Christmas Weekend Away (December 2007)

Apologies for delay report.

From Fire to Ice -BISC experiences a true winter celebration
Despite the icy weather, lips and logs were aflame with food and fire in a weekend which thrilled the senses and gave each person time to relax and escape the heady pace of studies to make time for life and friendship.

The minibus was filled with representatives from a wide variety of exotic and unusual destinations. Students from the larger nations on earth, China and India, some from Pakistan, Malaysia, France, Britain and yet others from Samoa to St Helena .People had literally travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to attend.

The cold December night was off-set by the heat from Shanthi’s extraordinary Malaysian curry. This was the first of many new experiences as the heat from liberal portions of red hot chilli peppers soon set our mouths on fire.

After an introductory talk about the peace that happened during the first world war at Christmas time, the two great cricketing nations of Britain and India battled it out to become world champions of the name game.

Next, the group wrapped up warm to strike out for a night walk with torches and warm coats. The stars were visible and the mud tangible as we strode off across the fields into the night. Thankfully the weather was kind and much laughter and conversation was sparked as a result. On our return there was evidence of those determined to continue the games and conversation late into the night.

An early start on Saturday with prayers followed by breakfast and more stories about Christmas. The weather was terrible. Thick grey clouds and drizzle greeted us that day. However, Kevin prayed to the God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine and by lunch time the clouds had parted and blue sky appeared.

A fascinating discussion of cultural differences was sparked as students shared their experiences of life in their own country. From the most beautiful place they had ever visited, to cultural expectations with regards to marriage and money, each person listened attentively and learned much. Why is Western attitude to marriage so different to Eastern attitudes? What is it like to live on an island of three thousand people where everyone knows every one and the prison population is just five people?

After sitting down to a traditional BISC soup lunch, the group headed off for further out-door adventures. Ian, our skilful driver, took us to the dramatic Quantock coastal path where he left us to face the elements: crashing waves, bright blue sea and sunshine and gale force winds which left us battling and struggling through the wind. Even three abreast it was difficult to keep our feet on the ground. Amazingly everyone returned safely .

An impromptu stop-over found us in a beautiful local church and Cilla was soon conducting the choir with “Silent Night” and “Ding Dong Merrily.”

The bonfire blazed on our return with thanks to Kevin behind the scenes. At this point, melted pink marshmallows were on the menu along with charades and camp singing.

Later that night, the students discovered a proper Christmas feast prepared, with everything from Christmas crackers to turkey and stuffing, followed by silly games and forfeits. A new Olympic sport was invented: the Tea Tray Challenge, which involved some very elegant moves and dipping, twisting and diving with a newspaper sword, with the aim of removing the opponent’s skilfully balanced tea tray. Ballroom dancing and waitressing were useful skills to have mastered in this international event.

A later breakfast, with a final discussion about the true meaning of Christmas was followed by free time and a very muddy walk before lunch.

On our return home , we had a final blast of fresh air on Brean Down beach in the cold, wintry, light before Christmas carols at Christ Church. A splendid candlelit experience with mulled wine was a fitting way to end such a glorious weekend of friendship and fun.

MEAL WITH A MESSAGE (MARCH 08)

In conjunction with Fairtrade Fortnight, BISC organised an evening with a home cooked meal using Fair-Trade products. More than 20 students attended. Tanushree – an Indian student volunteer skilfully spent the afternoon preparing an authentic Indian chicken curry as well as a vegetarian curry. The fruit juice drinks served on the evening were also Fair Traded.

William Blatherwick, a representative from Christian Aid, gave a presentation on poverty then facilitated a Trade Game which involved making paper bags. Everyone got their hands busy on the ‘production line’ making paper bags for their ‘livelihood’. The completed paper bags were then being traded to the banker. The message for the day was: ‘What it actually takes for people in poverty to live on’.

The evening was concluded with some interesting questions, including ‘how can I help / what can I do?’ as well as purchases on the Fair Trade goods in stock.

BISC actively promote Fair Trade during a nationwide held Fairtrade Fortnight held on 25th Feb to 9th March. As on-going support, all the teas and coffees served at BISC are Fairly traded. Come an enjoy a cuppa next time you are here at BISC.

SLAVE TRADE WALK (MARCH 08)

A lovely afternoon walk at College Green with our usual well experienced guide, Elvyn.

From College Green, we went on to the harbour side, and then on to Arnolfini where we hear about Cabot’s discovery of the North America continent that led to the rise of ‘slavery business’. We crossed over to the river side where Elvyn told us gruesome tales on the condition and treatment of the slaves in the 16th century. People were not only chained worse than animals, but were stamped with hot iron metal to identify their owners. The ironmongers were located a stone throw away at Bedminster.

We were led on to Redcliffe and then on to ‘The Hole in the Wall’ pub. One can easily imagine the tales with the site being showed as such. The actual hole in the wall vividly existed till this day. We walked a few minutes more into Queen Square where the rich merchants used to live before ending the walk in the vicinity. This enlightening and challenging walk concludes our series of walks on the Slave Trade for this term.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

BISC is taking a front line in promoting Fair-trade! The event commenced on 25th February for two weeks and ends on 9th March. In conjunction with the Fairtrade Fortnight, we held a talk / presentation on Wednesday 27th February over soup lunch. The talk highlighted the importance of fair-trading and the impact it brings top the life of the people being affected – the children, the artisan and the community at large: with a focus on India. Matthew Kent, who is a manager of Fair trade crafts chain – Shared Earth, shared through visual presentation on his experience in India, giving a first hand account of the positive influences of fair-trade to the community. The session ended with a quiz on Fairtrade with prizes sponsored by Shared Earth.

This Wednesday 5th March BISC will be holding a Fairtrade Fortnight dinner, serving authentic Indian cuisine, followed by a chocolate game! This is organised in a joint effort with William Blatherwick, a representative of Christian Aid and will look at how we act responsibly to those who grow and produce our food.

We also have opportunity to support Fairtrade – with two sections of items on display, one food section and the other jewellery and crafts with interesting items for sale throughout the two weeks.

Cotswolds Trip (March 08)

A very popular BISC event – and we certainly know why...a trip to the beautiful English countryside! The journey was less than 2 hours away from Bristol. We visited 3 places for the day, starting with Chedworth Roman Villa on our first stop. Arriving just before 11.00am, we explored the place with some people who opted for the visual presentation while the others wandered off on the audio tour assisted by a handy device.

In Bourton-on-water, our second stop, we had time for lunch and to explore the beautiful village. Taking advantage of the lovely weather on the day, some of us lunched by the riverside. Photo taking kept everyone busy with cameras flashing throughout the afternoon.

We proceeded on to our last stop of the day to the quaint village of Broadway. Upon arriving, we were served traditional English cream tea with home made scones accompanied by fresh coffee/tea. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the beautiful yellow (Cotswolds) stone with more flashes for the album! At about 5.30pm, we headed back to Bristol. A truly wonderful day out was had by all.

BISC is organising a trip to Oxford on 15th March, while there are still spaces left – hurry, book online or pop into BISC office!!