VISIT OF GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR TO BRISTOL 28-29 OCTOBER 2016

October 2016

by Stephen Thomas

The BTA recently hosted the visit of Ambassador Tamar Beruchashvili and her Senior Counsellor, Ekaterine Kokaia to Bristol. Meetings took place at UWE where, amongst proposals for increased opportunities for both Georgian and UWE students, the Ambassador was invited to return to Bristol to deliver a public lecture on the recent history and development of the Georgian state. At a Business Round Table at Burges Salmon, the Ambassador met a range of representatives of the business community and explored new possibilities for further links.

Meetings were also arranged at Bristol University and at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The Ambassador visited the Warrior Treasures exhibition and discussed cultural links with representatives of the Museum.

At a meeting with the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, the Ambassador said that she hoped a street or square in the city could be named in honour of our twinning link with the City of Tbilisi. The importance of developing stronger business links between Bristol and Tbilisi was strongly emphasised.

On the second day of the visit the BTA led the Ambassador on a conducted tour of the city and, in the evening, welcomed her to the BTA Supra which was attended by over 70 guests including the Lord Mayor and the Italian and Romanian consuls 

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A summer BBQ at the Bishopsworth Manor House

August 2016

by Nina Bendukidze

 

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Additional film for the BTA Georgian Film Programme: Corn Island

June 2016

Additional film for the BTA Georgian Film Programme : Corn Island

Film Review: ‘Corn Island’: http://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/karlovy-vary-film-review-corn-island-1201261126/

http://carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/first-build-an-island-then-make-a-film/?mwrsm=Email&_r=0 

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AMBASSADOR VISITS BRISTOL

May 2016

by Alix Hughes

Justin McKenzie-Smith, the incoming British Ambassador to Georgia, spent a busy day in Bristol this week as the guest of the Bristol Tbilisi Association. The Ambassador met with a range of organisations including UWE, Bristol City Council, Bristol Zoo, the Museums Service, Encounters Film Festival and Mayfest as well as speaking to a business roundtable with companies trading with Georgia. He also had time for coffee and cake with the BTA executive and the chair of the Newport-Kutaisi Association. The Ambassador takes up his post in August and has pledged to support Bristol's initiatives over the next three years.

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Georgian Film ' In Bloom' (2013) Showing

April 2016

by Stephen Thomas

The Bristol Tbilisi Association organised showings of three contemporary Georgian films to give members and others an insight into the diversity of Georgian Cinema, at The Easton Community Cinema, The Pickle Factory, 13 All Hallows Road, Easton, BS5 0HH. Each film followed by an informal discussion.
There was no charge for the films but participants were invited to make a donation of £5 to BTA funds to cover our costs.

For program click here

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Borjghali, Bristol Georgian choir, concert

November 2015

 by Alix Hughes

The Saturday the 14th November , at 7.30pm, Borjghali, Bristol Georgian choir, was holding a concert followed by a Georgian feast, with toasts, singing and tales from their travels to the small and culturally rich country of the Republic of Georgia (address: Mackenzie Hall, Brockweir, Nr Chepstow, Wye Valley - 40 minutes from Bristol).

They returned to Brockweir in the Wye Valley in the wake of their last two performances and feasts there and to re-kindle some of the magical, heart warming and community/village spirit that we have experienced in that country.

This was a great evening of rousing and evocative Georgian singing, with tastes and images of Georgia, as we stand at the turn of the seasons in this beautiful part of the country.

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Georgian Study Day 2015

November 2015

by Alix Hughes

Tourism was the theme for the presentations at this year's Georgian Studies Day in London on the 5th November (for program click here). Seen as a future driver of the economy, tourism infrastruture in Georgia has seen a considerable make-over. Presentations on sustainable tourism highlighted this sector's potential with the Trans Caucasian Trail put forward as a possible Peace initiative which would involve the local communities in creating the trail and benefitting from it.

Over 80 people attended the event including six members of the BTA's executive.

BTA chair Derek Pickup took part in the Twin Cities panel with representatives from Newport and Newcastle.

Photo : GSD chairperson Dr Tamara Dragadze and Ambassador HE Revaz Gachechilagze

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GEORGIAN WINE TASTING EVENING

September 2015

by Alix Hughes

The Bristol Tbilisi Association proudly presents a special Georgian Wine tasting event on Wed 30th Sept 19.00 to 21.00 at the Mansion House (Tickets £10). The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor and the Mayor of Tbilisi and his colleagues were presented. Special guests were the Tbilisi choir “Iberi” who sang traditional Georgian polyphonic songs. We have had eight Georgian producers showcasing and selling their wine ranging from Chateau Mukhrani, who have renovated the old Royal Family vineyards near Tbilisi, to several artisanal and niche producers who are part of the Pheasants tears consortium, whose wine is currently only available in high end restaurants in New York, Paris and London. It was a great evening.