Goan Voice UK: Newsletter. Issue 2006-50. Dec. 14, 2006

UK : Anna de Souza: Tackling discrimination and racism
8 Dec: Richmond and Twickenham Times … From April 2005 to March 2006, 456 incidents of racism were reported to Hounslow Racial Equality Council (HREC) with 152 cases taken to the courts or other authorities … Anna de Souza is Hounslow's independent race crime outreach officer. She had previously worked at the Home Office's race equality unit. "I am totally independent from the police but I have the ability to liaise with them and keep an eye on what they are doing with regards to the victims," Ms de Souza explained … Anna divides her time between the Police Community Safety Unit and Hounslow Racial Equality Council. The main aim of her post is to bridge the gap between victims and the Police and to encourage victims to report all race crime whilst providing practical and emotional support. Anna also attends court, case conferences and liaises with wide range of multi agency partners on behalf of the victims. For full text Click here.
[Anna was born and raised in London and graduated from Loughborough University BSc Social Policy in 2004. She is the daughter of Marilyn (ex-Zanzibar) and Maurino (ex-Nairobi), sister of Averil. She traces her Goan roots to Saligao].

Movers & Shakers.
11 Dec: Financial Times. Investec Asset Management has appointed Dr Richard Saldanha as a portfolio manager responsible for quantitative process management in its multi-asset team. Dr Saldanha joins from Mizuho International where he was responsible for risk managing the equity and equity derivative businesses. [Dr Richard Saldanha is the son of Roland who is in business – one of his outlets is the Fish Bargain Warehouse at 32 Acre Lane , Brixton, London SW2. His mother, Margarita, is a paediatrician and he has a brother Allan who achieved national fame in 1987 at the age of 10 as a champion of Countdown, the Channel 4 game show hosted by the late Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman.

UK : Michael Braganza: Doors open on new look home
12 Dec: Andover Advertiser. After being closed for nearly a year the refurbished Berehill Nursing Home in Whitchurch has reopened. Michael Braganza, the owner, built a new home next to Berehill, which opened last year … The two homes were equipped with new furnishings and equipment and can now take 70 residents. A total of 80 people will be employed at the nursing home. [Michael Braganza is ex Dar es salaam, Tanzania ]. For text click here. For a photograph of Michael Braganza click here.

Carol Furtado: Taste of modern day India
12 Dec: South Wales Echo. The spectacular Merchants of Bollywood take over the Wales Millennium Centre tonight and lead dancer Carol Furtado promises: "It's such a high-energy show we need an ambulance on standby." The musical has earned rave reviews on its current tour for its alchemical mix of music, dance and colour, woven around the greatest hits from Bollywood … "It's actually very hard to perform in these temperatures," said Furtado, who gets her distinctly non-Indian name from her family's roots in Goa, which was once ruled by the Portuguese … Furtado started her dance career as a young girl in Bombay and got her first major assignment as a backing dancer with Guns'N'Roses at the launch of MTV in Bangalore in 1996 … Despite coming from what she admits is a conservative family background, she has always had their blessing for her career in dance, film and stage. 503 words. Click here

Reita Faria: The first Indian to win the Miss World title.
12 Dec: Rediff News. The first Indian to be crowned Miss World 40 years ago, the Mumbai-raised Reita was one of the best known Indians worldwide in her times … Many of her admirers salute Reita's steadfast mind, having read how she spurned a glamorous life for the pursuit of medicine, giving that up to nurture her two daughters. Photo and text, 484 words. [Submitted by Fritz D'Souza, Goa .] Click here.

UK : Michael Braganza: Doors open on new look home
12 Dec: Andover Advertiser. After being closed for nearly a year the refurbished Berehill Nursing Home in Whitchurch has reopened. Michael Braganza, the owner, built a new home next to Berehill, which opened last year … The two homes were equipped with new furnishings and equipment and can now take 70 residents. A total of 80 people will be employed at the nursing home. [Michael Braganza is ex Dar es salaam , Tanzania ]. For text see click here. For a photograph of Michael Braganza see click here.

Australia : And Qantas has its problems too
13 Dec. Daily Telegraph (Australia). A former Qantas aircraft engineer has been awarded more than $70,000 in damages after years of racial abuse at the hands of his colleagues and superiors. William Gama, 61, was subjected to taunts by co-workers because of his "black" appearance. Mr Gama, who was born in India and emigrated to Australia in 1982, sued Qantas in the for breaches of the Race Discrimination Act … Mr Gama started with Qantas in 1984, but in 2002 he allegedly entered a "deep depression" and could not continue work. He said that during his time with the airline he was likened to "a monkey" by a colleague, called a " Bombay taxi driver" and referred to as a "nigger in the woods" … Mr Gama had sought $3 million but Qantas was ordered to pay him $71,692.70. 233 words. Click here.

Bahrain: Rui Falcao: Royal honour for British Council manager
14 Dec: Gulf Daily News. Bahrain resident Rui Falcao (68), has received an honorary Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in appreciation of his dedication, exemplary service and loyalty to the British Council. The award was presented by Princess Anne during her visit to Bahrain last month … Mr Falcao has worked for the British Council in Bahrain since 1972 and prior to that he worked for the British Embassy … Mr Falcao will retire to Goa with his wife Jilla next June. 431 words. Click here.

10 Dec: Curtorim. Goa . IDA ISABELA D'COSTA E FERNANDES . Wife of late Joaquim. Mother of Nicolau, Antonio (Canada), Nuno, Magdu/Inacio, Lourenco.

9 Dec: Santa Cruz, Goa . LOUIZA MARIA LOURDES DIAS E OLIVEIRA (BHUSHAN) : Born 1936. Wife of Antonio Bernardo. Mother of Domnic/Maria, Abel/Rolleta and Michael/Ruby (UK).

9 Dec: Santa Cruz , Mumbai. AMALINA FRANCIS (aged 87). Wife of late Sylvester. Mother of Maryann/Agapito; Isabelle/Remy (Toronto); Michael/Jane (Toronto; Late Phyllis (Holland); Brenda (Dubai); Barbara/Hans (Frankfurt).

Go Goa !
9 Dec: The Hindu. There's more to this holiday destination than beaches and churches. The next thing you absolutely need in Goa is a bike. There is so much to explore ... discover exotic haunts, remote beaches, charming churches and night bazaars scattered all along the coast. 736 words. Click here.

Go Goa
10 Dec: Financial Express. Goa is best known for: Its beaches, cool atmosphere and Portuguese-influenced culture. The pleasures of basking in the sun, chugging down chilled beer and tucking into a plate of mussel curry and rice are undoubtedly some of Goa's main highlights. However, a trip inland is equally memorable with scenic paddy and spice plantations, old churches and beautiful palacios, Portuguese mansions. Click here.

Pack your trunk and head to Goa
9 Dec: The Sun (UK)… The Leela Palace Hotel in Goa was fit for a king. The open-sided lobby is the size of half a football pitch and makes everyone feel regal as rows of fans keep the air cool while wafting over the intoxicating smells of mysterious spices, tropical fruits and freshly cut flowers … But whatever your budget, Goa is an incredibly vibrant place to visit. 663 words. Click here.

Travel: Going Going...Gone: Trips and tips
9 Dec: The Guardian (UK). … Pick up a last-minute bargain to India. Jewel in the Crown Holidays has a pounds 299 deal to Goa including flights and a week's dorm-style accommodation at Taurus Lodge. First departure Dec 15 (from Manchester) and Dec 16 (Gatwick), then weekly until Jan 6. 01293 533338, jewelholidays.com

Book early is the new flying mantra
11 Dec: Economic Times. In the runup to Christmas and New Year, the one-way airfare from Mumbai to Goa on low cost airline SpiceJet has jumped up to Rs 12,000 (up from current levels of about Rs 2,500), as a new balance is struck between supply and demand … The message is unequivocal. “Book early to save money.” This is being reinforced by opening up seat inventories for sale six to nine months in advance and pricing them higher as the date of departure comes closer. So while a Rs 12,000 price for a one way Mumbai-Goa journey on SpiceJet may sound incredible at any other time, the airline hopes that it will be worth paying for a passenger desperate to get to Goa on Christmas Eve. Click here.

Goa to monitor cyber-cafe use for terrorist activities
8 Dec: PTI. The Goa government has asked owners of cyber-cafes across the state to maintain detailed records of their customers in the wake of possibility of terrorists using the outlets for their activities. 139 words. Click here.

Grab it, Build it, Forget it. By Peter de Souza and Preetu Nair
8 Dec: Goa Indica. If you want a piece of Goa 's coastline, follow three simple steps. Just grab the land, build on it (after making pretences that your structures are temporary) and then forget it. With a little help from a lawyer who can twist facts and a politician who is either a fellow grabber or can keep the law away. This week GT-Weekender looks at some of the prominent cases and the even more prominent violators.Click here.

Address by Cardinal Poupard in Goa
9 Dec: Zenit.org. I am extremely happy to be here today among you, to preside over this meeting of the directors of Catholic Cultural Centers in India … Though the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, this tiny land is marked by a peaceful harmony and respect for each other. 7,372 words. Click here.

Goa airport put on alert after terror threat
9 Dec: Press Trust of India . Security has been stepped up in and around Goa airport following intelligence inputs about a possible terror threat. "We received communication four days ago about a hijack threat issued by Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Toiba, following which the airport has been put on high alert," airport officials said in Panaji on Saturday. The airport at Dabolim in south Goa ismanned by around 280 CISF personnel, they said adding that the parking space adjacent to the terminal building has been shifted outside airport premises. Click here.

Law to ban land sale to non-Goans demanded
9 Dec: Herald. The Curtorim Block Congress President Reginaldo Lourenco has demanded that the government introduce a legislation prohibiting sale of land in Goa to those not resident of the State as is being done in states like Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh etc. … He pointed out that the demand for land in Goa has hugely increased in recent years, mostly because of demand from people resident outside Goa, who can afford high prices.http://oheraldo.in/node/21041

Goans crusade against real estate boom
9 Dec: Daily News & Analysis. In a bid to save Goa from the throes of real estate boom and preserve its natural beauty, Goans have finally come together and have raised their voice against the Regional Plan 2011. According to the plan, around seven crore square meters of land was sought for real estate purposes. The Town and Country Planning Minister and the mastermind behind the plan, Atanasio Monserrate, alias Babush, has been pushed into the backfoot ever since the who's who of Goa, including fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, have joined in the crusade … People in Goa see the plan as "anti-people, anti-Goa" 624 words.Click here.

Some Plane Truths. By Chandan Mitra.
10 Dec: The Pioneer. Last week, I travelled to Goa on business and lost precious hours both landing in and taking off from Dabolim airport. As my plane kept circling the airfield I spotted half-a-dozen commercial aircraft haphazardly parked all over the small airport. The pilot informed us there was no place to land … Our plane finally landed but we had to wait another 15 minutes on a subsidiary taxiway for two other planes to get airborne before we could reach our designated slot … Goa Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred D'Souza told me when I called on him next day that his Government was in no position to increase the number of charter flights this year (last year 720 such flights brought affluent Western tourists to this heavenly beach destination) since there was no place to park. He also pointed to the Navy's dilly-dallying over vacating nine acres of land needed to expand the airport. Click here.

Goa 's laidback residents rise up in arms to protect their green land
12 Dec: CNN-IBN. Goa 's natural charms are world famous but its beauty, so popular among tourists, could be at risk. Thanks to Goa government. CNN-IBN had earlier exposed the state's new development plan, that throws thousands of hectares of forest and green zones open to residential and commercial construction. Now, residents across the sleepy state are rising up in protest and are hoping to kickstart a mass statewide agitation. Citizens groups have already obtained a stay on the project from the High Court till it comes up for hearing again. 376 words. Click here.

Warning to Israelis: Al-Qaeda plotting attack in Goa
13 Dec: YNet (Israel). Israel 's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Division issued a travel warning Wednesday against visiting Goa . “In the upcoming weeks travelers to Goa are under serious terror threat of terror attacks by al-Qaeda,” the ministry warned said … Thousands of young travelers visit Goa to “chill out” on its attractive beach and spend days and nights partying … 443 words. Click here.

Goa, Goa , Gone?
13 Dec: The Globe and Mail (Canada). The once low-budget tourist haven of Goa is facing a crisis, environmentalists say, as developers force up land prices and a tourism boom threatens the delicate coastal ecology. “… we have decided to ban overseas purchases of real estate here,” says Goa 's Town and Country Planning Minister Atanasio Monserrate. But environmentalists say unchecked building is a bigger problem and is angering local residents accustomed to a more sedate style of life … a revamped master plan unveiled in April aims to build six new cities across the state, each with luxury hotels and business districts. 357 words. Click hee.

Row over land development plan in Goa
13 Dec: NDTV. There's trouble in paradise. Goa's Congress led ruling coalition is struggling to keep its flock together, as it battles growing statewide opposition to a plan to develop land in the state … The activists have gone to court against the plan but while the court decides the public protests will carry on to protect India's most popular beachfront paradise. 363 words. Click here.

Goa : Overseas employment agency to be set-up
14 Dec: Navhind Times. The cabinet has approved the creation of the Overseas Employment Agency of Goa to help Goan youth with vocational and technical training to get overseas jobs. Click here.

Goa to grant licence to three offshore casinos
14 Dec: The Hindu. The Goa Government on Wednesday decided to issue three new licences to set up offshore casinos but to restrict the total number of offshore casinos to five. Click here.

Goa 's would-be lifeguards can't swim
14 Dec: The Times (UK). … The authorities in Goa had attempted earlier this year to sign up more than 100 lifeguards but after the 129 recruits were put through their paces just one of them could swim 400 metres in the required time of nine minutes. … The authorities may struggle to fill its quota of women. Officials believe the media's depiction of them as potential Baywatch Babes and their need to wear a regulation one-piece swimming costume - a racy proposition in a conservative culture where women bathe in saris and bikini-clad tourists are ogled - put them off applying for the job … More than 200 people have drowned in the sea off Goa over the past four years, according to local statistics. 577 words. Click here.

Canada : Immigrants get help for training gap
8 Dec: Government of Canada Newsroom. Canada 's new government will invest to help better integrate new Canadians into the work force. "This project represents just one of many Government initiatives to improve foreign credential recognition," said Minister Emerson. "Our Government recognizes that Canada's future productivity and competitiveness depend on attracting a highly skilled, internationally trained workforce, and that's why we're investing in projects that do just that." Click here.

Konkan flavours
9 Dec: The Hindu. A little bit of Goa came down to Mangalore recently. The Taj Manjarun hosted a Goan Buffet Dinner at the Cardamom. Master Chef Milena Gomes from Goa turned out an array of mouth-watering specialities for the buffet … The charming Wahida Gomes, Chef Milena's daughter, kept the diners entertained with her repertoire of western and Goan numbers. What is the difference between Goan and Manglorean food? Milena: Goan food is less spicy. We use less of spices and more of vinegar. There is a lot of Portuguese influence on Goan food. A Goan meal normally consists of soup, salads, rice and fish curry and desserts. For photo and text, 678 words, click here.Click here.

Uganda : House of the Year
10 Dec: New Vision (Kampala). In 24 years, ten judges heard the case of the Athina club house … Nazmudini Gulam Hussein Virani, a London-based Ugandan Asian property tycoon has been claiming ownership of the property but now the Court has ruled that No. 30 Windsor Crescent, Kampala belongs to the Honorary Consul of Cyprus, Nicholas Roussos, the surviving son of the original owner, the late Eugenia Genovefa Roussos (Mrs). Before she died, Eugenia Genovefa had told the first trial judge that she bought the property from a Goan businessman called De Souza in 1961 and became the registered proprietor on July 19 of the same year … In 1972 the military regime of Idi Amin expelled the Roussos family together with the 60,000 Asians from Uganda … 1721 words.Click here.

Mumbai bar girls in demand in Kenya and Uganda
10 Dec: Times of India . It's been about three months since Seema came to Mumbai from Bangladesh to work in a bar. But she already has visited Hong Kong and Dubai for 'servicing' her clients … In the last four months, there has been a huge increase in human trafficking, with Mumbai becoming a transit point for far-flung destinations like Hong Kong, Dubai, and even in African countries like Uganda and Kenya's capital Nairobi. Click here.

Health tourists flock to India
10 Dec: The Scotsman. A Scots travel firm set up to organise stag parties is sending health tourists to the Third World for cheap, fast surgery they cannot get in the UK. Globe Health Tours - which usually provides entertainment for stag weekends - has already sent 30 patients to hospitals in India , where private surgery is a fraction of the price charged by UK clinics. Patients, who combine surgery with an exotic holiday, travel for dental implants, hip and knee replacements and cosmetic surgery at hospitals in Delhi , Mumbai, Kerala, Goa, Bangalore and Ghana . 444 words. Click here.

Australia : Goan Cuisine: Fine spreads
12 Dec: The Courier-Mail (Australia). Some things just look great in a bottle. Take the cucumberoil made by the clever people at Goan Cuisine in Perth . It is a rich golden brown liquid -- a very summery sort of condiment … The base oil here is canola which has been extracted from the production of cucumber achar pickle … Valentine D'Souza of Goan Cuisine says the product can be hard to get because only small amounts are extracted and chefs are clamouring to get their hands on it. [The Goan Cuisine website is at http://www.goancuisine.com.au/ ] For text of article click here.

Medical Refugees Flee to India
12 Dec: Wired News. The dearth of affordable health insurance has engendered a new breed of what the New England Journal of Medicine classifies as "medical refugees" -- patients traveling abroad for heart surgery and other crucial procedures -- that has grown sharply in the past two years … Indian hospitals welcome these sick travelers with open arms, often lavishing them with more attention than they could expect in their home country … Not only has the treatment been first-rate, they say, they have been able to pay for their plane tickets and even get some dental work and a vacation in Goa for $10,000 … 772 words. Click here.

Role reversal: Brits head to India
12 Dec: BBC News. There are at least 32,000 Britons now living in India, according to new research - and it is the economy that is sucking them in, a twist of migration history between the two countries … Writer Relocations, a company that helps people move to India, says it has seen inquiries from British Asians rise by a quarter in a year … Yusuf Hatia says, “In the UK I've always described myself, and been defined, as British Asian ... now I find myself saying British.” 1,178 words.Click here.

Death due to allergic reaction to malaria tablets
13 Dec: Batley Today (UK). Family and friends have paid tribute to a popular former pub landlord who has died suddenly while on holiday in India. Peter Clay, 54, is believed to have had an allergic reaction to malaria tablets soon after arriving in Goa with friends.Click here.

Harlequin hope Masala Jak’s will set curry sector alight
13 Dec: Herald (Scotland). Goa meets Govan in the chicken tikka masala pie. This is fusion food with the common touch, conjured up by Glasgow's reigning curry king, Sanjay Majhu to launch his new concept in curry dining.Click here.

London: Canary Wharf: Curve Restaurant and Bar
13 Dec: Dine Online … Curve offers a simple but mouthwatering menu of fish and seafood, with a blackboard displaying daily specials, all hand picked each morning by Chef Jolly, one of Marriotts top chefs, who recently joined Curve from the Mariott Resort in Goa. With an ambition to make Curve one of London’s top fish restaurants, I would say that he was already well on his way.Click here.

India is to bring out the first ever perfumed postage stamp with the fragrance of Sandalwood. The stamp of 29by 39 mm will have a fragrance to last at least a year. Find out from Goanet why the Dept of Posts is issuing a perfumed postage stamp and whether this is unique for India .

Sadly, the festive Christmas season may be marred for some. Unfortunately, "the suicide rate in Goa is 18 lakh of population and above the global figure of 15 lac (sic) of population." This is what Mr Rane (Chief Minister of Goa) recently said at a National Symposium on Suicide Attempt: A Cry for Help, at St Xavier's College, Goa . Rane disclosed that, in 2005, there were 279 suicides in Goawith a high incidence among adolescents.

Are safety considerations taken seriously for people at work in Goa ? This question relates to the sad news that six labourers are feared killed after being trapped in a landslide in an iron ore mine at Ugem Tollem, close to Sanguem town.

Some interesting discussion on elitism and snobbery is currently taking place on Goanet. Do Goan Voice (UK) readers believe there is much of this in Goa today? Please let Goanet know.

Do read an interesting post on "a certain affinity between a priest and a diplomat" with a reference to Pedro Cabral Adao. This is by Joaquim Loiola Pereira.
Goanet is always full of surprises as illustrated by a poster who claimed that, "we can judge the character of a lady in what and how she dresses." Well, well, well, surely, GV(UK) readers will have something to say about this, but to be fair, only after reading the whole of the post please!

Vidyadhar Gadgil provides an interesting and reflective piece about the coming anniversary (19, Dec) of Goa 's end of Portuguese colonial rule. The piece titled Muktidin--March for a Free and Secular Goa, is very insightful about the problems and potential for a just, peaceful and harmonious Goa . In particular, there is a clear focus on the forces that are dividing Goa .
Finally, "Amchen Goa Dourado" is a term that is perplexing many Goan minds. Could, and will GV(UK) readers, throw some light on this term for Goanet please?

More details can be found at the Goanet archives at Click here Or to subscribe to Goanet, send an email to subscribe@goanet.org

SPECIAL INTEREST: Selling Houses Special. Channel 4
Saturday 16 Dec: 16:00 to 17:00 . Portugal . Rebecca Andrade and her mum Janice have been trying to find a buyer for their four-bedroom townhouse in the Portuguese town of Lagoa for vertwo years.

TRAVEL: Dom Joly's Happy Hour. Sky Two
Sun 17 Dec. 22:00 to 23:00. In a fitting end to the series and to their journey through Goa, Dom and Pete learn the original value of alcohol in India : to bring you closer to the gods.

TRAVEL: Holiday . BBC 1
Mon. 18 Dec. 19:00 to 19:30 . Thalia Pellegrini goes on a working holiday to an orphanage in Tanzania .

DRAMA: Losing Gemma. ITV1Mon 18 Dec: 21:00 to 22:30. First of a two-part drama about two ordinary young women thrown together on an extraordinary trip to Goa. Part 2 is on Tues. 19 Dec. 21:00 to 22:30.click here.

TRAVEL: Panasia. Goa . Travel Channel
Thu 21 Dec. 10:30 to 11:00 . The former Portuguese colony of Goa is one of India 's foremost tourist destinations. It's home to magnificent beaches, imposing churches, and some of the friendliest people in Asia . Sian explores the region's rich history at the world-famous Bom Jesus Basilica. She also finds out how to prepare Goa 's aromatic seafood curry and washes it down with feni, a local spirit distilled from cashew fruit.

Sat. 16 Dec. St. Diogo's Association (UK) Guirim/Sangolda. Children's Christmas Pantomime "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs" at Fairfield Halls, Croydon at 12.00 noon sharp, followed by hristmas Party with refreshments, games and distribution of presents by Santa Claus. Please report at 11.15a.m. For details contact: Apolonia DeSouza 020 8686 1876, Jennifer Fernandes 0127 765 1052

Sun. 31 Dec. Plumstead SE London New Year's Gala Ball - dancing to the sounds and lighting ofMusic Mania. Commencing at 7pm to 1am . No tickets sold at the gate, strictly formal. Contact evenings only: Tony Joanes 020 8265 9644, Paul Barretto 020 8311 1195, Joe Fernandes 020 8301 2608.

Sun. 31 Dec. Saligao Association UK Sparkling New Year's Eve Ball 2006 at Tolworth Recreation Centre, Tolworth KT6 7LQ. Grand Unlimited Buffet / Childrens entertainer / Hot Band and Disco / Showstopper. Book online / reserve tables (no fee) on www.SaligaoUK.com Enquiries totickets@SaligaoUK.com or call Cedric de Souza on 07725 080239/Marion Pereira 020 8408 0748.

Sun. 31 Dec: 7.00pm to 3.00am . Dark Star Social Club presents a NEW YEAR'S EVE Gala Ball at the NEW Harrow Leisure Centre. Music by live band "SECOND NATURE" and disco"SOUND FX ROADSHOW". For tickets and other information, email info@dssclub.co.uk or call Derrick Pereira 020-8952 8899 or Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322. GOA members entitled to 2 tickets at £12 each. Contact: Bernie Gracias 020 8723 1322. For the flyer click here .

Sun 31 Dec. 7pm-1.30am. SE Goans New Years Ball . Orpington Hall, 311 Orpington High St , Kent . BR6 0NN, Band & Disco. Contact Dominic 07854 490617; Ron 0208 303 3386.

Sun. 31 Dec. St. Diogo's Association (UK) Guirim/Sangolda New Year's Eve Ball at Civic Suite,Wandsworth Town Hall . For details contact: Apolonia DeSouza 020 8686 1876, Jennifer Fernandes 0127 765 1052.

Sun. 31 Dec 7.00pm to 1.30am . Friend's Circle presents a NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL at Belmont Community Hall, Kenton Lane , Belmont Circle, Harrow HA3 8RY. Entertained by Goa's top mostband "BREAKTHRU" Guest artist from Dubai "CONNY" and Disco "SOUND SOUND". Ticket & Info. Francisco 0208 3574281 Carlos 0208 2487387 Teresa Felix 0208 2453786