The British Organisation of People of Asian Origin (BOPA) welcomed the New Year with a special celebration honouring its newly appointed Patron, the Rt Rev Sophie Jelley, Bishop of Coventry. The event brought together civic leaders, members of the armed forces, faith representatives and community organisations from across the West Midlands in a vibrant and inclusive gathering.
The Guest of Honour was Bishop Sophie Jelley, with Mr David Moorcroft OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands representing the Lord Lieutenancy, attending as Chief Guest.
Distinguished attendees included Councillor Nooria Sayani, Deputy Mayor of Rugby; Councillor Bhim Saru, Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth; Mary Creagh MP; Taiwo Owatemi MP (Coventry); Commander Robert Jaffier of the Royal Navy; Major John Lam and Senior Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan from the British Army; Rotarian Jas Dhaliwal, District Governor; Lion Surinder Dhillon OBE, President of Earlsdon Lions Club; Mr Jagdish Rai of Central Valmik Sabha; alongside local councillors, faith leaders and community representatives.
Representing the Miss England organisation were:
• Charlotte Grant, Miss England World, who proudly represented England at Miss World 2025
• Lisa Austin, Miss Wembley and 1st Runner-Up at Miss England 2025
• Miss Birmingham, Evanjelin Elchmanar
• Miss Coventry, Sharandeep Sahota
Their presence highlighted the strong relationship between Miss England and community-led initiatives, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to service, inclusion and empowerment.
Councillor Ramesh Srivastava, Chair of BOPA, extended a warm welcome to Bishop Sophie, honoured guests and attendees. Davinder Prasad, General Secretary of BOPA, delivered a presentation outlining the organisation’s history, key objectives and notable achievements within the community.
During the ceremony, Mr David Moorcroft OBE presented an Appreciation Award on behalf of BOPA to Bishop Sophie Jelley, who expressed her gratitude and said she was honoured to accept the role of Patron.
The formal proceedings were followed by a vibrant multicultural programme featuring dance, music and poetry performances from members and supporters representing 12 nationalities — a true reflection of the diversity and unity that BOPA champions.
The event was particularly special as it brought together the Miss England team, officers from the British Armed Forces, members of Lions Club and Rotary International in celebration of community collaboration and the start of a new year.
Supporting organisations included the Baba Vadbhag Singh Gurudwara team, SKC Birmingham, Brahma Kumaris, Shree Mahanand Dham, Wellness Junction, the Ukrainian Community, the Palestinian Human Rights Group, Central Valmik Sabha and many others.
The celebration beautifully demonstrated BOPA’s mission to promote inclusion, service and cross-community understanding — setting a positive and united tone for the year ahead.
