Bandra Gymkhana Platinium Jubilee

Dudley just can’t think what life would be without tennis – he is extremely
grateful to the Bandra Gymkhana for the opportunities & facilities provided
during the past few decades.
- CELINE D’SOUZA

Second Home! That’s what the Sunday morning – I’m off to the gym
Bandra Gym means to me. A place to relax and also to win
With both my parents, being “Full house” of course
on Committee levels, it’s been “Bucket” and “line” too
learning experiences and cherished That’s Housie for me
memories right through for me. Come join in, won’t you?
- NASAN FERNANDES - CLOTY D’SOUZA

Messages from our Members

My best wishes to The Bandra Gymkhana The gym of good times!
on celebrating their Platinum Jubilee - ASHOK SITLANI
- ADV. EVENTA A GONSALVES
Good times…great
The Bandra Gymkhana stands tall today memories: Bandra Gym!
because of the efforts of the Managing - NYANZA NAZARETH
Committees and Trustees all these years.
- VALLIE BARROW [STAFF]

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A good club for entertainment and The Bandra Gymkhana is a great
friends place to unwind and connect with
- J FIGUEIRA people. A good place to build
relationships.
A complete workout! - WARREN FERNANDES
- ARTHUR RODRIGUES
I wish to congratulate the
A place close to home, good Gymkhana on achieving its Platinum
amenities. Jubilee on 4th May 2010.
- GLEN PEREIRA - TEHSIN MERCHANT

Many Congratulations for the hard work put in by the Salsette Society and
The Bandra Gymkhana. God Bless!
- CAPT. DARRYL X. PAIS

Congratulations and best wishes to this grand It has improved to a
institution upon reaching this great milestone. great extent.
- CAPT. IVAN & MARYANNE MENDONCA - ERROL J. PEREIRA

I have been coming here as a toddler from the day the Bandra Gym was
inaugurated. What the organizers have achieved in 75 years is remarkable!
Here’s to the celebration at its Centenary!
- RENEE PEREIRA

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ILLUSTRIOUS
INSTITUTION CALLED
THE BANDRA GYMKHANA

Raphael B. Donald

It gives me great pleasure to extend good wishes and
congratulations to the Bandra Gymkhana on the auspicious
occasion of the celebration of its Platinum Jubilee. This
gymkhana has for generations been a place of much pleasure
and joy, relaxation and sports, entertainment and culture for its
members, their families and their friends and continues unabated

The recent expansion of the gymkhana has been a major achievement
of its Managing Committee and Project Committee

in its efforts to generously provide the very best in the interest of
its patrons.

I have been President of this illustrious institution and can say
without hesitation that it has been my privilege and honour to
head an institution as fine as this and definitely second to none.
I am aware of the hard work and precious time of the members
of the Managing Committee and Trustees and various committees
who give so much in making life more pleasant for their brothers
and sisters. We should particularly remember the munificence of
Dr D. A. D’Monte and his family for giving us this land free of cost
on which today stands this precious institution.

The recent expansion of the gymkhana has been a major
achievement of its Managing Committee and Project Committee

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who have generously given their talent, energy and time in the interest of
the much needed expanded facilities so badly required in our now crowded
suburbs. It is noteworthy that much emphasis has been given to sports and
sports persons and is no wonder the gymkhana has produced outstanding
sports personalities of national and international fame.
As President it was during my term that the expansion project took off in spite

Truly the gymkhana has become an oasis of leisure amidst
sylvan surroundings and congestion

of insurmountable difficulties due to crunch of space and want of resources.

Once again my heartiest congratulations and thanks to the Managing
Committees, past and present over the years along with the staff and sub-
committees for taking so much pride, care and consideration. Truly the
gymkhana has become an oasis of leisure amidst sylvan surroundings and
congestion that is otherwise the hallmark of this no longer ‘queen of the
suburbs’. We all join in wishing the gymkhana many more years of service; a
hallmark of its motto of Love Peace and Unity.

May God Bless our Gymkhana and all those responsible now and in past years
for giving us this very fine institution!

Raphael B. Donald was President for 6 years from 1987-90 & 2001-2004.

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HONOUR AND PRIDE

Col. Donald Stanley

Ihad the proud and unique honour for serving the Bandra
Gymkhana as its President for four and a half years (March
1988 to October 1993) through my association with this
institution started in 1934 when I was a dependant member.
At that time the Pavilion was under construction but the tennis
courts and cricket patch were fully operational. My coach in tennis

On completion of the Pavilion, the Bandra Gymkhana was
the best club in Bombay and the suburbs

and cricket was the late A. C. Pereira, affectionately known as
Uncle Andrew.

I attended the inauguration ceremony by the Governor of Bombay
Lord Braborne in May 1935 and I recollect the opening address
delivered by the late J. S. Pereira. On completion of the Pavilion,
the Bandra Gymkhana was the best club in Bombay and the
suburbs - excluding the few elite clubs which were exclusively for
Europeans.

During my tenure as President, I had several projects in mind,
but unfortunately could not complete all. However, I had a good
innings, learnt a lot and above all was able to contribute my mite
to the Gymkhana.

My hearty congratulations to you all on this very auspicious
occasion and may this Gymkhana prosper for many more years.

Col. Donald Stanley was President for 4 years from 1990-1994.

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FOND MEMORIES

Michael Ferreira

The very name cannot but trigger off nostalgic memories of a happy
childhood spent in a gentler and more civilized Bandra, a lovely leafy town
of quaint cottages and green fields, when the streets were washed everyday
and when we were exhorted by our parents to be careful while going to the
“Gym” via St. Andrew’s Road during the Bandra Feast, as the buses diverted
from Hill Road thundered down the second broadest lane in Bandra.

The Gym tends to be the center point of most of us who are
fortunate enough to be part of its history

The Christmas and New Year dances, the Suburban Badminton tournament,
dear old J. S. Pereira and his crusty brother Andrew are the other visions that
flash across my mind as I write.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since those halcyon days, but what
was true then remains true today – that the Gym tends to be the center point
of most of us who are fortunate enough to be part of its history, regardless
of background, colour or creed. The words ‘East Indian Hall’ carved into the
façade notwithstanding, the Gym was uniquely home to all, the good natured
swearing in Parsee Gujarati blending with the typical Bandra ‘what men’ argot
in a warm cocktail of togetherness.

May it ever be thus!

Michael Ferreira was President for 3 years from 1998-2001.

55

PLATINUM WISHES

Fabian D’Souza

Iam proud that our Bandra Gymkhana completes 75 years
on 4th May, 2010. The Bandra Gymkhana has grown from a
humble start in 1935 to a magnificent edifice in the year 2010.
We fondly remember the founders who initiated this for the
community. This has then been pursued with hard efforts by the
subsequent Managing Committees involved in this.

The Bandra Gymkhana has grown from a humble start in
1935 to a magnificent edifice in the year 2010.

I recall during my tenure as the President the hard efforts of
the people involved in planning the present Gymkhana building
construction was nearing completion. It brings memories that
whilst this was happening, the then Managing Committee spent
sleepless nights and all members were very patient to bear
the hardships during this period. These are great memories of
the members excellent co-operative spirit, which has made the
Gymkhana what it stands for today.

I wish the Bandra Gymkhana all success on this auspicious
occasion and all future years to come.

Fabian D’Souza was President for a year in 2006-2007.

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BANDRA GYMKHANA
A SUPER HIT OF ALL TIMES!

Neil D’Monte

It is with pride that I write this message today. Pride that our beloved
gymkhana has turned 75 years. Pride that we belong to a past steeped in
history, pride that the present has high standards and pride that we leave for
the future generations a rich heritage that they can call their own.
In this honoured position of President for the past three years, I personally
thank all the previous presidents for their vision in raising the Bandra

It is in our work together that we have made Bandra
Gymkhana – a super hit of all times!

Gymkhana to greater heights. My gratitude to the D’Monte family for the gift
of their land; to the members of the gymkhana that allows us to call it our
second home today.

It has been a learning experience for me in my service to the gymkhana and I
am grateful to my colleagues in the Managing Committee and Sub-committees
for their assistance and support in working as a team towards one goal – the
betterment of the gymkhana. The key elements in the art of working together
are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our
potential...the needs of the team are best met when we meet the needs of
individual persons. To meet our members’ needs we have focused on being a
family-oriented gymkhana, ‘more user-friendly’ to use computer jargon and
state-of-the-art facilities.

Like Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is
progress and working together is success.” It is in our work together that we
have made Bandra Gymkhana – a super hit of all times!

Neil D’Monte is the current President.

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WORDS OF BLESSING

“I truly regret my inability because I wanted to be with you
on this happy occasion. I hope my response is early enough
to enable you to get a main celebrant for the function. Once
again I congratulate you and all your colleagues on this happy
occasion.”

+Oswald Cardinal Gracias is the Archbishop of Bombay.

“I assure you of my prayers and good wishes on such an
important milestone. God Bless!”

Fr. Magi A. Murzello, St. Andrew High School.

“My best wishes to the Managing Committee.”
Fr. Joe Pereira is Managing Trustee of Kripa Foundation.

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THE BEST REWARD

Rev Fr. Vernon Aguiar

The Consecration of Bandra to Christ the King on 3rd February 1935 was
a landmark in the town’s history. The three parishes St. Andrew’s, St
Peter’s and Mount Carmel of the erstwhile Bandra Municipality congregated
to publicly acknowledge the dominion of Christ the King. The eight Parishes
of the Bandra deanery – St. Andrew, St. Peter, Mount Carmel, St. Anne, St.
Theresa, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Francis of Assissi and St. Joseph the worker

The best reward for a person’s toil is not what
they get for it, but what they become by it.

came together on 7th February 2010 with fervour and enthusiasm to celebrate
the 75th Anniversary of this event and renew the pledge of Christ the dominion
over their lives to bring peace and harmony to Bandra.
Bandra in 1935 had another landmark in the town’s history, the establishment
of the Bandra Gymkhana through the gracious generosity of the D’Monte family.
Over these 75 years the social needs of recreation, sports, education and
fellowship have been amply met with by the various activities that are conducted
regularly. The recent enhancement of the facilities offered and development
taken place has made the Bandra Gymkhana very endearing to the people.
Reaching out to the disadvantaged and the underprivileged by organizing
programmes for the upliftment, both in educational and health care will go a
long way to make Bandra Gymkhana still more endearing to the community.
Kudos to all the committees that function selflessly for the growth and
development of the Gymkhana. A message to all the members:
“The best reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they
become by it.”

Fr. Vernon Aguiar is Parish Priest of St. Andrew’s Church.

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IN THANKS AND PRAISE

Fr. Ambrose Pereira

Congratulations to the organization committee and all the
members of the Bandra Gymkhana as it completes 75 years
on the 4th May, 2010.
Developing the entire person is of prime importance and the
Bandra Gymkhana has been doing this through sports, games,

Raise your hearts and voices in thanks and praise for all the
achievements these past 75 years
cultural activities, art, etc. As you raise your hearts and voices in
thanks and praise for all the achievements these past 75 years,
may the Lord smile on you all and bless you abundantly.
Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb is a Rector – Don Bosco Solomons.

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75 YEARS YOUNGER

Cornel K Gonsalves

It was indeed an honour being on the Managing Committee of the Bandra
Gymkhana for the past nine years and as I look back the challenges were
great, but were achievable with the dedication and commitment from the
members of the Managing Committee in those early years. In 2002 after
protracted negotiations with Phillips we had the state-of-the-art tennis court
lighting done. Our expansion plans were lying in limbo.

Bandra Gymkhana can now boast of visible achievements for
each and every one of you to enjoy with your families.

I finally took the onus on me to go through the arduous task of meeting
Government officials, sitting with architects with the Project Team and it was
with immense satisfaction that His Eminence Cardinal Simon Pimenta, Emeritus
Archbishop of Bombay on 8th September, 2004 inaugurated the corner stone.

Then came the gigantic plans and task of appointing contractors, etc. Finally
in May of 2008 after surmounting all the bureaucratic hurdles, we had the
inauguration of the new Bandra Gymkhana and I can certainly sit back with
pride along with the then Managing Committee members to bask in the
glorious facilities that the new Bandra Gymkhana now boasts of and the visible
achievements are for each and every one of you to enjoy with your families.
I must thank the 4 Presidents & Trustees, and the dedicated Project team that
worked with my demanding pace - I personally salute them - Samir D’Monte,
Leon Curzai, Arthur D’Sylva, Wendell Gomes.

Congratulations on being 75 years younger, God Bless you and your families.

Cornel K. Gonsalves is the Hon. General Secretary and also the Secretary of
the SCCHSL and Sr. Mgr. Sales in Swedish Multinational VOLVO.

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DREAMS CAN BE MADE
INTO A REALITY

Norysca Wassoodew

Being the only lady president in the 75 year old history of the
Bandra Gymkhana it was good to break into the male bastion
of East Indian Presidents.
My tenure in office though short for exactly a year was very
exhilarating I think it was more so because my committee was
co-operative, cohesive with no factions, in-fighting, mud slinging

With the right amount of grit, determination and vision – Dreams can
always be made into a reality

and character assassination that has almost become a trademark
at the Bandra Gymkhana.
As President both my committee and I had our share of dreams
of building a swimming pool a badminton court according to
international standards and an elite air conditioned dining room.
May be however we were faced at that time with too many
insurmountable hurdles which we were not able to overcome but
our dreams stayed unattained almost like the pot of gold at the end
of the rainbow
Today, years later when I enter this illustrious institution I look with
wonder at the swimming pool, in awe at the new badminton Court
while I feast my eyes on the tasteful décor of the dinning room I
drool at the mouthwatering menu so economically priced and I feel
humbled with joy and appreciation for the present committee for
teaching us that with the right amount of grit, determination and
vision – Dreams can always be made into a reality.

Norysca Wassoodew was President for a year in 1995-1996.

62

FROM GOLD
TO PLATINUM

Sandy Fernandes

It all began in 1984, when a few friends approached me to file my nomination
for the Bandra Gymkhana Managing Committee elections. The elections
were held in January 1985 that year and I received support from stalwarts
like Raphael B Donald, Clifford Athaide, Nestor Fernandes, Douglas Pereira,
Desmond Fernandes, Selby Rosario, Lucy & Max Miranda.
I remember an incident, when a girl from the card room approached me, to

The only thing constant is change and of that the gymkhana has
seen a lot through these 25 years from one jubilee to another

vote for Sandy. When I asked her if she knew who he was, she replied that
she didn’t know him but that he was a good man…that’s the kind of support I
received from a lot of people through the years.
My tenure in the gymkhana started with the Golden Jubilee Year as Hon. Literary,
Cultural and Outdoor Sports Secretary, which was a hectic year as it saw the
beginning of Rink Hockey and Outdoor Telegames, held on a large scale and
later as Indoor Games Secretary, I organized the What’s the Good Word quiz
programme and the Indoor Telegames as part of the Indoor Games Festival.
In the 22 years that followed after being elected every year I held almost all
of the many portfolios which ranged from Bar & Canteen, House & Garden to
Social, and ultimately to the Hon. General Secretary in 1995, a post which I
held for a total of five years. I have to give due credit to Col. A. B. C. D’Mello,
then Manager for his unfailing service to the gymkhana.
The only thing constant is change and of that the gymkhana has seen a lot
through these 25 years from one jubilee to another and I feel proud to have
made some of those changes for the betterment of the gymkhana and its
members.

Sandy Fernandes was Hon. General Secretary for five years from 1995 and
worked as an Officer, Asst. Treasurer, Reserve Bank of India.

63

IN BANDRA’S LIFE AND
PART OF IT...

Roger C B Pereira

If you lived in India in the 50s, you would, probably, remember
the Burmah Shell advertising claim: In India’s life and part of
it. The company was projecting to its audiences how vital their
contribution was to the Indian economy. They had just built their
first refinery near Chembur.
If you lived in Bandra in the 50’s, one felt very similarly for the

The Gymkhana was the cultural centre of Bandra: Debates, symposia,
seminars on current and emerging topics, talent and elocution contests.

Bandra Gymkhana. It was very much: In Bandra’s life and part of
it. It was around 1952 that the scenario changed. It was about that
time when the St. Andrew’s zonals was started by the Bosco Club.
And the cultural scene seemed to have shifted forever. And this
was a pity! Because the St Andrew’s Zonals didn’t really compete
with the host of cultural and literary activities that were conducted
by the Bandra Gymkhana. They could have been complementary!
Until then, the Gymkhana was the cultural centre of Bandra:
Debates, symposia/seminars on current and emerging topics, talent
and elocution contests. And the occasional skits starring Bandra
stars like Eddie Fonseca, Dorothy Roach, Hyginus Correia and
community get togethers and sing-along’s led by the indomitable
Sally Athogias and later, Maurice Concessio. Weekends were mostly
reserved for the Bandra Gymkhana.
Of course, there was table tennis. I remember Merwyn Wasoodew
sweating it out! Badminton, carom, tennis...and, of course, cards.
Have I left out anything? The bar wasn’t as popular then. Probably
because of prohibition. And the food? Similar to what was served at
E.I. weddings. There was rationing then. Restrictions on what could
be served in terms of quantities. Very much like Fridays during

64

Lent. But no one complained.
And what were the AGMs like? I was in school so I could not attend AGMs.
But did observe them from the outskirts. They were a lot more peaceful and
harmonious. Like the LG ads claim today, Life was Good at the Bandra Gymkhana.
Apart from being the cultural hub of the queen of the suburbs, there was a
very clear interest in developing and encouraging talent. I was a beneficiary of
that. I clearly remember one incident. This was probably in 1951 or 1952. The
Bandra Gymkhana was organising its annual Elocution Competition. Mrs Ettie

Like the LG ads claim today, Life was Good at the Bandra
Gymkhana.

Rodrigues (Ajit’s mother) was the ever energetic secretary. She called out to me
one day and inquired why my name had not been entered by my school for the
inter-school elocution competition. I didn’t have an answer. She advised me to
go immediately to my Principal and request that my name be registered under
the E.I. category. I did, unhesitatingly. And did her, my school and my family
proud. After that, I was always given the first preference. Across categories.
But I often wonder if I would have ever broken the ice had Aunty Ettie not
egged me on! And we’re not related. Just sheer interest in the community. We
don’t have any Aunty Etties and Uncle Cecils anymore. Or, do we?
Just who is Uncle Cecil? He was very interested in theatre. In Bandra and in the
city. In those days, we didn’t have any really good theatres in Bombay/Mumbai.
The Oxford and Cambridge Societies would perform at Government House or
Raj Bhavan as it is known these days. The options were the college halls of St.
Xavier’s, Jai Hind and K.C. And whenever, I chanced to meet him, he’d take me
aside and advise that I must consider, seriously, acting on the Bombay stage.
What was in it for him? Nothing. Just an interest in encouraging young talent
in the community! Just as his father gifted us the land for our Gymkhana! Sheer
interest in community welfare! Yes, you guessed right, Uncle Cecil was Darryl’s
dear father. May their souls rest in peace!
Roger C B Pereira was President from 1984-1986.

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CHERISHED MEMORIES

Gulzar

It is a matter of pride that Bandra gymkhana, the club to which I
belong to is completing 75 years shortly. The name and fame of
this cosy, well-administered Gymkhana is popular for the excellent
facilities available there. I have no hesitation in admitting that days
passed at this gymkhana shall remain etched in my memory. I shall
always cherish them.

The days passed at this gymkhana shall remain etched in my
memory. I shall always cherish them.
Being an avid Tennis enthusiast, my day begins very early at the
Tennis courts. After a few games, I feel fit and ready to tackle
challenging jobs ahead. Frankly speaking, the time spent at the
gymkhana in the midst of friends is indeed very satisfying.
I wish Bandra Gymkhana well for all time to come.
Gulzar, the well-known lyricist and film-maker, lives on Pali Hill.

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BANDRA GYMKHANA
QUEEN OF CLUBS

Khushroo Captain

My parents, my brother and myself, became members of the Bandra
Gymkhana in 1942, when I was still a college student.
Having played Table-tennis for many years, this was my main area of interest
and I enjoyed using the fine table we had in those days. A little later, I became
interested in Billiards and this affinity still remains. We had several leading
Bombay players – A Faizi, P G Date, Maurice Concessio and one of my best

The gym was a second home to all its members. A wonderful
atmosphere prevailed.

friends, J. T. Ferreira, known to all as ‘Papa Joe’. When the Bombay Billiards
League Tournament was started, the Gymkhana regularly featured at the top.
My own interest was not only in playing the game, but also in its administration.
For a long time I was Billiards Secretary. I was also on the Managing Committee
of the State Billiards Association and eventually became its President.
Our success in the game was of course, Michael Ferreira. He could go in only one
direction – upwards! He brought fame to India by winning the World Amateur
Billiards Championship four times.
We had excellent facilities for many other sports as well. Also, a full social
programme with monthly dances, housie sessions, a good library and a bar.
When I married in 1949, my wife Silloo became a member and until recently
was a regular card player. Later my son Homi, joined us and even today, can be
found at the gym, three or four times a week, playing snooker.
The gym was a second home to all its members. A wonderful atmosphere
prevailed where everyone, not only knew everyone else, but also liked everyone
else. The gym is now 75 years old and I wish it and all its Members very many
happy returns of this wonderful occasion.

Khushroo H Captain was a former Hon. Billiards Secretary

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IN LOVE PEACE & UNITY

Nymphia Correa

The 4th of May 1935 will always stand out as a Golden Day
for Bandra, for the newly constructed Bandra Gymkhana
was on this day blessed by H.E. The Most Rev. Dr. J. R. Lima
SJDD, Archbishop of Bombay and inaugurated by Governor Lord
Brabourne, graced by Lady Brabourne. Now Bandra could truly be
called the “Queen of the Suburbs.”

May the Bandra Gymkhana grow from strength to strength till we
march on to the Centenary and more… In Love, Peace and Unity.

Well known social workers of means realized that Bandra required
more than small time Cricket and Hockey clubs and dance halls.
The late Dr. A. D’Monte gifted 7600 sq. yards of his valuable
land towards the building of a Gymkhana. 11,000 sq. yards were
donated by the Salsette Catholic Co-op Hsg. Society. Advocate J.
R. Athaide parted with his adjoining plot of land.
The Gymkhana now boasted of Indoor and Outdoor games and varied
Social events. The opening of the swimming pool in September
2007 was followed by the blessing of the modern Badminton and
Table-Tennis courts and the well equipped Restaurant and bar.
We thank and pray for the Trustees, Presidents, Managing
Committees and Staff, both past and present, for their valuable
contribution to the club.
We have reached the Platinum – May the Bandra Gymkhana grow
from strength to strength till we march on to the Centenary and
more… In Love, Peace and Unity.

Dr. Mrs. Nymphia Correa is the wife of late Adv. Hyginus Correa,
ex-President of the Bandra Gymkhana.

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GOOD OLD BANDRA GYM

Homyyar Fraser

Ever since I was a kid, accompanying my father, who was a tennis player, to the
Bandra Gymkhana, I have constantly seen the chances for the betterment
in the form of sports facilities, like badminton, tennis, billiards, snooker and
other outdoor activities. At that time there were very few members, but now
it has grown so big with so many members yet it is heartening to know that its
warmth and homeliness has not changed at all. I am a member of many other

Once you are part of this Gym, you wouldn’t like to go
anywhere else for entertainment.

clubs, but the charm that this club just draws me to it everyday. That is why we
are at the Gymkhana gates by 5.30 a.m. waiting for the gates to open at 6.00
a.m. for a game of tennis. Once you are part of this Gym, you wouldn’t like to
go anywhere else for entertainment.

Our Gymkhana has held so many all India tournaments, be it tennis, badminton
or billiards to which I have been closely associated. For all this I thank the
trustees, past Presidents and Managing Committee and especially Cornel K.
Gonsalves our present Secretary for the single-handed hard work he has put in
towards the improvement in the club, in the last 10 years, that we now have a
new badminton hall, beautiful tennis courts, a swimming pool and the bar and
dinning.

I wish the Gymkhana a happy and prosperous future and look forward to
spending and being associated to many more great years ahead with ‘Our good
old Bandra Gymkhana!’

Homyyar Frazer was the former Hon. Tennis Secretary for many years.

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IT’S STATE-OF-THE-ART

Dr. Raju Shah

Ibecame a member in 1987. I remember in those days the
Bandra Gymkhana had tennis courts on which there was cow
dung coating which was done by Kamble and company.

In 1990 the courts were done up with asphalt. Later, one court
was fitted with halogen lights. In those days there was always a

We have a rapidly progressing Gymkhana and if a Squash Court is
included, we shall be a fully equipped Gymkhana with all facilities.

big crowd to play in first foursome. Others would have to wait till
light permitted play. Later came the state-of-the-art flood-lit courts
which enabled everyone to play without waiting. Currently, the
courts are being re-leveled with asphalting and coating with deco
turf. This will be a state-of-the-art court to play on and will surely
encourage more members to play tennis. The way the gymkhana
has progressed over the last five years it is a total turnaround.

The state-of-the-art Badminton court, Swimming pool with ozone
filtration, better Gymnasium, Bridge room, Billiards, Table tennis,
Library, Large Bar, Larger restaurant with fantastic ambience and
food at affordable rates. I had never visited the restaurant till the
new one came up.

In short, I would like to say that we have a rapidly progressing
Gymkhana and if a Squash Court is included, we shall be a fully
equipped Gymkhana with all facilities. I congratulate the Trustees
and Managing Committee members and wish them all the very
best to complete all their endeavours.

Dr Raju Shah is the current Hon. Tennis Secretary.
70

A PLATINUM MESSAGE

Johnny Alves

It has been my privilege to watch this acorn grow into a large and beautiful
oak tree.
Dr. D’Monte’s gift of the land has been transformed into a Garden of Eden. The
fruits of this garden are the various sports activities available to members, and
to bring togetherness of the members through its entertainment functions.
Members have spread the name of Bandra Gymkhana throughout the world,

Dr. D’Monte chose this central plot because he foresaw that it would turn
into an oasis, in the midst of unbelievable development.

some winning international fame, three times in succession. Dr. D’Monte chose
this central plot because he foresaw that it would turn into an oasis, in the midst
of unbelievable development.
From the very start, Presidents, Secretaries and their committees have put in
blood, sweat and tears, and over the years laid the foundation of a beautiful
well managed club for sports and entertainment, never forgetting that it is a
catholic club.
Our club has the blessings of God. It is Catholic not just in name, but by the
annual Rosary and Thanksgiving Mass attended in large numbers that adds
spiritual flavour to this renowned institution.
Our Committees, in the last few years, have turned Bandra Gymkhana into a
Haven and it is a pleasure now to see families in large numbers enjoying the
many special occasions and the facilities being made available by the Gymkhana.
Bandra Gymkhana has succeeded in joining all the members of the club into a
one big happy and healthy family.
Special appreciation and congratulations are due and happily given to the
Trustees and Committee Members and specially the present Secretary. His
devotion and untiring efforts has helped to convert this club, second to none.
Spread the joy Sir, spread the joy.

Johnny Alves is a popular writer who always sees the funnier side of things.

71

LOOKING BACK,
LOOKING FORWARD

Myra Pereira

My intermittent association with the Bandra Gymkhana dates
back to the mid-‘fifties when as a student, I availed of its
membership to utilize the Table Tennis facility to practice for the
Inter-Collegiate and State level tournaments.
Today as a Senior Citizen, looking back in time, I vividly recall,
among other things, the low-ceiling Badminton Court, the restricted
Table Tennis arena in the Dr. D’Monte pavilion, the Billiards and

With its ‘Yes We Can” spirit, here’s hoping the Gymkhana
scales greater heights in the years ahead.

Card Rooms, not forgetting the popular Lawn Tennis Section, being
a beehive of activity throughout the year. Despite these constraints
the annual badminton and table tennis tournaments attracted the
participation of the state and country’s leading player, quite a few
of whom were products of the gymkhana.
From the ‘fifties to-date, the all round growth of this Institution has
been phenomenal, While the Badminton and Table Tennis facilities
have given away to state-of-the-art arenas, the newly constructed
roof top Swimming pool and the Fitness Centre are some of
the additions which attract members of all ages. The upgraded
cafeteria and air-conditioned dining room have created a conducive
atmosphere for members to spend an evening out with family and
friends.
This brief would be incomplete without sparing a thought to all
those members, both past and present, (including the ones
watching from the Elysian fields), who have contributed in making
this leading institution what it is today.
With its ‘Yes We Can” spirit, here’s hoping the Gymkhana scales
greater heights in the years ahead. Long live the Bandra Gymkhana
and may the Almighty continue to bless it every step of its way.

Myra Pereira is the daughter of A C Pereira, who taught
generations of members how to play tennis.

72

A CLUB BY THE NAME
OF BANDRA

Marie Rodrigues

Sports….or the chance to sip drinks on the porch on cane ‘tub’ chairs, after
them.
Socials….or the chance to make matches a them.
Whist Drive & Rummy….or the chance to gossip over them.
These are my earliest recollection of our local Sports, social and Recreational
Institution – the Bandra Gymkhana.

The Bandra Gymkhana still echoes the life and the culture of
the suburb it calls Home.

Those were simple yet enjoyable times at our homegrown bastion of East Indian
recreational life. The mood was casual, the ambience homely, and the vibe was
one of easy familiarity. No need for ID Cards, no need to sign to sign in, no
need to dress up or to dress down, no need to wonder who the person at the
next table might be. This was just an extension – a nice, spacious and stately
extension – to everyone’s backyard. Or so it felt!

Today, this Institution has a new avatar. It has grown bigger, richer, posher and a
lot more crowded. There are so many more sports to play, more social events to
patronize, more foods and drinks to savour. Newer and increasingly unfamiliar
faces, cars lined up along the block, multiple restaurants, A/c comforts and a
swimming pool…the modest and sleepy gymkhana has grown into a full-fledged
club…or a multiplex.

Yet one thing remains the same after all these years: The Bandra Gymkhana
still echoes the life and the culture of the suburb it calls Home.

Marie Rodrigues is the daughter of J S Pereira one of the First Trustees & later
President of the Bandra Gymkhana.

73

A.C. AND TENNIS AT
BANDRA GYM

Nikhil Danani

It was on December 13, 1964 that we, Asif Nathani, Yaseen
Esmail, Azim Premji and I played the last set of tennis at the
beautiful Pali Hill Gymkhana which closed down that day and drove
down to Bandra Gymkhana in search of a tennis court.
We were welcomed by Frankie, the Manager, who proudly showed
us a solitary uneven tennis court and told us that they were indeed
very happy to induct tennis playing members. We paid Rs. 50 as
entrance fee and Rs. 50 as deposit, made to sign some forms and
were told that we could consider ourselves as members and start
playing the same evening. In this enthusiastic membership drive,
I became an associate member, in my own right, at the age of
15. Years later my old friend, Martin Drego, (aka Mau Mau) who
had approved my membership as the General Secretary (and avid
tennis player) refused to accept this. It cost him a few drinks.
Tennis continued at a slow and lazy pace. Then came the multifaceted
and talented gentleman, Andrew C Pereira, (then in his seventies)
on the Bandra Gym tennis scene and changed the face of tennis
forever. Tennis grew; the solitary court became two and then three.
The neglected courts were transformed into a tennis haven. The
number of tennis playing members grew dramatically and word of
the Bandra Gym tennis spread and our friends from CCI, Bombay
Gymkhana and Willingdon Sports Club would ask to come and play
tennis here.
The J S Pereira Tennis Tournament commenced. A C was the
catalyst in creating a nucleus of tennis excellence that had our
Bandra Gym Tennis Team successfully challenge the best in the
Inter Club Tata Shield Tournament. I have never seen such single
minded dedication and love for the game of tennis. In the morning
A C would be mixing (sometimes with his own hands) the cowdung
and porbander mixture and in the heat of the blazing sun pulling
the roller to level the courts. This… for a frail man in his seventies!!!
A C had a razor-sharp t7o4ngue and did not suffer fools easily. This,

of course, led him to may skirmishes with the management and his tirade
against those that did not contribute to his vision for Bandra Gym Tennis. He
held forth at many an AGM and lambasted those that obstructed tennis. Much
to his credit, whenever Pop (J T Ferreira, then President) said “Andrew, that’s
enough” he would graciously accept.
Being a great organizer he started a coaching scheme. Such was his stature in
the tennis world that the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association became
associated with the scheme. Tennis blossomed; the courts were full with young
and old alike, morning and evening. New balls were issued thrice a week and
there were at least two ball boys on every court. The camaraderie in the tennis
fraternity was so good that everybody pitched in for the tournament and the
hospitality. Members brought snacks from their own kitchens and the high tea

Tennis blossomed; the courts were full with young and old
alike, morning and evening.

at the finals was the talk of the town. Those were elegant days of tennis at the
Bandra Gym in a very elegant Bandra.
Such was the commitment to tennis that A C attracted many friends; the closest
to him was the gentleman merchant prince and an avid tennis player, Lovji
Fraser (Homyyar’s father). Money was scarce then and difficult to obtain from
the management (as it is now?). Well Tennis is not a cheap game. Whenever
A C would rant and rave, Lovji would quietly bear the costs. This happened time
and time again over many years both for the coaching scheme and for member’s
tennis. I truly believe that without A C’s drive and Lovji’s kind generosity, tennis
would have found it very difficult to survive; very definitely not with the four
courts that we have today.
The multifaceted A C was a journalist (The Bombay Chronicle), teacher (St
Andrews) and a great cook. He would organize picnics for the tennis boys at
Asif Parpia’s house at Versova and introduced us to the numerous delicacies of
the East Indian cuisine. His duck moille was the finest that I have ever tasted.
Tennis at Bandra Gym owes so much to A C that I think it would behove Bandra
Gym to honour this great son of the East Indian Community by naming the
tennis courts after him.

Nikhil Danani is a long time associate member of the Bandra Gym and Vice
Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Bijilee Ltd.

75

76

Of Memories and Moments

77

Of Memories

Gone but.....

ERIC BOCARRO was a qualified banker, strict disciplinarian and a
man of morals who was a ‘giver’. He gave of his time, knowledge
and professional experience in an honorary capacity to one and
all. His passion was the Bandra Gymkhana and as Trustee he carried out his
duties with integrity and firmness. We bid Eric a fond adieu and remain rooted
in the knowledge that we are better from having known him.

GERARD MATHEWS – quiet affable person he was an asset to
the Library section. He enjoyed his game of table tennis every
Monday morning

JOE FERNANDES – very enthusiastic member of the gym who was in charge of
sports for a number of years, a jovial character who assisted the social section
in his capacity as an emcee.

CLETUS D’ABREO was a dear old man who had the gymkhana at
heart who lived a long fulfilled life knowing that he had given of
his best to his gymkhana. He was on the Gymkhana & Salsette
Managing Committees for years together and was a wizard in financial
matters.

78

and Moments

.....not forgotten

FR. RODNEY ESPERANCE an excellent preacher well known
for his summer camps, sporting activities and an ardent
educationist.

STEVE RODRIGUES was in the earlier years assisting in the Bar and restaurant
committee and in the formative years of the project and planning team his
technical expertise was invaluable.

DONALD RODRIGUES and STEVEN MURTHY both professional
in their own fields of operation gave their time and expertise
as Library secretaries over the years. Donald also became a Eucharist
Minister.

NESTOR FERNANDES was another pillar of the gymkhana who
assisted with sporting activities especially Rink Hockey, where
he was seen on the grounds the entire day, supervising the
assembly of the rink boards. He kept his eye on the gymkhana activities to
see that everything went according to plan.

79

CLETTY AND DENIS FERNANDES were live wires in their hay
days organizing socials and housie at the gym.

MELVILLE MENDES fondly referred as ‘MM’, was an efficient
organizer who for a number of years as a committee member
organized a lot of activities, his favorite being the Housie
where without fail every Sunday morning would see him calling out
numbers much to the delight of those playing the games.

DESMOND FERNANDES was a stalwart of the Bridge Room who
loved to assist the activities of the gym more specially the
Housie Section; he also called out Housie numbers, was also an
Hon. General Secretary.

CLIFFY ATHAIDE was one of the best stalwarts who knew the
unwritten and written laws of the gymkhana at the back of his
hand. He was always seen at all the activities of the gymkhana,
his specialty being the Social section. He was ever-ready to help especially
those who were new on the committee with his expertise and knowledge to
ensure smooth running of the activities of the gym.

80

MARTIN DREGO came back from East Africa; and was the Hon.
General Secretary of the gym for a long number of years and
was remembered for his white short pants.

ETTIE AND ALOYSIUS RODRIGUES – this couple were
the older members of the gymkhana in its formative
years, who kept the gym together in its lean years in the
1960s. Ettie revived the Christmas & New Year dances being an active
member in the sporting and social areas.

DR. CECIL D’MONTE took an active interest in the gymkhana
and in society at large, encouraging talent where he saw it.

DR CECILIA D’MONTE was an outstanding lady and the Vice
President of the East Indian Association. She was a
physician and Medical Officer for 32 years and did exemplary
war relief work.

81

82

Of Stars and Sports

83

…Of Stars and Sports

- Rewritten & compiled by Naomi Fernandes with inputs from
the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of the East Indian Association, with
interviews and information received.

T he Bandra
Gymkhana
has maintained
excellence traditions in
sporting, cultural and
social activities since
its inauguration. In this
milestone memory, it takes
pride in featuring star sports
members who have brought
fame to the Gymkhana,
while acknowledging other
members who have attained
personal accolades in sports.

WINNER TAKES ALL -
AC Pereira with his trophies

Photo Courtesy: Marie D’Souza

84

Indoor Sports

Popular indoor games include Carrom,

Scrabble, Table tennis, Billiards,

Badminton, Indoor Tele-Games which

are components of a weeklong festival

held in the rainy months.

BULLS EYE: Game being played during Indoor Telegames

Badminton Photo Courtesy: Golden Jubilee Souvenir of BEIA
Heroes

In 1938, Rudolph D’Silva became

the first Triple Crown winner of

the Western India Badminton

Championships at the Bombay

Gymkhana. A few years later,

his protégé Henry Ferreira hit

the headlines in the National Asif Parpia is recipient of a badminton Trophy
Present Badminton Court
Championships and in 1945 was
Bandra Gymkhana Badminton Champions
included in the team to represent India

in the Thomas Cup against Canada

under the captaincy of George Lewis.

Devindar Mohan, Prakash Nath and his

brother Ashok, D.G. Mugve and Bala

Ullal were the other members of the

team. In the early years, Badminton

received a fillip partly due to Dom A.

Ferreira, a barrister and Cambridge

Blue. He was also the first President of

the Table Tennis Federation of India.

We also have the likes of Asif Parpia,

Leroy D’Sa and a host of others who

played the tournaments and The

George Lewis Memorial continues till

date.

85

Bridge Buddies

Bridge and other Card games continue
to be a favourite past-time. The Annual
Bridge Tournament known as the Jehangir
Shroff Memorial Bandra Gymkhana
Bridge Tournament is rated as one of the
prestigious tournaments and attracted
entrants from all over the country.

Billiards Baizers

The Gymkhana received its first
Billiards Table as a result of a gift by
Joseph F. Pereira. It was nearly 17
years later, thanks to H C Captain,
that interest in the game waxed
with the visit of World Champion
Horace Lindrum and his match with
Wilson Jones (later World Amateur
Champion).
Padma Bhushan Michael Ferreira,
four times World Billiards Champion,
seven times National Champion, holds
14 World Records who figures in the
Guinness Book of Records as World
Record Holder for Break 1149, in
the year 1978, a record which is still
unbroken, received his early training
on the Gymkhana’s green baize, and
the Billiards Room has been named in
his honour.

86

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE BILLIARD ROOM: players in action

In April 1984, during the Golden KING MIKE: doing it his way
Jubilee celebrations, he was accorded
a public felicitation by the Gymkhana
at which he was presented with a
Maruti car. His cup runneth over with
his share of Government Awards from
the Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 1970,
to the Arjuna Award in 1972 to Padma
Bushan in 1984 to Dronacharaya
Award in 2001. He was also the
recipient of the Fair Play Award by
the International Olympic Committee.
In 1998 to 2005, Michael was the
National Cue Sports Coach as also a
Member of the National Committee for
Social and Economic Welfare appointed
by the Finance Ministry for the term
2004 – 2006.
Michael Ferreira, who is all of 71
years old, and to quote himself ‘semi-
retired’, has been the President of the
gymkhana.

87

Photo Courtesy: Joy Pereira Table Tennis Victors

In 1938, the world famed Table Tennis Champions,
Barna and Bellak on a tour of India, played their
first exhibition match at The Bandra Gymkhana.
So thrilled were they at the enthusiasm of the

spectators, that they donated Rs.200
to the Gymkhana out of the purse
of Rs.800 presented to them by Dr.
Cecil J. D’Monte, the then Table Tennis
Secretary.
Phyllis Athaide was the first National

MAKING HEADLINES: KEEPSAKE: Autographs of Barna & Bellak.
Joy Pereira brought
Bandra Gymkhana
fame in Table Tennis

Leroy & Maria D’Sa in doubles action
88

Champion in Table Tennis followed by Singles Table Tennis Tournament
Joy D’Souza Pereira who practised at Table Tennis Championship Tournament
the Bosco Club at 18. She began being
noticed for her versatile attacking style
of playing. She became Captain of the
Bombay Team in 1961 and Bombay’s
No.1 player and India’s No.2 player in
Table Tennis. Her table tennis career
spread over 10 years of her life and
won her more than 70 titles.
Others who reached a stature in the
game were Perin Madan and Rhoda
Shroff.
The Table Tennis room has now moved
to a state-of-the-art wooden flooring
court and two table tennis tables to
accommodate the growing number of
members joining this section.

IT IS IN THE PARTICIPATION:
Table Tennis players

89

Outdoor Sports

With its main aim directed to sports, the Bandra Gymkhana has encouraged and
conducted countless tournaments through the years. Hockey, Football, Volleyball,
Throwball and Cricket are games that have brought hours of excitement and
competition to the gym.

POMPOMS & PRACTICE: With the Golden Jubilee celebrations,
Cheer leaders synchronise their act at the Rink Hockey and Rink Football were
Outdoor Telegames festival introduced and became a rage even till
this day.
Back in the ‘sixties, Derrick Drego
represented Bombay in the Junior
National Hockey Championship held
in 1967-1968, and was selected
to represent the Indian Hockey

BABES WATCH:
Bay watch lifeguards float by at the Outdoor Telegames festival

90

Federation Junior XI in the Senior AIM SHOOT GOAL: Basket ball
National Hockey Championship held players at the Outdoor Telegames Festival
in the following year. He was selected
for Bombay University in the year GO MAN GO: Action at a Rink Hockey match
1969-1970-1971 and subsequently to
represent the All India University in the RUN RUN RUN:
Senior National Hockey Championship, Road Race at the Golden Jubilee
and World University Games held in
Tokyo.

In the ‘eighties, Marcellus Gomes
represented Mahindra & Mahindra and
represented the Indian Hockey Team
from 1981 to 1987. Marcellus collected
many feathers in his cap which include
the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi,
the 1984 Olympic Games in Los
Angeles, the 1986 World cup in London
and the 1983 Champion Trophy in
Pakistan. Currently he is an Assistant
Coach to the Indian Hockey Team.

Darryl D’Souza is a hockey Olympian
with a passion for the game that
started his career playing for Air
India from 1984 to 2005. In 1989, he
won the Indira Gandhi Intl. Gold Cup
in Lucknow and represented India
from 1989-1992 which took him to
innumerable countries.
He received the Shiv Chhatrapati
Award from the Government of
Maharashtra in 1990 and a silver
medal at the Asian Games held at

91

WIGWAM WATCH: a float and mascot
at the Outdoor Telegames festival

Cheergirls & Chief Guest at a
Rink Football Tournament

KEEPING THE VOLLEY: Derrick Drego
Volleyball match on the Courts
Beijing, China. On a winning streak in
BEND IT LIKE BECKAM: 1991 in Malaysia he won the Sultan
Rink football match Azlan Shah Award.

WILD & WET: His ultimate goal was reached when
Water Telegames he played in the 1992 Olympics in
Barcelona, Spain. From 1997 to 2005
he has coached the Air India team,
winning tournaments all over India
and till date coaches the Under-14 and
Under-19 boys at the Mumbai Hockey
Association.
A man of action, Darryl has won
innumerable awards.

One of the biggest stars of Indian
Hockey is Viren Rasquinha, an
Olympian and the former captain
of the Indian Hockey team. He was
bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna
Award for Hockey for the year 2005.
He has played 180 international
matches for the Indian hockey team
in a career spanning from 2002 till
he retired in January 2008. He was

92

an immensely gifted midfielder and an Crazy Coconuts in their attire at the
excellent team player known for his fearless Outdoor Telegames Festival
tackling skills, tireless running and calm
temperament. He was also the captain of Viren Rasquinha
the Maratha Warriors in the Premier Hockey
League for 4 consecutive years from 2005-
2008 and played for Stuttgart Kickers
in the German Bundesliga in the 2007-
08 season. After his retirement in 2008,
Viren did his MBA at the Indian School of
Business, Hyderabad and has a dual major
in Marketing and Strategy.

93
WINNERS ALL: Finalists of the Rink Hockey, Volley Ball & Throwball – 20th April 1985

Tennis Stars

In tennis and badminton, it acquired the rich heritage of the
Malla Trio Club and the Bandra Club. In 1931, two of its
members, A C Pereira, who spearheaded the tennis section
and Anantrao G Gupte won the doubles title in the Western
Indian Tennis Championship at the Bombay Gymkhana.

It was through A C Pereira’s courtesy that the best matches in the Open Tennis
Championships were decided on the tennis courts of the Bandra Gymkhana. He had
won laurels in the Suburban Lawn Tennis Championship and P J Hindu Gymkhana
Lawn Tennis Tournaments. He was also the coach for tennis, badminton and
cricket. Earlier in 1929, A C Pereira and the Japanese Star, M Take figured in the
finals losing to the Japanese stalwarts M. Tomonaga and M Taku after three close
sets.

Among the other prominent members of the club were the national tennis
champions, E Vivien Bobb and the Cambridge Blue, J Charanjiva. At the 13th
Suburban Lawn Tennis Championships, E V Bobb and A C Pereira achieved a double,
while Leela Row (later Dayal) gained the coveted Triple Crown with Ms. Bonjour and
J Charanjiva. The event, most looked forward to, was the keenly contested Bobb-
Charanjiva meet, the best ever witnessed in Bombay at the time.

Charles Gonsalves was the other member of the Gymkhana, who played in the
Open Tennis Championships. He was a co-founder of the Suburban Lawn Tennis
Championships with Yeshwant Balkrishna Wassoodew in 1921. This is the second

oldest tennis tournament in Bombay,
the first one being the Western India
Championship, started in 1913. Among the
Gymkhana’s lady members who reached
a stature in Tennis was Phyllis Athaide
(nee D’Lima) who settled in Canada.

9T4HE AFTERMATH: Prize Distribution at the
prestigious J S Pereira Tennis Tournament

She played with equal prowess in
Badminton and Table Tennis in which
she was a National Champion, for her
diversified and unbeaten records in
these three games.

Noted veteran Dudley D’Souza first VETERAN WINNERS:
picked up a tennis racket at the age Dudley D’Souza & Gulzar
of 30 and feels it’s never too late
to be a winner. He learnt the basics ON CLAY COURTS:
from coach Kamble on its clay courts. Posing for posterity
Completely hooked onto the game
and being inspired by the Bandra
Gymkhana he won his first Veteran
Doubles title with Venkat Iyer at the
J S Pereira Memorial Tournament in
1991. Decades later Dudley still enjoys
competing in the all India Veteran
Circuit. Younger excellent players to
mention a few are Crystal Fernandes,
Mark Ferreira, Nandini Nagarajan,
Nasreen Sujatakali nee Ramanath,
Sean Wassoodew, Sonia Shelar, Nilesh
Saldanha & Keshav Narsimanh have
played tennis and won laurels for the
Bandra Gymkhana.

Closing of Tennis Coaching Camp for Youth

95

Cricket Champs

During the ‘thirties and ‘forties, the
Gymkhana arranged regular fixtures every
week, with other Clubs and Gymkhanas.
Two of its members, A C Pereira and
J Orrie Gonsalves played for the Rest XI in
the prestigious Bombay Pentangular Cricket
Tournament of that era.

UNCLE ANDREW TO THE A C Pereira was indeed the best East Indian all-
GYMKHANA: Journalist, rounder. Apart from featuring on the tennis circuit, as
Sportsman, Sports a fine cricketer, he captained, among other teams, the
Promoter, Chronicler of Catholic Gymkhana, Bandra Gymkhana, and played
the gym, Critic, Watchdog for the ‘Rest’. He was responsible for organizing
& most loved & respected and conducting the scores of cricket and hockey
member tournaments in Bombay. A valuable coach, many
leading cricketers of Bandra owe their success to his
shrewd training.

In the early ‘seventies, just 14 years of age, Anne
Fiona Fernandes (nee Albuquerque) represented
Maharashtra at the Inter – State Nationals held
at Kottayam (Kerala) in 1972, having broken
the Maharashtra State record for the 600 & 800
metres run.
She made her debut for the Indian team during
the World Cup – 1978 (Spain), was Captain/Vice
Captain in 1982/83; played many International
hockey tournaments till 1985. A GOLD MEDALIST

96

in the ASIAN GAMES held in Delhi-1982; represented Air India in the Sr. Nationals
from 1983 to 1996, managed the hockey team till 1995 and the Women’s Cricket
team from 1996 till date.
Another player ROBIN MORRIS played under 19 in the India v/s South Africa game,
played for Orissa in Ranji trophy, the East Zone in Duleep Trophy & Deodhar trophy
for three years and for Mumbai. Among his other laurels he played for West zone,
the Board President Eleven, and the Indian Colts v/s New Zealand, against the
Australian team, played in champions trophy in Australia for Mumbai, played in
ICL for Mumbai Champs, done level one & level 2 cricket coaching qualification in
England. He played club cricket in England for 11 years.
Cricket in the gymkhana in recent years, is the modern day Over-arm and Under-
arm Tennis ball Cricket which is held for want of space, but attracts fun, competition
and fellowship among the members.

CRICKET MATCH ON TENNIS COURT: Cricket match in progress on the multi purpose
tennis courts.

97

Chief Guest actress Rekha with Trustee Of Stars
Ajit Rodrigues

Naseeruddin Shah with son at tennis
function

Dhanraj Pillai with President Raphael B Billiards Champ Michael Ferreira
Donald

Lyricist Gulzar gifting away a trophy Dimple Kapadia
98

Ratna Shah Pathak Lisa Ray being welcomed
Dilip Kumar as Chief Guest
& Sports

Amitabh Bachhan & Prakash Padukone

Amol Palekar

Actor Dilip Kumar with Michael & Fay Arbaaz Khan
Ferreira 99