Goan

Mervyn Maciel: I started my career in the Kenya Civil Service in 1947 and served for nearly 20 years in various districts, the most appealing being those in the Northern Frontier. I moved to the UK in 1966 following the Africanisation of my post, working in the Private Sector for many years. I wrote my East African memoirs (Bwana Karani) in 1985 and a further book (From Mtoto to Mzee) in 2014. Elsie and I have been active members of various organisations in our community, including our local church, craft groups as well as being involved in both the overseas East African and Goan communities. For many years we have happily ‘toiled’ away in our local allotment and made our own wine, Goan food  and pickles. I have continued my passion for writing, contributing freelance pieces for a variety of Christian, Goan and East African publications. Over the years I have also been committed to volunteering my time to needy causes including feeding the homeless, visiting the sick, singing in care homes and at 91 (Covid19 allowing) I still work 2 days a week for an International Catholic Charity. All proceeds from both my books are donated to missionary efforts in Kenya, whose people have always held a special place in both my  and Elsie’s hearts.