MPs were invited by Romanian constituents and APPG for Romania to the event, with an aim of discovering more about the culture and traditions of Romania, a country so many Brits, just as King Charles, fall in love with once they visit.
An impressive collection of vintage and new Romanian Blouses were on display and it was touching to see how the story of the Romanian blouse touched the MPs who attended the event. London based Diana Pop, author of the photo book Secrets of Transylvania presented a personal collection of vintage Romanian blouses, and also gifted signed copies of her book and delicious traditional Romanian pastries baked in London by Entice by Marlene sweetened the event for those present.
Ana Afloarei ,a Mill Hill based tailor, who makes and sells Romanian traditional costumes and Corneliu Berdilo of London based NGO Emotie, were present to dress MPs in the Romanian Blouse and share stories alongside Diana Pop Comsa about the rich Romanian heritage.
We thank the MPs who joined the celebration of the Romanian Blouse in parliament: Bob Blackman, Ashley Dalton, Dawn Butler, Charlotte Nichols, Barry Gardiner, Brendan Clarke-Smith, Ruth Cadbury, Emma Hardy and Gareth Thomas and Georgiana Giunca, representative of the Romanian Embassy in London for joining the event .
The tweets posted after the event, alongside photos taken by Daniel Furculesteanu and Inno Brezeanu give a flavour of the beautiful event:
" Delighted to meet Diana Pop Comsa author of this fascinating book about Transylvania in Romania. With so many Romanians living in Harrow it was a joy to get along to this celebration of the best of Romania ( cake,bread&cheese were gorgeous!)-posted Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West.
Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury invited at the event by a Romanian family who lives in Hounslow for over 15 years tweeted: " Thank you so much to the Romania APPG&UK-Romania Group for hosting a brilliant drop in session today for MPs. A wonderful chance to learn about Romania and to see everything from blouses to a lovely selection of cakes. "
Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North was delighted to share stories of visiting Romania and invited more MPs to come along to the Ia Challenge: " An amazing display of Romanian culture in parliament today. The cheese cakes are amazing!" -said his tweet.
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central as well posted right after the event:" Fantastic to attend the Romania APPG drop-in event in Parliament, a wonderful celebration of Romanian culture. Great to discuss the valuable contribution of Romanians in Brent and beyond. Some amazing food, photos and traditional clothing on display."
Ashley Dalton MP for West Lancashire posted on Facebook: " Really enjoyed popping along to the Parliamentary Drop-In hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Romania this afternoon. Today is the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse. I was fortunate enough to be able to wear one of the blouses they brought along and learn more about it’s history and culture! "
We thank APPG for Romania and its president Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East for making the event possible and for the support and recognition offered to the Romanian community!
IA Challenge 2023 is the second event organised this year by UK-Romania Group supported by APPG For Romania in parliament, showcasing the contribution of the Romanian community in the UK and the beautiful Romania still so dear in the hearts of many of the over 1,2 million Romanians living in the UK.
Cristina Irimie
Full photo Album : Daniel Furculesteanu & Inno Brezeanu
IAchallenge 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
