March15 issue

GrapevineCyprus.com March 2015

Fi F rs R M t F EE on r th ida ly y

a window on your world

Š Grapevine • March 2015

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Upfront Having been here in Paphos for over twenty five years I can honestly say that I have never known a winter like this one we have just had... hopefully things will begin to improve this month. If you like to keep track of what the weather’s doing Barbarian has a few tips for you on page 12.

The main theme in this month’s issue is health; healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, even the poem of the month has a healthy feel (p. 7).

In his series of articles under the umbrella of Vanishing Cyprus, Andreas Chrysafis reviews the implications of Greece leaving the Euro zone, (P.6).

A subject that none of us really like to talk about... death and funerals is discussed on page 24, after all it’s just as well to be prepared.

The Hasamboulia Rocks photographed by Emilia Teodorescu

Contents

Cyprus can still vote in British General elections and European elections if they were on the Electoral List where they lived in the UK within the past 15 years. You can apply online by going to www.overseasvote2015.com Remember also that as a member of the

News & Views Out & About

Finally a Grapevine reader wished me to pass on the fact that British expats living in

4- 9 10- 13

Homelife 14 Market Place In Colour

EU British expats can also vote here in local municipal elections and EU parliamentary elections, however you must register to do so.

Back next month,

15, 19 - 20 16- 18

Food & Drink

21 - 22

Wellbeing

23 - 27

Looking at Language

28

Smalls

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Grapevine Information

below

Next Issue Friday, 3rd April

Catch up online www.grapevinecyprus .com

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With thanks to all our advertisers and contributors for the articles / photos / ads that makes Grapevine the leader of the pack - we aim to stay leader and will continue to innovate and change to make sure our readers and advertisers are getting the best service on the island

© Grapevine • March 2015

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Family planning

by Barbara Strain

As winter draws to an end we all have the summer to look forward to. Cyprus will become the island of sand, sun and something else.

For many of us the summer includes looking forward to visits from friends and relatives.

First to have booked their slot this spring is my sister and brother in law. One of the daughters is also hoping to visit this year. We have to suppose she will have a better time of it than the other daughter who chose to visit in the middle of the coldest, wettest January in living memory.

Well, there should be no chance of rain or freezing temperatures in late June.

We used to have more visitors –children either had fewer commitments of their own or had more disposable income.

Also, airfares were much more affordable. Even before the days of the lowcost airlines we used to find really reasonable return fares for the UK family.

It’s not so easy now.

I see that British Airways recently promoted their new schedule from Heathrow, quoting a fare of €220 return or €100 one-way they are obviously entering the competition for our business, if not for mathematics. After all, it seems that two one-ways would be less than one return. So who would go for this option?

Naturally, I looked at their website. Would I find the right fare on the right day? Nope, and I did find the whole process rather confusing. You can now book a seat for travel without checked-in luggage, so they are obviously going into competition with the low-cost airlines. On that basis I did a little research into the process on some of the competition.

It’s always difficult – chalk and cheese scenario. If Heathrow is your preferred departure point, you are pretty well stuck with the conventional airports, but if you are leaving from the provinces or don’t have a London

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© Grapevine • March 2015

airport preference, the choice widens. Anyone with an internet connection can find the prices on different low-cost airlines. There are several of them, each having its own advantages or otherwise.

Then we have a choice of two airports in Cyprus. Even if you live on the doorstep of Paphos airport, it may be more economical to fly to or from Larnaca. Some airlines only fly to one of the airports; others may allow you to have a different arrival and departure point.

It’s always easiest to make direct comparisons on particular dates, but if your departure or return are flexible, you can come up with a host of problems. Cracking the Enigma code was a doddle compared to deciding whether it is better to cut a holiday short by a day – or lengthen it by two to take advantage of a cheaper seat. Would an early take-off be practical for your visitors if it’s that much less?

BA offers seat selection whilst Norwegian Air Shuttle also lets you have a checked-in case on its cheap fares (plus in-flight wifi). EasyJet is strict about hand luggage but they are quite generous in comparison to Thomas Cook that permits only a paltry 5kg. If you take BA’s option to travel with cabin baggage you must then do so in both directions. Obviously, no good for those who want to stock up on bargains on a trip – halloumi, lemons and my home-made chilli sauce for my family to take home from Cyprus.

Of course, I can now leave the decision to the visitors themselves. They are all adults, and know their way around. Oddly though, they always seem still to need some help in finding the right flight. Or maybe it’s just that I want to do the research to make it easier for them to get here, so that we can enjoy their company more often.

Cover Story: The Hasamboulia Rocks

by Emilia Carolina Teodorescu

If you like travelling and you feel that Cyprus still has something new and undiscovered to offer you, jump in your car and hit the road. Of course I mean an old country road, not the highway.

I recently took the old road to Limassol and leaving Mandria behind we turned left on the road to Nikoklia. Before you reach the villages of Mamonia and Agios Georgios, you will find an abandoned Turkish village, Souskiou, set on the hill on the right side of a small river.. .

Right there in front of your eyes you will see some huge rocks either side of the road (see the picture on the front cover). For more than a century they have been called Hasamboulia Rocks (the rocks of the robbers) and are an interesting oddity: two huge blocks of stone that lean against each other, leaving enough room between them for a small road to pass.

The rocks name comes from the Hasamboulia brothers, who terrorized Cyprus in the 19th century. The stories are endless and one pictured in a poem says that one time the three brothers entered a church on their horses, stole the bride and killed her husband to be. No one witness was able to stop them because they were so afraid.

Being intrigued by the legend my husband was telling while we were passing underneath the rocks I thought I would search online and find more details to feed my thirst for knowledge.

It wasn't easy but my patience was rewarded when I found this article: Ethnic Perspective in Epics: The Case of Hasan Bulliler written by Ismail Bozkurt. I will reproduce a part of it here. " ...Turkish Cypriot brothers nicknamed Bulli hid in the mountains in 1887–1888 and 1894– 1896 as they believed they were unjustly accused and sentenced. During that time they committed several crimes. Despite this, both Turkish and Greek Cypriots regarded the Hasanbulli brothers positively as people fighting against the regime. Ten to fifteen years later, two epics in Turkish and Greek, plus various publications and works of art based on the event were written...

In these works the events were treated differently: Greek Cypriots depict the Hasanbullis as bandits while the Turkish appear to be brave heroes who rose against the British rule. The current article aims to analyse and discuss differences between these two approaches.

The Case Of Hasanbullis In May 1887, at a small village in the impoverished region of Paphos, where the Turks and Greeks live in mixed communities, a Turkish youngster Hasan Ahmet Bulli is unjustly accused of theft. False witnesses as well as his own quickness (which lead him to be nicknamed Bulli, ‘bird’ in Greek) play a role in the accusation. Once Hasan Ahmet Bulli is convicted, he arms himself and takes to the mountains. He wanders about in the mountains for 18 months, committing murders and fighting with the police. He is caught when he is sheltering at a house during a spell of malaria. He is sentenced to death but his punishment is then converted to life imprisonment. Six years later, in 1894, Ahmet Hasan Bulli’s brothers Kaymakam and Hüseyin Ahmet Bulli take to the mountains when accused of committing a murder after one Greek Cypriot is killed in a Turkish-Greek fight over a woman. With others joining them, they form a powerful gang and continue their activities at the mountains until 1896. In the meantime, the elder brother Hasan escapes from prison to join his brothers, but he is shot dead. In 1896, one of the brothers, Hüseyin is killed at a confrontation with the police; Mehmet and other members of the gang are captured and executed by hanging. " ... " Although the Greek epic describes Hasanbullis’ unlawful activities in the mountains, it still underlines how clever, fast and dynamic they were: Hasanbullis Hasanbullis They used to fly like birds And they used to try a different costume everyday They used to be dressed like a Turk one day And like a Greek the next day.

Although more than a century has passed since the Hasanbullis’ case it has maintained its importance and appears in many publications.

If you would like to read more go to http://www.folklore.ee/folklore/vol16/bulliler. pdf. Or if you are book lover for a more literate view of the case you can read the "The Hunt for The Hassamboulia" by Bill Macfarlane

Been to a good Restaurant or Taverna lately?

Grapevine always welcomes reviews from its readers from places to eat that are just that little bit special.

If you need help please email us for our Restaurant questionnaire, which you can fill in and return to us. grapevine@cytanet.com.cy

© Grapevine • March 2015

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Vanishing Cyprus - Greek Exit from Euro!

by Andreas C Chrysafis

There is a serious political and economic clash going on deep inside the chambers of the EU. The newly elected Tsipras government has triggered a tsunami that may not be so easily contained. The northern states dominated by Germany and braced by the ECB have now also regressed to blackmailing tactics. What they feared the most is about to happen; a battle has ensued between David and the mighty Goliath - everyone knows the end result! It may also cause a domino effect over other member-states and that’s the worst nightmare facing the EU institution.

All eyes are directed at the charismatic young Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his unorthodox Finance Minister Yianis Varoufakis. A Greek Revolution of the Mind has sprung into action. Immediately since taking office the Greek government has forbidden Troika to return to Greece and cancelled the selling off of the Piraeus Ports to private investors. That shocked the Eurogroup.

The Greek nation had had enough of Troika’s failed austerity measures and it was decided in Athens that economic colonization through the suffering of the Greek people could no longer be tolerated under any terms.

Unless Greece renegotiates and restructures the unsustainable Troika loans, it will be impossible to repay it and the nation will remain in debt for generations to come. Knowing its limitations and economic strength, Tsipras’ government behaved responsibly in wanting to re-structure the country’s debt within the boundaries of the EU. The refusal of assistance by the Eurogroup but especially by Germany came as no surprise. Actually Germany should have behaved much better because after WW2, it also faced a similar situation. Instead, it chose to behave appallingly against Greece.

In fact Germany faced total bankruptcy from the strains of the Second World War but the Allied nations came to its rescue with a grand master plan; a plan that was based on a different school of thought on how to help a country out of debt.

This Debt Relief Agreement negotiated by the Western allies (Britain, the USA, France and bankers) provided an inspired master plan to help Germany recover financially rather than to destroy it completely. The idea behind the plan prescribed was that a country; is more likely to repay its debts through economic recovery rather than economic suppression and stagnation!

For Greece (and Cyprus for that matter), the EU-Troika did precisely the opposite. It destroyed its economy; robbed people’s bank accounts (bail-in); caused massive recession; suppression; shut down banks; raised taxation and triggered massive unemployment. Troika’s economic rescue plan was actually based on economic colonization and its success depended, on firstly destroying all hope of recovery for the ultimate control.

Analytically, Germany’s debts after the war amounted to 38.8 billion marks and the Agreement signed on 27 February 1953 reduced the debt to 14.5 billion, which amounts to a 62.6% reduction. The repayment period was also stretched out over 30 years and allowed Germany to postpone some payments until such time as re-unification. It was decided that the burden of servicing the entire debt if not reduced, meant that the German economy stood: little chance of a recovery!

The philosophy behind the Agreement was a masterpiece of the road to recovery, and it worked wonders. First and foremost, the Agreement provided that Germany was able to pay its external debt while maintaining a high level of growth and improving living standards of its population. In fact, it meant that they were allowed to pay back the loan without getting poorer. That was a superb piece of economic strategy that could only benefit both parties!

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To achieve this, creditors agreed to help Germany in a number of positive ways such as but not limited to: Reduce importation to assist and manufacture at home those goods that were formerly imported (equally helping with job-creation); creditors agreed to reduce their own exports to Germany; supported and purchased German exports to restore a positive trade balance; the debt service/export revenue ration, was not to exceed 5% and depended on how much the economy could afford; debt re-payment would derive directly from export revenue income; the Agreement also contained the possibility of suspending payments while conditions were re-negotiated in the event of reduced available resources. On the 3rd of October 2010 the last payment was made with 69.9 million euros. This payment was considered to be the last one to its creditors.

This is the kind of formula necessary for economic recovery and not Troika’s austerity, which destroys nations and reduces citizens to poverty. With the help of a hard working population Germany has become one of the most economically powerful and influential countries in Europe.

If things remain unchanged, Greece will never be in a position to repay its crippling debt but will only enter into a deeper crisis. The annual interest payments alone (in billions) on a 350 billion debt would keep the nation in utter poverty and that’s precisely what the new government wants to avoid.

Equally, one can reasonably ask: what happened to all those billions borrowed? Where did it all go? Certainly it did not go to improving public services, the infrastructure and hospitals or to making people affluent and living with dignity. In fact the majority of those funds borrowed went straight back into the coffers of German and EU banks to bail themselves out at the expense of citizens. It is reported that less than 10% of the bailout money borrowed ever reached the people; that is what modern economic colonization does to poorer nations!

The new government recognized this and for the first time ever an elected government decided not to follow the footsteps of its predecessors who failed the people of Greece miserably.

A well-organized exit from the Euro currency and return to the Greek drachmas cannot be discounted. In fact it would be a wise decision because Greece will then determine its own exchange rate to help its economy grow free from EU constraints. As an EU member state, the UK did not adopt the Euro currency so why not Greece or Cyprus for that matter!

Actually, exit from the Euro may be more beneficial in the long run.

However, there are various conflicting theories made by economists of a Euro exit but they all agree on one thing: that exit from the Euro, would not be easy but not impossible. The final word however, whether to retain the Euro or not, rests with the Greek people under the terms of a referendum.

With transparency, well-informed citizens, can make well-informed decisions and the decision whether to retain the Euro or not, belongs to the people and not to a temporary government.

Out of the ashes of despair, Greece will rise up again and will succeed. It will do so because the nation’s dignity has been restored with thousands of people flooding the streets of Athens, Salonika and major cities to endorse their support for the new government. Unquestionably, a nation that has the full support of its people it will never fail.

However, there are certainly clouds looming on the horizon for both nations but on the positive side, Greece may be the catalyst to bring about changes for the better and that hope may also spread to Cyprus – we sure hope so for Cyprus’ sake!

Andreas C Chrysafis Author – Writer - Artist www.facebook.com/ACChrysafisAuthor www.facebook.com/ACChrysafisArtGallery

Poem of the Month:

Magic Herbs Rosemary: Basil: Mint: Lavender:

By Beryl Hollands

Rosemary

Alternative care surrounds your garden wall, Remember we are there? What you feel, Is wrong, will soon be gone, Whisper silently; lean on me (did you know) What a help I can be, mosquitoes are my enemies, Rosemary culinary, Basil so versatile, Mint to smell, Lavender to touch is pungent enough Use your garden space, give us a place, To show what use we are, a helping hand, Is at arms length, stress not any more, Herbs are full of healthy care, Let nature guide you are way.

Together, we thrive, to keep your garden alive Take our advice: stay healthy... be wise.

Basil

Lavender

Mint

Š Grapevine • March 2015

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Diary 0f events March

Cancer Patients Support Group 2nd March (Monday ). Coffee Morning from 10am until 12 noon at The Railway Inn, Chlorakas, entrance €3 which includes coffee or tea, cakes and biscuits. There will be a small raff le on the day. For more information call Claire on 99103835 or Maxine on 26 27270.

15th March (Sunday). Young Stars will be supporting cancer patients by performing musical theatre pieces from The Lion King, Wicked, Dirty Dancing and Les Miserable at the Markedion Theatre, Paphos,7pm. An examiner from the UK will award medals and shields to students. Maggie Peterson, Principal of Pineapple Performing Arts in London will also be there to judge and award scholarships. CPSG Raff le during the evening. Tickets: Available on the night €10 adults, €5 children. For more information contact Maxine on 26 272701.

28th March (Saturday). The Cancer Patients Support Group and The Friends Hospice present Dinner Dance ’Welcome to Spring ‘ at The Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort, Paphos.7pm. The price of €27.00 includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, buffet style dinner, entertainment by Neil James and Katerina Gregoriou Raff le during the evening. For tickets contact Maxine 26272701, Myrtle on 99576584 or edandmax@hotmail.com.

The Pharos Arts Foundation Cultural Events 6 March (Friday): Concert with violinist Gerhard Schulz, pianist Noam Greenberg and cellist Lilia Schulz-Bayrova in a Viennese programme of works

by Schubert, Brahms and Alban Berg.

21 March: Lieder Recital with contralto Gerhild Romberger and pianist Manuel Lange, in song cycles by Schumann and Brahms.

26 March (Thursday): Concert with the Kreutzer String Quartet in an allBeethoven programme.

27 March (Friday): Opening of the Exhibition A Flash Between Darknesses by Peter Sheppard Skӕrved at the Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art (24 Dem. Severis Avenue). The Exhibition will last until 6 April.

29 March: Recital for violin and viola with Peter Sheppard Skӕrved and Morgan Goff, corresponding to the exhibition A Flash Between Darknesses.

The recital will include works by Mozart and contemporary composers.

All the events (with the exception of the Exhibition) will take place at The Shoe Factory (Ermou Street, Nicosia).

7th and 28th March (Saturday). St Barnabas’ Anglican Church Limassol Table Top Sales. Pitches, roughly 2 square meters, must be booked in advance and cost €10 each. Tables available for hire €5. For more details call Nora 99356451.

14th March (Saturday) Cyprus College of Art Exhibition: 45 Years of Collaboration between the Cyprus College of Art and the University for Creative Arts. Open daily 10am to 5pm, until Wednesday 18 March 2015 (inclusive). Venue: Cyprus College of Art, 6 Stass Paraskos Street, LEMPA. Further details: Margaret Paraskos (Director of the Cyprus College of Art) on 9945 2757.

For this month’s live music listings visit www.nitbats.com

Peyia Animal Rescue Club (P.A.R.C.) events 3rd March (Tuesday) Peyia Animal Rescue Club (P.A.R.C.) Fun Quiz Night at the Coral Star Restaurant (opposite Phillippos Supermarket Coral Bay). Start 7:30pm, €5 to enter the quiz plus a chance to win cash prizes on the Find the Lady draw. Visit our website www.parc-cyprus.org 21st March (Saturday) (P.A.R.C.) Table Top Sale, 10am - 2pm outside the Coral Star Restaurant (opposite Phillippos Supermarket Coral Bay) with Vendor tables available at €10 each. Call Fiona (96589430) or Pam (99059068) for bookings or details.

22nd March (Sunday) Spring Fair at Paradisos Hills Hotel, Lysos from 10am - 3pm. Raising money and awareness for the charity Nowzad. There will be stalls selling cakes, pies, pastries, jams, gifts, crochet, artwork, jewellery, woodwork and more! Tombola prizes needed, a great way to advertise your business! For more information or to book a stall please contact Tanith on 99907499 or visit www.tanithhandicrafts.com 3rd April (Friday). Piano Recital Romeo Smilkov, the renowned pianist at Tala Church Hall. The concert will start at 8pm (doors open 7.30pm). Tickets, € 10, available at Tala Council Office and the Visteria Kiosk in the Stephanie area of Tala. The concert will include works from Giraloma Frescobaldi, Mozart, Wagner, Chopin, Stoykov, Ravel, Arnaudov and Economou.

5th April (Sunday).Paphos Orphean Singers Paphos Orphean Singers will perform in St. Stephens Cathedral Vienna, Easter Sunday 2015.Before departing to Vienna the Orpheans will be performing three concerts of the very beautiful Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, accompanied by the full Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. These concerts will be held in Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th April 2015.

Full details of venues and times will be published nearer the dates.

Paphos Farmers and Craft Market Easter Monday 13th April 2015.

10am to 4pm Lighthouse (Pharos/Goudas) Beach, Paphos.

Come and join us to support two local Paphos charities : Archangel Michael Hospice and Kivotos (for kids with special needs) There will be at least 50 stalls at a fabulous location by the Lighthouse beach. It is a very short walk from either the Kings Avenue Mall or the Paphos Castle and Harbour.

The stalls will be selling local “Craft” and “Market” products. They will, amongst many things, include jewellery, paintings, mosaics, wood working, handmade clothing, bags, along with “Farmers” produce which include local vegetables, nuts, carob products, fruits (and dried fruits), breads, buns, pies, and numerous other food products.

There is extra “Entertainment”, very kindly provided by the singer Michael Antoniou, Cyprus Morris Dancers, along with music from DJ Joep of RockFM. The Lighthouse Beach Bar has a full menu, along with full facilities including public toilets and showers.

Please see the Facebook page for the “Paphos Farmers & Craft Market” event, or email paphos-farmers-market@hotmail.com for more information.

This event has been kindly sponsored by the “Salmon’s Taste” restaurant (99908877) (which is located 100 metres from the old Carrefour.)

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Church Groups

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF PAPHOS

Sunday Services - Ayia Kyriaki, Kato Paphos - 8.15am and 6.00pm Holy Eucharist (4th Sunday Choral Evensong); St Luke’s, Prodromi - 9.30am Holy Communion; St Stephen’s, Tala - 11.00am Holy Communion. Wednesdays Ayia Kyriaki 9.00am, Holy Eucharist. Contact: Church Office - 26-953044 or 99-212627.

NEW TESTAMENT COMMUNITY CHURCH

Every Sunday 10.30am at the King Evelthon Hotel, Chlorakas. A variety of midweek home groups and social outreach activities, etc. For more info, tel. Elder Mike Smith 97-650960, email mikeg4bte@gmail.com.

Directory of Societies, Clubs, Groups and Regular Meetings Paphos Alcoholics Anonymous, tel. 99-916331 or 99-399240

The Aircrew Association Cyprus, for Military Aircrew, tel. 26-815347 (island wide)

Al-Anon family groups. Tel 97-699256 alanonpaphos@yahoo.com

The Pajero Club of Paphos, www.pajeroclubofpaphos.com

Alzheimer Self Help Group, tel. 26-621530

Women’s Corona Society, tel. 26-652253 or 99-496153

Bereavement Support Group, tel. 99-312662, 99-224147, 99-175510 or 99-541278

Limassol

The Royal British Legion, tel. 99 135894

British Guides in Cyprus, tel Michele 99-172549

Alcoholics Anonymous, tel. 25-368265 or 99-559322

Cancer Patients Support Group, Coffee Morning, tel. 26-654007

Bridge in Pissouri.com Every Friday at 2 Friends Restaurant. tel. 99-667592

Cancer Patients Support, Craft Group, tel. 26-654007

C3A Cyprus 3rd Age, www.c3a-cyprus.org/limassol

Cancer Support Group & Info Help Line, tel. 97-760989

Cyprus Services Rambling Club, tel. 99-292092

Chicago Bridge, tel. 26-937551 or 99-557829

Cyprus Women of Today, tel. 99-358525

Children’s Craft Workshops, Saturdays 10am, tel. 99-079194

Food for Friends, tel. 25-634487

C3A Cyprus 3rd Age, www.c3a-cyprus.org/paphos

PAPHOS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

Cyprus Samaritans, tel. 77-777267, Freephone 80007773

Friends for Life Limassol Hospice Care, tel. 25-343000 or Admissions 99-189796

We welcome you to worship with us at 10.30am each Sunday. We are now at the former Welcome Inn, 12 Adamantiou Korai St, Paphos. Elder Mike 99175985 and Elder Mark 99930070

Diabetes Support Group, tel. 99-861279

Happy Valley Hash House Harriers, tel. 99-434794

Duplicate Bridge, twice weekly at 6.45pm. www.bridgewebs.com/ paphosbridgeclub

Limassol (Coeur de Lion) Lions Club, tel. 99-921290

LATIN PARISH OF PAPHOS Anyone is welcome. Holy Mass times at Agia Kyriaki Chrisopolitissa, Kato Paphos: Saturdays 18.00 (valid for Sunday), Sundays 10.00 (Latin), 11.00 (English-Polish), 12.00 (English); at Latin Parish Hall, Tombs of Kings Rd: Saturdays 16.00 (valid for Sunday); at St. Nicolas Church, Polis, Saturdays 10.00; at Columbia Resort, Pissouri, Sundays 18.00. Parish Priest: Fr. Carlos Ferrero. Tel: 26-931308. www.stpauls-catholic-parish-paphos.com

THERE IS A REFORMED CHURCH IN LIMASSOL

Where the message of Christ’s saving power & love is proclaimed & the Biblical view of His Kingdom taught.

All are welcome. International Evangelical Church (Reformed), 352 St. Andrew’s Street, 1st floor (near the Municipal Gardens) Services 10.30am Sunday, Bible study 7pm Wednesday. Tel. 99-384742 or email: iec.limassol@gmail.com for more info

CHRIST EMBASSY CHURCH

Invites you to join them for praise and worship each Sunday at 10.00am at No 20, 25th of March St, Paphos.

Holy Communion is celebrated on first Sunday of each month. Tel. 99-757138

Easy Strollers Walking Group, suehampson1971@aol.com Fitness for Life, tel. Yvonne 99-034576 Good Vibrations, Wednesdays 99 14 8892. www. goodvibrationscyprus.com

Jukebox Jiving, tel. 96-349276

The Limassol Ladies Club, tel. 99-951910

‘Learn about your Body’ Last Friday of every month For more info call 99 993412 or email caroline@heavenonearthherbals.com

The Royal British Legion, tel. 25-315313

Coral Star Restaurant 10.30am Thurs, Coral Bay, Paphos

P.A.S.Y.K.A.F. (Paphos Bereavement Support Group - Saying Goodbye), tel. 99-312662

Tel. 24-652331

St. Helen’s Anglican Church, Larnaca,

PALMS (Paphos Area Ladies Multi-national Society), tel. 99-341929

Tel. 24-651327

Paphos International Sailing Club (PISC), www.pisc.org.cy Paphos Writers Group, tel. Nikki 99-012601 or see

Opposite the Old Hospital. Sunday Communion at 10am with Junior Church & monthly 11+ group on 2nd Sundays. www.paphoswritersgroup.com Tel. Derek on 96-612371 stbac@spidernet.com.cy Scottish Country Dancing, tel. 99-298512 www.stbarnabas-cyprus.com

GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN Church in Paphos

All German-speaking Christians are warmly invited to a church service, second Saturday of each month at Ayia Kyriaki Church (St. Paul’s Pillars), Paphos at 4pm.

Tel. 26-270619. Please confirm venue.

Int. Christian Fellowship (East), Limassol

Welcome 10.00am Sundays to: Worship, Study the Bible, Care for each other. Kanika Complex, Flat 201, Apollo Building. Tel. 99-917195.

Pissouri Anglican Group

Meet for Communion Services at 6pm on the second and fourth Sundays of the month in a room at the amphitheatre, Pissouri Village. Tel. 96-612371 or email: stbac@spidernet.com.cy.

RAFA Aphrodite Branch Meeting. Tel 99-298723 Royal Logistic Corps Association, tel. 25-717002

New Friends Coffee Morning,

St Barnabas’ Anglican Church Limassol

Man City Cyprus Limassol, tel. 99-130711 or 99-812393

Harmony Ladies at Angelikas, Chloraka Coast Road. Second Thursday of each month, 10am-12pm.

Line Dancing, Jane tel. 99-762047

Int. Evangelical Church, Larnaca,

Limassol Bridge Club, Mon & Fri 3.30pm, tel.

99-645338

Table Tennis at UKCA, tel. Antonio 99-334706

Toastmasters International, tel. 99-754042 or 97-744285, www.limassol-toastmasters.com

Larnaca Alcoholics Anonymous, tel. 24-645523 or 99-344339 Antidote Theatre Workshops, tel. 24-822677 or www.theatreantidote.com Arsenal Cyprus Larnaca, tel. 99-015699 Chicago Bridge Club, tel. 97-671192 Dhekelia Sailing Club, www.dhekeliasailing.com

Sequence Dancing, Tues Afternoons. Tel, 99-750332 or email mgbennett1@yahoo.co.uk Short Mat Bowling, tel. 99-983684 or 26-960522

St John Ambulance, British Forces Overseas, Dhekelia, tel. 99-378054 The Royal British Legion, Larnaca Branch, www.rbllarnaca.org

Steni Village Art & Crafts Group, Thursdays, tel. 99-175988 Stroke Association, Latin Parish Hall, 1st Saturday each month, tel. Brenda 99-804161.

Markets, Charity Shops & Car Boot Sales

Singles Sunday Lunch Club, tel. 99-754078

Aladdins Cave Charity Shop, tel. 99-927452

Table Tennis, Thursday evenings, tel. 26-652763

Timi Market & Car Boot Sale, tel. 99-611637

Taichi & Qigong at Kamares Club, tel. 99-923310 or email taichipafos@gmail.com

The Duckpond, tel. 99-875217 or 99-090253

Paphos Area

Paphiakos Car Boot Sale, every Saturday, tel. 99-151996 Paphiakos, Shops, Paphos Area , Info tel. 26-910325 Stroumpi Farmers’ Market & Craft Fair. Second Sunday of every month. 10am-3pm. Tel. 97 839295.

Craft Market, Thur 9-2, Coral Star, Coral Bay, tel. 99-387311 Pano Akourdaleia Farmers Market. First Sunday of every month 10am – 2pm. Tel 99 993412 or 96 425879

Full Moon This Month March 5th

Limassol Area The Flea Market, Fassouri, tel. 77-778828 Friends Hospice Charity Shop, Pissouri, tel. 99-802414 Linopetra Corner, tel. 99-612832

Larnaca Area Marios Nicola Foundation, Xylophagou, tel. 99-541248 Paphiakos, Shop No.3, Larnaca, tel. 24-623494 © Grapevine • March 2015

9

Disease and Health Control We Need Your Help, Now!

Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare are providing shelter to more than 1200 animals. We have 500+ dogs, 650 cats, around 15 rabbits, and 100+ horses, donkeys and goats, plus Suzie the sheep.

Every day, the animals are fed twice, in the morning and in the afternoon.

They are supplied with fresh water and the kennels and the premises where they live are cleaned twice daily.

Every year, with spring approaching and ticks, fleas and sand flies starting to come back to life, Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare is relying on all good people out there to contribute as little as they can to help raise the very much needed funds to keep the animals in the shelter healthy and away from all pests that can cause so much health problems.

For this, an online fundraiser has been created on the GoFundMe page, found at http://www.gofundme.com/mcvpi8, where all those who care about animal welfare, who know that for humans to be healthy, the animals that surround them must be healthy as well, can donate as little or as much as they can.

Another way of contributing to this urgent fundraiser is by going on http:// cyprusanimalwelfare.com/help/donate-now.html and identifying which is the most convenient way for you to contribute to our cause – PayPal, cash or cheque. Or why not come into our clinic (12 Dedalos Building, Agios Anargyron Avenue, 8049 Kato Paphos) and make your donation in person.

We must all understand how important it is to keep animals, whether they are our own or rescues from a shelter, healthy and strong. So DONATE NOW and help a very good cause!

For more information about our work, LIKE our Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/Paphiakos?ref=hl here you can also find out about events, appeals, how you can help, exciting news about our activities, important announcements and so much more. You can also telephone 26946461. The 24/7 emergency line 99655581 is here to help!

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Lawn Bowls We have some interesting bowls matches that are due to be played over the next few months starting with an International Competition on the 23rd, 24th and 25th March.

Teams representing Spain, Israel & Jersey will be playing Test Matches against a Cyprus team. This event will take place at the Aliathon Bowls Club where matches will be played all day commencing at 9am. Entrance is free to all spectators.

Another match, for readers’ interest, is scheduled for Friday the 7th April when Winchmore Hill Bowls Club from UK will be playing against a combined team from Bowls Cyprus. This again will be held at the Aliathon Bowling Club. Entrance is free to interested spectators.

Of course we must not forget to mention the Aliathon Open Triples Competition on Monday the 11th May with total prize money of €750 and in which all bowlers, resident or tourist can take part. Further details are available from Phil Lodwick on lodders@cytanet.com.cy or 99105709.

Entries close on Sunday 3rd May. Members of the Aliathon Bowling Club are pleased to announce that the management and owners of the Holiday Village Complex have purchased a new 8 rink carpet. This will be fitted in time for the above mentioned matches to be played. The previous carpet has been played on over the last 10 years and what with the extremely hot summer temperatures and a great deal of use is beginning to show its age.

Finally, the club has recently hosted a Coaches Development Programme with an ex-club member, Roger Humphrey, who now resides in the UK. Roger has continued his interest in bowling and has progressed to County Coach level. The objectives of the programme were to update the club coaches by showing them new exercises and introducing them to the benefits of a video showing bowlers’ delivery action.

© Grapevine • March 2015

11

Whether the Weather

by Barbarian

January 2015 weather in Cyprus was ‘unpredictable’ to say the least. Even the weather forecasters were unable to foretell just how cold and wet it was going to be at the beginning of the month, and few anticipated the mild – even balmy – conditions we experienced mid-month.

hour views for the next three days. Sunrise and sunset times and current conditions are also shown. This site covers many of the island’s smaller towns, although the observations may have been made from the same location (airports or Akrotiri) for two towns. This results in, for example, exactly the same forecast for Tala as for Polis.

CYTA

http://www.cyprusweather.info/cytanet/ The Cyprus phone company, which has a surprisingly accurate if limited forecast. They show all main towns in Cyprus on one simple page. Symbols for sun, showers, thunderstorms etc. and maximum and minimum temperatures for each of the next four days are all quite clear.

Cyprus Weather

http://www.cyprus-weather.org/ Not to be confused with the CYTA site mentioned above. The home page here gives a four-day summary for all towns, including Troodos and Kyrenia.

Links from there give more detail for the specific area. For the next ten days.

FORECA There are many web sites available to see what the weather may hold for us, here are a few suggestions: BBC

http://www.bbc.com/weather/ (then fill in your town name) The Beeb gives the weather forecast for main towns/cities on the island, with temperature, rainfall etc for the next five days with 3-hourly intervals for the current day. It includes UV index and an interactive map Foreca

http://www.foreca.com/Cyprus/ (then fill in your town name) There’s a graph for detailed five day forecasts, showing temperature, precipitation and wind speeds. There are options for ten-day or hour-by-

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http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/ (then select country and city) The site is updated four times a day and shows the weather summary plus detailed sun, rain, snow, wind and temperature. There are up to ten days forecasts with wind speed and direction as well as conditions and temperatures – including wind chill factored in. Amount of precipitation expected is shown. It also gives the local time!

Meteo

http://www.meteo.com.cy/en/ (select language and district) This is a Greek website that covers areas in Cyprus away from the towns. , including for example Tala and Chrisochou, with variations that suggest observations are made separately for each town. There’s a six-day spread,

with symbols for the conditions and wind direction. Wind speed, humidity and temperature are all included.

Eric Kitas

http://www.kitasweather.com/ An interesting site apparently based on some unusual criteria. There’s a threeday forecast in text, covering the island generally and links to more detailed ten-day forecast for the main towns. This is an interesting site, which includes the likelihood of dust!

There are other yardsticks, of course. You can judge the weather by all manner of folklore and myth. Cows, we are told, will lay down before rain.

Or groundhogs predict the end of winter. Not so easy to spot in most of Cyprus. Some locals, however, claim to be able to forecast future weather by the actual conditions in early August. Those predictions proved accurate this year, forecasting cold and wet for the New Year. Sadly, I’ve not found anyone who can explain just how the correlation works.

Then there are Coptic Gales; test it out this month if you believe, since 10th, 20th, and 25th of March should be windy. That’s if you disregard the geographic and calendar differences inherent in Ancient Coptic meteorology.

This is a page dedicated to technology, so we will stick with the web sites mentioned above. When they disagree, it may be best to pick the one that suits our mood or requirements. Or just put down the mouse, turn off the screen and look out of the window.

© Grapevine • March 2015

13

Funding Raising News

Roger Oakes (second right) of the Episkopi Gun Club (Egg Club) presenting a donation of €750 to Chris Jones, President of The Friends’ Hospice Foundation, to help with the running costs of the Paphos charity.

Also pictured are hospice nurses Niovi Charalambous and Antonis Alexandrou.

GrapevineCyprus.com a window on your world

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE GRAPEVINE Grapevine Magazine is the longest established, most widely read and respected, and far and away the most popular local magazine. Take the opportunity of our new advertising packages.

Give us a call on 26 819167 or 99 735136

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Spring Clean – Pension & Property Tax Changes 4 EXPAT

By Sam Orgill

Capital Gains Tax CGT Many people are used to UK homes being Capital Gains tax free on sale. This changes when the property is rented out for commercial reasons.

Expats have for years been able to maintain an empty UK property and still sell later without Capital Gains tax.

A new broom is sweeping in with changes in the new tax year. From 2015 capital gains tax will be charged for non-residents at the same rate as for UK citizens selling commercial or rented property. That means between 18 and 28% tax liability on UK investment property for Expats.

This means if you don’t pay tax on your UK pension income you will pay CGT on any UK property sale – including relocation or death.

This is a significant new obstacle for people investing in UK property. By planning ahead the potential liability can be avoided with action before your future sale. This could be a gift to avoid CGT and Inheritance Tax (IHT).

Bear in mind if you return to the UK and make the property your main home then some of the tax free benefits return. A CGT liability will only be for the expat years.

Property Rental Income UK has long been a low tax location for international property investors for many years. The reason the London property prices have been so high for so many years is that foreign investors could buy UK property and sell without any capital gains tax, even if not their main residence.

This has inflated London and south east property prices during the last 5 decades.

It’s also made UK property investment an excellent choice with the addition of generous personal allowances for expats. The winds of change arrive this March as the use of personal allowance for Expat property investors is being withdrawn. This will have a dramatic marginal tax impact on Expats renting property in the UK from April.

Here s how it works. You now enjoy £10,000 per year UK tax income between two partners, £5,000 taxable income each. Last year this is tax free using the personal allowance for all UK tax residents. Next Year the personal allowance cannot be used so each partner pays £1,000 tax, a total of £2,000 on the total income.

No longer can you allocate income to a low pension partner. The property rental income is charged to tax.

A new arrangement is needed if you want to minimise your taxable income from your UK property investments. ProACT Sam Orgill has some ideas for you in a free review.

Pension Funds Mad Hatters Party Another great step is being taken in pension simplification. Only 25% of pension funds were allowed to be taken tax free. This condemned 75% of the fund to taxable income for a

lifetime, leaving many an annuity provider and tax man to profit.

The radical change is simple. You can now draw your whole fund to cash.

Then invest the money how you will for income in retirement. This allows your more freedom for making investment choices, and allows you to avoid penalties, taxes and charges by maintaining a pension fund for you and your spouse on death. It will also make QROPS less attractive as you get the freedom of the fund without the expense of administration.

The catch is the pension fund is drawn and charged as income tax in the year of drawdown.

So this could be expensive. But if you pay 5% Cyprus tax now, your funds are free forever. Available to invest for family security and to avoid death and inheritance taxes.

Simple decisions, big consequences.

But the pension freedom is worth celebrating and taking the whole fund is not as mad as it seems to be free of restrictive rules, and enforced taxation for smaller pension funds.

Spring into Action This Easter Easter can’t come soon enough.

Make sure you enjoy the spring changes in Pension and Property Taxation for Expats with UK income.

A Free Review on line is the first steps to simple steps to save tax, reduce charges and increase flexibility.

By reviewing how you hold assets – property, investments, pensions, business from the UK taxman you can remove any new capital gains liability.

7 Top Tips Asset Protection Tax planning questions you should ask yourself are; 1. Make a Will to protect all property assets in each country 2. Look Forward – minimise inheritance tax and CGT by gifts to family?

3. Transfer property and take the Gain before the new tax applies 4. Make use of a Family Trust to protect your assets, secure returns and tax efficient?

5. Review you tax residency status to maximise your pension tax saving Look Forward – Chocolate time Asset Protection is about making simple financial plans. ProACT’s Private Client Advisers are independent experts in financial planning and are able to implement low cost, value driven Taxation, Trust and Insurance solutions. Act now, protect assets to potentially save your family many thousands in tax worldwide. The questions are the same but the answers are different.

For a Free online Review of your tax, financial or legal change challenge, contact ProACT © Grapevine • March 2015

15

Step into Spring with a New Lease of Life!

By At Your Service

Is your property looking a little jaded after the Winter Winds and Rain?

There is a solution to all types of problems that occur due to the elements of the weather. We are extremely lucky in Cyprus to experience so many beautiful sunny days - but when the heavy rains and winds do come along our properties get there fair share of punishment. So with spring well on its way, why not give your property a little TLC - whether it is a new ‘face lift’ with External or Internal Paint, or External Roof Protection & Guttering. The Complete Maintenance Company - ‘AT YOUR SERVICE’ can help you with all your needs. New Fencing, new patios, all building repairs, Windows & Shutters, Security Locks, Kitchen re-fits, stone work, damp treatment or plumbing & drainage. The choice is endless. So for a professional efficient fresh approach, why not take advantage of the Voucher available for March.

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© Grapevine • March 2015

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The Wild flowers of Kamares It’s February, the last month of winter and Leptos Kamares Village reveals its abundant beauties. Flowers, plants and fauna that can only be found in Cyprus invites you to look around, a haven for everyone that loves to observe nature.

Although the period of efflorescence has only just begun, our Island has something to show each and every month throughout the year. Rare plants, beautiful and unique flowers surface during this period in the beautiful district of Paphos and more specifically in the picturesque Leptos Kamares Village, Tala.

Mr. Pantelis Leptos, Leptos Group Director stated that “Leptos Kamares Village is an area of outstanding beauty of which we have been privileged to add to the natural surroundings with a variety of villas dotted over the hillsides overlooking Wild flowers of Leptos Kamares Village the sea. Our care for the environment has meant we have used natural stone where many of the wild flowers are able to grow, we have planted hundreds of thousands of trees and we have preserved a number of green areas to protect the natural landscape of the region”.

Cameras capture some of the hundreds of plants and flowers that exist in the area and are worth seeing. Enjoy just a few of these wild flowers in the photographs above.

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© Grapevine • March 2015

An ideal low entry level investment

by Mrs. Vivian Nagel, MCSI

Not all investors have large amounts to invest which excludes them from certain investment products due to minimum entry levels or prohibitive costs. This can limit the smaller portfolio in terms of diversification which is a primary factor in managing a portfolio.

We use one international bond that offers a tax-efficient way of providing a diversified portfolio for an entry level minimum of ₤20,000/€25,000/$25,000. As it is based in Dublin, Ireland, your money will roll up free of tax other than withholding tax (which applies to the dividend income on some assets held in the funds). In addition, under current Cyprus tax rules, any income/withdrawals are not liable for income tax or defense levy.

There is no initial charge which means that all of your money will go directly into your investment.

Investments over ₤75,000 actually receive an additional allocation of 0.5% which increases for larger investments.

Regular withdrawals of 5% per year are allowed without penalty and after 5 years any withdrawal amount is permitted without penalty.

An early cash-in charge applies for the first five years You will benefit from a 0.1% annual bonus if you do not take a withdrawal in that year.

Over 50 unit linked funds are available as well as profits and managed funds offering management styles to meet all risk profiles.

Example: Cautious Fund The manager’s track record in the multi-asset fund area is well recognised.

They have a concrete understanding of the international market and have dedicated teams of specialists. It has been operating for over 160 years. Its size and experience puts it in a strong position to invest customers’ money wisely for the medium to long term.

Like With-Profits funds, this fund aims to smooth the peaks and troughs of investment markets by setting aside a proportion of the money gained during good performance to offset against times of poor performance. However an advantage of this fund is that you will not suffer ‘market value reductions’, whereby you receive less than the quoted value of the investment, which With-Profit Fund holders may be exposed to.

By spreading your investment across many different areas the manager can reduce the risk of your investment experiencing the extreme ups and downs associated with any single investment type. Their well respected investment specialists will look for the best opportunities for growth within each investment area.

This cautious fund aims for a steady and consistent growth over the medium to long term by investing in a range of assets. The fund currently invests in Global equities, property, fixed interest securities and cash. The current net bonus rate is 4.3% (GBP).

The parent of the manager is a well known, highly respected, and financially secure organisation which has more than 23 million customers worldwide, who between them trust the company to manage £443 billion of their money as at 31 December 2013.

If you wish to learn more, please contact me: Mrs. Vivian Nagel, MCSI Hollingsworth International Financial Services Limited, Mobile 99579149 Fax: + 356 21316299 Email: Viviann@hollingsworth-int.com Website: www.hollingsworth.eu.com.com Licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide Investment Services under the Investment Services Act 1994. License No. IS/ 32457 © Grapevine • March 2015

19

The Purpose

By Michalis Demetrious Papas

What is the purpose of the living? To pass a happy life and then sleep the sleep of the just, to leave behind them a dowry for which they will be remembered, and a memorial service will be done to commemorate the life of the deceased? These are questions that nobody can answer. What about those who leave this life? Some of them to be burned and the dust will go to dust, and the ashes will go to ashes.

The aim is to live a happy life and with a bit of luck to have an everlasting sleep, nobody will molest your remains, up to the moment of colonization, when your bones reform and a new YOU will come to life, and thus justify the Second Presence of Christ.

These unanswerable questions were coming into my mind as soon as I woke up this morning. The biggest question of them all, what happens after death? We come and live and unless we leave something behind us, the remains of some cumbersome works, we shall be forgotten and nobody will care about us. Had we left nothing to remind the bloody alive, that we have lived, that we have worked and offered our utmost to the ones we will leave behind.

Maybe then what we leave behind is work of ART, some memories for the alive to remember, a couple of children, and then… What happens then?

It’s a question to make us shiver. What happens after our death?

God is an idea that nobody understands, but we believe in GOD because a great majority believes and we have been taught to believe in our schools and our institutions. What we have left behind then: our children (if we are lucky enough to have had some), our personal effects, some photos and, in the end, the ashes from our cremation.

Perhaps we have left some life’s work, like a painting or writings. Then comes the memorial service and what have we left?

So, shall we believe in life after death?

Certainly yes! Life continues with the continuation of the life of the human species and we strive to leave good memories with the ones we leave behind us. This proverb says it best: If you have a good neighbour you have a good GOD! The politicians will leave their scriptures and their speeches, but what about the layman? The simple people will leave some photographs, their personal effects, but above all their neighbours and their work colleagues to remember them by. This is all. To leave behind good memories, that those alive will have to say to themselves; he/she was a good person, they had a good life and it is unfortunate that now they are sleeping the everlasting sleep. Even if Mr Peter goes I shall always remember him with the best of thoughts, and believe me, it is the thought that counts.

With this last passage I shall leave you to remember that ‘good old Mike’ used to write for this magazine, and I am bloody sure that you will never forget me. You will always remember that I have written something for you. And for this issue I shall leave you with the saying of an ancient Greek philosopher: nothing is lost in nature! This saying you can keep for one month, until next month when we shall write something else. The scriptures that are written are non-destructible, until Dooms Day, but then again… who knows? Only the ONE Almighty GOD knows!

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Broccoli Recipes

by Cherry Dobbins

If you are going to eat plenty of broccoli you will want to make it more interesting than just plain steamed.

Broccoli with Feta Cheese and Olives 700g broccoli 3 tbsp crumbled feta 6 olives, stones removed and sliced Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp lemon juice 2 cloves garlic crushed Salt and pepper to taste 1. Cut the broccoli florets into 4, peel and dice the stalk.

2. Make the dressing by whisking the ingredients together.

2. Heat the oils in a pan and fry the garlic gently till golden.

3. Toss the broccoli in the oils over a low heat for a minute.

4. Put on a warm serving dish and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.

Broccoli with Halloumi and Honey Harissa Dressing Harissa is a Moroccan spice mix; you could substitute a hot chilli sauce. For economy you can substitute local pougouri (bulgur wheat) for couscous.

140g couscous 300g broccoli florets 6 spring onions finely sliced

400g frying steak, cut into thin strips 1 large head of broccoli broken into florets and stalk chopped 4 sticks celery sliced 150ml beef stock

2 tbsp horseradish mixed with 2 tbsp sour cream 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the nuts and toss for a few seconds. Remove nuts and set aside.

2. Season steak strips with plenty of pepper and stir-fry over a high heat to brown. Set aside with the nuts.

3. Stir-fry the celery for 2 minutes.

4. Add the broccoli, meat and stock and simmer over a low heat for 2 minutes.

5. Add the nuts and serve with the horseradish cream.

150g cherry tomatoes, quartered ½ bunch parsley, finely chopped 1 handful mint, finely chopped

Lemon, Broccoli and Sesame Roast Chicken

3. Put 6cms water into the bottom of a steamer and bring to the boil.

4 chicken leg portions cut into thighs and drumsticks

4. Steam the stems for 2 minutes before adding the florets for a further 5 minutes.

1 lemon juiced

5. Quickly toss the cooked broccoli with the feta and olives, pour over the dressing and serve.

200g broccoli

1 lemon cut into 8 chunks 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Thumb sized piece of ginger, finely grated

Broccoli with a Parmesan Crumb

3 tbsp. light soy sauce

25g butter

1 tbsp honey

4 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp sesame seeds

50g white breadcrumbs Salt and black pepper 1 tbsp thyme leaves, chopped

1 ½ lemons juice + zest of ½ a lemon 2 tbsp. olive oil

25g grated Parmesan

500g halloumi, sliced

700g broccoli, florets quartered and stalk sliced

Dressing:

Olive oil to drizzle

½ tbsp. olive oil

1. Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan.

When the foaming has subsided add the crumbs and stir continuously over a high heat till crisp and golden. Season with salt and pepper, add the thyme and then leave to cool. Finally stir in the Parmesan.

1 ½ tbsp harissa

2. Steam the broccoli as in the previous recipe.

2. Make the dressing by beating the ingredients together and season to taste.

3. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season.

4. Place on a hot serving dish and scatter over the parmesan crumb.

1tsp sesame oil

1. Heat oven to 200°C. 2. Put the chicken and lemon chunks into a large roasting pan, season with pepper and roast for 30 minutes, till the chicken is turning golden brown

1 tbsp. clear honey Juice of ½ a lemon

1. Make the couscous according to instructions (likewise if you are using bulgur wheat)

3. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a bare 2 minutes. Chop very small.

Broccoli with Garlic and Sesame

4. Fork the broccoli through the couscous along with the spring onions, tomatoes, herbs and lemon juice and zest.

450g broccoli, florets quartered and stems chopped

5. Grill or fry the halloumi till golden brown on both sides.

2 tbsp. groundnut oil

6. Divide the couscous between the plates, top with halloumi and pour over the dressing.

3. After 20 minutes steam the broccoli for 3 minutes.

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Beef and Broccoli Pot

1. Steam the broccoli as in the previous recipe but for just 2 minutes

1 tbsp olive oil

4. Tuck the broccoli around the chicken. Scatter the garlic and ginger over and around the meat and then splash over the lemon juice, soy and honey. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and roast for a further 15 minutes.

50g unsalted cashew nuts

5. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve.

2 tbsp sesame oil 5 garlic cloves, sliced fine

© Grapevine • March 2015

21

The Gold Temple Indian Restaurant

by Cherry Dobbins

All last summer it stood there, tantalising but closed. The intricately moulded frontage shouted out for customers but the door remained shut. It was a mystery to me why anyone would go to the trouble and expense of setting up a restaurant and then not open it. The obvious explanation was some financial problem. However when The Gold Temple finally opened its doors I discovered it had been the wait for work permits that held up proceedings and caused them to miss the summer season.

Whilst reading through the menu we nibbled on spicy popadums with chutney and quenched our thirst with a bottle of Petritis. The choices are fairly traditional with one or two less common dishes for the more adventurous.

The most unusual feature of the menu is the lack of side dishes. The vegetable dishes are all there as vegetarian main courses but it does mean that cost wise you have to cut down on variety. One of the things I like about an Indian meal is the medley of dishes to share with friends. There is however a very good selection of breads including roti, naan, chapatti and paratha.

My guest, Ruth, was a vegetarian who preferred her curries to be gentle on the palate. We started with a plate of vegetable pakora to share. The plate contained cauliflower, green pepper, potato and onion and the batter was crisp and golden.

Ruth chose a vegetable biriani for the next course and I chose the tandoori

chicken halialli. We also had to have naan bread and dahl because it does not qualify, in our family, as an Indian meal unless these are included.

The chicken harialli had been marinated in a spinach puree before being cooked in the Tandoori. It was tender and delicious. The generous portion of dahl and naan were also everything you could expect. Ruth had not noticed that the biriani was classed as ‘medium’ hot on the menu. If she had she would have asked for it to be mild. As it was it was definitely on the hot side for her.

I also thought it was hotter than medium but that suited me as I am a great fan of the chilli plant. In retrospect the menu lists a ‘mild-medium’ which we should have realised meant that the ‘medium’ was hotter than we expected.

The ‘very hot’ vindaloo is obviously not for the faint hearted.

The Gold Temple is on the main shopping strip at Coral Bay. Heading towards the beach it is on your left. The interior is pleasantly modern with a few large wooden carvings. The service is cheerful and polite. The portions are very generous and if you cannot eat it all they will pack it up for you to take home. Our meal cost us €52,95 of which €19,50 was for wine and soda water. If you want a take-away there is a 10% discount. The phone number for reservations and orders is 26 623 777.

Manzanillo. I reviewed this restaurant last October and it has been closed for the last couple of months. It is re-opening this month. The telephone number is 99 575 370. If you missed the review you can read it on-line.

Broccoli is Best

By Cherry Dobbins

For some years now there has been a tremendous fuss about eating plenty of broccoli. “It’s healthy”; “it prevents cancer” “it is full of antioxidants” they cry. But how much of this is really true and how much is just urban myth? I decided on some research and discovered that it really is a super food.

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable group which includes kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. World Health Foods recommend eating at least two good helpings a week from this group. However, ideally we should be eating at least four good helpings a week, particularly of broccoli.

The risk of cancer in the prostate, breast, colon, bladder and ovaries can be reduced by eating two cupfuls of broccoli five times a week. Researchers have identified three metabolic problems in the body that can be precursors to cancer. These are: chronic inflammation; oxidative stress; and inadequate detoxification. Eating broccoli can help in all three areas.

Exposure to potentially toxic substances in the air we breathe, our food and water, prescriptive and over the counter medicines as well as poor dietary nutrition and general poor health can result in a level of danger to our bodies that prompts our inflammatory system to work in overdrive on a 24/7 basis, chronic inflammation. Often contributing to this level is weakened detox ability. If our liver, skin and other organs cannot keep up with clearing the toxins in our body then this can result in chronic inflammation.

22 © Grapevine • March 2015

When our bodies are overwhelmed daily with inflammation, many other metabolic balances can get thrown out of kilter, including the balance in our oxygen metabolism. An unwanted imbalance starts to occur in which too many overly reactive, oxygencontaining molecules are formed. This condition is called oxidative stress. The increased presence of these molecules can do damage to many parts of our cells including DNA. Over time the constant and cumulative damage inside our cells can pose a major risk factor for the conversion of healthy cells into cancerous ones.

The nutrients in broccoli are able to change this set of connections between inflammation, oxidative stress, detox and cancer. Broccoli is probably unique as a food in that it contains anti-inflammatory nutrients, antioxidants and detox-support nutrients.

There is an excellent non-commercial web-site that explains the chemistry of this in more detail.

If you are interested go to: whfoods.com/genpage. php?tname=food Besides these tremendous benefits to our body broccoli also helps to reduce cholesterol, keep our heart and blood healthy and supplies vitamins A and K which are needed alongside vitamin D (that is the sunshine vitamin you should be getting enough of here!) Broccoli also adds fibre to the diet and is a good source of vitamin C and minerals.

Choosing and Storing Choose broccoli that has compact clusters with a good green or purple-green colour. If there is yellow showing then the broccoli has aged and will have lost some if its nutritional value. The stalk is also

important and should be firm and have no slimy spots. If there are leaves they should not be wilted and should have a good colour. All the vegetable is edible so do not throw the stalk.

You should store broccoli in a plastic bag and having removed as much air as possible, place in the fridge for up to 10 days. However the sooner you eat it the more nutritious it is.

Cooking Rinse broccoli under cold running water. Cut the florets into 4 for quick and even cooking. Peel the broccoli stem and cut into 1cm. slices. For best nutritional results let it sit for five minutes before cooking.

Steaming is nutritionally the best way to cook broccoli. This way it does not come into contact with water and so loses fewer nutrients. Fill the bottom half of a steamer with 6cm. of water and place the steamer and lid on top. Bring to the boil and allow a head of steam to build up before placing the stalk pieces in the steamer. Cook for two minutes and then add the florets and leaves and cook for a further four or five minutes.

If you are stir-frying add the broccoli raw at the end.

Ideally the wok heat will be 121°C or less and cook for no more than three minutes.

Raw broccoli is almost as good for you as steamed. I particularly like the raw stem, so much so that little of it ends up in the pan. It’s so good to know it has really been doing me some good all these years!

What is Mindfulness?

by Dr Vasilios Silivistris, DipComp DipSup MBACP BA MA FRSH PhD

Mindfulness is an integrative, mind-body based training that helps people to change the way they think and feel about their experiences, especially stressful experiences, and is recommended as a treatment for people with mental health problems.

in patients with multiple episodes of depression can reduce the recurrence rate by forty-fifty percent compared with usual care.

Mindfulness can be practiced by children, young people and adults.

The Evidence for Mindfulness.

Mindfulness treatment has been shown to affect how the brain works and even its structure. People undertaking mindfulness training have shown

Mindfulness pays attention to thoughts, feelings and body sensations, allows a person to become directly aware of them, and be better able to manage them. It is of potential value to everybody to help them find peace in a frantic world.

People who have learned mindfulness: Experience long-lasting physical and psychological stress reduction; Discover positive changes in well-being; Are less likely to get stuck in depression, exhaustion, and are better able to control addictive behaviour.

The Benefits of Mindfulness.

Practising mindfulness helps you to: Be fully present, in the here and now; Become aware of what you are avoiding; Become more connected to yourself, to others and to the world around you; Increase self-awareness; Become less disturbed by and less reactive to unpleasant experiences; Learn the distinction between you and your thoughts; Have more direct contact with the world, rather than living through your thoughts; Learn that everything changes, that thoughts and feelings come and go; Have more balance, less emotional volatility; Experience more calm and peacefulness; Develop self-acceptance and self-compassion.

Benefits of Mindfulness in Life and Work The practise of mindfulness enables you to: Improve focus and concentration; Increase self-awareness;

increased activity in the area of the brain associated with positive emotion (the pre-frontal cortex) which is generally less active in people who are depressed.

More than one hundred studies have shown changes in brain wave activity during Mindfulness treatment. Furthermore, researchers have found that areas of the brain linked to emotional regulation are larger in people who regularly practice Mindfulness.

The evidence for different types of mindfulness is promising and research has grown in recent years.

South African/Cypriot Dr Vasilios Silivistris is a UK trained Psychotherapist and Counselling practitioner. He is a Patron of the Cyprus Samaritans, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health (FRSH Patron: HM the Queen) and a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Tel: 99 109177.

Email: v.silivistris@btinternet.com tiny.cc/drvasos SKYPE: dr.v.silivistris All enquiries will be treated in safety and in the strictest of confidence.

Reduce the impact and influence of stressful thoughts and feelings; Facilitate better relationships; Catch self-defeating behaviours, and substitute more effective ones; Become aware of self-defeating thought processes, and ‘let them go’.

All of this boils down to three major benefits: improved performance, reduced stress, and greater satisfaction in work and life.

Mindfulness and Therapy.

Mindfulness training has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based tool for enhancing psychological health. It has been clinically proven in a wide range of clinical disorders, including chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a psychological therapy designed to aid in preventing the relapse of depression, specifically in individuals with Major depressive disorder (MDD).

Clinical trials have shown that MBCT is as effective as antidepressants, and © Grapevine • March 2015

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It Happens to us All

By Maureen Watt

‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.’ So said Benjamin Franklin and living in Cyprus does not affect this. The taxes, many of us have had to deal with, but the issue of death is one that often leaves us unprepared.

The first requirement is to obtain a “Cause of Death” certificate. Where a person dies at home, the doctor attending will usually issue this. Where death occurs in a hospital or clinic, the hospital Registrar or the doctor in attendance will complete and issue the form. In case of sudden or accidental death, a post mortem or inquest may be necessary. Interment cannot then take place until the coroner has issued a “Burial/repatriation Permit”. You should note that neither form is the official Death Certificate, which can be obtained from District Administration Offices in the district where the death occurred. It is not necessary to obtain an official “Death Certificate” in order to arrange the funeral.

The “Cause of Death” certificate or Burial Permit will be held either by the Next of Kin or the undertaker, until the funeral is completed. The minister officiating at the burial or representative of the Cemetery Committee may request to see this form before the funeral takes place.

Arrangements for funerals are the responsibility primarily of the family, relatives or friends of the deceased. However, there are organisations and professionals who can help and advise.

There are British Cemeteries in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, maintained and administered by the British Cemeteries Committee. There are also British Cemeteries in Kyrenia and Famagusta, although it is rare that a person resident in the republic can be buried there.

In Paphos arrangements have been made with the Bishopric of the Orthodox Church for a section of the cemetery to be set aside for the burial of British residents, (only a few spaces left). There is also a Roman Catholic cemetery available, which is run separately. This cemetery is currently full (a few spaces been pre paid).

It is also possible for a burial in the cemetery of the village where the

deceased was resident, subject to certain conditions, (usually they have to own their property) such as the provision of a baptism certificate (not necessarily Orthodox) and not always required as long as they are Christian.

At present there are no facilities for cremation in Cyprus. Consequently, the deceased must be repatriated to the UK or tor another country where cremations are allowed. It should be borne in mind that repatriation to the UK is likely to cost between €3,000-4,000, with a further £2500-3500 approx. in the UK for cremation and UKFD services.

Funerals in Cyprus are normally held soon after death, (Only when the FD does not have mortuary facilities) frequently within 24-48 hours (Cypriots only and now even they hold off for families coming from UK or Greece) except when a post-mortem is to be held. It is possible to arrange for the body to be kept in a mortuary for longer if this is necessary or desirable, for instance if family members have to travel to the island.

Once the decision on a place of burial has been made, the cemetery authorities need to be advised of the time and date of the funeral. It is necessary to ensure that enough notice is given so that the grave can be opened.

Arrangements need to be made with the priest or chaplain of the Church concerned for the date, time and place of the funeral service and whether it will be in the Church or at the graveside. Arrangements may need to be made by relatives or friends to carry the coffin from the hearse into church, and again from the hearse to the graveside, or the pallbearers may be employees of the Funeral Director.

It is necessary to liaise with the undertaker about the time and place of the funeral, the type of coffin required, and from where the body of the deceased is to be collected. The choice of a coffin should be made and details of the type of hearse required.

A decision needs to be made on floral tributes. It is customary as an alternative to ask for donations in lieu of flowers to be given to some charity or good cause. Organisations often set up a table outside the church/ graveside to collect donations at the time of the funeral.

When the funeral arrangements are completed attention should be given to the following: To obtain a “Cyprus Death Certificate” a form must be obtained from the District Administration Office. The original “Cause of Death” certificate will be countersigned by the officiating minister (Not always necessary) and the form should be returned to the District Administration Office, where the death will be registered and an official “Death Certificate” issued. The District Administration Office will retain the “Cause of Death” certificate unless it is if for a repatriation, where the Funeral Director sends original abroad, with translation) It is necessary to wait for a settling period before erecting a memorial headstone. This period may vary considerably according to a number of factors. Advice should be sought from the cemetery administrator. He must approve the design and inscription of any memorial/headstone before the work is commissioned. The stone should be supported on a reinforced plinth resting on old firm ground on either side of the grave. The work is at the cost of the relatives. Inscriptions whenever possible should be placed on a vertical stone as those on a horizontal slab become illegible after a few years. Usually only the size is important – not to infringe surrounding plots. The only cemeteries that need contact with the administrator are Erimi and Kolossi (The British Cemeteries).

It will be necessary to inform the following people of the death: banks; insurance companies; solicitors; accountants; any other person known to be connected with any business or personal affairs of the deceased, as well as any source of pensions. Pensions are important as they will reclaim anything paid after the date of the passing.

For any further assistance or information please call Maureen Watt on 96 783112 at Angel Guardians Funeral Home.

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© Grapevine • March 2015

Nature’s Remedies

Seventh Heaven

There are several benefits to this beverage, a natural medicine. It is a combination of three super healthy foods, which can make a very positive health effects on your body.

Suzie and Donald Farrell simply can’t believe that their company – Alternative Hearing – is moving into it’s seventh year of providing hearing care to those fortunate enough to call Cyprus “home”.

This cure is good for the treatment and prevention of congestion of the arteries. It is also good for the regulation of increased blood fat levels, preventing general fatigue of the organism, the prevention and treatment of infections and colds, enhancement of the immune system, improvement of the cleansing of the liver and liver enzymes. This natural remedy helps prevent free radicals in the body that cause the most serious diseases and many other conditions associated with diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

Ingredients for the preparation of this natural medicine are: 4 large whole heads of garlic 4 lemons with peel A smaller ginger root (about 3-4cm) 2 litres of clean water Wash the lemons and cut them into pieces. Peel the garlic and together with lemon and ginger blend them in a blender. In a metal pan mix the blended mixture with pour two litres of water and heat all together by stirring until at boiling point.

Immediately before the mixture boils turn off the heat and let everything cool down. Strain through a medium strainer and pour into glass bottles. Drink one glass every day, on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours before meals. The combination of lemon, water and cooking will neutralize the smell of garlic.

Before each drink shake the bottle to get the lemon and garlic in the bottom mixed with the juice.

“It seems like only yesterday that we founded the company”, says Donald, who is a UK Certified Hearing Aid Audiologist and was formerly a senior manager with Scrivens, (one of the UK’s largest Hearing Care providers). “Suzie and I are very proud of Alternative Hearing - the only British-owned Hearing Care provider in Cyprus - and very appreciative that literally hundreds of people have entrusted their hearing care to us. It is also very pleasing that many of these people have become friends over the years”.

So what will this seventh year bring for Alternative Hearing? Plans for expansion?

A little bit of “empire building” perhaps?

“Emphatically NO”, says Donald. “It has always been – and will continue to be – our aim to provide personal, approachable and local hearing services for those requiring them. We will not be popping up in Nicosia or Larnaca! Paphos and surrounding areas will remain our focus so that our commitment to personal service will not become compromised. I want to be there for those for those whose hearing care I look after, not have to tell them I can’t help them ‘until sometime next week’. That would simply not do”.

Away from running the business, Suzie and Donald have their hands full….. looking after their nineteen cats!

“They’ve adopted us gradually over the years”, says Suzie, the main cat-carer, “and can take a bit of watching. It is lovely to have them around, though”.

As a hobby, Donald still plays bass guitar in local band, Mid-Life Crisis. “We’re aptly named, but it’s great fun and an nice way to make new friends. And I can assure everyone that the volume at which we play has absolutely nothing to do with me trying to expand Alternative Hearing’s customer base!”

So, all in all, everything points to year seven being another successful year for Alternative Hearing!

© Grapevine • March 2015

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MAGGIE’S BEAUTY SPOT: Faux Fur for the Ultimate in Everyday Glamour Just one plush garment can shield you from the elements and make you look luxuriously snug (and smug) – faux fur. From teddy bear coats to subtle fluffy trims, there’s a winter wonder to suit everyone’s furry fashion limit. Why not be ‘faux fur fabulous’ as it still can be cold?

Full pelt - A thick, faux fur coat has winter written all over it. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s a sound overcoat investment for the big freeze months, from November through to March. Colour is all-important when selecting your faux fur. If you have a warm skin tone go for the browns, fawns and camels, should you have a cool skin tone choose grey or black fur. There are also lots of animal print furs which are the ultimate statement if you have a dramatic or creative style personality. Leopard used to be the go-to print, but now you’ll find Friesian cow or Dalmatian spots, if you prefer a quirky monochrome colour way. Save the Friesian cow look for a rug!

Fur Panels - If you’re not convinced about a full-on faux fur, look to textured panelling instead. Coats have turned indecisive this season, mixing up wool and fur, or leather and fur, for a two-tone look. It’s a half-andhalf take on faux fur and allows for a flattering silhouette, if you’re worried about adding extra bulk to your frame. If you want to experiment with textured panelled clothing, such as a skirt or top, a dense, flat fur, like faux pony-skin, is also more forgiving.

The fur-panelled sweatshirt is a must – quietly fluffy and downright loud, proud and fluff-tastic. Fur sweaters are officially in the spotlight so it’s time to

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© Grapevine • March 2015

get tactile. Team with leather trousers or offset the edginess by tucking into a prim skirt.

Furry trims - Faux fur can be used as a glamorous accent on clothes, almost like tinsel on a Christmas tree, but minus sparkle. You can pretty much forgo a scarf if you opt for a winter coat with a generous faux fur or shearling collar.

The bigger the collar, the bigger the style statement! Avoid a furry collar if you’re bigger busted as it’s likely to exaggerate your proportions but conversely, if you’re lacking in that area, it can boost your assets! Generous faux fur trims on hemlines are the latest way to draw attention to your legs. Ensure you keep your pins streamlined in skinny jeans, leggings or tights so that the fur can frame your limbs to the max. This Dr Zivago look never disappoints on the glam stakes.

Fluffy extras - Embrace the fluff factor with Siberia-inspired extras.

Keep the cold out with furry snoods and scarves draped over shoulders, big hats – Cossack style – cuddling heads, and mittens over paws – all easy ways to add fur accents to your look. If you want a colour contrast, the high street has rainbow bright numbers for a fun approach. Throw practicality out of the window with this season’s surprise fuzzy evening extras: think sandals trimmed with fluffy marabou and clutch bags decked out in cosy shearling. They won’t keep you warm but they will look furry fabulous.

Maggie Wright, Colour Me Beautiful 99318477 10% off for Grapevine readers. Facebook Cmb Cyprus. You Tube How to wear one pair of trousers 20 different ways.

Marching On

By Mike Smith-Elder

March is one of those months where we are not in winter-time but spring is round the corner.

The lethargy of cold nights and keeping warm is replaced with a looking forward to spring.

Better weather, more daylight, and new blossoms appearing.

What are you looking forward to at this time of the year?

Maybe a change of fortunes, better health, new friends, more travel, going places? We are often inspired by reading of people who have turned their lives around by doing new things. But the first step has to be a determination to want to change the way we think, or the way we look at situations.

Inspiration is actually “in spirit” which means to get going in our minds, as well as with our bodies. Often we hear the expression “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Has this been your experience in the past? Have you started something new, only for it to peter out after a few weeks? We all have goals to achieve, but working at achieving them is harder. We have to stick with it, especially when the going gets tough. Ask anyone who has started a diet to lose weight, has been successful to a degree, only to lapse back into old habits, so getting discouraged when weight starts to come back again.

So how are we to get over the problem? In life, it has been said, you get out of it what you have put into it. Do you put in more than you take out? It may be the other way round, and so you never get the best out of life, because you feel you are getting a “raw deal.” Yet some of the most successful people have disappointments. Look at Thomas Edison – he had hundreds of failures before inventing the light bulb, yet he had determination. This is something that has to be cultivated – like growing fruit. Constant attention is needed, and then it yields results. Are we guilty of not giving enough attention to the details in our lives? It is the same with our thinking, if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got. Sounds simple, but it isn’t rocket science. Sometimes we have to begin with ourselves, do we want to make a difference in this world, or are we happy to plod on regardless?

Two thousand years ago, a roaming preacher told people, who would listen, that he could offer them life, in abundance. He amazed the people around by performing supernatural occurrences, the like of which had never been seen before.

Yes, he was called a magician, a clever manipulator, yet he still did things that confounded all his critics, raising the dead, curing incurable diseases, caring for the outcasts and showing that Almighty God was also a loving, heavenly Father. So what is this abundant life, which he was talking about?

Well, basically it means re-aligning your thinking to accept that an all-

Bowlers Rekitted

The Aliathon Bowling Club, (Cyprus’s first bowling club), is proud to display the new club shirt, kindly sponsored by the FM Group – the photograph below shows a number of club members gathered together in the new kit.

FM Group is a leading international investment, financial planning, pension & advisory company majoring on British ex-pats abroad. The Group’s country

powerful God is intimately concerned about YOU. That takes some taking in, how could the originator of the Universe be interested in someone as insignificant as you? It is confirmed in Scripture, but you have to believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word, and that its promises are valid. Yet many are convinced that it is true. Their lives have been transformed by its teaching, and the proof is in their outlook on life.

Karl Marx said “religion is the opium of the people,” yet politics is just as insidious. True religion is to know a Supreme God who loves us, has a love for his children (the human race) and proved it by sending his Son into the world. Christianity has survived 2000 years, and still offers hope to a dark world. When you realise that instead of being “hope-less” we are “hopefull” then it is the teachings of this preacher, Jesus, that offer us a hope for the future. Whatever may be going on in the present, the future is secure if you put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water, as the popular song puts it. The reality is that Jesus is able to turn your life around, ask anyone who follows Him and trusts their future to Him. Come along to NTCC at the Evelthon Hotel on Sundays at 10.30am to hear the good news.

We look forward to seeing you; you will be made most welcome. A blessed spring to you in 2015.

manager is Paphos resident Lee Hinton (a former member of the club). It was whilst the club were contemplating modernising the club shirt that Lee, on behalf of the FM Group, enquired if they could

help in any way. How timely that approach was as the previous club shirt was showing its age. All future matches and competitions will be played in the new kit. Lee said ‘FM Group has supported Aliathon Bowling Club for a number of years and are happy to continue our partnership.’

To find out more about ABC contact Tina Woodcock on 99263667 or www. aliathonbowls.com, to find out more about FM Group contact Lee Hinton on 99738048. © Grapevine • March 2015

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What is Tai chi (& Qigong)?

By Mei

Tai chi (Taijiquan in Mandarin) is commonly referred to as a body-mind exercise which has it’s origins in ancient China. It integrates a set of rhythmic, gentle & slow movements along with deep breathing as well as a number of cognitive processes such as acute awareness of your body’s position and space, mental focus and attention, and imagery visualisation.

How can Tai chi help with a chronic disease?

Most chronic illnesses like lower back pain are more than just back pain. After a long period of chronic back pain, there is an inactivity which may start to change your exercise capacity, cardiovascular health, also your mood due to not going out so much. This may affect the psychological aspect of your health as well as your social interactions.

What is nice about Tai chi is that it has a number of components that make it particularly helpful to those who have chronic illnesses, are highly de-

conditioned or in a weakened state and sometimes frail. Tai chi has a very gentle and secure approach, almost like a gateway exercise which is safe and highly adaptable to people with chronic conditions.

There are a number of components within Tai chi targeting multiple aspects of chronic sets of syndromes, e.g. Tai chi is good for building strength (I.e. It’s a cardiovascular exercise due to its moderately aerobic nature). Also, it tends to help with manic stresses often associated with chronic illnesses. It improves the mood by enhancing self efficacy (I.e. your willingness & ability to go out to begin exercise and take care of yourself).

Which diseases in particular can benefit from Tai chi and in what ways?

Tai chi very broadly can be thought of as an exercise. Thus it is helpful for any conditions, prevention of diseases, also for secondary prevention & rehabilitation. Such exercise is indeed helpful across the board at least at some stage of rehabilitation of all conditions.

According to Dr Peter Wayne of Harvard Medical School, many studies and trials have shown strong evidences and promising results of Tai chi which can: a) Significantly reduce the risks of falling in the elderly population as well as among those who are prone to falling. b) Enhancement for those who have had heart failure or weakened hearts in terms of exercise capacity and quality of life. c) Relieve pain conditions due to osteoarthritis of various joints including neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, hips and especially chronic lower back pain. d) Help to manage pain in fibromyalgia e) Elevate the mood in terms of cognitive aspects including manic depressions, anxiety and delaying cognitive decline due to ageing (i.e. maintaining cognitive functions) f) Improve balance for people who have Parkinson’s Diseases and perhaps those who have similar degenerative conditions.

Please come and join us at Kamares Club every Monday &/or Thursday at 12:30pm for a minimum of 10-12 weeks, totally free 20-30mins trials, as from mid-March till June-July.

There will be options of standing or sitting during these simple oriental exercises in a very safe and peaceful environment either indoor or outdoor depending on the weather.

Please contact Mei at taichipafos@gmail.com or by text 99923310.

Spaces will be limited so please book in advance.

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

by Demetris Georgiades

SAM’S DECORATIONS

MOBILE AUTO ENGINEER British trained with over 35 years experience. Any vehicle catered for. Call any time 99 802067. See Main advert for more details.

MARK The CARPENTER City & Guilds, also advanced craft, 32 yrs experience, kitchens, storage solutions, suspended ceilings, bedrooms, pergolas, fencing, decking, sound/heat insulation. All bespoke joinery. Portfolio/ references. All workmanship guaranteed.

Free quotes. Mark: 96 395309 or email cypruscarpenter@yahoo.co.uk

MARTYN THE ELECTRICIAN British electrician available for all electrical work big or small, fully qualified City & Guilds 236/2391 & NICEIC level. Extra sockets, water heaters, lights, installation work, testing, inspection and fault finding.

Please call Martyn on tel 96 558321.

Paphos, Peyia & Polis areas. 24-hour call out. For further info please visit www. electriciancyprus.com

NICK’S MAINTENANCE SERVICES British trained and fully qualified electrician, plumber and gas engineer able to carry out all types of repairs and maintenance on your home, garden or pool. Call 99 009798 for a free quotation. Paphos district.

FRIENDLY ENGLISH GARDENER Friendly, reliable Englishman with 20 years gardening experience & City & Guilds qualifications, certificates & references available. Weekly/fortnightly/as required.

For a free quotation & consultation call Peter 99 137874 or PJ 96 234965 or check us out at www.thepaphosgardeners.com

EXPERIENCED UPHOLSTERER Soft furnishings, curtains, alterations, garden furniture, loose covers, canopies, large selection of quality fabrics & canvas available. For free quotation ring Busy Bees on 99 229778 or 99 250789.

MAN AND VAN No job too big or small, all areas covered, reliable service at reasonable rates.

Superhome / Ikea pick up plus assembled in your home. Call Tony 99 943749.

THE COMPLETE PROPERTY SOLUTION Madock Ltd, UK Insurance approved.

All work undertaken by fully qualified tradesmen. Electrical (17th edition), plumbing including central heating, building work, carpentry, plastering, painting & decorating, tiling & roofing, mains sewerage connection, kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms. No job too small. Call Tony on 99 009665 for a free, no obligation quote.

Professional plasterers and painters.

Alterations, tiling, stonework, graffiadou, roofs and ceiling repairs, plasterboard works, tape and joining and much more.

Please don’t hesitate to call Sam for your free quote. Tel 96 330553 or 99 262147.

ALPHA CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fully qualified carpenters, custom made joinery i.e. storage solutions. Radiator cabinets with wide range of grills. All types of fencing & gates, pergolas, carports, wooden or composite decking.

Plasterboard partitions & suspended ceilings. References available & all workmanship fully guaranteed. For all your woodworking needs with free quotes please call Mark 96 395309 or Rab 96 845598. email: alphacarpentrycyprus@ yahoo.com

ATOM EXTERMINATORS LTD Pest Control, Termites, Woodworm, Rodents, Fleas etc. Members of British Pest Control Association, Royal Society of Health U.K. Licensed by Ministry of Agriculture (License n.9) Tel: 26 220336, 99637193.

CONSIDINE WOOD DESIGN Quality work at good prices: Tiled Pergolas, Carpets made to measure, Trellis, Decking and Sheds. Find our workshop on the Chloraka Rd. next to City Wok or look for us on Facebook. Tel: 99 838096 or 99 858754

PROPERTIES FOR SALE DETACHED VILLA IN BEAUTIFUL KAMARES 3 Bedroom, 2 half Bathrooms. Private Pool & Garden. Stunning views. Garage & Parking plus Full Title Deed.275,000 Euros.

To view - please call 99905544.

WANTED LEAVING CYPRUS??

Cars bought for Cash 99 315649.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY HAIR @ HOME (YOURS OR MINE) Your own personal stylist on call 24/7 to care for your hair. Ladies, Gents and Children welcome.

Please phone 97 805966.

SPA TONIC HEALTH CLUB FITNESS CLASSES €7 per class or FREE with a Spa Tonic membership. Zumba step, Legs, bums & tums, Aqua aerobics, Yoga, Relaxation & meditation, Absolute abs, TRX & resistance band training, Zumba, Pilates, Combat, Dancercise, Gym circuits, Tennis coaching, Step aerobics, Circuit training. Spa Tonic.

Crown Resorts Horizon, Coral Bay. Tel: 26623924.

To advertise here send your advert clearly written, including € 10 for 30 words inclusive of VAT. Extra words are chargeable at € 0.25 each. Carefully count the number of words and decide how many insertions you require. Payment must be included with order. Email us on grapevine@cytanet.com. cy or post your advert to PO Box 62068, Paphos, 8060 or call direct to our office at 26819167, 24a Marias Loizidou, Paphos, 8047.

Deadline -15th of the preceding month.

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The World’s Newest Language

© Grapevine • March 2015

The Daily Mail recently reported that the world’s newest language has been discovered in a small outback Australian town.

The language, now known as Light Warlpir, is used in Lajamanu, a tiny desert community located half-way between Darwin and Alice Springs, on the edge of the Tanami Desert.

The isolated village has a population of about 700 and is populated mostly by the descendants of Aborigines forcibly resettled by the Australian government.

All residents speak traditional ‘strong’ Warlpiri and some speak Kriol, an English-based creole developed in the late 19th century, reported Australia’s Daily Telegraph.

Only about 350 young locals speak the Light Warlpir - and none of them are over 35. Carmel O’Shannessy, a professor in the department of linguistics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor documented the discovery of Light Warlpiri in a study published online in the journal ‘Language’.

O’Shannessy first discovered the language when she began working in a school in the Northern Territory where traditional Warlpiri was being taught to children. She noticed that some of the students appeared to switch between several languages in conversation. ‘After a while, I realised this switching took place in every sentence, and I decided to investigate it,’ O’Shannessy said.

‘Once I recorded children speaking, I looked at the patterns and I could see that there were very striking systematic patterns. It was then that I realised this was a system of its own,’ she told the website.

‘The striking thing about Light Warlpiri is that most of the verbs come from English or Kriol, but most of the other grammatical elements in the sentence come from Warlpiri,’ O’Shannessy told the website.

In the Warlpiri language words can be placed in any order and grammatical interpretations are based on suffixes that are attached to the nouns. Another interesting facet is a word form that refers to both the present and past time, but not the future.

According to O’Shannessy it is likely Light Warlpiri emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.

She believes it was when children went from switching between English, Kriol and Warlpiri to speaking the mixed Light Warlpiri language on a primary basis.

The news, which has excited linguists across the world, is not the first time the tiny town has hit the headlines. In 2010, residents were left speechless after fish began falling from the sky.

Hundreds of spangled perch bombarded residents of Lajamanu, shocking local Christine Balmer, who was walking home when the strange ‘weather’ started. She said: ‘These fish fell in their hundreds and hundreds all over the place. The locals were running around everywhere picking them up.’

Meterologists say the incident was probably caused by a tornado. It is common for tornados to suck up water and fish from rivers and drop them hundreds of miles away.

Discover one of the world’s oldest languages this spring! Learn Greek with Canadian-Cypriot teacher Demetris Georgiades, MA. Lessons are held in small, friendly groups and the focus is on rapid and effective learning. You will be speaking Greek with your local friends, family and neighbours in no time at all! The monthly fee is only €20 and your first month is FREE! Starting April 22. Please call for further details or to book your place on the next course. Tel. 26-910322 or 99-347502.

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