Foreword:
Mike Ratu Jnr
Chairman: 2004- present
Rochdale Fijian Association History
Many people have told me that I was always going to the Chairman of the Association. I personally never gave it a thought so to be Proposed at the meeting at my Aunty Lo’s house in 2005 was a real shock and very humbling.
To be honest I was never really active before hand but it was always been part of my life both historically and more importantly socially. I can still remember playing rugby for the Association vs. Rochdalians in the Joe Levula Plate, they were fantastic occasions. Also the Broadfield Hotel Islands Nights were also fantastic, a chance to meet up with cousins, relatives and other Fijian families who travelled to Rochdale from all over the UK. I remember from these events the colours of the salu salus , the bright ladies dresses, the Fijian food, every body wearing bula shirts but most of all the atmosphere. It was an atmosphere of Happiness, pride and a true genuine sense of belonging to a culture I am so lucky to be part of.
Being the current Chairman is a almost now like a labour of love and I hope I am carrying on the role as good as my predecessors did who most definitely set down very clear visions and values. My job as chairman is made easy with the superb back up that I receive from the current committee that is in place, ranging from committed treasuries, secretaries and truly fantastic membership that grows at every meeting. Financially and democratically we are sound but most of all socially is we have really kicked on, all our members are empowered and have input into meetings, which are always well attended.
My personal goal as chairman of the Rochdale Fijian Association is to continue;
“An atmosphere of Happiness, pride and a true genuine sense of belonging to a culture I am so lucky to be part of."
I have big boots to fill, but we are getting there...
Bula Vinaka
Mike Ratu Jnr
Founding members - left to right,
Joe Kamanalagi, John Kucuve, John Ravitale, Mike Ratu, Laitia Ravouvou ,Fred Mua and pictured above Kia Bose and Sisa Matadigo
there are also many more Fijian elders not pictured who are involved with the association today including Watisoni Rogose, Adama Rokotuni,Tomasi Taleaua
