The Managing Committee of the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association (ALM) organised the third Food Festival “Flavours of the Village” at St. Isabel’s School on Saturday, 14th April 2018, evening. Home chefs from Matharpacady Village and its environs prepared a wide range of delicacies, namely snacks, meals, and desserts, which they displayed in their individual stalls. Committee Members, Mrs. Charmaine Vongeyer, Mrs. Renie Baptista, Mr. Clyde Soares, Mr. Dennis Baptista, Mrs. Carole Viegas alongwith our President, Mr Percy D’Souza did an excellent job in coordinating and getting all the food items prepared, displayed and moderately priced. These included sandwiches, rolls, wraps, dishes of pork, chicken, mutton, fish and a live barbeque tandoori chicken stall manned by Master Barbeque Chef, Rudolph Saldin. Soft drinks were available to quench one’s thirst. Also home made pickles, and masalas were on sale. There was also a Pink Panther stall looked after Ms. Beverly D’Souza, with a wide range of art and craft works and items on display at very moderate prices. Thanks to generous donations of these items, made by Dr. Gerald Mascarenhas, Mr. Percy D’Souza and others.
Mr Dennis Baptista, our Vice President, welcomed the invitees who were around 200 people to this Village Food Fiesta on a beautiful summer evening. He hoped all invitees would take part in the games, sing, dance, make merry and enjoy the wide range of authentic homemade snacks, delicacies and dishes, all moderately priced. He stressed that the purpose of these Food Festivals and the many events the Welfare Association organises year after year are meant to bind people and families together in the spirit of friendship so that we can effectively tackle civic and other social issues. Our silent and dedicated members and volunteers – Mr. Clyde Soares and Mr. Gerard Baptista welcomed each and every guest at the entrance. An efficient team in the hall ably handled the donor coupon counters for eatable and soft drinks supervised by Mr. Gerard Viegas, Mr. Ignatius Fernandes and Mr. Clifford Concescio. The Committee Members Mrs. Selma Pulical Ms. Vidhyashri Veloo, and Mr. Canute Monteiro also organised amusing and exciting games for children and adults like Musical Chairs, Fishing the Alphabets to form the word “Flavours of the Village”. Young kiddies enjoyed themselves with the pulsating music while showcasing their skills with the Hula Hoop. A giant Snakes and Ladders game board on which both children and adults could participate drew large crowds who cheered on the players. Winners were awarded prizes for all these games. A quick game of Housie in between kept the crowd engrossed in ticking away their numbers for the various prizes awarded. Mr. Bernard, the DJ provided a wide range of music and Karaoke throughout the function.
Most of the children and adults patronised many of the stalls, took part in the games and sat down to enjoy the tasty dishes they bought. Their favourable comments and feedback gladdened the hearts of the home made chefs. Many food counters ran out of snack and food items quickly as hungry visitors relished the home cooked goodies, picking up takeaways for their loved ones at home.
The President, Mr. Percy D’Souza then announced the prize winners of the Raffle Draw. The First Prize was awarded to Ms. Alisha Paiva, the Second Prize to Mr. Ignatius Fernandes, the Third Prize was awarded to Mr. Rajendra Veloo, and the Fourth Prize to Mr. Anoop Chakravarthy. The names of Consolation Prize winners were announced for each raffle list. The lucky winners received their prizes with much applause from all around.
Mr. Dennis Baptista gave the vote of thanks – to the President, Mr. Percy D’Souza and all the members of the Managing Committee and other volunteers. He made special mention and the Committee’s most grateful thanks to all the Home Chefs who took great pains to prepare, bring to the venue and serve everyone such a delicious repast. He thanked the DJ, Mr. Bernard for the music and Karaoke. and most importantly the visitors and guests, for making the Flavours of the Village a grand success. He also thanked the Management of St. Isabel’s School for their constant support to the Association and M/s Kharwa Decorators for providing and arranging all the amenities and sound system.
Compiled by Mr. Tyronne Concescio and Mr. Stanislaus Baptista
Photographs – Courtesy Mr. Stanislaus Baptista
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