ABOUT US

The Bristol Anglo Hellenic Cultural society (est. 1987) celebrates the Greek Language and Culture, its Art and its People, Learning and Science from ancient times to the present day and its influences on Western Civilisation.

The monthly meetings (in the Arts Complex Bristol University) cover a wide range of topics from academic subjects to holidays in Greece and Cyprus and are always aimed at a general audience. No knowledge of the Greek language Ancient or Modern is needed. All are welcome.

The Society welcomes existing and future links with similar societies and academic institutions (in particular the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Bristol University) as well as individuals with a common interest.

Anyone interested in joining the society or in giving a presentation or should contact the Programme or Membership Secretary or simply attend a meeting.

The Society makes regular donations to charities in Great Britain, Greece and Cyprus.

Presidents

Prof. Robert Fowler Dr John Phillips

Dr Vassiliki Frangskou-Richardson Mr Michael Richardson

Founder & Past President

Mrs Aglaia Hill

Past Presidents

Dr Rowena Fowler Dr Gilbert Howe

Prof. John Gould Prof. Christopher Rowe

Prof. Peter Warren

Programme Secretary

Mr Allan Moore strugnell@firefly.com Tel 0117 9684738

Membership Secretary

Mrs Janet Sommerville janetsomerville27@gmail.com Tel 0117 9682799

Treasurer

Mr Stuart Derby stuart.derby@yahoo.co.uk

Publicity

Mr Peter R Michael PeterRMichael@aol.com

Patrons

His Eminence Archbishop Gregory of Thyateira & Great Britain

Cyprus High Commissioner In Britain

His Excellency, Ambassador of Greece in London

A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER

By Mrs Aglaia Hill

Motto: By PLATO.

The greatest blessings are given to us by an (inner drive) enthusiasm with the help of some holy grace.

My dream for founding The Bristol Anglo Hellenic Cultural Society for the Philhellenes in the city of Bristol became a reality back in the year 1987.

Officially, I have been a teacher, examiner, exams setter, N.A.T.O examiner, and interpreter of the Modem Greek language in all levels, since the year 1965. I have taught Greek in all the Adult Education Centres, Colleges and Universities in Bristol and Bath. I have even given crash courses in the Greek language for charity reasons to the people who supported the Primary School where I taught as a full time teacher for 13 years.

During the last 40 years I have organised, every year, many social and cultural events for my students, maintaining the authentic Greek flavour, such as music, dances, food, wine and the renown hospitality and flavour of Greece as much as I could possibly simulate them. Naturally I could not compete with all the Greek people's warmth, vibrant hospitality, and the wonder of the varied beauty of the land, the sea and the sky.

But deep down in my heart was my love and determination to present that which was in me having had the ardent help of my husband Alfy who with his love for Greece, his easy going manner and resilience to over come many difficulties encouraged me.

However, not without the great help and support which I was so fortunate to have from so many true Philhellines in this country who have really helped me in every way along the staggles. Culturally until that year I was fulfilling half of my dream, because my aim was to enhance and promote a Scholarly learned Knowledge and Information about the glorious Hellenic History, Culture Art, Myths and Legends, in short, to promote Hellenism at its Best, and to develop the social and cultural relations between the Greek and the British people. In fact my aim was to share the appreciation for the highly regarded values of the country which gave birth and cradled our civilisation

But, primarily and above all, I wanted to encourage those who courageously became perpetual learners, to develop their thirst for learning through the Bristol Anglo Hellenic Cultural Society's lectures, given by some of the most learned scholars of this country.

All BAHCS members know that our aim is to promote social and cultural relations between the Greek people and the British. We spread information about Greece and Cyprus and we encourage travel between the two countries. What's more, we administer funds to charitable purposes here and abroad. Our cultural events include trips to museums and various places of cultural interest including traditional Greek Christian Orthodox Church activities.

At our monthly meetings on a Wednesday night, which are held at the University of Bristol, 3-5 Woodland Road, we are fortunate to have lectures given by renown personalities and Academicians of excellence who are very honoured, as they say, to come and enlighten us with their Knowledge. We also have highly valued News Reviews about Greece and Cyprus. Question time after each lecture is lead by our eminent Presidents, Vice Presidents and members which result into most stimulating discussions on the day's topic, as listed in our Programme. Included for information.

The Buffet afterwards is the most successful social monthly event which provides us with money for our charities.

Our success as a society depends on our hard working dedicated voluntary and excellent committee and our very special members who thirst for Learning.

We thank the University of Bristol for opening its Doors to This General Public and to This Responsible group of People.

Our Society's Hierarchy and Members including my self, with the Vision on Education and Friendship for the year 2012 when we will be celebrating 25 years of our Existence, are all looking forward to meeting a lot more New Member-Friends, so You will be Welcomed.

Author: Aglaia Hill

Date: Jan 2011