Press release November 2003

The November meeting of Surrey Border Film & Video Makers had a very good attendance despite conflict with several Bonfire parties in the district. The big attraction was an evening devoted to China - a mix of narration, film, reading, and multi-way chat.

The audience was enthralled by talks and films arising from visits to China by the Club Chairman Bryan Harrison and his wife, Winkie. Further enjoyment was added through films from a trip to the same country by members John and Julie Thompson. The evening was complemented by delightfully chosen readings, superbly narrated by Derek Watts and Brenda Adams.

The idea of a themed evening was new to the club, and judging by the enthusiastic discussions which it generated, it was extremely successful. Club members heard about and saw the wonderful and evocative Xi’an Terracotta warriors. Then they heard about a memorable boat trip down the Yangstse River through the Three Gorges, which are shortly to disappear due to the Yangstse being dammed up. Then they saw an unusual film about the survival of Ancient Crafts, which was reinforced by examples of artefacts brought back as mementos.

During the refreshment interval, Winkie Harrison, dressed in authentic Chinese costume, tempted members to a mouth-watering display of refreshments on a lantern-decorated stall. This taste of the Orient included Chinese fast food and sweets, with a choice of Chinese green tea alongside the more conventional tea and coffee. Meanwhile a realistic backcloth was conjured up by sideshow films, projected onto the walls – showing the Tang Dynasty dance and other rituals.

A superbly organised evening by the club Chairman.