|
WELCOME!
The Australian Anglo Indian Melbourne Rangers Club was founded in 1981 by a number of Anglo-Indian
couples from Calcutta. The idea was suggested at a Saturday night party and
was quickly accepted by this group of friends who wanted something more than
just meeting at someone's house. There was also the possibility of
extending the circle of friends as well as having functions that could
include these families' young children who still clung to their cultural
heritage even after having already established themselves in Australia for a
number of years.
A meeting
was arranged at a small hall in the Melbourne suburb of Noble Park at which
a committee was elected and a sizeable number of foundation members signed
up. The following years witnessed terrific, memorable functions with an
immense of hard work from very dedicated committees. The club also boasts
two female presidents to date.
Obviously taking its name from the Calcutta
Rangers Club, the Melbourne edition followed much of the
tradition and social programme of that legendary institution as well.
The flagship 'New Year's Eve' Ball has played a
big part in the fame and reputation this club as earned among the community
all over the globe.
The children's Christmas function is the next
popular function, not only for the children, but also for senior citizen
members who are thoroughly spoilt with a 'high tea' and gifts. Smaller
traditions like 'the Egg-Throwing' competition at the Annual Picnic/Sports
Day, and 'Rolling the Coin' are unique and extremely popular, especially
among first time participants.
The club recently
celebrated its 25 year anniversary in spite of facing new challenges with
the most founding members having moved on, their children now being adults
and parents in some instances as well, fundamentally, the biggest situation
the club has had to confront is the fading 'Anglo-Indianism' of the new
generation, something the community all over has to grapple with.
|
