Mahila Report 2006
Well, where do I begin, what a very challenging year 2005/2006 has been for myself, Shardaben, Hasmitaben & Hansaben as leaders of the SPA (UK) Mahila Team. Without the help of the HQ Executives and the Mahila’s from all the Branches, this would have been an impossible task.
We thank them all for giving us the guidance and advice.
Mahila Samelan (9th April 2006), Tameside:
This year the 26th Mahila Samelan was held in Tameside on the 9th April 2006 at the OBA Millennium Cultural Centre in Oldham. It was great to see so many of our members from all of our branches including an increase in the number of men who attended this event.
The topic was “Bullying at School and Work.” It is a very important subject and one which is very much in the public eye. Bullying issues have been highlighted in newspapers and national and regional news over the last few months. This is now a very serious problem which is on the increase. We need to raise awareness within our community on this subject.
The day started with arti/prathna followed by swagat geet and the usual welcoming by Tameside branch President Shree Bharatbhai, Vice President Dipikaben, HQ Mahila Convenor Shreemati Shardaben, and HQ President Shreemati Hansaben. HQ Mahila Secretary Shreemati Pravinaben gave her report of the mahila activities.
Shreemati Dakshaben from Tameside branch, who had co-ordinated the main topic of discussion for the day, then took over the programme.
The morning presentation consisted of bullying at school, the help and assistance of an Education Psychologist from TMBC, Child Line, Peshkar Productions, Social Services and a personal account from a mother, Shreemati Ritaben and her daughter, Maya.
Following lunch, the afternoon session began with a garbo item from Coventry branch. Thank you Coventry for a very lovely item.
The afternoon presentation consisted of bullying at work, with the help and assistance of a Lecturer in Employment Law, OMBC Head if Human Resources, Senior HR adviser and a personal account from Shreeman Ramanbhai.
Useful information packs were given to everyone which contained questionnaires for completion and return. The results of these questionnaires will follow in due course. We would like to thank Tameside branch members for designing the folders and putting all the information together which was in both English and Gujarati.
I hope that everyone understood and enjoy the programme and take back with them some very valuable information of what they can do to help.
If you know your child or family member is being bullied at school or in the workplace, please don’t ignore it and walk away, listen, help and support the victim and tackle the problem and together let’s make this place a better place for all.
The day concluded with the mahila election, a dance item from Tameside youth and a raffle draw, which was conducted by the Mahila Assistants, Hasmitaben and Hansaben.
The day finally came to an end at 4.15pm, with the coaches departing much earlier than anticipated.
The Mahila Committee wishes to convey their sincere thanks to Tameside Branch for hosting the 26th Mahila Samelan so well.
Family Fun Day (25th June 2006)
The annual family day out was held at Kingsbury Water Park on Sunday 25th June 2006.
What a day! By 10.30 majority of the people had arrived. The gazebos were all up, the barbeques were going and the beer was well and truly flowing. The park was absolutely buzzing by midday, with the young and old playing games and having a good old chit chat.
The turn out was even larger than last year! There were people there who would not normally attend Samaj functions enjoying themselves. When we see people having a good time, it gives us a lot of pleasure, especially the elderly to be out and about in the surrounding where they recognize people and can talk to them.
There was so much food and drink that we could have accommodated yet more people. It was really sunny until gone 2.30pm and then it decided to rain, but only for a short time. Within no time, as soon as it stopped raining about 10 -15 minutes later, the children were out playing again and guess what, the portable televisions came out too so that everyone could watch the England V Ecuador football match!
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and at around 6.30pm, tired and exhausted, but still smiling, everyone packed up and started heading home.
Our thanks to everyone who attended and supported this event.
Finally, Happy Diwali and all the best for the New Year from the Mahila Committee.
Pravinaben B Mistry ~ Mahila Secretary
Shardaben S Mistry ~ Mahila Convenor