In the winter of 2021, on a virtual platform, around 40 enthusiastic individuals hailing from Kerala gathered to discuss an idea that would soon change their lives and their community forever. This marked the humble beginning of the Wirral Malayalee Community, a vibrant and dynamic association on the Wirral Peninsula.

At this very first formation meeting, the vision for a common platform for all Malayalees of Wirral was warmly welcomed by all who attended. The idea of fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride among the Keralites living in the region was met with resounding approval. While there was a discussion about potentially including other Indian ethnic minorities in the membership criteria, the decision was ultimately made to focus on Keralites and the Wirral for this initial phase.

The meeting also saw the selection of 16 dedicated members to form an ad-hoc committee responsible for drafting the association’s constitution and bylaws. This committee, led by Mr. Joshy Joseph, was entrusted with the critical task of shaping the organization’s foundational principles. The goal was to present a draft of the bylaws at the upcoming general body meeting in April 2021.

As the wheels of progress turned, the draft committee met again in late January, led by Mr. Binu Kanjiram. Their discussions centered on creating a dynamic and evolving constitution and bylaws that could adapt to the community’s growth in subsequent phases. The provisional name ‘Wirral Malayalee Association’ was unanimously agreed upon and set for approval in the upcoming general body meeting.

Eligibility criteria for executive members were established, emphasizing that individuals holding administrative positions in similar associations would not be eligible for executive roles. The drafting of the bylaws was assigned to a team of dedicated members.

Fast forward to June 2021, where the Wirral Malayalee Community was now taking physical shape. A meeting in Walkers Park, Prenton, Wirral, with a turnout of 17 prospective members, aimed to kickstart the association’s functions. The decision was made to officially name the organization the Wirral Malayalee Community. Membership fees were set, and office bearers were temporarily selected to oversee operations until proper elections could be held.

The new leadership included President Joshy Joseph, Secretary Antony Prakuzhy, Treasurer Anish Jacob, Data Controller and PRO Sunil Varghese, Arts Coordinator Sabu John, and Sports Coordinator Dileep Chandran. The temporary committee was granted the authority to initiate the association’s functions, and a community bank account was established to facilitate financial transactions with transparency as a priority.

A general body meeting of actual members was planned for the near future, where the constitution and bylaws would be discussed, and elections for all roles in the Executive Board would take place. The Wirral Malayalee Community had now embarked on its journey, fostering unity, culture, and community spirit among the Malayalees of Wirral, and the story of their progress had just begun.