MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 1 www.theagiot.net Tel: (0030) 26610 58177 The

79th Edition Agiot

This Month Village News. Page 1 Village News

Stop Press. Page 2 By Sponsors of Agiotfest Dr. Lionel Mann Page 3

Corfu Symposium. Paul and Micky paid an early visit to Page 4-5 bring the Grove-mobile. Jackie, Mark and Holy Trinity Church Sum- Jenny, Derek and Carole have returned mer Fair. Page 5-6 from enjoying the rigours of a more northerly winter. Visitors include Paul and A Friend now gone. Page 7-8 Sally, Pat and Gina, the Knights of Lincolnshire, Ricky, Henk, Sylvana and Weather Statistics. Page 8 Simon, Sophie, Leen, Johann and Hans.

Aunty Lula’s Love-Bites. Wolfgang, recovering, has also returned. Page 9

Video Corner. The weather stayed more or less friendly Page 9 at Easter, crockery disintegrated, fireworks

The World of Simon. exploded in a good display and more than Page 9 thirty of us sat down in the taverna to eat “Traditional Pot Throwing in Corfu Town—Easter Sporting Memories. roast lamb for dinner. Lula, Anna and Saturday” Page 10 Kosta danced while Nikos smashed plates. Ocay Construction mak- ing your dreams come Nitsa is recovering from a sprained ankle, By Paul McGovern true. The Editor Page 10-11 the result of tripping over a dog.

Ocay Villas Advertise- On a personal note I really enjoyed ment. Page 11 Easter, it was particularly nice to have old

friends Barry and Stella back for the Fleshpots of the North. Page 12-13 celebrations. I must really have enjoyed it,

Hilary’s Ramblings for I fell asleep at the taverna tables a la Page13 Ricky.

Nick the Clock’s World. When Nitsa was Young Another sad passing; Maria from the Page 15 petrol station at Karoubatika died at the

Complimentary methods To be continued untimely age of forty-eight. during stressful times. Our sincere condolences go to friend and Page16 Agiot Gordon McCabe and his family for Next Month the sad and recent loss of his mother, who he loved dearly.

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Heather Skinner Stop Press Agiotfest 14 Ocay Losers’ By This is a thank you to Heather The Minstrel Skinner for the kindness, generosity of spirit, efficiency and Cup I am being asked a lot about the imagination she brought to bear on plans for this year‟s great festival, her Corfu Symposium, held at The famous Cup will take place in to be held at the New Cactus various venues across Corfu during the latter part of May, on a day yet Hilton, Agios Ioannis on August th April (see below for an idea of what to be decided, before the summer 30 . Be assured it is all-systems go went on.) heat. Reserve your place. and that the event will take place on that last Saturday of August. Heather is passionate about Admission to this prestigious event Much has been happening behind promoting her home of Corfu to carries a 5 Euro entrance fee. the outside world. Where some the scenes, as some of you are Participants are encouraged not to may talk a lot about what should or aware. We beg patience for just a not should be done for our island, practise beforehand, as this is little longer [ I feel a song coming this Welsh firebrand is a Doer of unfair to the average competitor. on here]. May is scheduled for a the first order. Fans may attend free of this fee, lot of build-up work and much will st Hats off to her for putting together the proceeds go towards the be revealed by June 1 . a truly uplifting, varied and At the Ocay Nervous Centre May considerable costs of Agiotfest 14. th inspired Symposium. 5 for seven days is reserved almost entirely for Agiotfest preparation. Tickets are here now and reservations can be made. Please enquire here or ring 6974932408.

Corfu Beer Party

Starting at 1.00p.m. May 1st in Arillas is a party to prelude the extremely successful Corfu Beer Festival, held each October in this charming north-west village. All are welcome. Come along and see for yourself like-minded people trying to make a positive difference to our beautiful island.

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Agiotfest Sponsors

And: OCAY Property Services Fully licensed under Greek law, OCAY Property Services offers both land and prop- erty for sale, mostly in the central region of Corfu. They can also handle the entire design and construction of a home including all licences, taxes, etc. Boatman’s World NSK Daylong Famous Grouse Daylong have been working in the compression hosiery market for over 50 years and Sofia Kasfiki have a wealth of experience in providing the right solution for their customers. They Sergio Grammatikos stock one of the widest ranges of products available in the UK including specialist medical products, sports ranges and a full range of fashionable support stockings and Eco-Point tights. Sally’s Bar Paul & Jan Scotter Mouse House Scaffold Design Ltd Ken & Jan Harrop Design of temporary structures in tube and fittings and various proprietary scaffolding systems including temporary roofs, facade shores and difficult access solutions all de- Steve Dell signs carried out in accordance with all current British and European standards and Steve Young regulations. Jo & Mel Sperling Spear Travels Lionel Mann If you are looking for a travel agent who will spend the time to come up with the exact Sue Done holiday that you want, in the right place and at the right budget for you, and knows what Michael Spiggos they are talking about as well, Spear Travels can provide a huge choice and offer holi- days with the smaller tour operators that are often not available on the High Street. Tavola Calda Bill & June Williams Green Island Spyros Hytiris Holiday Accommodation on the Greenest Island of : Corfu. Specialized in the Brenda Pangrakiotis Dutch & the British tourist market Nikolas's Taverna, Agni

Vassilis Pandis

In Action gym Vrionis With us since 2009, every year Bill Vrionis supplies the best of sound and lighting. Visit Star Bowl his excellent shop on town Greg Zoxios La Tabernita Mexicana Barry & Stella Knight British Corner Shop The largest selection of British food in Greece. Favourite leading brands including David Dickinson Waitrose groceries and Iceland frozen foods. Plus a selection of confectionery, ice Sarah Young cream, soft drinks, beers & wine, dairy produce, household cleaners, personal care, newspapers, magazines and greetings cards. Heather Skinner Simon & Lin Baddeley Bob & Jill Carr Sunrise Cars Discover the hidden beauties of the island with the hospitality and security of Sunrise Chas Clifton Rent a Car. Situated on the main road opposite the customs buildings at the New Port, Rob Groove this company has been operating since 1980 and due to its experience can offer the best services and prices.

Nikos Pouliasis A local and much-respected architect and Mekanikos, Mr Pouliasis has been designing houses across Corfu for many years. He is always kind, patient and fair-minded. Also, his rates are consistently competitive!

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Corfu Symposium

About the Symposium http:// we have been living ever since, The theme of the Symposium www.placemanagement.org/ raising our two young daughters the “Responses to the decline in Mass eacademy/default.asp? best way we can, close to nature. We Tourism - Engaging Stakeholders and a=register&s=demouser&academ are also actively involved in making Effecting Positive Change” reflects yId=159 Arillas a better place, and we enjoy the global decline in mass participating in one of the most tourism, a preference for About the Symposium Team active village communities on Corfu. „unbundling‟ the package holiday Dr Heather Skinner The concept of Green Corfu, started by certain market segments, a I moved to Corfu in August about four years ago with the idea to growth in niche tourism, and, in 2013 following a 15 year promote alternative holidays and certain markets, a growing academic career at the University local Corfiot products. preference for in All-Inclusive of South Wales (formerly the vacations. This symposium will University of Glamorgan) where Pepé Soomers therefore focus on the creation, I was Reader in Marketing. Since Born and raised in Holland, I d e v e l o p m e n t a n d 2011, I have been researching have always had two strands to implementation of coherent and tourism business owners‟ my career, one as a attitudes to All-Inclusive tourism, appropriate responses to these photographer, writer, and presenting my findings in a issues that lead to effective place director for theatre and TV, the management, marketing and keynote address at a public other in psychology, coaching branding decisions, and which meeting hosted by the Chamber particularly involve the of Commerce and the Ionian and therapy. I have occasionally interaction between academics University in March 2013. This been able to combine both, and practitioners. research has expanded to writing a book on music therapy consider wider issues concerning for physically disabled people, the future of tourism in Corfu, About the Institute of Place which resulted in a world tour of in particular, how Corfu, along Management seminars, workshops and The Institute of Place with many other mature performances, including one at Management has provided European destinations, can formal accreditation for the 1st address the problem of declining the US White House for the Corfu Symposium on Managing numbers of middle-market (old) Bush administration. I am and Marketing Places to independent tourists from its key part of a global seminar business encourage and support source markets. team, and have attended, individuals undertaking accompanied and organised Alex Christou continuous professional more than 100 seminars over the development. I was born and raised in Corfu last 8 years. Since my first visit to Town to a Dutch mother and a If you would like more Greek father. I studied Chemistry in Athens in 1983 I have seen most information about the IPM and the Netherlands and worked as a of Greece, losing my heart and its services please visit : DBA, programmer, web designer and finding my home in Arillas on www.placemanagement.org. web marketer both in the the North West of Corfu. Netherlands and in Thessaloniki, Delegates to the Symposium may Greece for 10 years. In 2010 my take advantage of a free 30 day wife Christina and I moved trial membership: permanently to Arillas, Corfu, where Continued on Page 5

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Corfu Symposium of Communications Arts, Univer- 09:30 – 11:00 Session 3 – Cultural Continued from Page 4 sity of Uyo Tourism and Heritage Facilitator – Pepé Soomers

Expats’ Perspective on Romania Making Music Holidays Day 1 – Monday 14th April Nation Brand Vivienne Pittendrigh, Chamber Music 12:00 Keynote Speakers Dochita Zenoveiov, Seed Consult- Holidays and Festivals Mr Spiros Spirou – Governor of ants the Prefecture of the Lie of the Land – Representations The future of tourism in Corfu: of Rural England in Contemporary Dr Kostas Tsoumanis - head of the initial research, reporting, and be- Folk Song National Tourism Organisation yond Dr Heather Skinner (EOT) department of the Ionian Dr Heather Skinner islands 11:00 – 11:30 Coffee 16:30 – 17:00 Coffee 13:00 Lunch 11:30 – 13:00 Session 4 – Wine 17:00 – 19:00 Session 2 – New Me- and Gastro Tourism 14:00 – 16:30 Session 1 – City and dia Marketing Facilitator – Dr Heather Skinner Country Brands Facilitator – Dr Heather Skinner Corfu Beer Facilitator – Dr Heather Skinner Corfu Tourist Portal - Nick Sirigos Spiros Kaloudis Managing and Marketing Tourism for the Ionian Islands Real Corfu - Adrian Ward Oinovation Dr Kostas Tsoumanis, National Tour- Xenia Tombrou and Niko Kavounis ism Organisation Green Island - Dick Mulder 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch The Sustainable City Our City Radio – Roger Garth, Jo- Professor Cathy Parker, Manchester ann Alexakis and Angelos Michalas 14:00 – Coach departs Hotel Fiori Metropolitan University Business for our visit to the Theotoky estate School 20:00 BBQ dinner on the Hotel Fiori terrace 19:00 – Working dinner at the Umuahia Residents’ Perception of symposium hotel where delegates the Rebranding Nigeria Campaign will be encouraged to discuss their Ubadire Agua, Michael Okpara research ideas and potential for th University of Agriculture, and Nsi- Day 2 – Tuesday 15 April collaborative projects. kan-Abasi S. Nkana, Department Facilitator – Pepé Soomers

Holy Trinity Church Summer Fair

The HTC annual summer fair bola and raffles. Refreshments will – Friday between 10am – 1pm or e will be held on Saturday June 14th be served all day, coffee and cakes mail [email protected] to at Holy Trinity Church, 21 Mavili in the morning and a BBQ lunch, arrange collection. St in the town centre, from 10am – enjoy a break whilst listening to our 3pm. talented local musicians. Looking forward to seeing you On the day there will be a wide We hope you will help us make on the day….. range of stalls including crafts, the day a great success by coming home produce, plants, jewellery, along to join us. In the meantime books and DVDs. We will also be if you have any unwanted gifts, hosting a Silent Auction, which will books, DVDs, or wine…., all in start on-line on June 1st. There will good condition, we would love to be fun games for all ages including take them off your hands. Items face painting for the children, tom- may be left at HTC church Tuesday

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A Friend now gone

Contributed by with George on this wonderful World Vision, travels the world‟s Lucy Steele M.B.E. property. Dorie, who doted on her problem areas. Felix was accepted father, ran his household and his into Law earlier this year and Doris (affectionately known as life . Grenville felt somewhat practices as an advocate in criminal Dorie) Alice DARKE (Nee Ralph) overshadowed by his rather gruff law, with a view to becoming a was born on 17 July 1913 in and stern father-in-law. barrister. Both sons are very London and passed away peacefully In the early 1970‟s Dorie, her interested in their family history on 23 March 2014 at the grand old husband and father moved to their and viewed great-grandfather age of 100 years and 8 months! spacious new home at St. Eleni, George as something of a hero She was a dear friend of mine Kato Korakiana. Sadly, Grenville marveling at the photographs of and I wanted to write a few words passed away late 1974/early 1975. him with the late king. Felix in her memory and I hope that He was cremated in the UK and his treasures his great-grandfather‟s those of you who knew her will find ashes are in the British Cemetery, championship wrestling trophies; them interesting. Corfu. earned during his early days as a Dorie had a brother Stanley and In 1976 Dorie married Police policeman. George‟s OBE and CBE a sister Joan. Their father was Commander Norman John Horatio are safely secured in the family safe Augustus George RALPH , DARKE after a „whirlwind‟ and the remaining treasured OBE; CBE; who married May romance! heirloom is the portrait of Dorie‟s Lamb Colsell. Their father was In 1980 George, at the grand old father Augustus George. Deputy Chief of Police in London age of 96 passed away and was RALPH, OBE; CBE; personal during the second world war and buried in the British Cemetery on friend to the King! This has hung part of his duties was to accompany 21 December 1980. In his absence in Dorie‟s home for many years and the King on various visits here and Dorie and Norman spent the next it was her wish that this portrait go there. After the war he was sent to twenty years happily in their lovely to her nephew Christopher Ralph, Athens, Greece, to head up the civil home. Norman, who was born in and it will. It is presently in my forces resisting the insurgence of Portsmouth on 1 August 1915, possession and I am attempting to the communists. passed away, at the age of 85, and obtain an Export Licence from The Dorie‟s parents eventually was buried in the British Cemetery National Gallery in Athens but, this divorced and in time her father on 14 November 2000, near to his being Greece, I am having to deal (known as George) began a serious father-in-law. with a certain amount of „red tape‟ relationship with the widow of a I will go back to Dorie‟s brother before I can send it on its way. professor from the University of Stanley and sister Joan. Sadly, in Australia will become the final Athens. This lady had a large the UK in the 90‟s whilst Joan was resting place for this portrait of a property and olive grove in the out walking with her husband Ken strong man who led a very southern area of Benitses, known as they were both killed by a reckless interesting; fulfilling and Limeri, and when George retired driver who mounted the pavement. responsible life; his face is so full of they both spent several wonderful They had one daughter, Jennifer character and strength and his eyes years at this idyllic property. She Baxter, who lives in the UK and has are most penetrating. Dorie was passed away in the 1950‟s and left it two children David and Sarah. very fortunate to have such a to George in her will. This was Brother Stanley passed away in charismatic father whom she contested by the University but, 2004; his wife passed away in 2007 adored and he, in turn, enjoyed so after fighting this for many years in and their only child Christopher many years of closeness with Dorie the courts, George was eventually Ralph lives in Australia with his after she joined him in Corfu. successful and the property became wife Rosemary, an accountant, and legally his. their two sons Nicholas Stanley Dorie and her then-husband, George (after his Great-grandfather) Continued on Page 8 Grenville Cock, also a high and Felix Christopher Henry. ranking British policeman, came Nicholas, a video producer for from the UK to Corfu and lived

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 8 A Friend now gone days before she passed away. Her her. They recited the 23rd Psalm Continued from Page 7 favourite colour was pink and she and, I am told, Dorie‟s last words

had the softest pink glow to her were: The Cross. Amen! But, luckily, Dorie was not left flawless cheeks. On the dot of 2pm She passed away, pain-free to fend for herself. She had the each day, all year round, Maria during her last three days, at 8am most wonderful next-door- produced a home-cooked meal for on Sunday 23 March and was neighbours in the form of Maria Dorie who had a very good buried in the British Cemetery on and her husband Napoleon appetite. I was there one day when Monday, 24 March. She was taken Kaloudis. Suffice to say that for the Maria took Dorie‟s meal from the from the mortuary straight to the past 35years dear Maria tended to oven and it smelled so good I asked cemetery, as was her wish. Her Dorie‟s every need and, in her Maria if I could move in and be as coffin was opened for a while; she declining years, fed her; washed her well-fed as Dorie! was dressed in her favourite pink and watched over her like a loving Each Christmas I would provide and I placed a single pink rose on mother would do for her child. In a small pre-cooked Christmas her breast. It was her wish to be fact, for the past 15years Maria pudding and give Maria explicit interred in her father‟s grave and spent each and every evening at instructions on how to warm it in there she now lies. Dorie‟s home; sleeping when she the microwave oven; Dorie always Our gentle Dorie, after a could in one of the bedrooms looked forward to her Xmas wonderfully interesting life, is now nearby and always on call in case puddings; chocolates and cards. She gone;. Maria has lost a mother and Dorie needed her. would also enjoy a home baked I have lost a friend but she is always I visited Dorie on a regular basis cake from her friends at the in my heart and often in my prayers and I would find her sitting on her Anglican Church. and thoughts. bed all neat and tidy. Maria would In early March of this year Dorie Good night dear Dorie until we place my flowers in a vase nearby started to become very frail and it meet again. Rest in Peace. and we would sit and chat for a was evident that it was just a matter short while. Dorie had a sharp of time before she would leave us. Lucy Steele, M.B.E. mind and asked me often about On Friday, 21 March Lorraine from April 2014 Mary Lemis (widow of the former the Anglican Church, accompanied Honorary Irish Consul) and by Locum Chaplain Peter Jordon, Lorraine from the Anglican visited Dorie and they prayed with Church. Mary visited Dorie just

Corfu Weather Statistics

Max Avg Min Read more at:

Temperature: Max Temperature 26°C 19 °C 13 °C http://www.wunderground.com/ Mean Temperature 20 °C 15 °C 11°C history/airport/LGKR/2013/9/1/ Min Temperature 17 °C 11 °C 6 °C MonthlyHistory.html? Degree Days: req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req Heating Degree Days (base 65) 14 6 0 Cooling Degree Days (base 65) 4 0 0 _stat- Growing Degree Days (base 50) 18 9 1 ename=NA#PFq1VRYHlbugcTGf Dew Point: .99 Dew Point 17 °C 11 °C 1 °C Precipitation: Precipitation 20.1 mm 1.2 mm 0.0 mm Wind: Wind 42 km/h 9 km/h 0 km/h Gust Wind 61 km/h 51 km/h 39 km/h Sea Level Pressure: Sea Level Pressure 1019 hPa 1011 hPa 1004 hPa

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 9 Aunty Lula’s Love-bites Viennese Fingers Go: 4. Beat the filling ingredients together until they are smooth and Ingredients 1. Place the butter and icing sugar in a warmed bowl and cream until creamy.

200g Butter the mixture is quite soft. Add the flour and vanilla essence and 50g Icing Sugar (sieved) 5. The chocolate can be put to melt 200g Plain Flour (sieved) continue to beat until the mixture is fairly soft but smooth. at the same time. 2 tsp. Vanilla Essence

2. Transfer the mixture to a large 6. When cool, sandwich the fingers Filling: piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. together with the cream and then 100g Icing Sugar (sieved) dip the ends of the fingers into the 50g Butter Pipe 7.5cm fingers on to a lightly greased baking sheet. melted chocolate. 2 drops Vanilla Essence

3. Cook at 180°C for 10 – 15 7. Leave to dry completely before Chocolate Coating minutes or until they just begin to storing. 150g Chocolate (melted over hot water) change colour. Cool on a wire rack. Bon appetit! Contributed to Lula‟s Love Bites by Nick The Clock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTK0mpniqPw

Video Corner The world of Simon

We had some Irish visitors this Easter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHF5fkBA2Nw

Chuck and Keith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5madtiLf7DI

The circus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGxcuv2gI-Q

drumline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHXNaYoguNU “Simon Baddeley” John Lydon in court https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ2Xb4wgCL0 For a glimpse into Did not people express the English language so much better in the 19th Century? Simon‟s World GO TO 4 MINUTES 30 SECONDS ON CLIP [Davy Crockett] Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRFaGi2lqrY http://democracystreet.blogspot.gr/

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 10 hurling down their thunderbolts as Sporting Memories well as being amused by the antics of Godfrey Evans, the Kent and By times to support Brentford. In England wicker-keeper. Dr. Lionel Mann those days, before hooligan violence Together with the Bedsers the great and vandalism polluted football, we From 1948 to 1958 I lived, first as a day at the Oval was the spin bowl- often rubbed shoulders with fans of student and later as a teacher, in ing of Tony Lock and Jim Laker visiting teams. Wembley with a view of the Stadi- and I regret that I was away on holi- There was plenty of friendly banter um, its imposing towers a mere two day, able only to enjoy the radio but not a trace of aggression. The hundred yards from our front gate. commentary of the B.B.C.‟s inimita- presence of women and children Whenever my very busy schedule ble John Arlott, when the Surrey kept coarse language away. My afforded the opportunity I took ad- „Spin Twins‟ skittled out an entire friend‟s wife and two sons, initially vantage of the entertainment being Australian XI in an afternoon for a aged 7 and 13, always came with us, offered almost on my doorstep, miserable two-digit score while I the boys entering through a sepa- mainly evening speedway at the sta- was sipping cider in the shade of an rate turnstile charged three-pence dium and a wide variety of func- orchard behind a Norfolk farm- each, and we had our afternoon tions at the Empire Pool at first, house. entertainment for one shilling. until in 1951 I became organist and At the Wembley church I soon In summer academic holidays and choirmaster at the local church. built up a large choir of twelve men Saturdays when I was not required Our vicar was always given compli- and thirty boys. On my visits to the to play for weddings I often went to mentary tickets to events at the sta- stadium I would often be greeted watch cricket at Lord‟s or the Oval, dium and he passed them on to me with, “Hello, sir,” by a group of both easily reached by train from – all except those for the F.A, Cup grinning youngsters. Although they Wembley. As a Middlesex support- Finals! I saw many international were some of the best-paid choris- er I went more frequently to the matches and was among the thou- ters in the country I know that they former where Dennis Compton sands who admired and applauded never entered through the turnstiles and Bill Edrich were attracting the wizardry of Stanley Matthews. and I wonder if the new stadium is great support with their batting and When there was nothing on at the any more boy-proof than the old I also saw Don Bradman giving stadium I often went with a fanati- one. England fieldsmen a run-around in cal Q.P.R. supporter friend and his a Test Match. Too I saw Freddie family to their attraction when the Trueman and „Typhoon‟ Tyson team was at home and at other Ocay Construction making your dreams come true! By it dawned on us that after flying on simple message that was portrayed, Les & Chris Woods to Corfu that maybe it was the ideal which was that the customer and location, not too hot, compared to their needs were priority! As the soon to be owners of the other areas of Greece, and most We completed all the usual on- latest property under construction importantly as we planned to live line forms and agreed to meet for by OCAY services - as mentioned in “the good life”, seasons and rainfall the first time in Dassia, where we April‟s edition of “The Agiot” were important to our dream. were staying at the time. we thought it would be nice to Also it was just a 3 hour flight from My wife and I met Lula & Paul share our experience from our first the UK. and it was obvious straight away contact and close encounter of the After scouring the internet prior that this was going to be more than Corfu kind! to our impending visit to Corfu in a business partnership, and as time We were married in August May 2012 we came across OCAY 2011 and Honeymooned on Paxos Services. has gone on we have all become We knew we wanted to eventually The reason we opted to contact good friends. settle down in Greece but the exact OCAY above all other companies location had remained elusive to us was the clear, no messing and Continued on Page 11 up until our time on Paxos, where

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Ocay Construction, making your dreams In Nov 2012, we were contacted Once the drawings were come true! by Ocay who had located a plot of submitted it was just a matter of Continued from Page 10 land for sale close to the village of waiting and waiting until planning Agios Ioannis, it sounded just what permission was finally granted in we were looking for? So we made Feb of 2014, wonderful. plans to return to Corfu in April of This is where Lula and Paul 2013. really came into their own, with April 2013 could not come several properties already quick enough but it did and we constructed, their skills, experience eventually arrived back on the & contacts proved invaluable. island. The land was cleared and the But getting back to our first Lula and Paul had come up with long awaited construction was encounter in Dassia, Lula & Paul several plots of land for my wife underway! had a number of properties to show and I to check out but it was pretty And as they say “the rest is us which they thought would come plain from the outset that the first history” close to our “dream property” as plot in the valley known to the Paul keeps both of us updated indicated by the on-line forms we locals as “Vrisi” was perfect for us with regular reports and plenty of had filled in prior to our visit. and Paul knew it was before we did! photographs as the build Of course we were looking for We did check out other plots just progresses. our “Shangri La” on verdant Corfu to make sure we were making the We are planning to visit the but it soon became apparent that it right decision and it confirmed that village and the build of our home was harder to find than we we were. with our grown up children and imagined! Before we could enter in to any our Grandchildren at the end of We thought we had found legal process we had to obtain our April early May 2014, (so by the paradise in a tumbledown goat Greek tax numbers to allow us to time you are reading this we will herder‟s cottage and left Lula & proceed and open a Greek bank have been and gone) to allow our Paul with the search to find the account to fund our purchase and family to hopefully share and enjoy owner and to open negotiations on hopefully the build, none of which the Corfu experience. our behalf. would have been possible without None of the above would have the guidance of Lula & Paul. There On our next visit to Corfu in been made possible without Lula was no way a couple of “newbies” Sept of the same year it was soon and Paul‟s extensive business like us with not even a smattering obvious that the cottage was beyond knowledge and experience in of Greek language skills could have repair and actually required to be making people‟s dreams become a managed the above. knocked down and re-built, which reality. So Lula & Paul began the long basically meant it was never going Thank you OCAY. to be the same. process of contacting the owners of the land and negotiated on our It was at this time that our behalf and in June of 2013 my wife We have some friends suggested that maybe what and I became proud Greek land great summer we really needed was a plot of land owners thanks to the services of offers on selective and to design and build our own Ocay. villas and bespoke home? My wife and I returned to Corfu apartments across the island. It was obvious that Paul could in July and arrangements were Contact us and we will make see what we could not see ourselves, your summer dream a reality. made for us to meet up with Nikos, which was “we knew what we did a Mekanic? (architect) and in no not want but could not find what We are now open for business time the design we had in our we really wanted” heads was soon turned in to artists for your complete wedding and So the search for a suitable plot impression‟s and architect‟s honeymoon arrangements on of land was underway! drawings. beautiful Corfu.

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 12 though passing, economic cruelties. Fleshpots Of The North In Greece the week following Pascha is heavy with „Renewal By reply to which is Alithos Anesti (He Days‟, thus Renewal Deftera Mark Thompson is truly risen/He is risen indeed). (Monday), Treetee (Tuesday) etc., Early in my time here I misheard This year, here in Greece, we but interestingly not Friday. We the responses and believed, in celebrated Pascha (Easter) at the however will be celebrating „Easter ignorance, that the priest had said same time as the West and it also Monday‟ in the usual and Christos/Hristos arresti- to which the coincided with the Jewish festival of traditional fashion by going to the only response I could think of was Passover. You may have seen, as I races at Ermones, as described in an Habeas Corpus, in other words did, a short film on the BBC on- earlier piece. Having enjoyed a from the Latin „release the body‟. I line showing the „rocket compulsory 4-day break after the thought this might have something celebrations‟ in Chios where Grand National the visiting jockeys to do with the arrest of Jesus by the homemade missiles are directed at will, no doubt, be itching to get Roman authorities or conversely rival churches, with points awarded back into the winner‟s enclosure. I after the crucifixion when it as for clear hits. heard yesterday that some 800+ discovered that the body of our We cannot claim anything so guests had arrived in a hotel in Lord was missing from the tomb. I exciting here in , however , I guess we can say, for now know better. many people attend the church at good or ill, that the „season‟ has Having wrung many hands, midnight to „see-in‟ Easter Day, well and truly opened. Roll on the exchanged greetings, kissed candles are lit, greetings are 1st November. To adapt John countless stubbly cheeks and exchanged and this year some Ebdon „if you have been thanking you struggled without success to keep €1,000 worth of fireworks were for reading‟. alight a Pascal candle in a high discharged. Given the current Now for the answers to a wind we repaired home for a glass plight of the Greek economy I port of a slice of home-made rich previous quiz: Perhaps unusually think this shows a healthy disregard fruit cake. However the traditional for an aristocrat, both then and for the German bankers who and observant Greeks break their now, Lord Rosebery was an apparently believe they own, if not control, Greece and an attention to Lenten fast with Mayirítsa which is, enthusiastic supporter of football. the real priorities of life. in its simplest form Lamb‟s liver Such was his dedication to the The village has also acquired a soup, however but can become a sport and his involvement in the sort of liquid haggis with the canon to repel EMU and Ministry development of the game in addition of spleen, kidneys and of Finance inspectors and this also Scotland that, on occasions, let rip. Being well placed up the other offal and of course every between the late 1880s and the late mountain we are able to see the district, if not every family, has their 1940s the Scotland football team fireworks from many other places; own particular take on this late nite Roda, , Kerousades, Acharavi. treat. For me the fruit cake suffices. wore Rosebery‟s racing colours as The fireworks of other village are, One traditional greeting/toast at the national shirt. without exception, lit early and a Greek wedding is May you live. As The traditional dark blue were I type this, mid-morning on Easter whilst this might interrupt the the colours of Queens Park which Sunday, shotguns are being priest‟s invocation of the Risen represented Scotland in the first Lord; we get to see a number of randomly discharged around the international. However Rosebery displays at no cost. village. Whilst in the UK this form As midnight strikes the bells are of celebration of life itself and the was such an influential figure in rung, fireworks ignited, candles lit joy of the Risen Lord would be Scottish football at the time, serving and we all exchange greetings. frowned upon if not actually as Honorary President of both the prevented by our friends of the Chronia/Xronia polla, which is in Scottish Football Association and regular use for birthdays, hi-days, health and safety persuasion. Whereas here these explosions, for Hearts of Edinburgh, that his holidays and in some cases simply racing colours of primrose and pink surviving „til Saturday, Kālo me, are an exemplar of the Greek were worn. Pascha/Pasxa and also Christos/ attitude to life and that this proud Continued on Page 13 Hristos Anesti (Christ is risen), the nation will survive the current,

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Fleshpots of the North Church is known as „The Pope‟ and The usual competition rules Continued from Page 12 the head of the Clan Chisholm is apply and the prizes are the same. known as „The Chisholm‟, or in I‟m pleased to report that the last Most notably when Scotland Scots Gaelic „An Siosalach‟, and is person to sample my wine has now defeated England 4-1 in 1900 and the only Highland Chief who is been safely discharged from Rosebery famously said „I‟ve never entitled to that prefix. hospital with a clean bill of health, seen my colours so well sported though it was touch and go for a since Ladas won the Derby‟ (in Herewith is this months‟ quiz; time. Though I blame the eleventy- 1894). firstly what links the following: four lagers, by way of Dutch For those who might be The Prince of Wales. courage, that he drank before the interested Rosebery‟s colours will be A bald man wine tasting began. The decision of Scotland‟s change kit for the UEFA A chimpanzee. the committee as to prize winners is Euro 2016 qualifying matches. final and no correspondence can be Secondly explain the following; entered into. As for part two, the answer is the Horses first, the men next and Mark Thompson, in the definite article, that is „the‟. Queen yourself last. fleshpots and trying to shield the Elizabeth is known as „The Queen‟, matches. the head of the Roman Catholic

Hilary’s Ramblings coins - the thirty pieces of silver had to walk the dogs anyway, and it which Judas took in return for his might as well be in company, and in By Hilary Paipeti act. a place we don't hike every day. Wouldn't it be great if money Accordingly, I accompanied her Judas Trees and Judas Flowers really grew on (Judas) trees? for about half the way to , Every Easter we delight in the guiding her to a crucial junction, spectacle of the island's Judas Trees Here come the Corfu Trailers! then I cut off down into the valley in full bloom. The blossom appears Or coincidence strikes again. to take the road back to . before the leaves - and those leaves I was sitting in the 19th Hole bar Just as I arrived at the point come through much later than in Vatos chatting to a Dutch friend where the Trail crosses the road to most other trees - so that it would over an Easter Sunday Evening climb into the centre of Giannades, not be hard to kid a credulous early ouzo when in walked an exhausted- two walkers were stepping up the visitor that 'in Corfu, some of our looking stranger, who sat down at a final slope. Booted and heavily ruck trees grow pink leaves.' neighbouring table. Since she was -sacked, they answered in the The tree is named after Judas Dutch too, we soon fell into affirmative when I asked them Iscariot, who is said to have hung conversation, and she volunteered whether they were walking the himself on one in remorse at his that she was walking the Corfu Trail. betrayal of Christ. Legend has it Trail. She was hugely surprised and Then I introduced myself: total that the pink flowers bloom at pleased when I admitted to being delighted surprise for the SECOND Easter because the trees are its creator (well, its not the sort of time in 24 hours. Another pleasant blushing in shame at their species' thing you do expect in a country surprise was that this was no role in the Passion. bar, is it?). faceless Trailer whose order for the On Easter Monday I was walking She had walked from to Trail Guide ebook I had sent out near Giannades with a Dutch lady Giannades and, as there was no automatically, but one whom I and she asked me the name in accommodation to be had in that remembered well as having ordered English of Honesty, the pretty village, a local drove her back to it at the last minute on Holy purple flower whose characteristic Vatos where there was a place to Thursday, and with whom I had seed cases, dark purple when they stay. She rather grumbled that this entered into an email conversation first form, later turn into silvery, meant she would have to walk the to ensure the publication was papery discs. She told me that in Vatos-Giannades section of the delivered in time for departure to Dutch it is called 'Judas Flower' Trail again in the morning, so I Corfu. because the papery discs look like offered to run her there, and walk part of the onward Trail with her. I

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 14 We went for a coffee, and I It is arranged in well-ordered found out that the couple were very sections, for example: 'History', keen walkers who run a website 'Ancient Greek Language and (Traildino) which pulls together Philosophy', 'Fiction in hiking trails from all over the world Translation', 'Greek Fiction'… AND and put them into a single 'English Language Fiction'. Yes, informative e-location. The Corfu English books! Trail already appears on this site, The hour that I had to wait for and I hope and imagine that as a programme-loading was happily result of our 'accidental' meeting it spent browsing the shelves, and it will feature more prominently. was a far cry from the Hellenic If either of us had been just a Distribution outlets in tourist few seconds earlier or later at that shops, both in the available point, if either of us had delayed or selection and the price. I even hastened or hike, we would never bought a book, the first time since I have met. Nor would we have met was unable to resist the final Harry if the Dutch lady of the morning's Potter. It was the nearly 900 page 'I Trailing had not walked into 19th am Pilgrim', highly recommended Hole Bar the previous evening. In by a friend, and it cost an these events, we can see strong affordable evidence of what I call 'God's 8.99 euros. Amusing Machinations'. The English Language Fiction Inadequately, we call it shelves hold classics of course, but 'coincidence'. also modern bestsellers, and thrillers including the 'Game of We have a real Bookshop! Thrones' For I think the first time ever, I series. have been obliged to make Bill For those of you who live here Gates even richer. Against my and are interested, 'Public' is at wishes, but obligatory for a Solari, on the very commercialised guidebook update job I have been section of the main road out of offered, I bought a Microsoft Office Corfu Town to the north (21, programme. Paleokastritsa Road) near the As my computer is a Mac, I can't banks. It has its own (small) parking acquire any old Microsoft; it has to area, and the staff are very pleasant be from the only store which offers too. Apple support, a store amusingly called 'Public' (formerly Multimedia). Tech support, which enacted the very complicated loading of the programme (involving a long telephone call to Microsoft; I wonder how they even imagined that I could load the thing myself!) is in the basement. A surprise came: half of the basement has been converted to a bookshop. A proper, real bookshop, not one full of school textbooks. A bookshop such as I have only seen in Athens.

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 15 Nick the Clock’s World

The redhead took her finger, the dice and she landed on Science pushed on her left shoulder and & Nature. Her question was, 'If screamed, then she pushed her el- you are in a vacuum and someone bow and screamed even more. She calls your name, can you hear it?' pushed her knee and screamed; She thought for a time and then likewise she pushed her ankle and asked, 'Is it on on off?' screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream. FINALLY, THE BLONDE JOKE The doctor said, 'You're not really TO END ALL BLONDE CAR TROUBLE: a redhead, are you? JOKES!: A girl was visiting her A blonde pushes her BMW into a 'Well, no' she said, 'I'm actually a blonde friend, who had acquired service station. She tells the me- blonde.' two new dogs, and asked her what chanic it died. 'I thought so,' the doctor said.' their names were. The blonde re- After he works on it for a few Your finger is broken.' sponded by saying that one was minutes, it is idling smoothly. named Rolex and one was named She says, 'What's the story?' KNITTING: A highway patrol- Timex. Her friend said, 'Whoever He replies, 'Just crap in the carbu- man pulled alongside a speeding heard of someone naming dogs rettor' car on the freeway. Glancing at like that?' She asks, 'How often do I have to the car, he was astounded to see 'HELLLOOOOOOO,' answered do that?' that the blonde behind the wheel the blond. 'They're watch dogs!' was knitting! SPEEDING TICKET: A police Realising that she was oblivious to officer stops a blonde for speeding his flashing lights and siren, the and asks her very nicely if he could trooper cranked down his window, see her licence. turned on his bullhorn and yelled, She replied in a huff, 'I wish you 'PULL OVER!' guys would get your act together. 'NO!' the blonde yelled back, 'IT'S Just yesterday you take away my A SCARF!' licence and then today you expect me to show it to you!' BLONDE ON THE SUN: A Rus- sian, an American, and a Blonde RIVER WALK: There's this were talking one day. The Russian blonde out for a walk. She comes said, 'We were the first in space!' to a river and sees another blonde The American said, 'We were the on the opposite bank. 'Yoo-hoo!' first on the moon!' she shouts, 'How can I get to the The Blonde said, 'So what? We're other side?' going to be the first on the sun!' The second blonde looks up the The Russian and the American river then down the river and looked at each other and shook shouts back,' You ARE on the oth- their heads.' You can't land on the er side.' sun, you idiot! You'll burn up!' said the Russian. AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE: A To which the Blonde replied, gorgeous young redhead goes into 'We're not stupid, you “The Editor has suggested to the doctor's surgery and said that know. We're going at night!' Nick the Clock that it may be his her body hurt wherever she round” touched it. IN A VACUUM: A blonde was 'Impossible!' s ays the doctor. playing Trivial Pursuit one 'Show me.' night. It was her turn. She rolled

MAY 2014 SINCE AUGUST 2007 PAGE 16 Complimentary Relaxation methods during stressful times

By system is brought into balance. In assist in the healing process of more Costas Theologou this state of balance and renewed severe illnesses. The right and the

energy we can heal. left hemisphere of the brain Coping during these times of stress A treatment is performed by the become more balanced. The and crisis can be very difficult. Can practitioner laying the hands on the immune system is reinforced. using complimentary or alternative body and initiating the energy to relaxation and healing methods be flow through their hands and into On a mental and emotional level the answer? One such very useful the client‟s body. This flow of anxiety and stress is reduced, a and simple complimentary method energy may be felt by the client as sense of well-being and happiness is is Reiki. any type of sensation such as heat, increased and another level of

cold or vibration. During a relaxation is felt. On this level Reiki What is Reiki? treatment it is essential to cover as is ideal for releasing suppressed Reiki is a natural healing and many areas of the body as possible feelings and emotions from the relaxation method. Basically it is even if a problem is located in any past. At this degree of deep the laying on of hands and one part of the body. The Reiki relaxation a rebalancing of energies channeling of „life-force energy‟ energy is automatically directed to can occur and the natural healing through a practitioner to the where it is most necessary for the ability of the body is enhanced. The recipient. The recipient can be a healing process. A Reiki treatment person becomes more intuitive, person including oneself, an supports the whole person – decisions are more easily made. animal, a plant or even an object or physically, emotionally, mentally Imagination and visualisation are certain situation such as a and spiritually. A full client enhanced. forthcoming test or exam, a social treatment takes about 60 to 90 On a spiritual level Reiki enhances occasion etc. minutes. Reiki can be administered a person‟s consciousness and Reiki originated in Japan and was very simply in all kinds of settings spirituality giving the feeling of brought to the Western world for example at home, a clinic or being enlightened and reborn. during the early 1900‟s. Reiki is hospital, a classroom, almost How somebody responds to Reiki now practiced all over the world anywhere. Of course the ideal depends on their physical, mental, and is widely used in hospitals and situation is a quiet place with a spiritual and emotional state clinics in many countries. relaxed atmosphere. Reiki is a healing method that is

When we practice Reiki we relax, suitable for anyone. Whether it I How Reiki works. which allows the brain impulses to through treatments or as a We face problems when we do not slow down to between 7 and 14 Practitioner. It doesn‟t matter have enough energy to carry out our cycles per second known as alpha whether you are a complete life functions or when we, as energy level brain waves. or even between 4 beginner or whether you practice systems, are out of balance. To and 7 cycles per second known as other complimentary or enter the body the life force energy theta level brain waves. An average improvement methods. It is has to have channels or doorways, active brain during everyday life effective when used on its own, but these are provided by Chakras, the operates from 14 up to 21 cycles can be combined with any other energy centres of the body, with per second which is known as Beta form of healing methods. What is which we can receive the energy level. It is very important that the required is a desire to learn and a and spread it throughout the brain slows down because when the willingness to do the practice. physical body and Aura, the subtle brain operates in lower frequencies energy field around the body. If the body can heal itself more easily To read more about Reiki and these energy centres are blocked or and more quickly. other complimentary methods visit: not working properly then the On the physical level Reiki can www.reikicorfugreece.com physical body, mind and spirit relax stressed muscles, decrease cannot function properly either. pain, accelerate the healing time of The effect of receiving a Reiki bones and wounds, burns and treatment is that our supply of life bruises and much more and can energy is increased and our energy

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