Film Nights at BISC – January 2008

An eclectic range of films, a handful of popcorn, a large projector screen and a room rearranged to create the special atmosphere of a mini-cinema. The BISC film nights have become a little known treasure in the BISC diary and greatly enhanced by the added insight provided by Elvyn Griffith’s extensive knowledge of film history.

The films chosen have been from a variety of different cultures and produced in response to changing historical circumstances. From the more recently produced “The Shawshank Redemption,” exploring themes of hope and fear in terrifying and unjust circumstances, to the moving and controversial film “Life is beautiful” by Roberto Benigni, set in a concentration camp where imagination serves to make life more bearable. The film “Chocolat” was served with real hot chocolate with vanilla and spices. Other films chosen might not naturally be a first choice for a modern audience, for example Orson Well’s classic film noire “The Third Man” set in post-war Vienna.

On the other hand, the films have not always been controversial or educational. To watch and delight in the infectious joy and exquisite art of a Nineteen Fifties Hollywood musical in “American in Paris” has in itself provoked a sense of awe and a surprisingly rich depth of conversation and reflection. Why is such glamour and entertainment less popular for an audience in the twenty first century Western Europe?

So whether you’re there to enjoy the pop corn or to improve your English in a relaxed atmosphere, the BISC film nights look as though they are here to stay.

“It’s better than going to the movies with a bunch of strangers” commented one Polish student. Films and discussion are a great way to build relationships, to really get to know how somebody views the world and what their passions and questions are in life. Future film nights will undoubtedly require exposure to film from other continents. If you could choose three films to provoke discussion and debate, what would you choose?

PANCAKE PARTY

On Tuesday, 5th February BISC was given a sumptuous treat by Ian Knight and his team (from Holy Trinity, Nailsea church) - “We are Crepe”. They just secured a Golden Spatula award for their signature Crepe Deluxe recipe at the Cannes International Pancake and Crepe Fiesta!! Back for the second year at BISC to organise a Pancake Party - the lounge was buzzing with about 50 students. The team prepared a superb mouth watering choice of home made pancake fillings, chicken and mushroom, honeydew English ham with Mendip Hills Cheddar Cheese, and slow roasted Mediterranean gourmet pepper and sun ripened tomato served with hot fried crepe!!

After the main course, Becky (BISC Team) gave us a talk on Pancake’s Easter and Lent with a clip from the movie ‘Chocolat’ that illustrates Lent and at the heart of the message: God’s kindness to mankind. Following the talk, we were treated to a sweet version of the crepes that includes honey lemon, apple cinnamon, marsh mallow or fruit to select from. A very difficult choice to make - they were all equally superb!

Another brilliant event! If you missed this one, be sure to sign up for another cultural evening: International Feast Wednesday on 13th Feb or Japanese Evening on Friday 15th February. For information, BISC sends out updates of events in our weekly mailing list, sent on Mondays. Sign up either online or at BISC!

SCANDINAVIAN EVENING - 30th JANUARY 2008

Organised in conjunction with the Bristol University’s Scandinavian Society, BISC held a Scandinavian evening on Wednesday evening, where around 40 students attended.

It was a very interesting cultural evening; where guests were given an insight into the Scandinavian culture - which was led by Peter Ahlers, society’s president. Peter and co. provided us with a general overview with statistics and facts of Scandinavian countries i.e. Norway, Sweden, Finland and Demark.

We were treated to an interesting variety of dishes, starters including fish, caviar, sausages and lots of Swedish meatballs for the main meal while being entertained with Norwegian folk music. The evening ended with dessert being served, hand made waffles with cream and a choice of jams, following a quiz on Scandinavian. The winner walked away with a tray of Scandinavian goodies, courtesy of the society.

It was a lovely evening of socialising and stretching knowledge on Scandinavia! BISC is also organising a Pancake Party next Tuesday, 5th Feb & Japanese Evening on Friday 15th February - be sure not to miss these exciting evening - book online NOW!

SLAVE TRADE WALK 1 - 16th January 2008

A good number of students participated in the Slave Trade Walk on Wednesday, 16th January led by Elvyn Griffiths. The walk started at Arnolfini where Elvyn explained Bristol’s involvement with the Slave Trade in the 14th Century. He also explained on the origins of Cabot and his involvement in the trade.

The walks highlight what life and living was like at the height of the slave trade in the 16th and 17th century in Bristol. It showed how the culture of slavery had been with Bristol since Saxon times. We visited the places where ships were built, where merchants lived and to Redcliffe caves, whose sand was used in the production of glass and where cargo coming into Bristol was stored. The sand of the cave was also used as ballast on ships going out to Africa. The walk itself started from Cabot statue whose discovery of North American Continent gave the opening of the increase of trade for Bristol.

St Mary Redcliffe Church was also referred to as many slaves’ captains were church wardens. It was the church that rang its bells in civic celebration when news reached Bristol of the defeat of the first bill to attempt to outlaw slavery.

Queen Square was visited, and it was here that a lot of merchants were dealt with - America, West Indies and Africa. And it was also in the square that had America’s first ever consulate established in 1792. The walk ended after visited Kings Street which is an old trading area and most of the buildings were put up by slave merchants including the Theatre Royal.

There are 2 more Slave Trade Walks to be enjoyed coming up in February and March…..why not join us? Our thanks also to Flo for the photos!

Weekend Away in Somerset

CHRISTMAS DINNER 2007

On Saturday, 1st Dec we held our Christmas dinner Celebration at Alma Church Hall. The evening started officially at 7.00pm with warm greetings by our very own Santa Claus!! Mulled wine and fruit punch was served as welcome drinks. Everyone was busy chatting while some took the opportunity to complete the Christmas Quiz that was placed on each table.

Hannah welcomed everyone and explained the evening, the menu, as well as what all the trimmings are – e.g. Christmas crackers, cranberry sauce, etc. Thereafter, Christmas dinner was served, made up of roast turkey or a vegetarian version.

After dinner, we were entertained by the Christian Union and BISC choir team with angelic voices filling the air to ears’ amazement!

Elvyn announced the Christmas quiz results and although we had several winners, he narrowed it down to one winner (in Elvyn’s good hands!!) Our choir then sang a few more carols before Christmas pudding and fruit salad was served.

After a lovely meal, Neil Grant, our guest speaker proceeded with a talk on ‘Why and how we celebrate Christmas?’- explaining the different variations of Christmas term and the true meaning of Christmas – that it is about Christ and his birth.

Tea and coffee was then served, and followed by a few more carols and drawing the evening to a close + ending with “We wish you a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year”!!

Photos to come soon.

JAPANESE EVENING AUTUMN TERM 2007

A very popular event! We had more than 50 people who registered and turned up for this evening.

Organised by the Japanese Society from Bristol University, the Japanese evening officially started at 7.00pm. The first item on the agenda for the evening was a hand at origami. A variety of colored paper, accompanied by instructions was given out. So, a volunteer team member from the Japanese Society went around sharing his expertise by going around the tables.

The menu for the evening include a variety of delights such as Nikujaga (Beef and Potatoes), Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancakes) and of course, sushi! The course was complemented by a dessert - Japanese rice dumplings.

Following dinner, we were given opportunity to roll our own sushi! In groups of 4 at a time, it was a friendly competition to race with time - the 3 minutes challenge set by Becky who was leading the evening!!

The evening ended with happy smiling faces!