I moved to North Wales in 2018 and soon after arriving I started the Ruthin India Cultural Exchange (RICE) to promote exchanges around arts and crafts by building on the rich cultures and traditions of Wales and India. Did you know that there is nearly two centuries of relationship between Wales and India that started with the first Welsh missionaries going to Khasi Hills in north-east India? Nigel Jenkins’ book is a good and informative read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwalia_in_Khasia, for example, on this subject.
As an aside I had spent some time as a junior doctor in north-east of India, before I came to the UK, so maybe it was fate that I came to Wales. North-east India is one of the most bio-diverse region in the world and the landscape is not unlike the Welsh hills, valleys and mountains, and the rain.
EVENT: DIWALI 2024
We all came together from different backgrounds to celebrate Diwali with lot of lights ofcourse, and music, poetry and film. Here are some pictures from the day.
A reunion in Wales,
We had a wonderful session with a great talk by Brian who was joined by Alfonso and Colin, who also had done the overland trip to India in the 1970s. For some people attending, it brought memories of their own travels in the region, and made others jealous! All in all, a fab evening.
Here are a few pictures,
St David’s Day Celebrations 2024
EVENT REPORT: DIWALI NOV 2023
Cefyns North East India Exhibition
18/8/21: Cefyn Burgess Exhibition
RICE is coming back. We have all been through some challenging times recently and it is time to start looking to the future, albeit slowly and sensibly.
The Friends of NantClwyd y Dre have offered to host an event when we can see some of the work Cefyn Burgess has been doing since his last talk and hear about his trip to India last year and his future plans; he has been a busy boy!
We will have to see how the weather turns out and in any case we will need to observe Covid rules, and the plan is that people can bring their picnic and enjoy it in the fabulous garden – tables will be laid out, there will be some drinks and nibbles, and take turns going into the house where a sample of Cefyn’s work will be on display. Cefyn will be around to tell us more also.
For further information about the last event, just before Cefyn went to India, please see https://ruthinindiaculturalexchange.com/category/past-event/
NOTE: Cefyn’s exhibition will be on at Nant Clywd y Dre for some time afterwards – lookout for details from Friends of NyD.
Event Report: Wales to India
Event Report: February 5th 2020
Wales to India
Gosh, what an evening. Two fascinating presentations to a full house in the Feathers Pub.
With pictures, sketches and readings from the letters he wrote to his parents during his travels in 1971-72 Brian Johnson transported us to ‘The best Years of our Lives’ (for some of us of a particular era). The car, the friendships he formed, and his experiences were nostalgic – only Brian could have pulled it off as he spent a phenomenal amount of time to prepare for the session. Opening up long locked boxes, physically and mentally, was challenging and we are all so grateful.
We are already discussing what’s next – the rich material he has got must be shared more widely and there is talk of a Bollywood Film based on his story.
And here is some music to remind you of the Hippy era in India – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKU4q0JELTQ Brian refused to comment whether he indulged (inhaled) though he wore the T-shirt!
And of course we expect the best from Cefyn Burgess and he did not let us down. His deep knowledge of Welsh culture, his Faith and his art are a powerful combination, and no wonder he is so well respected as an artist (and human being). He shared his work in Patagonia which will guide him as he learns about Bryniau Khasia and captures the essence of the Indo;Welsh links through his drawings and textiles.
It was very kind of him to fit us in just before flying off to India- he will start his visit with a talk in Mumbai and then go to North-East India.
Have a good trip Cefyn and come and tell us more when you return.
Event Report: Poetry with Karen Owen
Event Report: 24 January 2020
Karen Owen Poetry
Karen entertained and mesmerised them for nearly two hours with her latest poetry collection – even the non-Welsh speaking audience! With her clever use of explanations in English, story telling, and playing the poems on CD, there was something for everyone. Good poetry transcends language and is not literal was for me the main message from her session. Call me biased but I enjoyed the session and for that Diolch yn Fawr Karen.
And Diolch yn Fawr Nantclywd y Dre – Anna Gough Kelly, the last resident of the House had sent a poem to welcome us and which was deeply appreciated, and the Friends of NyD provided excellent hospitality, the wine certainly helped.
Event Report: Diwali
Indian Spiritual Traditions
Wednesday, 26 June, 7pm
We had a fanstatic event – Ruthin’s first multi-faith celebration of the festival of lights; and you bet there were lights in both ways: physically Nanyclwyd y dre was brightly lit internally and externally and spiritually as we heard from different faiths about the meaning of light.
Below is a selection of the photos which do not do full justice to the event as there was so much – from music, poetry, services, networking and enjoying the refreshments – and it was a full house.
We thank the numerous volunteers who worked to set up the place beforehand and on the day, the various speakers and performers, the participants and the Friends of Nantclwyd y Dre.
There is already talk of the next event in 2020 – so look out next year.
For those interested, here is a copy of the program of the day’s event.
Arrival music by Beryl Lloyd Roberts
- 310 – 315: Welcome
- 315- 340: Diwali and Indian spirituality: Avril Robarts
340-350: Break
350-420: Music, songs and Lute playing: Geraldine.
- 420-430: Break
- 430-515: Multi-faith session (to promote better understanding in line with the spirit of Diwali which is the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance).
- Christian: Rev Stuart Evans.
- Quaker: Jean Campbell Leith.
- Islam: Dr Tariq Chauhan.
- 515-525: Break
- 525-550: Welsh poetry: Karen Owen
- 550- 600: Final prayer: Indian ‘Aarti’ led by Shilpa and Geraldine
Followed by silent candle light procession to the Town Centre.
NOTE: There will be an Indian collection display by Cefyn Burgess and also a display of some Indian books. Refreshments will be served throughout with the help of volunteers led by Helen Job and Julie Lloyd Owen.
There is no charge for the event or for the visit to the house-feel free to walk around and enjoy the oldest house in Wales.
All donations go to the Friends of Nantclwyd y Dre.
Event Report: Indian Spiritual Traditions with Avril Robarts
26th June 2019
We had a very informative and engaging session with Avril Robarts who took us through a ‘roller-coaster journey’ to explain the Indian spiritual/philosophical teachings. She has kindly provided the attached transcript for those who could not attend and is available for those interested.
Avril is happy to come back and build on the first session – so watch out for further announcements.
Transcript on discussion about Indian Spiritual Traditions
Enjoy these photos taken from a most riveting session.
Events at Ruthin Library, June 2019
Indian Spiritual Traditions
Wednesday, 26 June, 7pm
A discussion on Indian Spiritual Traditions led by Avril Robarts.
India has produced a wealth of widely varied Philosophical and Religious traditions. This talk will explore aspects of the ancient writings, with special emphasis on those which have influenced some in the West seeking a meaningful way of life.
The event will be held at Ruthin Library and open to all.
Event Report: An Evening With Cefyn Burgess
EVENT REPORT: 27 March 2019
An evening with Cefyn Burgess
Do you know the best way to avoid mosquito bites? Or how to heat the cold room in a hotel in north India? and about many other practical issues facing travellers in India: Where to go and how to have fun in this huge and fascinating country?
In his highly informative and entertaining talk, Cefyn Burgess kept everyone engaged during the evening. A frequent traveller to India for over a decade between mid 1990s and mid 2000s he criss-crossed the country, even getting to Andaman Islands (the penal colony during the British Raj – only as a visitor, you realise 🙂 ), using various forms of transport, enjoying varied cuisines and staying in different types of accommodation. Goa with its carefree and laidback lifestyle, beautiful beaches clearly was exactly what was needed to unwind, topping it with tiger sightings and the Golden triangle in the north.
A collector, and hoarder, he brought and shared his boxes of memorabilia – ranging from an exquisite collection of papier-mâché animals/birds figures to cloth bags from Port Blair, various topis (headgear), shawls and dhotis (esp the one popularised by Mother Teresa) and, in keeping with his interest in textile and design, beautiful bedspreads and jackets.
He also briefly shared his plans to visit again and learn more about the existing Bryniau Khasia; he has been having discussions with the relevant parties in Wales to develop his project to celebrate this strong association between Wales and North-East India. Just a word of warning- there is already a waiting list of people who have offered to carry his bags on the trip to north-east of India. 😉
For those desperate to know the answers to the questions at the start of this report, it is Citronella – applied liberally it keeps the mosquitoes away (the side effect being it might also keep people away as one smells like a lemon), and the hairdryer to warm up cold bedsheets and left running from a picture hook in the room whilst going for dinner, makes for a very comfortable room on return!
Post meeting we have been exploring the possibility of creating a exhibition of his collection – which is frankly marvellous – so that more people can enjoy it. So watch this space.
Bravo Cefyn: Diolch yn fawr and pob lwc.
A discussion on Indian Spiritual Traditions led by Avril Robarts.
India has produced a wealth of widely varied Philosophical and Religious traditions. This talk will explore aspects of the ancient writings, with special emphasis on those which have influenced some in the West seeking a meaningful way of life.
The event will be held at Ruthin Library and open to all.
Event Report: Laughter Yoga
11 March 2019
Laughter Yoga
EVENT REPORT: 11 March 2019
Did we have a laugh – you bet! And there were no injuries from falling about or rolling around on the floor. So all in all a successful event.
If you have not seen it, then do see the introductory video and you can read more about Laughter Yoga here.
We were very fortunate to have Pam Neal, an experienced Yoga instructor, who led us through some of the Laughter Yoga exercises, following another video. The video, though in Hindi, is easy to follow and apologies that the sound is missing for a short period, but overall it is a very good resource. Pam also demonstrated some of the Breathing techniques – Pranayama – which help overall wellbeing and also make laughter yoga more enjoyable. And yes, after the session participants did feel as if they had done a proper workout – but what a way to exercise.
The presence of Helen Job was another bonus, and who not only participated actively but gave us our anthem. Some of you may already be familiar with this song but it was new to me and I have one goal now – to be able to laugh as in this song!
There was active discussion about the next steps; Maureen suggesting taking this to older people’s homes, integrating laughter yoga into other initiatives such as Tai-chi practised by Paul or taking to hospitals where Julie works! And using local venues where people gather such as Ruthin Craft Centre or cafes to introduce people to the benefits of Laughter Yoga and help them overcome their natural reluctance – the Stiff Upper Lip problem.
So next time if you see people breaking out into belly laughs then do not send for ‘men in white coats’ – they are just happy and practising laughter yoga. I believe Barbara raised some eye brows recently whilst walking uphill to her home!
In the next few weeks we will give it some thought and plan further activities and make Ruthin and North Wales the laughter capital ( not laughing stock 😀 )
However, you do not have to wait for planned sessions, you can start yourself. As Charlie Chaplin said: “The most wasted day in life is the day in which we have not laughed”.
And to put some myths to bed: age and physical fitness are not barriers – everyone can do it, just do as much as you can, it is more about the attitude and not just physical aspects
Thanks to all who came and made it a memorable event and to the Library as usual. Now get laughing. 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
Events at Ruthin Library, March 2019
Laughing Yoga at Ruthin Library
March 11th, 7 – 8:30pm
Come and join us for an evening of Laughter Yoga – you may already be a practitioner or just curious to find out more. Here is a brief introduction to the subject.
We have no idea how the evening will work out but one thing is sure: we will try and lift off the roof of Ruthin Library with our laughter. So come prepared.
We will be joined by Pam Neal, an experienced Yoga Teacher also.
A discussion with Cefyn Burgess at Ruthin Library
27th March, 7 – 8:30pm
Cefyn Burgess – http://www.cefynburgess.co.uk – who will be known to most people in Ruthin, from his studio at the Craft Centre has travelled extensively in India over the last two decades and will share his experiences and his future plans.
In addition, as many of you will know Rajan was travelling in India during Dec-Jan and has explored options for how to develop our cultural exchanges and he will share these ideas. To whet your appetite, here is a picture of some of the ‘goodies’ he brought back.
Ty Hai Concert at Theatr Twm o’r Nant.
Laughing Yoga at Ruthin Library
March 11th, 7 – 8:30pm
There is a concert coming to Theatr Twm o’r Nant in Denbigh on the 30th of March, 2019. Ty Hai are an Indo Celt collaboration performing Welsh airs and dance melodies and ragas and Indian rhythmic music.
For more information about Ty Hai visit their website.
For tickets, please contact Twm o’r Nant Theatr.
You can also purchase tickets at Siop Clwyd, located on the square in Denbigh or contact by phone at 01745 813 431 or 07792 315 723.
Doors open at 7, concert starts at 7.30pm.
Event Report: The Cinematic Experience
( 6 DEC 2018 )
The Cinematic Experience
This event was the introduction to our planned theme on Film and Music.
It was a cinematic experience session led by Mr. Nikhil Kaushik who gave an interesting talk about going to the cinema which is not just about the film but also socializing, meeting and making friends. In addition, the complete show includes advertisements, a short film, and the main feature. He had created a session for us along these lines, and which is a very different way of looking at cinema.
For advertisement, he chose to highlight the beauty of Ruthin and surrounding bits of North Wales. He reminded the audience that they have much to sing praises for the town and promote it as a round the year tourist spot.
For the short film, he chose to enlighten the audience with a presentation about the rapidly increasing problem of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) that affects the central vision. As life expectancy increases, so do the number of those developing this condition. It is anticipated that there are about 26 thousand new cases of ARMD in the United Kingdom alone. He touched upon the recent advances in the management of this condition and stressed the importance of taking preventative measures paying attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and certainly smoking cessation. Never to miss an opportunity to promote good eye-care, given that he is a consultant surgeon in Wrexham and knowing that the subject was a matter of interest to some of the audience!
The main highlight of the evening was the presentation about Mr. Kaushik’s tryst with making a Bollywood style film (Bhavishya-The Future) that explored professional migration. He narrated how he created a story around experiences and reasons that young professional faces while choosing a place to work and live. The film looks at the reasons why a doctor from India gets attracted to work for the British NHS, and why British trained Doctors look to live and work in Australia, the Middle East or the USA. He shared his interesting experiences with the technical and commercial aspects of filmmaking. He recounted how his film and the story about making the film attracted much interest in the medical and lay press, Radio and TV. The BBC Wales report on the filmmaking and the star-studded premiere was very enjoyable.
Mr. Kaushik informed that his film was not a prelude to giving up his medical career but just to do something different, enjoyable and meaningful. The film was received well and can be watched on YouTube in the comfort of your home:
Bhavishya The Future:
Finally, given that some people had asked for the link to his documentary on Tagore, he has also provided it:
Celebrating Tagore!
A discussion with Cefyn Burgess at Ruthin Library
27th March, 7 – 8:30pm
Following the event, Nayan Patel wrote in thanking for organising wonderful Bollywood evening last Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And sent a long list of Bollywood films which he thinks are worth showing – so watch this space as we start the film showing programme in 2019.
Mr. Kaushik talking us through the experience.
Event Report: Poetry from Wales and India
EVENT REPORT: 19 NOV 2018
Poetry from Wales and India
This event followed on from the first where poetry was identified as a particular area of interest and where there were existing literary links. We were very fortunate that Karen Owen and Nikhil Kaushik agreed to come along and ‘enlighten’ and ‘entertain’ us!
Karen Owen needs no introduction to poetry aficionados in Wales and at this event she showed why. Passionate, articulate, humourous, serious and irreverent she carried the audience with her that evening. Rooted in her native Pen y Groes and Welsh history she has a strong social conscience and spoke eloquently about the drug and crime problems of youth, and the dreadful impact of wars, for example and described the work of India Wales poetry exchange (https://www.lit-across-frontiers.org/activities-and-projects/project/poetry-connections-india-wales/ ). She also mentioned her work with her birth cohort poets- she now has 150 poets from across the world who were all born in 1974 (sorry Karen, giving away your age!) and to top it all she read two of her own poems and had the audience tapping their feet to provide accompaniment!
Nikhil Kaushik, who will feature again in RICE as he is multi-talented, has been writing poetry in Hindi since his youth and is actively involved with the Hindi poetry society in India and the UK. He had brought along a documentary film he made about the life of Rabindra Nath Tagore (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabindranath_Tagore ), India’s best known and most beloved poet, that was screened and which complemented the previous talk by Karen. Nikhil produced this documentary in 2011, the year when UNESCO honoured Pablo Neruda, Aimé Césaire and Tagore for their efforts in challenging the contradictions of an unequal and unfair world system and in understanding the complex processes of modernity. For those of you who missed it, the film can be seen at https://youtu.be/PPKKtni3uko . He also gifted to RICE a copy of the poetry book he had made to mark the marriage of his daughter – which is now part of the collection – and read two of his poems.
As an aside, given that many participants are also interested in spirituality, it is worth reading Tagore’s work – an example is available here https://fortunedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/sadhana-by-tagore.pdf
Geraldine, a Tagore fan, had brought her copy of ‘Gitanajli’ and read one of her favourite poems from it.
Tim Heron summed up the mood when he said that there was a lot to take away from the evening and he had made copious notes (as homework, Tim!). And to quote Barbara Lyndon: “ I was amazed, such a good meeting, fun but also very interesting. Listening to the Welsh poet I realised how little I understand about Welsh culture. I liked the documentary very much, such a gentle film and now I want to find out more about Rabindranath Tagore.”
Clearly, another success for RICE. What next keeps coming up – so watch the space.
Event Report: Introduction to contemporary Indian Fiction Writing
EVENT REPORT: 10 OCT 2018
Introduction to contemporary Indian Fiction Writing
“Do you like reading contemporary fiction by ‘Indian’ sub-continent authors? Do you want to share your experiences and learn from others with a similar interest? You may know of Arundhati Roy but do you know about Anuradha Roy? Or Aatish Taseer, Abraham Veghese. Aravind Adiga and many more.”
Ruthin Library is planning to start a ‘Special Interest Group’ to bring together people who enjoy fiction by contemporary authors who write mainly about Indian sub-continent (to cover India, Pakistan, Bangladesh).
The event aims to provide further background and invite discussion on how to take forward this idea and, which in time could be extended to cover other areas, to promote awareness of Indian writings and possibly encourage exchanges between India and North Wales.”
And so the event was billed and held on 10 Oct 2018 at the Ruthin Library. Although conceived as an introductory event, it became clear from the start that this was a knowledgeable audience who knew their ‘Indian’ authors! There was considerable awareness and fondness for Indian writers, many audience members had direct knowledge of India through travels or family/friends connections and wanted to find out more, the rich diversity of India and Indian writings was recognised and there was a concern that the access to some of this material was limited because of a lack of awareness and the way publishing works which ends up promoting particular genres/tastes. Despite the usual issues of who is an ‘Indian’ author (can it Pakistani or Bangladeshi authors also, do they have to be in India or from India or writing about India), what is ‘contemporary’ (how far back do we go), what is ‘fiction’ (are historical books like those by William Dalrymple, Ramacharan Guha or Pankaj Mishra included) and whether we include poetry (aha!) , there was a consensus that it was not worth getting bogged down into these details and let things evolve, and keep in mind the over-riding principle of having fun!
The Library already has quite a few books by ‘Indian’ authors and more were added following a gift; this model of ‘crowd-sourcing’ was seen as worth following up whereby people, after reading the books, could gift them to the emerging Indian collection.
And that was not all, the introductory event identified opportunities in many other areas apart from literature and so RICE was conceived.
