy and happiness as one big family living abroad.