As openings go, nothing will match al-Fatiha. But as a clubhouse venue, Second Floor at WF House at Hujjat Harefield, has made its indelible mark. As ever, Stanmore Jafferys were keen to get the ball rolling, and 20 days post-agreement, an event together in collaboration with Al-Haadi Youth, comprising tournaments in Table Tennis, Darts and Pool was put together and attended by over 270 guests.
There were also stations for Carrom, Foosball, PlayStation and Gully Cricket as both young and old mingled in an extravaganza of board games and sporting matchups. Of course, all this was preceded by a small opening ceremony with Quran recitation and Hadith-e-Kisa. Whether or not the fire alarm going off during the chair, Shaneabbas Merali’s speech was a customary SJ prank or just an accident of fate is still up for debate. Suffice to say, our chairman acknowledged the overwhelming support of donors, volunteers, and the membership in ensuring a successful inauguration at the facility. Shaneabbas was keen to note how far this generosity goes:
‘This equipment you see here is impossible without generous donations. Our use will go well into the future and understandably we are immensely grateful. Pool tables in particular have a three-month lead time. Efforts pooled (pardon the pun) together ensured we were able to secure these in three days. Fortune will play its part. But appetite for the venue needs to be maintained in to harness the success of this initiative for the coming generations.’
Honours list of the scheduled tournaments:
Table Tennis (8-11 Years)
Winner: Mehdi Bhimji / Runner Up: Javadali Muraj
Table Tennis (12+)
Winner: Imran Merali / Runner Up: Zain Dharas
Table Tennis (Adults Intermediate)
Winner: Zain Dharas / Runner Up: Haani Merali
Table Tennis (Adults Advance)
Winner: Arifali Hirji / Runner Up: Mohamed Abbas Merali
Stanmore Jafferys gives thanks to Sadiq Merchant, Mohamed Abbas Merali, Hussein Uncle Juma and the Table Tennis team in organising a tournament that included entries from over 140 people, from ages 8-60+.
During the closing ceremony awards, Arifali Hirji (Secretary General of The World Federation), pledged £2,000 toward development works at The Clubhouse, a wonderful and generous gesture appreciated by one and all.
The Darts tournament was won by Zia Dewji and in Pool Adil Kanani defeated Shakir Alibhai in a final witnessed by a bumper crowd that took place at around 3am! And the Clubhouse was in full swing in the early hours.
Phase II of the opening ceremony witnessed an event organised with afternoon prayers, discussion circles with Shaykh Anwar Jaffer and Shaykh Yasin Devji followed by a screening of an FA Cup Quarter Finals for the ages. By the end of the evening, there were only one set of fans left as Manchester United and Liverpool battled out a match that will live long in the memory.
A real and genuine clubhouse feel is being fostered here on Second Floor. It now becomes on our audience of members and the community generally to keep this alive. Plans are afoot to enhance further to include spaces for Fitness, Boxing, Spinning, Multi-Use Studio, Table Tennis Academy and a social hub for members across all ages and genders to use.
Inshallah SJ plans to host another event at The Clubhouse on Friday 5th April – do keep a watch out on our Social Media channels for further information.
