The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Zoroastrian Service of Thanksgiving to mark

150 years of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

in the presence of

His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh K.G., K.T.

At The Zartoshty Brothers Hall, Zoroastrian Centre

Thursday 6th October 2011

Dear President Malcolm. M. Deboo & your Managing Committee,

My wife Elizabeth and myself wish to sincerely thank you for kindly inviting us to join you and all your members to celebrate 150 years of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We certainly felt honoured and privileged to be present at the celebration function organised to the highest standards with a first class programme.

As all the guests were present an hour before the arrival of His Royal Highness, Mr Dorab Mistry certainly kept everyone well entertained with his running commentary of events to follow, introducing us to all the VIP's as they arrived and as always with his well spoken voice.

The presentation celebration ceremony was just outstanding and the speeches were most entertaining especially the one by Lord Karan F. Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE. DL. (P.S. My wife and I were also privileged to be introduced to Lord Karan Bilimoria by our very close family friend Mr. Rusi Dalal).

All guests were advised not to take photographs which we had to observe during the grand arrival of His Highness and during the presentations etc., but there were a few moments when many guests were clicking away mainly when His Highness was introduced to the young members of your community. I too could not resist the temptation and took a few pictures and later after his Highness had left, we all took photos of our friends etc.

Seeing all the professional press photographers present, we look forward to viewing/buying some photographs or hopefully a 'Souvenior  Booklet' if released in the future which we would LOVE to purchase a copy as a token of rememberance of this great occasion.

Once again I thank you for kindly inviting us to celebrate 150 years of Community Service, and as I always, feel so privileged to be so closely connected with your community. (Many of my Parsi friends across the globe say .... 'Benny has dual nationality' - I am proud of this').

Yours faithfully
Benny & Elizabeth De Souza

(Photos taken at random attached below)

Mr Dorab keeps everyone entertained prior to the arrival of

His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Mr Rusi Dalal introduces Betty to Lord Karan F. Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE. DL

VIDEO SLIDE SHOW OF STILL PHOTOGRAPHS

Benny's Global Blogspot

&

http://benitokeepingintouch.blogspot.com/

Golden Wedding Anniversary of Dr Dara and Freny Merchant

Dear Dr Dara & Freny

Congratulations to you both on this great day celebrating your Golden Wedding Anniversary and without a doubt what a wonderful celebration party everyone enjoyed at the exclusive venue, "The Zoroastrian Centre", Harrow.

I enclose some photographs I managed to capture, but regret I was not able to take photographs of everyone.

It was wonderful your daughter Betty and son in law Dr Jehangir Appoo came all the way from Calgary, Canada with granddaughters Aria ( 6 ) and Kiana ( 3 ) to grace this great occasion.

Video clips of the speeches added below.

The first speech presented by your beautiful daughter Betty paid rich tribute to you both was very special, and also proudly announcing that her dad Dr. Dara had attained the age of 90 this year. (Congratuellations once again - you look great for 90 and look forward to the 100th celebration party).

The Second speech by someone special, well known and respecteeecd by all, Mr Dorab Mistry, a well spoken distinguished gentleman certainly presented a great speech certainly paying credit to all you have done and achieved, with of course much laughter hearing of your young days. 

 Dr Dara your speech at the end thanking everyone and particularly your beloved wife Freny and daughter Betty as well as all the friends who had come to make thish a joyous and grand occasion will be remembered for a long time. You even kindly thanked me for providing the live music with my dance band Velvet Touch.

 
Behram Kapadia officiated as master of ceremonies played his part as always.

Delicious food and excellent service were provided by Mrs Farida Vora, her daughter Rosie and son in law Moiz.

The well stocked bar was run by friends of the Marchant family. They were assisted greatly by their long time friends Freny and Hosie Writer as well as by Ratan and Gav Buhariwala and many others - what more can we say!

Dr Dara, it was a pleasure to learn that 'The Marchant family' have always lived in Wimbledon but prior to London, you had served in the Colonial Medical Service in several countries overseas and that you specialised in Tropical Medicine and also in paediatrics.You are certainly a pride to all your family, friends and community.

 

Best wishes to both of you, your family, relatives and friends.

Benny De Souza

Manager/Band Leader Velvet Touch Trio

CLICK on the highlighted LINKS to view --->> photos and speeches. Just place your mouse on LINK 1 title anywhere on the title Dr. Dara & Freny's Photo album
and this will open up the photo album.

LINK 1.  Dr. Dara & Freny's Photo album

Wait a few good seconds for photos to load and than click on the play arrow. (No disc space used on your computer.)

Brief Photo Slideshow.

LINK 2  ---->>>      

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
Great speeches to be remembered by all - CLICK below.

LINK 3--->>   Speeches by Betty, Dorab and Dr. Dara

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

RANDOM PHOTOS ADDED FOR QUICK VIEWING.

 

With compliments and best wishes from Benny de Souza
http://benitosglobalconnection.blogspot.com/