Our Wedding Anniversary By Melvyn Brown

Today, 19th October is special. When I awoke this morning I discovered a beautiful Wedding Anniversary card on the table. It was signed :From your Guardian Angel. He ( Our Angel) has never forgotten to wish us over the passage of the years on every happy milestone in our lives. It does seem dramatic, if not unusual. But, it's true. From the early years when I courted Joan when she was still in school, to the day we were married and for every event in our lives, a card always greeted us : From your Guardian Angel. This is a fact, because I am the Guardian Angel.
Today, Joan is in heaven; gone ahead to prepare our eternal home. She always told me in our quiet moments : Mel, read John 14:2. And each time she would read it while I sat beside her. "in my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"
Today, makes it seven years since my darling Joan was called, safe in the hands of Jesus. Safe and happy for the time when we will be together again. Thank you for reading this. Rest assured that your loved ones are also waiting for you. I trust in Jesus.

REMEMBERING JOAN By Melvyn Brown

Memories are all we’re left with: and all the happy times still bloom each year on your birthday dearest Joan. This birthday morning I would have got up early, prepared the tea for you, and on our favorite tray I would have brought it along with a single special rose to wish you love and happiness from all of us. Since you’re not here I decided to attend the celebration of a Mass offered in your name for your beautiful soul. Later, a visit to the cemetery was on my agenda. This evening, with close friends, I will serve them dinner remembering the times when we sat at the table with you, chatting and having a good laugh. Thank you beloved Joan, for all the good I receive through your intercession. We all love you: your son Warren and his wife Paula; your daughter Sabrina and your grand-children.

Winners of The Joan Brown Memorial Awards 2013

The Joan Brown Memorial Award covers the media, education, art, science and communications. Melvyn Brown had instituted the Award in memory of his wife in 2011.
The first Joan Brown Memorial Awards 2011 were presented to five winners:
Mr. Vernon Thomas
Mr. Julian Sunil Martin Roy
Fr.Lawrence Abello S.J.
Mr. Rudolph Vance
Dr. Leonard Gomes.

Congratulations to the Winners
This year the 2013 winners are Mr. Ian Myers for his dedication in the field of Anglo-Indian education and social service within the community, who always finds the time to oblige and impart justice.
Miss Catherine Moss for her distinguished and youthful dedication towards the preservation of Anglo-Indian heritage and culture.
The late Joan Brown had shown great concern and self-discipline in religious fervour, love and charity. The JBM Award is a tribute to Joan’s impeccable life. Joan was a modern woman, wife, mother and grandmother and a guiding light to all those she met. Mrs. Brown passed away on the 10th of August 2008 in Calcutta, India.
“Women are silent icons; leaders in their own right,” said Mr. Melvyn Brown, adding: “Men make human endeavours a place in the sun, alongside the woman.”

Courtesy: Anglo-Indian, The Newsletter. December 2013. Calcutta. India.

MELVYN BROWN PRESENTS THE JOAN BROWN MEMORIAL AWARDS 2011 IN CALCUTTA



Melvyn Brown's Inaugural Speech



Melvyn Brown and Dr.Julian Sunil Martin Roy



Melvyn Brown and Vernon Thomas



THE JOAN BROWN MEMORIAL AWARDS INAUGURATED IN CALCUTTA

Navigating the hazards of covering the media , art, science and communication , the Joan Brown Awards Committee finally nominated five winners for the first awards 2011. Melvyn Brown who had initiated the Awards gave his final approval. The event was held on the 26th of February at St. Thomas’ Presbytery hall, Middleton Row, Calcutta, proved to be the dessert topping everyone had looked forward to attending.
The Joan Brown Awards will now be an annual offering to the nation. The ice was broken. The auditorium wore a bright look with colourful banners. The music was tamed to the occasion. Miss Elizabeth D’ Cruz performed a dance which was much appreciated by those present.

“ Women are silent icons, “ said Melvyn Brown, founder of the awards and husband to the late Joan Brown. Melvyn wove the story of his wife and her pursuit in the fields of human endeavour which had been the deepest concern of her life. It was because of her self-discipline, religious fervour , love and charity which made the Awards a fitting tribute to her impeccable life. Joan was not old-fashioned,” he said, “nor was she wood-panelled in outlook. “ Melvyn Brown presented her life to his audience as being, “ a modern woman of our times, down-to-earth and an icon to all those who met her. “

Julian Sunil Martin Roy, author of the book “Atharo Gram” and poet , received his crystal award and Citation as if the Oscar had been his reward. He thanked Melvyn for having created the Special Award in memory of his wife.

Vernon Thomas , writer of over a hundred books for children and a masterful autobiography was thrilled, undoubtedly for all the praise showered on him by Melvyn. The essence of the moment was caught on film as a crew of cameramen surrounded the popular writer and author. (see pic).

Rudolph Vance, a young Anglo-Indian from Pune was the fish to be honoured for his talent in sports reporting and documenting local news in the archdiocese of Calcutta. He was optimistic about his future.

Fr. Lawrence Abello, s.j. and Dr. Leonard Gomes were both unable to attend. The awards and citations will be sent to them.

Finally, selecting three ladies from the audience Melvyn Brown presented them with gifts suitable to the moments “iconic” vision he had of all women who contribute their best ‘ in waves of silence ‘ wherever they may be , and shelter those under their wings.

Joan Brown Memorial Awards 2011

THE  JOAN  BROWN  MEMORIAL  AWARDS

                                              For the Media and Literary  Distinctions

                                                       WINNERS 2011

The Joan Brown Media and Literary Awards has been initiated and approved by Ambassadors For Jesus founder Melvyn Brown , as a Memorial to the name of his wife Joan , who passed away in 2008. Joan had been  close to all Catholic efforts in the range of literature and in the media. She was his muse, encouraging and promoting Melvyn in his writings and in his media events. Joan was an avid reader,an honest critic and kept herself well informed on world and local news events on TV and the newspapers.

                                       It was decided that the Annual AFJ Awards and the Anglo-Indian Awards would remain to inspire and encourage future generations in Catholic chapters of spiritual and mundane growth as it has done over the years.

                                       The Joan Brown Awards will be presented for Creative Writings and for excellence in Media and Documentary works . It has been settled that each year nominations will be received for Catholics who fall under the perspective of the awards at year end (November-December) and the winners to be declared by January-February of the New Year.

                                       The Joan Brown Memorial Committee will avail to Melvyn Brown their selection of three names in each category for his final choice of the winner or winners .  The Awards will carry a Citation and Trophy.

                                       THIS YEARS WINNERS ARE :

                                       Julian Sunil Martin Roy , for his Poems and Research

                                       Dr. Leonard Gomes , for his Letters in the Media

                                       Vernon Thomas , for his short stories for children

                                       Fr.Lawrence Abello,sj.,for his Pro-Life and Protection of the faith.

                                       Rudolph Vance, for his sports reporting and other events .

                                                             THEY WON BECAUSE  :

                                       Julian Sunil Martin Roy has been nominated for his book of poems , Tiny Bouquet ( has 250 verses ) on diverse themes. The book is of precious value to our present-day collection of Indo-English writings. Also, for Roy ’s research and documentation in the book , A Brief History of Portuguese Converts ( Atharo Gram – Dacca Catholics ).The book is of considerable importance for future generations. Congratulations Julian.

                                        Dr. Leonard Gomes, ex-professor of St.Xavier’s College, Calcutta , has contributed a wealth of insight and knowledge through his “Letters to the Editor “ in The Herald and other publications. His views and opinions has been a source of much assistance to readers and critics . Congratulations Leonard.

                                          Vernon Thomas has published hundreds of short stories for children, and a series of re-telling in English stories from Indian legends and folk tales. His style of writing is crisp and clear. The stories are little gems for all time to come. We pride in his nomination. Congratulations Vernon .

                                           Rudolph Vance from Pune is better known to his friends as “Ruddy “. He has a flair for reporting on sports, especially on football and hockey. Rudolph has the makings of another Clary Miller. He is versatile in reporting on local events and on Catholic programmes. Congratulations Rudolph.

                                           WINNERS will be duly informed by mail shortly.