- Kerala Association Derry/Londonderry Annual Report (2024 2025)
Introduction
The first meeting of Kerala association for the year 2024 - 2025 was held on 26/05/2024 to discuss and finalise the agenda for the year. The designation for the newly formed committee was decided with the members approval and was accepted unanimously. The Kerala association event calendar for the year 2024 - 2025 was prepared and finalised on the same day.
The membership fee for the kerala association remained the same as the previous year which was
Family: £25
Single: £10
1. Sports Day ( 29th June 2024)
The first major event of Kerala association for the year was sports day which was organised and completed on 29/06/2024 at Lisneal college ground. The event included a variety of sports competitions, catering to all age groups within the association. Events ranged from traditional games to more modern sports, ensuring that every member had an opportunity to participate. The day was marked by high energy and sportsmanship, and almost all association members actively participated. The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing the efforts of all participants and winners.
2. Aravam - Onam Celebration (31st August 2024)
“Aravam” - Kerala associations 2024 Onam celebration was held on 31/08/2024 at Lisneal College auditorium. As part of tradition Mahabeli was welcomed to the stage in the presence of traditional art form Pulikali and Thaalapoli . The chief guests for the event were renowned stage artists from kerala. Kalabhavan Joshi, Baiju Jose, Prasanth Kanjiramattom and Shino Paul. The event was celebrated withThe celebration was a grand affair, featuring a variety of cultural performances, including traditional dance forms like Thiruvathira, music performances, and drama. The highlight of the event was the Onam Sadhya (feast), which included an array of traditional Kerala dishes served on banana leaves. The event also included sports competitions like Tug of War, which added to the festive spirit. The Onam celebration was a significant success, with participation from nearly all members of the association
3. Charity Fundraising for Annu Mathew’s Family
The untimely demise of Mrs Annu Mathew was deeply saddening for the members of Kerala association . Condolences were passed on to the family members and as a gesture of support kerala association members raised £ 4860 to the family members of Annu Mathew on 19/09/2024. The funds raised were handed over to the family to help them during their time of need. This act of kindness and solidarity highlighted the strong sense of community and support within the association, reaffirming our commitment to looking out for one another in times of crisis.
4. Halloween Disco ( 27th October 2024)
The Halloween Festival, organized on 27/10/2024 at Lincoln Court Auditorium, was an event specifically designed for the youth and children of the association. The event included a variety of fun-filled activities such as a costume competition, face painting, and games, all centered around the Halloween theme. The children had an opportunity to showcase their creativity through their costumes and participate in various entertaining activities. The event was a grand success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the youth and the support of the parents. The Halloween Festival provided a platform for the younger members of the association to socialize and build friendships in a fun and festive environment.
5. Jingle & Mingle Bash (14th December 2024)
As part of the Christmas celebration an event was organised on 14/12/2024 at Lincoln Court which included competitions like cake baking and dessert making . along with these workshops like russian doll christmas crafts and henna tattoo was also organised and included.
- Multicultural Event (11th January 2025)
The Christmas and New Year Multicultural event “ La Le Realtai” was held on 11/01/2025 at Lisneal College. The chief guests for the occasion were Derry City & Strabane Mayor Cllr Lillian Barr, Mark Durcan MLA, Garry Middleton MLA. The event turned into a visual feat blending the vibrant artistic displays of our association members with rich cultural performances from other communities. Another main attraction for the event which was enjoyed by everyone was the photo booth.
- The 2024- 2025 Kerala Association Calendar was published and distributed to all members by the kerala association delegates.
8. Charity Activity & Event (21st February 2025)
In relation to Foyle Hospice 40th anniversary Kerala Association organised a charity event called Chicken Tikka Challenge on 21/02/2025. With the support and cooperation of Kerala Association members and Derry/Londonderry local community, a total of £6311 was raised. After expenses, £4204 was donated on 01/03/2025 Foyle Hospice by Kerala Association board members.
- Talent Day ( 22nd March 2025)
Talent Day was held on 22/03/ 2025 at Lisneal Sports Hall, offering members of all ages an opportunity to showcase their talents in various fields, including singing, dancing, and art. Competitions were organized for different age groups, and the event saw enthusiastic participation from both children and adults. The winners were awarded prizes, and all participants received certificates of appreciation. Talent Day was a great success, providing a platform for members to express their creativity and talent while fostering a sense of community and encouragement among participants.
10. Fund
A sum of £692.52 was received as part of the CRC fund for the year 2023-2024. A sum of £217.50 had to be refunded due to late submission of required documents. The CRC fund was applied for the year 2024-2025 and received a sum of £1350 which was utilised for the various charity and community events.
11. Annual General Meeting (3rd May 2025)
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) was held on 03/05/2025 at Lisneal College Auditorium. A new committee was formed after the annual general meeting for the year 2025-2026. The event concluded on a positive note with a grand musical show performed by singers from Kerala and dinner that was enjoyed by all attendees.
Conclusion
The year 2024-2025 was marked by a series of successful events and activities organized by the Kerala Association Derry/Londonderry. From sports and cultural events to charity initiatives and educational programs, the association worked tirelessly to promote community spirit, cultural heritage, and social responsibility among its members. Despite the challenges the association remains committed to its mission of serving the community and fostering a sense of unity and belonging among all its members.
We look forward to continuing our work in the coming year, building on the successes of 2024-2025, and striving to make a positive impact on our community.
Secretary,
Dr Simi Madhusoodhanan.