Rangers Club celebrates 125 years of journey with food, music & dance

Kolkata: With the Covid situation being under control, the Anglo-Indian community celebrated the 125 years of

Rangers Club

on Monday — the only club exclusive to the community in Asia. Plans were made to get postponed since last year because of the pandemic and the members of the community were happy that they could finally get together at the Maidan tent of the club, which has indoor facilities at the Government Place East.

The celebrations will continue throughout the year and will bring out the best of Anglo- Indian food, music and dance traditions that have been part of the Kolkata kaleidoscope since the British times, explained the president of the club and former Anglo- Indian MLA, Shane Calvert.

The club was formed in 1896 and known as the Calcutta Naval Volunteers’ Athletic Club. Its first president was Captain E W Petley and secretary, LMK Macmillan. Petley remained the president of the club till 1898. Macmillan continued as the secretary when the club transformed into the Rangers Club.

“We are an athletic community and we needed a club for our sports and games. We also needed space to hang around, sing and dance along with wine and dine. Rangers Cub has given the opportunity to the community to stay socially united in a unique way,” Calvert said.

“Our records show that initially, the entrance fee to club was Rs 5 and annual subscription was Rs 4! We have an interesting history to rummage through.” said Blossom Rae, social secretary of the club. “Only Anglo Indians and Europeans domiciled in India were allowed to become members at that time. These days we have associate members from outside but the club remains exclusive to the community as far as voting rights are concerned,” Rae added.


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