working towards a closer community contact us the...
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BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 1
Working towards a
closer community
The Chairman’s Message
Dear Members,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees (BOT), it gives me great pleasure to wish you,
your family and friends a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2017 year.
We have full Trustees Board of 15 Trustees for the two years 2016 and 2017.
Throughout last year various programmes were organised by BSNL and our elders
group, Abhilasha, Cultural Club, 30-65age group, and Young Brahmins. I thank all
who supported throughout the year. During the year the BOT met every month to
discuss various aspects of Samaj including finance. I thank every trustee for their
selfless contributions throughout the year.
I reported during 2014 and 2015 that I would inform you of the progress made to
refurbish our main building and develop our porta -cabin, which we wanted to
replace with a new, purpose built building at a reasonable and affordable cost. To
this end the building development committee lead by Vinodbhai Mehta worked with
our architect throughout last two years, discussed various plans suitable and
affordable to us for planning application. I am very pleased to inform you that we
were granted planning permission to buil d a two storey building to replace our aging
porta-cabin. Thanks to Vinodbhai and his team.
I am pleased to report that under leadership of Parul Jani refurbishment work of
toilets down stair and upstairs work of new toilets and independent access have
been completed. Thanks to Parul and the building maintenance team.
With regards to our Young Brahmin’s, I am pleased to report that this year, Mohini
Yagnik has come forward to and taken the lead to resurrect our YB group. Two
events been organised to date, and I request all our members to encourage young
family member to join the YB.
I reported at AGM that our elders group, Cultural Club, Abhilasha and our newly
formed 30-65 group are all functioning well and organising events over the year.
We need volunteers for our sub groups and building maintenance team, please join
the group of your interest and help us to build a strong BSNL.
As well as our own inhouse events and activities, BSNL also participate in associated
organisations such as Diwali at Trafalgar Square, thanks to Harshaben who
represented BSNL.
I am sure you would join me to thank all trustees, subgroup convenors, and
volunteers for their selfless dedication and contribution to BSNL and of course you
the members. I sincerely thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve BSNL.
Our financial accounts are very well maintained by Treasurer and his team
particularly Mrs Ninaben Joshi. Many thanks to them.
I strongly believe that united we stand strong as BSNL family. My humble appeal to
all is to get involve with BSNL in whatever way you can.
Jai Mahadev,
Kind Regard,
Gunvant Dave.
BSNL,
07956 428 050
Contact Us
For General Enquiries:
Harendra Raval 07956 428 050,
For BSNL Hall Hire:
Text on 07483 904 979 or
e-mail at [email protected]
For Membership Enquiries:
Hitesh Purohit 07882 571 234,
For BSNL Cultural Club:
Trupti Joshi 07947 807 147,
For BSNL Elders Group:
Vinod Mehta 07770 730 202,
For BSNL Abhilasha:
Anjana Thaker 07949 830 273,
For BSNL Young Brahmins:
Mohini Yagnik 07975 513199,
Visit us on-
line
Stay in touch with all the latest BSNL news by visiting our website (www.bsnl.org.uk) and
our facebook pages (login to facebook and search for Brahmin Society North London).
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 2
The Secretary’s Message
BSNL’s Annual General Meeting took place on Sunday 11th December 2016 at BSNL Community Centre. At the
meeting, the Chairman of Trustees- Mr Gunvantbhai Dave gave his annual report and highlighted various
successful functions that were arranged during the year. He also reported on the progress made on the Building
development application sent to Brent Council. He went on to thank all of the Trustees, event convenors and
volunteers. He concluded by saying that we need to stand united and work together for the betterment of BSNL.
Ramnikbhai Joshi, our Treasurer, presented the annual audited accounts for the year ending 31 August 2016. Any
member can obtain a copy of the accounts by sending a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to the Secretary,
BSNL, 22 Bosworth Road, New Southgate, London, N11 2SY. At this meeting, a resolution was received to add a
post of Deputy Chairperson to the list of office bearers. This resolution was unanimously passed. At the first
meeting of the BOT, various responsibilities will be allocated and these will be advised in the next newsletter.
We have already planned a few programmes for your, see below for more details.
Wishing you all a happy, health and peaceful 2017.
Jai Shree Krishna, Harendra Raval.
Bhajan Sandthya – Sat 28 Jan at our hall
All Hari Bhaktos are invited to come and enjoy an evening of Bhakti Ras Bhajans, presented
by Pinakin B Raval, a famous singer from Gujarat.
Pinakinbhai is Master of performing arts, Indian Classical music in vocal and has performed
on all India Radio and is an Indian television artist.
Bhakti Rang from 8pm – 10.30pm.
Please do attend with your family and friends and enjoy the evening
of Bhakti Rang. Anybody who wishes to bring PRASAD is welcome to
do so - we would be grateful if you can inform us in advance
by contacting Gunvantbhai Dave on 07877565747.
Forthcoming Events for 2017…
MahaShivratri – Fri 24th
Feb at BSNL
This year, this auspicious occasion falls on Friday 24th of February 2017, and we
invite you to celebrate with us, at BSNL Hall, 8pm to 10 pm.
Could you please register your names ASAP as Yajmans in advance as we have
limited spaces. Registration will be on first come first served basis. All the puja
samagri will be provided by BSNL, however please bring along with you your
Shivling, a thali, 2 small spoons, diva for arti & bilva patra.
Contant the event convenors for further details and to register.
Event convenors: Parul Jani (07940 584321), Gunwantbhai Dave (07877565747)
Jai Jai Mahadev!
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 3
Hanuman Chalisa - Sat 8th
Apr
Join us at BSNL house for an uplifting and spiritual experience as we
celebrate the brave and noble Hanuman Ji by reciting 108 Hanuman
Chalisa.
We will start at 9:30am (approx.) and will conclude at around 4:30pm.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, or for more information,
contact the event convenor.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Event convenor: Nilimaben Raval (07713 925173)
Jai Hanuman!
New Building Project Open Day - Sat 4th
Mar
The BOT, in the first Executive meeting after the AGM, have agreed to proceed with the New Building Project and are pleased to invite you to an open day:
date: Saturday 4th March 2017
time: 7pm to 10 pm venue: BSNL Community Centre 128 East Lane North Wembley HA0 3NL,
at which you will have a chance to see all the proposed plans and details of the new building to be built in place of the current porta cabin, and ask questions you may have.
We (the BOT), look forward to welcoming you and sharing the new hall ‘vision’ over a cup of
tea/coffee and biscuits, do join us!
Rang Barse Holi Celebrations - Sun 12th
Mar
BSNL will be celebrating the popular Holi festival at our Hall!
Festivities will begin with a short prayer, followed by the lighting
of the Holika bonfire, afterwhich all assembled will have the
privilege of making their offerings to the fire and performing
darshan.
This will be followed by a short session of Dhuleti (colour play).
When? Sun 12th Mar 2017.
Time? 6pm onwards.
Where? Our BSNL Hall.
Please be aware that clothes will get dirty and wet!
Event convenors:
Parul Jani (07940 584321), Hitesh Purohit (07882571234)
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 4
Recent Past Events…
Diwali Dhamaka 19th November2016 at Kenton Hall (Event convenor: Mr Mukeshbhai Rawal)
It’s a pleasure to report on the BSNL Diwali Dhamaka 2016, which took place at Kenton Hall. Kenton hall has a capacity of 250 people (seated at round tables). On arrival of our guests were
welcomed with an exotic drink, before being ushered to their allotted table. Our chosen event caterer, Mr. Rasik Waghjiyani, served a most exotic, delicious and mouth-watering three course Mexican
vegetarian meal. The live music band, led by Jayu Raval and Veda, provided all hit bollywood songs. Program started very well at 7 PM with food serving, there after music band performed numerous song till 11.00 PM. The life of Diwali Dhamaka was group dance performed by lady members of BSNL. Patrons
enjoyed with full capacity of house.
Children’s Christmas Party 18th December 2016 (Event convenors: Hiteshbhai & Nutanben Purohit) We had a total of 35 kids in the end.
We started by playing games with the kids while the entertainer was setting up. The entertainer started around 2.45pm and kept the kids entertained for the next 2 hours. During this time, there were snacks and drinks available for the kids.
Whilst the party was going on upstairs, the team in the kitchen set up the hall for dining, prepared the sandwiches and the other food. We were very fortunate that all the food for the party had been
donated by kind donors. Pizzas were warmed up and kept ready for the kids. When the pizzas were ready, the kids came down
and set at the tables. Food was then served to the kids. There were also subway sandwiches that was served to the kids and the parents.
Once all the kids had eaten, they went up to watch a magic show. Santa then arrived and called all the kids one by one and handed them their presents. Due to his busy schedule, Santa was not able to stay any longer and so left shortly after.
The kids went home, tired, well fed, and happy. The parents were also happy with the way it had been organised.
Nutan (event convenor) has had several texts and messages from the parents on how much their child enjoyed the programme.
Most important, all this was only possible because of the fantastic help we got on the day. Without this, it would have been very stressful for the organisers. Nutan and I would like to thank all the volunteers and donors for making this into another successful BSNL Event.
Chaitri Navratri - Sun 2nd
Apr
BSNL’s Abhilasha invite you to celebrate Chaitri Navrati with an
afternoon of garba music and dance at our hall on Sun 2nd Apr, 2:30 to
5:30pm.
For more information, contact
Anjanaben Thaker on
0794983027.
Jai Mataji!
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 5
The BSNL Subgroups
The BSNL Children’s Culture Club
Dear Members,
Culture Club (CC) is a fun club for all BSNL children aged between 6 and 18.
We meet every Saturday (10 sessions per school term), between 2:30 and 4:30pm, at BSNL house.
During our sessions, children learn about:
Hindu and Gujarati culture, history and religion, during ‘topic time’
The Gujarati language
Gujarati/Hindu music and songs (bhajans, garbas, aartis, lok-geet, etc)
in a relaxed, friendly environment.
We charge £20 for 10 weeks, which goes towards paying for our resources as well as a snack,
which children enjoy together each week.
Do encourage your children to join us!
For more information on the club, to enrol your child or to offer
your services, please contact me, Trupti, on 07947 807147.
Jai Shree Krishna,
Mrs Trupti Joshi, BSc (hons), P.G.C.E.,
BSNL Trustee & BSNL CC Chairperson.
ખ
BSNL ABHILASHA
This year the Abhilasha team are looking to organise more gatherings & activities for our ladies in
addition to the usual popular events for all our samaj members. Details will be advised in future
newsletters & social media.
The plan for the first few months is as follows:
March - Ladies Satsang
April - Chaitra Navaratri for all Bsnl members
May - Cookery Demo- Abhilasha Ladies
June - Antakshari for all Bsnl members.
To sponsor an event, please contact Anjana Thaker or Harshaben Bhatt on 07909 050120.
Please look out for future Abhilasha Ladies’ Events - Details will be sent via Abhilasha Whattsapp Group Chat, BSNL Facebook Page and BSNL Website.
Mrs Anjana Thaker, BSNL Trustee & BSNL Abhilasha Chairperson, WhatsApp: 07949830273, Email Address: [email protected]
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 6
BSNL Club30/60…
The BSNL Club 30/60 is for all BSNL members aged between 30 and 60. We are currently working on the events calendar for 2017 so watch out for details on our FB page, the BSNL website and the
Whatsapp group!
If you are interested and want to join, call Pramath Pandya (07747 802 141) or Hitesh Purohit.
Remember, BSNL is not just for Navratri. Get involved!
Mr Hitesh Purohit, BSNL Trustee & BSNL Club 3060 Chairperson, 07882 571 234.
BSNL E-group
Dear Members,
Happy New Year!
After a 3 week Xmas and New Year Break we reopened our eGroup on Tuesday 10th January to our
members delight as they were eagerly waiting for it to reopen. Such is the attraction and adiction
to our eGroup.
This year we plan to enhance our services for our elderly further with Music Classes, Games
Sessions, etc. We want to make sure that our elderly members get good outings full of fun and
games and good food in comfortable atmosphere amongst friends when they attend our eGroup.
And we have a solid team of volunteers to help us – including our eGroup Committee comprising:
Chairman: Vinod Mehta, Dining & Catering: Dr Sharadbhai Mehta, Manoranjan: Shashikantbhai
Mehta, eYoga: Nimuben Rawal, Membership: Hema Mehta, Special Events: Dr Mukundbhai Mehta
and Feel Good Advisor: Bhartiben Vyas.
We are also very active on WhatsApp and Facebook. Our elders need not feel lonely as everyone is
in touch with everyone and just a click away.
For more information or if you wish to donate lunch please contact:
Mr Vinod Mehta, BSNL Trustee & BSNL eGroup Chairman, 07770 730202, [email protected]
BSNL Young Brahmins (YBs)
In 2016, the previously dormant Young Brahmins group was revived. We have since had two fun
events, a meal in Leicester Square and bowling in Bloomsbury. Our membership is steadily growing
and we have lots of exciting plans and ideas for the future. As well as meeting new and old
friends and socialising, one of our major aims is to reintegrate the Brahmin youth into the main
Samaj and to achieve a greater appreciation of our cultures, traditions and religion.
If you are interested in joining Young Brahmins, please contact me, Mohini Yagnik on 07975
513199 or [email protected]. Also, we are currently in the process of forming a committee - if
you are interested in holding a position, please be in touch.
Mohini Yagnik, BSNL YB Chairperson.
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 7
BSNL Website
Our sincere thanks and gratitude to: Mr Yagnesh Shukla,
Mr Ananadbhai Pancholi, Mrs Kamal Purohit,
Mrs Bhavini Bhatt for their excellent work in finalising the newly
designed BSNL Website.
Please do visit the website at prod1.bsnl.org.uk for all the very latest information, news, photographs and much more!
Our website is now managed by Mr Anandbhai Pancholi assisted by Mrs Bhaviniben Bhatt.
Newsletter design and writing
BSNL produce four/five newsletters per year.
We are looking for a volunteer who can assist us in designing and writing the BSNL Newsletter.
If this is of interest and you can offer your expertise then please contact Hon Secretary - Harendra
Raval on 07956428050.
Samaj Samachar
Sad News
It is with deep sadness that we write of the sad demise of Mrs Shushilaben Shukla, wife of Mr Gunvantbhai Shulka, on Saturday 31st December 2016.
Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti.
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations to our Member Ms Mira Vyas for being awarded an MBE in
this year’s New year’s honours list. Mrs Vyas has worked for the Department
of Works and Pensions for 33 years. She was described by colleagues as a
‘stalwart’ of the Barnet Community, known for founding a breakfast and after-
school club in the area to help parents get back to work.
Ms Vyas said: “It is truly a great honour and privilege to be recognised in such a phenomenal way.
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 8
BSNL Porta-Cabin Replacement Project
Dear All,
Back in 2012 we revised our building plans to a much more manageable project – instead of trying to
replace our main building with a much bigger one at an estimated cost of £2.2 million which we could
not afford we have decided to refurbish our main building and replace our aging porta-cabin with a
purpose built new building at an affordable price of £450 thousand.
Our new building will benefit all our members and provide better facilities for our various subgroups
including our Childrens Culture Club, Young Brahmins, Club 30-60, Abhilasha and our Elders Group. It
will become an additional source of income for us from Private Hirers. It will have the same size foot
print as our existing Porta-Cabin but will be 2 storeys high – a modern building with a function hall,
kitchenette and toilets on the upper floor, and, a dining hall, kitchen and toilets on the ground floor
with a staircase and a lift. The capacity will be 150 people per floor. The resiting of this building will
also give us 10 additional parking spaces.
Getting planning approval was a struggle but we persevered and we finally got it. It gives us 3 years
within which we have to start construction work. We are very keen to start the work asap but not
before we have secured the required funds. And that is our main challenge now.
BSNL Hall Hire
Happy New Year to all from the BSNL Building Committee.
Our newly renovated and much improved hall now includes new lighting, first floor kitchenette and
washroom facilities. The hall is available for hire by members and non-members throughout the
year.
• BSNL Member get a 10% discount when the hall is hired - this includes the hire of upstairs,
downstairs or both halls. The discount will be applied to the final cost of hire and is available to
BSNL members only.
• When we lose someone dear to us we have an added burden of finding a hall to hold the Prathna
Sabha. For BSNL members we would like to offer the use of the BSNL hall when they have lost an
immediate family member. The hall will be made available if it has not been previously booked for
the needed date and will be available free of charge for BSNL members. Please note that if we
already have a booking we cannot offer the hall.
As always please remember the BSNL hall for all your function needs. Contact our hall booking
team on 02083851900 or 07483904979 for further details, or send an e-mail to [email protected]
or [email protected] with the details. A response will be given within 48 hours.
BSNL, 128 East Lane, North Wembley, HA0 3NL.
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2017 9
We have £235 thousand in our accounts. What we need is the balance of some £215 thousand for
which we are trying various avenues including:
Getting a Bank Loan
Taking Private Members Loans
Seeking Donations – including with Incentives – e.g. donations of over £1 thousand will get 1
day of free hire of our new building, donations of over £5 thousand will get their name on a
plaque, donations of over £25 thousand will get to name a Hall, etc.
Applying for Big Lottery Grant
Doing Sponsored Events
Organising Fund Raising Programmes
Promoting our Hall for extra Hire Income
Reclaiming Tax via Gift Aid
What we need from all our members and well wishers is to help us make this project happen. It is well
within our reach. Unity is our Strength! Thank You For Your Support!
For more information please contact:
Mr Vinod Mehta (On Behalf of BSNL New Building Project Team)