Nottingham Boys was formed Aug 1 this year and they had their first performance here coinciding with Saint Alphonsa's feast.

'It was interesting to know that Nottingham Boys did not have any proper training and yet they mastered the art form on their own. It was an excellent performance by them at our 8th annual convention,' said Benny Maveli, secretary of the Birmingham unit of the United Kingdom Knanaya Catholic Association (UKKCA).

According to Stephen, when he returned in June from his native place, Kerala, he bought a chenda and realised that his friends were also interested in learning and performing.

So four more chendas reached from Elloor in Ernakulam district in Kerala at a cost of Rs.6,500 per piece.

Thirty-eight-year old Raju Pappu, who was a professional performer in Kerala and now works in the pharmacy sector, is the trainer of Nottingham Boys. The other senior member, Tejin Lukose, also works as a male nurse.

The immediate priority of Nottingham Boys is to expand the band to a strength of 10.

'We are looking forward to performing before the British public in the Nottingham Council Carnival next year,' said Stephen.

Nottingham Boys also plans to train the new generation from all communities, including British nationals, in the chenda.

(Cynthia Chandran can be contacted on cynthiachandran@gmail.com)