Amongst the migration of Asians into the UK during the 1950s, a sizeable number of these were Mochi families. Our community primarily chose London, Birmingham, Leicester, Bradford, Wellingborough, Oldham, Ashton Under Lyne and Luton for their settlement. The majority of our Mochi population outside of India resides in Leicester, London and Birmingham. A few residents of Leicester, upon the visit of the Parishad President Shree Manilal B. Arya (India) and Shree Mohanlal D. Champaneri (Zambia) discussed the formation of our communities Association in 1970 - 1972. An ad-hoc president and secretary were appointed but no other activities took place until January 21st 1973, where 13 individuals gathered to discuss the future of the Mochi community.
The Association name Gujarati Arya Association Leicester was formerly adopted along with a draft version of a constitution on the 13th May 1973. The first ever Arya patrika, the Associations newsletter was published on the 1st November 1974. The Association constitution was translated into English and registered with the Charity Commissioners in 1983. This year also found the formation of the Mahila Mandal. Along with the continued annual activities, the first Christmas party was organised with a good attendance from younger community members. Up to 1988 approximately £40K had been raised. Over the years committee meetings were held at various members homes or at schools or community centres, as were Mahila Mandal activities. After several requests from the Mahila Mandal it was agreed to purchase a property (107 Loughborough Road) at a cost of £38K.
This property was converted for use as an Office and small prayer hall for the Mahila Mandal. Plans for building a custom made Community hall were prepared; in which community members would be invited to participate in a share scheme. After approximately 2 years, proposals to purchase and convert a factory unit (Ross Walk) in to a Community hall were made and approved. A draft Share scheme was also set up. £90K was committed through application forms for shares, at a Diwali programme held at Starlite 2001. It then came to light that the building on Ross Walk could not be purchased. However, the BUSM Unit and their car park, on Hildyard Road became available. With committee approval at the general meeting a bid was put forward and finally accepted at £335K plus costs. Before the exchange of contracts the issue of shares had committed approximately £190K.
After approval of the committee at a general meeting a bank loan from Yorkshire bank PLC had also been negotiated. Just before the completion date there was still a short fall in funds. Through the kind support of 8 community members interest free loans amounting £28.5K were borrowed for completion. It was important for the building to be made functional ASAP due to the large sum borrowed and the repayments. Refurbishment of the building was undertaken voluntarily by members. Between the volunteers they worked day and night to make alterations to the property to create a custom built stage, kitchen and hall. The target day for the grand opening of the hall was 19th May 1991. All volunteers worked into the early hours of the morning to make this target. There was an impressive turnout on the day of opening not only from Leicester but also from towns and cities across the UK. A Hawan was done to perform the opening ceremony of the hall. Since the opening of the hall, with aid from the building group and an additional bank loan of £60K a Bar facility was built. The GAA sports and Social Club was formed and they took on the running of the Bar. This is open to members 5 days a week. With help from the management committee, volunteers and community support the hall is utilised on a regular basis. May the future of our hall remain bright and fruitful.
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