News

Sunday 23rd January 2005
AGBU LONDON RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!

Following requests from members of the community, AGBU London broke with tradition this year and at the end of November hurriedly organised an intimate New Year party for 120 people on New Year’s Eve at The Marriott, Marble Arch. Traditionally AGBU London arranges a party to take place after the Armenian Christmas on 6th January each year. The party on 31st December 2004 was immensely enjoyed by all ages and people from different sections of the UK Armenian community.

In his brief welcome address Mr. Harout Aghajanian, Chairman of AGBU London and Vice-Chairman of the AGBU London Trust, thanked those who had pulled out all the stops to organise the festivities at short notice. He welcomed all present including the large number of young people and extended a special welcome to Dr Zoulikian, a former Chairman of the AGBU Executive and Trust member, Mrs Noushig Setrakian, wife of the late Dr Ara Setrakian, a former Chairman of the Executive and guests Fr Shnork and his wife.

A minute’s silence was observed for the tragic victims of the Pacific tsunami and their families.

Mrs Annie Kouyoumdjian, Vice-Chair of AGBU London, then spoke briefly about AGBU’s charitable mission and presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Paula Aghajanian in recognition of her work in supporting the work of the committee.

Before the party got into full swing, the Chairman reminded everyone that the AGBU would celebrate 100 years of existence in 2006 and that, as part of the centennial celebrations, London was raising funds for the reconstruction of a border village in Artsakh. He announced that Professor Khachig Pilikian had won the competition to name the new village with his entry of “Pareshen” and that Mr Pilikian had generously indicated that he would be donating his prize of £160 worth of Eurostar travel tickets back to the AGBU for further fund raising ventures.

Following grace by Fr. Shnork and dinner, Ace DJ David pumped up the volume and the New Year revellers danced to pulsating Armenian, Arabic and European beats until the early hours. Great prizes - including an IPOD mini, Armenian history books, a DVD player and Tea- for-Two at the Savoy were won in the raffle. Everyone joined in the count down to 2005 and then engaged in a great kissing and hugging spree of New Year greetings!!


AGBU LONDON WISHES A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL UK ARMENIANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.