Preparations for the much-anticipated BMCF Gala Night 2026 have entered their final phase, with renowned playback singer Venugopal arriving in the UK well in advance of the event. In light of ongoing flight disruptions, the singer chose to arrive a week early, reflecting his affection and commitment towards the British Malayali community.

This marks a rare and special occasion, as Venugopal returns to a British Malayali Charity after seven years. Notably, he becomes the first personality to attend the event twice as the chief guest. He was received at Heathrow Airport by Gala Night General Convenor Jomon Mammoottil, Bedford Marston Kerala Association President Eugene Thomas, along with Manoj Thomas and Rajesh Karunakaran, on behalf of the British Malayali Charity Foundation.

The grand event is set to take place at the Addison Centre in Bedford, where organisers are preparing to expect over a thousand attendees. Gates will open at 1:00 PM, with the official inauguration and cultural programmes commencing at 2:30 PM. The event is scheduled to conclude around 9:30 PM.

As part of the Gala Night, BMCF will honour outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions to society across four award categories: Junior Rising Star of the Year, Community Impact Person of the Year (Senior Category), Malayali Organisation in Charity Activities, and UK Malayali Charity of the Year.

Award recipients include Dr Rajmohan Padmanabhan, a doctor and social worker from Glasgow; Joseph Jacob from Peterborough; Gangotri Skariah, a GCSE student from Loughborough (Junior category); and Shreya Sam, a primary school student from Derby.

Organisers have reiterated that the Addison Centre follows a strict no-alcohol policy. Attendees are requested not to consume alcohol within the premises or in the car park, as violations could result in heavy penalties for organisers.

Those who have not yet registered are encouraged to complete the Google Form to secure their seats.

https://forms.gle/LLk6j4TRTGPp2LRG8

Registration will help organisers arrange adequate seating and catering facilities.

Raffle Draw and Fundraising for Rankine Mathew Appeal

Adding further value to the evening, a raffle draw will be conducted during BMCF Gala Night 2026 in support of the ongoing Rankine Mathew Appeal. All proceeds from the raffle and related fundraising initiatives will go directly towards assisting Rankine in his recovery following a tragic accident.

An online meeting held on 23rd March, attended by trustees, advisory committee members, and the Bedford team, reviewed the final arrangements for the event. It was noted with appreciation that over 600 participants have already registered, reflecting strong community engagement and support.

In addition to the raffle draw, a dedicated charity stall will be set up at the venue to further support fundraising efforts for the appeal.

Raffle Prizes:

• First Prize: £100 voucher and two tickets to Jerry Amaldev’s “Aayiram Kannumayi” show in Leicester
• £100 Voucher sponsored by Muthoot Group
• Coffee machine from Joyce Caterers (Bedford)
• £200 worth of £50 *4 Vouchers from “The Houseboat” (Derby)
• Russell Hobbs Cook & Bake set sponsored by Friends Movers

The organisers sincerely encourage all attendees to participate in the raffle and contribute generously towards the cause.

With free entry and parking, along with an evening featuring music, recognition, and community engagement, BMCF Gala Night 2026, scheduled for March 28 in Bedford, is set to offer a meaningful and memorable cultural experience for attendees across the UK.

The appeal launched by the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) to support 26-year-old Rankine Mathew from Kollam, who was left bedridden following a serious accident during his studies in the UK, is gaining strong momentum. Within just four days of its launch, a total of £8,269 has been raised through generous contributions.

Out of this amount, £6,180 was donated by 290 contributors via the KindLink platform, while £1,255 was received through bank transfers. In addition, £1,050 was added as Gift Aid from KindLink donations, bringing the total to £8,269.

Rankine arrived in the UK last September to pursue an MSc in Project Management at a London university. After months of searching, he secured a job at a warehouse dealing with dismantling and selling used cars, which helped him manage his living and study expenses. Just as life was beginning to stabilise, tragedy struck.

He suffered a severe accident at work, resulting in serious injuries to his spine and legs, leaving him bedridden. Due to prolonged hospitalisation, his studies have been interrupted.

To come to the UK, Rankine had taken a loan of approximately ₹15 lakh by mortgaging his family home and property. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of recovering the tuition fees already paid, and as his job was casual employment, he is not eligible for support from his employer.

Back home, his only dependents are his ailing parents. With his future in the UK now uncertain, urgent support is needed to help him return to India, continue rehabilitation treatment, and repay his debts.

The BMCF initiated this appeal with confidence in the compassion of the UK Malayali community, known for standing by those in need. Organisers are urging everyone to extend their support and help this young man rebuild his life.

The appeal is ongoing, and further contributions are warmly welcomed.

To support Rankie please click the link below:

https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/British-Malayali-Charity-Foundation/rankinemathewappeal

The trustees of British Malayali Charity Foundation has decided to convene an AGM at 12 moon on Saturday 28th March 2026 at Bedford, England.

The AGM will discuss about the ongoing activities and the future course of actions. The general working report including the accounts will be submitted in the AGM.

The venue of the AGM at Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 8PN . England.

Any members wishing to attend may please contact at [email protected] to confirm their attendance before AGM.

The grant is intended to support individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected circumstances, health issues, or other challenging situations. BMCF stated that the initiative reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Applications for the New Year Grant 2025 are now open, and interested applicants are required to submit their completed application forms along with the necessary supporting documents within the stipulated timeframe.

The deadline to apply is 20th January 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. The application form and detailed guidelines are available through BMCF’s official channels.

BMCF representatives have encouraged those in need of support to make use of this opportunity and assured that all applications will be reviewed with fairness and confidentiality.

Application for New Year Grant 2026

APPLICATION FOR ‘BMCF NEW YEAR GRANT 2026’ – Google Document

Terms & Conditions

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes 2025 -26

Date: 16 November 2025

Time: 2:30 -4:30pm

Platform: Online

1. Welcome Address

   The meeting began with chairman Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil welcoming all attendees. The founding chairman Shajan Skariah was also present, and his continued support was acknowledged.

2. Attendance

   The following members attended the AGM:

   Shajan Skariah, Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil, Manoj Mathew, Boney Chandy, Shaji Lukose, Greeshma Francis, Bindu Kalaraj, Resmi Prakash, Francis Antony, Ajimon Michael Edakkara, Prasanna Shine, Dominic palukunnel Chacko, Ansi Krishnan, Simon Jacob, Jimmy George, Shaijumon KR and Siby Mathew.

3. New Membership Updates

   It was noted that trustees Shinu Clare Mathews and Bij Thomas have stepped down from their positions.

   Ansi Krishnan and Dominic palukunnel Chacko have joined as new trustees.

4. Annual Reports

Secretary’s Report:

   General secretary Manoj Mathew presented the annual report, summarising the main activities and achievements of the year. This year marked a milestone in BMCF’s history as we crossed the £1.5 million threshold and reached an extraordinary cumulative total of £1.73 million raised for humanitarian service since our inception in 2012.

Treasurer’s Report:

Boney Chandy presented the financial report.

* A total of 19 appeals were supported this year.

* From the general fund, £1,000 was allocated to Open Hands Leicester and £2,000 to the Saroja appeal.

* Challenges with Gift Aid submissions were highlighted, with approximately £10,000 still pending due to previous rejections.

* Members were reminded about the importance of proper documentation for appeals, including email subject lines, enquiry forms, and decision-making records, which are essential for auditing.

5. Trustee Elections – 2025

   The following members were elected and confirmed in their roles for the upcoming year:

* Chairman: Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil

* Vice Chairperson: Prasanna Shine

* Secretary: Greeshma Francis

* Treasurer: Boney Chandy

* Acting Joint Treasurer: Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

* Joint Secretary: Bindu Kalaraj

* PRO: Manoj Mathew

* Charity Public Event Convenor: Francis Antony

* Charity Night Coordinator: Resmi Prakash

* Advisory Board Convenor: Ajimon Michael Edakkara

(legally approved by charity commission)

New trustees: Ansi Krishnan and Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

Trustees stepping down: Shinu Clare Mathews and Biji Thomas

Trustees for the year 2025 – 26

01. Chairman – Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil ( Manchester)

02. Vice chair – Prasanna Shine ( Bath)
03. Boney Chandey – Treasurer ( Leicester)
04. Greeshma Francis – Secretary (Derby)
05. Francis Antony – Trustee( Telford)
06. Augustine M.V- Trustee( London)
07. George Mathew – Trustee ( Leicester)
08. Shaji Lukose – Trustee ( Belfast)
10. Resmi Prakash ( Chelmsford)
11. Simon Jacob – Trustee ( Southampton)
12. Afsal Ali Arunhipurathu.( Croydon)
13. Manoj Mathew – Trustee & PRO ( Stoke on Trent)
14. Ansi Krishnan – New Trustee (Southampton)

15. Dominic Palukunnel Chacko – New trustee with additional responsibility for account works. ( Leicester)

There is no change in the signatories. Chairman Sabu and Treasurer Boney will continue as authorised signatories

6. Discussions and Proposals

* A charity night is planned for March 2026, with preparations to begin shortly.

* Prasanna Shine suggested that awards should also recognise and include more individuals who consistently support the foundation.

* Sabu outlined future plans including identifying new events and strengthening the appeals process.

* Ajimon emphasised the importance of involving younger members for new ideas, improved use of technology, and better social media presence.

* Advisory Board member Shaijumon mentioned the youth wing. Sabu responded that although a youth wing is still in place and approved by charity commission, it could not continue due to young members’ time constraints and will consider in the future.

7. Vote of Thanks

  Joint Treasurer Bindu Kalaraj delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all trustees, volunteers, attendees, and supporters of BMCF.

Conclusion

The AGM concluded on a positive note, with members reaffirming their commitment to supporting the foundation’s charitable work and planning future initiatives.

Thanks & Regards,

Greeshma Francis

Secretary

BMCF