March 2011 - Paphos Third Age

“AD-LIB”
Volume 1 No. 3
The newsletter of
Paphos Third Age
(P3A)
www.paphos3rdage.org
March 2011
Dear members,
It seems hardly any time at all since the last issue, until I reflect on what has been happening in the
meantime! I hope that you all enjoyed the festive season and were not too affected by the weather
conditions in western Europe.
Christmas was barely over before the Open Day was upon us. The efforts of everyone involved in
putting on that event were amply rewarded by its evident success. Well done and thank you all. The
attendance was evenly split between members and non-members—almost half of whom joined
before leaving! Many of the groups reported increases in their numbers due to both existing and
new members joining them. The displays were interesting and informative and the “buzz” until about
1.00 p.m. was terrific.
The new Lunch Club has had its first two meetings which have been well attended to the point where
help may be needed with a modified structure. Book Group 1 is up and running and Book Group 2
will have started by the time this issue is published. On the reading front, Book & Film group
members are on to their fourth book (Chocolat) and may be hoping that it turns out to be an easier
read! Lifting our eyes off the page and up into the heavens you were invited to an inaugural meeting
of a group focused on astronomy arranged because of interest expressed by a number of members.
Look out for announcements about a new Petanque (Boules) group that is planned to start in March.
The programme of Open Meetings, Lectures and Films is attracting good audiences with further
events to come. I was much impressed by the quality of Judgement at Nuremberg which I had not
seen before.
In March you will also be asked for your renewal subscription of €5 which is due on April 1st and will
last until the end of March 2012. It will be very helpful if you respond early so that we can spread the
administrative work.
Do visit our website. It is being kept up-to-date and improved by Paul and is an excellent source of
information.
Alan
CONTENTS
Monthly talks .................................................................................. 2
Committee & Group Listing............................................................. 4
Lunch Group................................................................................... 6
Classic Films .................................................................................. 7
Humorous story .............................................................................. 7
A Thought....................................................................................... 8
Geology.......................................................................................... 9
Book & Film Group ......................................................................... 9
Dog’s Diary................................................................................... 10
Bridge Improvers .......................................................................... 11
Military History.............................................................................. 11
New Group ................................................................................... 12
Editor’s Notes ............................................................................... 12
Forthcoming talks
Our regular talks are becoming increasingly popular with members. Regardless of topic, and these
are many and varied, attendance is always high and anyone wishing to come along should always
contact Denise Holt beforehand, so that she can make the necessary seating and coffee
arrangements. There is usually a small charge of €5 to cover the refreshments etc.
Thursday 10th March 6.00 pm—9.30 pm at The Coral Star Restaurant, Coral Bay
We are delighted to have Richard Palmer as our guest speaker. Richard will talk about his time as a child actor
in the mid 1950s - how he got into the profession- what life was like in those days and what he did and who he
met and worked with. The talk will cover the six years of acting from 1955 to 1961.
As part of the evening's entertainment we will be showing one of the films Richard appeared in, THE FRENCH
MISTRESS by the twin Boulting brothers (Roy, the director and John, producer). Hot on the heels of their
success with the comedy "I'm All Right Jack" (which is being shown by John Rathband at his Classic Film
night) they released this standard comedic fare with a dash of spice. Set in the traditional British boys' school,
the farce deals with the reactions of the young lads and their professors when Mlle. Madeleine Lafarge (Agnes
Laurent), a gorgeous new French language teacher, shows up to start work. Along with the incidents that
evolve out of countless crushes on the charming, sexy woman, is a school full of great characters, from the
cook to the posturing school master all adding zest to the goings-on.
Dinner will be served at approximately 7.30pm. The cost will be the usual €10.
Please contact Denise [denise1.holt’at’gmail.com] if you wish to reserve a place and indicate if you wish to
have the vegetarian option.
In terms with our licence this film evening is only open to members. Therefore, unfortunately no guests
can be admitted.
Speakers over the coming months include Gavin Jones, John Harper and Geoff Bond. Dates to be
confirmed.
Cyprus - A Personal View of its Politics and History. Gavin Jones
Gavin Jones has a lifelong association with the island. He was born and educated in England and has had
several spells living in Cyprus, notably from 1970 until 1974 and from 2007 until the present. He founded his
own companies in the U.K. and has had an extensive business career. He contributes to the Cyprus Mail and
is endeavouring to get published a book he has written about his recent experiences on the island.
His grandfather, Kyriacos Pavlos Rossides, was a member of the Legislative Council from 1925 until 1931
presided over by the Governor, Sir Ronald Storrs. This body was a quasi-Home Rule arrangement set up by
the British colonial authorities and gave the indigenous population a veneer of involvement in the running of
the island's affairs. There were 12 Greek Cypriot and 3 Turkish Cypriot members, all elected by their
respective communities. In 1931 there was a spontaneous uprising against British rule. Government
House was burnt down and the Council was dissolved (direct rule was imposed until Independence in 1960);
Gavin's grandfather's legal practice was shut down and he was under house arrest for 2 years.
His mother, Thraki Rossidou Jones, was a well known painter. She joined the WAAF in 1943 and met her
future husband, Keith Jones, while serving in Nicosia.
Trusts—all you need to know and a great deal more. John Harper
Apart from being our Group Co-ordinator, John Harper FCA, FCIS, FCMA, FInstTT, TEP has spend most of
his working life dealing with trusts and related offshore structures as managing director of trust companies in
Jersey, Bermuda and Mauritius. Since retiring from ‘the coal face’, for the last four years he has spent half of
that time travelling the globe teaching all the subjects that lead up to the award of the professional designation
for membership of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
John will give a brief history lesson explaining the genesis of trusts in England some 800 years ago; their
development in so-called ‘common law’ jurisdictions; the uses for trusts and related entities such as
foundations; the respective rights of settlors, beneficiaries and others; the impact of forced heirship (in civil law
countries) and the bankruptcy of settlors upon trusts and generally an overview of what goes on in the
‘offshore financial centres’. Subject to time being available, John will recount some of his most interesting and
frightening experiences encountered over the past 40+years.
2
John will NOT be answering any questions relating to Cyprus trusts and will only refer generally to taxation
matters as he says he is not licensed to give such advice in Cyprus and is not, and has never been, a tax
guru.
Geoff Bond graduated with honours in applied sciences from London University, and completed
postgraduate qualifications in 1968. He spent his early career living and working in remote African villages,
where he widened his earlier studies in anthropology, biochemistry, and evolutionary human
development. Using both research and firsthand observation of tribal societies, Bond developed guidelines for
living in harmony with our naturally adapted lifestyle. He is the author of Natural Eating and, with his wife,
Nicole the co-author of Healthy Cooking. He also lectures extensively both in America and Europe, and is a
frequent guest on television and radio shows.
Denise will be sending members full details of all the above talks once dates are confirmed..
Meet the Committee –5
Denise Holt—
Social & Publicity.
After what seemed like a lifetime working for a Local Authority(!), I am
thoroughly enjoying my time in Peristerona, near to Polis. I enjoy leading
the Natural History group and have always been fascinated by animals. I
worked at the London Zoo for a number of years giving guided tours to
school parties and also working with the animals in the Children's Zoo. I
love to horse ride and I regularly visit the Lysos stables. Before coming to
Cyprus I lived in Cobham, Surrey.
GROUP LIST MARCH 2011
Groups shown in Yellow shading are new or changed since last month
PLEASE ASLO REFER TO RELEVANT NOTES ON PAGE
No
1
2
3
4
Group
Archaeology
Art Appreciation
Art & Craft Group
Astronomy
Book and Film
5
6
Book Group (1)
(Fiction) FULL
7
Book Group (2)
NEW
8
Bridge – Improvers
9
Card Making &
Paper Crafting
10
Classical Music
Appreciation
Time Date
Venue
th
4 Wednesday 10am
CSR
Group Leader
Telephone
Val Wagstaffe Geoff
Cosson
26913305
26955911
2nd Monday 2:30 to 4:30
CSR
Thursday 2-5pm
Steni Village (near Polis)
Please see note below
David Lester
26621130
Jo Burgess
99175988
Variable days, home of VR
and/or WB
Film at CSR
3rd Thursday. 3:00 at St.
Paul’s Pillar Restaurant,
Paphos
Contact Val Wagstaffe
Vivienne Rathband
Wendy Beddard
26622524
26814056
Val Wagstaffe
Paul Clarke
26913305
Val Wagstaffe
(Temporary)
26913305
Mondays, 9.30 – 12.00
LPH
Mondays 2.00 – 4.00pm
LPH
John Stormont
Wynn Walton
Terri Curtis
26220559
96340123
99876165
26622899
3rd Monday, 2.30pm
Pat Bates
26946568
This group is currently full
Continued on page 4
3
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Classic Films
Computing:
Beginners XP and
Windows 7
Creative
Embroidery
Current Affairs
Current Affairs
(Group 2)
Digital Photography
Family History
Genealogy
Geology
Gentle Strolls –
5km
Greek Language
History
Indoor Mat
Bowling
Lunch Club
Military History
Group
Mosaic &
Sculpture
Natural History
28
Philosophy/
Discussion
Painting, Drawing
and Sculpture
29
Play Reading
27
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Quilting
Science and
technology
Table Games:
Cards, Scrabble,
etc
TaiChi Qigong 18
(Shibashi)
Tennis – Social
Wednesday evenings
John’s house
Flexible
John Rathband
26622524
Barbara Reid
96673393
2nd & 4th Wed 10–12.30
Gill Boughton
1st Thurs, 10 – 12
Chris Solomon
26960699
99637904
26622510
3rd Wednesday 2.30-4.30
CSR
Contact Group Leader
Wally Oppenheim
Danne Johnston
97768437
26940839
26622563
No longer part of P3A
1st + 3rd Tuesdays
10.00am
Varies
Alan Wagstaffe
26913305
Danne Johnston
26622563
Tuesday 9.30-1100
Yiannakis Hadjilambri
26948807
2nd & 4th Tuesday 10-12
CSR
Tuesdays 9-12
LPH
Last Saturday in month
Wally Oppenheim
Sheila Radford
97768437
26940839
99129757
John Rathband
26622524
Third Friday 2:00 pm CSR
Wally Oppenheim
97768437
26940839
Thurs 10.00 – 12.00
Turtle Moon studio,
Tremithousa
Monthly. Contact Group
Leader for details
4th Wednesday, 2.30pm
VR’s house
Tuesday 1:30 pm
Turtle Moon studio,
Tremithousa
Most Thurs, 4.00pm
Jenny Clarke
First and Third Wednesday
10.00 – 12
TBA
99172666
Denise Holt
David Sparrow
Vivienne Rathband
26940839
26622524
Jenny Clarke
99172666
Andrew Dare
Gloria Cuthbert
Jill Dare
26911489
26911489
TBA
Tuesdays 2.30pm
LPH
Larraine Perry
26621342
Wednesdays10:30 at
Kamares Club
Thurs & Sun, 9 – 11am
Venus Beach Hotel
Mei Rees
99923310
Jenny Bowman- Jones
26621023
Travel talk Group
TBA
Danne Johnson
26622563
Walking
Fridays
Paul Clarke
97669126
Email addresses of group leaders can be found on the monthly Groups list sent out to all
members.
LPH: Latin Parish Hall, Tomb of Kings Rd, Chlorakas
CSR: Coral Star Restaurant, opposite Philippos Supermarket on road to Agios Georgios, just past the Coral
Bay turning.
Continued on page 5
4
SHORT COURSES
A
B
International Cookery
classes
Modern History of
Cyprus
Four consecutive Thursdays
from 03 March 9:00 through
to lunchtime
*See note below
Six Thursdays from 17 March
at Giolou School
4 to 6 pm
Anne Rapley
(SEE BELOW (i))
26270158
99921295
Wally Oppenheim
(SEE BELOW (ii)
97768437
26940839
(i) Anne Rapley will be commencing her weekly cookery classes in early March. All recipes come from her cookery
books. Charge €10 per week for ingredients (but you get to eat what you have cooked for lunch!) Please contact Anne for
details.
(ii) This a repeat of an earlier series which may be of interest to those from the Polis area.
Several members have asked if we could start a group covering astronomy and related topics. The
inaugural meeting will be interactive and, led by Alan Wagstaffe, will make decisions about how the group
will operate. The intention is that, when formed, the group will continue to work in a participative way with
inputs to indoor sessions from different members. Topics could include e.g. Sun, Solar System, Stars,
Telescopes, Space research (vehicles, robots and orbital telescopes), Galaxies, Cosmology,
Astronavigation and Astrophotography. Wally Oppenheim and John Crofton have already kindly agreed to
cover History of Astronomy and Astronavigation respectively. Observation sessions could be separate and
more flexible in location, date and time to take into account the conditions. If you want to participate
please contact the organiser Danne Johnston on 99907004.
Several individuals have expressed the need to have a Science and Technology group. If you would be
interested in taking a turn in presenting on a monthly and/or leading the group basis please contact John
Harper on 2665 2673 or in the first instance. Similarly, we have heard from some members who would
like to join a walking group where dogs are welcome. If you feel you could take this on please also
contact John.
Members have expressed an interest in having groups for: Wine tasting, Creative writing, Gardening,
Petanque, Cycling, more Classical Music (as present group is full) and Singing. Please contact John
Harper on 2665 2673 if you are interested in running, or helping to run, a group.
If you wish to join any of the groups please contact the GROUP LEADER as listed above. If the course is full,
please ask to be placed on the waiting list and you will be contacted immediately a vacancy is available. On
some courses, more than one group leader is indicated due to absences; contact the other(s) for details if
required. Always check with group leaders for up to date information.
Meet the Committee—5
John Harper— Group
Coordinator
I qualified as a chartered accountant in Jersey, Channel Islands, where I lived until the
year 2000. I spent most of my working life in the so-called offshore finance industry,
more particularly being Managing Director of trust companies for a total of twenty
five years in Jersey, Bermuda and latterly Mauritius. Tina and I then tried living in the
Highlands of Scotland, which was a terrible mistake. Put simply, it was far too cold
for us, even in August! As a result, after a few months we quickly flew south and
have been living in Cyprus for just over two years. I still work as a part time
lecturer teaching law, accounting and investments in twenty jurisdictions as far apart
as Hong Kong, Mauritius, Isle of Man, Bermuda and Cayman.
I "retired" after thirty five wonderful years on the amateur stage when we went to live in Bermuda. That also meant the
end of my long association with the Jersey Eisteddfod, of which I served as chairman for five years. Since that time we
both keep busy with swimming, tennis and, more recently, fitting in P3A courses.
Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!
5
Lunch Group
The growth of the P3A in the last 6 months or so indicated to me the developing need to introduce a social
aspect into our groups but centred around a common activity, namely eating! The larger our
organisation grows, the more out of touch we can be. With my wife, Vivienne, we put together a set of
conditions under which we could manage a group for 'social eating', as well as introducing a bit of fun into the
proceedings. Some of our ideas ran as follows:
 Choose restaurants/tavernas anywhere in the Paphos District
 Main courses not to exceed €12
 Where possible, be convinced that the restaurant management are capable of serving a large group in a
reasonable time span
 If necessary, try to minimise service problems by prebooking part or all of the meal
 Avoid the long table syndrome by limiting tables to a maximum size of 8 people to encourage social
networking
 Introduce a marking system to be completed after the meal by each table based on Ambiance, Service, Menu
Choice, Food Presentation, Food Quality, and Value for Money.
Initially, we sent out a "feeler" email to gauge the amount of interest there would be in such a P3A Lunch
Group. Our idea was clearly of popular appeal because 58 members responded, giving us just a little
headache in organising the first restaurant. In these harsh economic times, most restaurateurs will blindly
agree to anything, claiming that 'of course' they can cope, just to obtain the business and then work out later
how they can deliver! To ease the crowd situation, members were asked to stagger their arrival over an
hour. Unfortunately, however, this first outing fell a bit short of our ideals. A small number of our
36 'guests' were (justifiably) disappointed with the service aspect - as well as the arctic conditions in the
restaurant (it was January!). Despite this, the overwhelming majority enjoyed their lunch, considered the
restaurant to represent value for money, and very much enjoyed the social aspect of the event.
February's outing followed on from Shirley Kay's talk on Traditional Cyprus, so our group lunched in the same
locale. Our preparations on this occasion included asking the 27 members attending to identify their choices
from the 3 course Set Lunch Menu - as well as ensuring that the dining room was warm enough so that we
would not need to wear gloves! The staff did us proud, our marks showing high satisfaction in all
categories, especially value for money.
But it is also clear that with such large numbers, we need to look at either splitting into 2 groups and
experiencing 2 different restaurants on the same day, or choosing 2 Saturdays in the month where the same
restaurant can be sampled. We look forward to receiving volunteers who are willing to help in the
administration of these options. Failing that, we will simply have to limit the numbers.
If you wish to see the results of our assessments, I'm afraid you will have to join the group! It goes without
saying that we will not recommend or disparage any restaurant we have visited, but only report on our
experiences as we have observed them. Neither is the restaurant aware that we are "marking" them, unless
we choose to inform them afterwards. We welcome members' recommendations of "hidden gems" where we
can take the group for lunch. We have many new P3A members who appreciate being introduced to local
restaurants and tavernas.
The P3A Lunch Group meets on the last Saturday of the month.
John Rathband
6
Meet the Committee—7
Robert Hobbs– Hon Secretary
After 10 years as a Solicitors’ Managing Clerk in the London Boroughs
of Bromley and Woolwich, Robert qualified as a Solicitor and spent the
rest of his career in Kent, in Partnership and as a Sole Practitioner
dealing with all legal aspects associated with a High Street Practice.
Robert and his wife Cathy first visited Cyprus 1995, and on impulse
purchased some land! Eventually a villa was built and they moved here
permanently at the end of 2005.
Robert’s interests mainly revolve around music, particularly modern jazz
and rhythm and blues. He also enjoys keeping fit and good food and
wine— but not necessarily in that order!
Classic Films Group
The following films will be shown during March and April:
Wednesday 3rd March - "The Official Story" (La Historia Oficial), Spanish with English sub-titles
Saturday 19th March - "Barry Lyndon"
Wednesday 23rd March - "A Night to Remember"
Wednesday 30th March - "Arsenic and Old Lace"
Friday 1st April - "The Wages of Fear" (Le Salaire de la Peur), French with English sub-titles
Wednesday 6th April - "Midnight Cowboy"
Films are shown either at John’s home in Peyia or at Coral Star.
Please note that these details are for information only. Reservations can only be made in
response to the ’weekly’ film invitation. If you wish to join the Group, contact John Rathband.
iovi’at’rathband.co.uk
When dogs were allowed near the lighthouse….
I have two Cyprus-poodle-type little dogs which are quite biddable and obedient – until they see a cat or some
other creature that runs away from them. Once upon a time, when people were still allowed to walk dogs
along the track between the harbour and the Tombs of the Kings area, I was nearing the end of an afternoon’s
stroll when disaster struck. I had just reached the beach café near the end of the big fence round the antiquities when, suddenly, my two little dogs turned into ferocious beasts of prey. There were about four free-range
hens at the café – and Patch and Misty were determined to have at least one of them for supper!
As I’m sure you all know, it is very difficult to run on sand and I was puffing and panting as I chased the dogs,
which were chasing the chickens round and round a little “room” under the lifeguard’s seat next to the café.
The chickens were squawking, the dogs were barking excitedly, tail feathers were flying – and I was getting
desperate. At last, a couple of the chickens went into the little room under the lifeguard’s seat and the dogs
tried to follow them into that space. I was able to grab the collar of one dog and turned to ask a Cypriot, who
was standing next to me, if he would hold it so that I could catch the other dog. He made no move to help and
only scolded me, asking why I had let the dogs go onto the beach. “Didn’t you see the notice saying ‘No
dogs’?” he asked. Finally, I managed to catch the second dog, put both on leads and slink away to my car.
Naturally, on subsequent walks in that area, I avoided going anywhere near that beach café until….. A year or
so later, I was walking near the lighthouse with my elder son who was here on a visit. I had parked my car at
the far end of the beach and we’d walked to the fort and back. When we returned to the car, Paul suggested
that we walk on a little further. Foolishly, I agreed and we went as far as the beach café because Paul had
wanted to use one of the nearby Portaloos. As he went into the Portaloo, I went to put the dogs on their leads
but, horror of horrors, they were already ….. chasing chickens! As I may have mentioned, it is not easy running on sand and, feeling thoroughly frustrated and helpless, I kept calling, “Would someone please help me,”
but none of the people sitting at the tables budged. Just then, a frightened cockerel ran straight into the sea
with the dogs in hot pursuit. I followed and managed to put a hand on each of their collars.
(Continued on page 8)
7
(Continued from page 7)
So it was that, when Paul emerged from the Portaloo, he saw his elderly mother wearing a sweater, jeans and
trainers, kneeling in the sea facing the setting sun and holding a dog in each hand. As I emerged from the
cold water, he asked me which god or goddess I had been worshipping!
Ann Dolman
Now there’s a thought
Now here’s a thought:
Well, I never really thought much about it before. I mean, it never really had anything to do with me. I
was brought up a `Protestant` so things like that were of no consequence. Now if I’d been brought up a
`Catholic` that would have been different. I expect that my every waking hour might have been consumed by it—well certainly in my teens and the next few decades. But I wasn’t, so I didn’t.
What? …… Oh, yes, …………. CONTRACEPTION.
I was reading a book about the Vatican and the papacy recently; that’s what got me thinking about it;
that is, thinking about the `Catholic` (or to be more precise, the Vatican) stance on contraception.
The Catholic position emanates from their interpretation of a bit of The Old Testament - well to be precise, Genesis 38, verses 7 to 10. Basically God gets a bit miffed with a bloke called Onan for `spilling his
seed upon the ground` instead of getting his missus pregnant, and kills him. (Boy, am I pleased I weren’t
around in those days.) Anyway, from those few words the Vatican decided that anything that comes (no
pun intended) in between man and his seed and woman and pregnancy is against God’s wishes.
Well, about 50 years back the then Pope gave a grudging nod towards the use of the `rhythm` method
of birth control. Now here’s the thought: that (the rhythm method) is a complete and total contradiction
to the Catholic view regarding sex and contraception.
To explain a little: the traditional Vatican stance is clear enough, ` there should be no barrier between a
man’s seed and a woman’s chance of pregnancy’. Further, the ONLY legitimate reason for a couple to
have sexual intercourse is for the procreation of children. The `thought` therefore is only complete
when you add to it and contemplate the following.
The only time (if you are a Catholic) that you can have sexual intercourse is during the couple of days
each month during a woman’s menstrual cycle when she has the possibility of becoming pregnant. At any
other time there is a natural barrier to her becoming pregnant. Furthermore (if you’re a Catholic) you
should stop having sexual intercourse with a woman once she has passed the menopause, because she is
no longer able to conceive and therefore there is a barrier to her becoming pregnant.
Don’t think I’m going to convert any time soon.
That’s my `thought`, but if you know differently you can always drop a line to this publication and argue
your point.
B.P. Dec 2010
8
Geology Group
On January 4th Bill Stokes led a small but keen group in a meeting which seems to have been enjoyed by
all there, despite homework having been involved!
January 18th was an indoor meeting focussed mainly on the Pakhna Formation, the chalks and marls of
which you see in the motorway cuttings all the way from Petra tou Romiou to Limassol.
The Open Day on 22nd January saw a big increase in membership, no doubt due to the sterling work of
Janet and Keith on the Geology table. As a result there was a record turnout at the field trip on February
1st , including four guests from another group, when we had a really good day in the area around Kourion.
February 15th saw a seismic change with a move from the Welcome Inn to the Coral Star. This was
necessitated by the increase in numbers and proved to be very successful. We studied the next
Formation in the Southern Cyprus sedimentary sequence - the Kalavasos –and learned about the drying
up of the Mediterranean and what it caused. On March 1st we went out to see for ourselves! The day
was good, the scenery brilliant and we saw a lot of gypsum, a snake and a lot of orchids!
Gypsum
Kourion Viewpoint
More Gypsum
Our next main topic will be the Mamonia complex and what Aphrodite’s Rock is and where it came from!
Coming up are opportunities to visit the Skouriotissa copper mine and to join field excursions led by an
Open University geologist in March and April.
Following that an extended field trip is being planned for early May
Ken Jones is monitoring earthquakes on a daily basis and the Seismograph project moves ahead.
Alan Wagstaffe
Book and Film Group
Twelve members of the Book & Film group met in January to discuss Miss Smilla’s Feeling for
Snow, by Peter Hoeg. The general view of the group was that the novel was complex and
‘challenging’, not altogether an easy read and would have benefited from editing. Some felt that
the plot falls into James Bond territory, and the key characters are not entirely engaging. At least
half of the group found the ending very unsatisfying. On the more positive side, however, we were
impressed by the author’s use of language and dialogue as well as the evocative creation of setting. There
was plenty of discussion about the characters and the themes of the plot, which were perceived differently by
different members—even fitting the novel into a specific category proved difficult as it seems to span several
genres.
A day later the group met again to watch the film based on the novel. Initially, the film (entitled Smilla’s Sense
of Snow) follows the novel very closely, but its finale is even more sci-fi thriller than the novel – no doubt the
result of Hollywood-type thinking. However, we all enjoyed the film version, possibly because it helped to
clarify so much of the novel! Perhaps this was an example of a book/film where we would have benefited from
watching the film first…
Our book and film choice for February was DH Lawrence’s Women In Love. Some group members had
read the book (mostly in the dim and distant past) and some had seen the film, which caused quite a stir when
it was made. Interestingly, not everyone who had read it previously enjoyed re-reading it. In fact this was our
first Book discussion, to be fuelled by an extreme range of opinions: quite simply, members loved it or hated it!
This led of course to a lively and passionate meeting. Some members enjoyed and appreciated the slower
(Continued on page 10)
9
(Continued from page 9)
pace of the descriptive language and philosophical discussions, whilst others were frustrated by the lack of
action and sleep-inducing descriptions. Not everyone managed to finish reading the novel, and others admitted
to skipping sections.
Two days later 11 members met again to watch the 1969 film based on the novel. For many of us, the film was
welcome compensation for having re-read the book. The excellent cast (Glenda Jackson, Oliver Reed, Alan
Bates, Jenny Linden, Eleanor Bron), together with imaginative directing (Ken Russell) and fabulous visuals,
impressed us all.
March sees us reading the Joanne Harris novel Chocolat, a complete change of style and period. And of
course there’s Johnny Depp to look forward to in the successful film made in 2000.
In April our final book for the current ‘season’ will be The Name of the Rose, written by Umberto Eco. The film,
made in 1986 and starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater.
The success of the Book and Film Group has led to the setting-up of a second venue for
the book discussions so that all group members can be accommodated. If you would like
to join, please contact Vivienne Rathband.
Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my
contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it
clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I
am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement
for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that
my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it
to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving
around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special
privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously
retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards
regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody
for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
10
Meet the Committee—8
Danne Johnston—Hon Treasurer and Group Leader
I first came to Cyprus for a holiday in 1988 and then came back most years until I finally
moved here in 2001. Having lived in Cyprus for nearly 10 years I still really enjoy my life
here. I live in Peyia and have seen it grow from a village into the busy “town “ it is now
In my working life I was a trained nurse/midwife and worked in various places both in
the UK, France and Spain.
I did a BA through the Open University and went into nurse management and finally to
teaching Nurses at the University of Bedfordshire. I have one daughter and a grandson
and they are the main reason I go back to the UK for short visits! I also miss the shops
especially Tesco’s!
I enjoyed my working life but I must say “retirement” is so much better and busier than I
ever imagined. I enjoy doing many different things including playing Green Bowls, taking ” gentle strolls”, reading, card
making, travelling and photography. I will be starting the photography group up again very soon!!
P3A Bridge (Improvers) Group
Are you looking to improve your Bridge play? Are your bidding skills a bit 'rusty'? Or perhaps you learned to play bridge years ago, and would now like to return to the game, but
are lacking the confidence to join a Bridge Club.
The P3A Bridge Improvers' group meets every Monday morning at the Latin Parish Hall,
9:30 - noon. We play Acol Bridge, Chicago style, so you do not need to come with a partner. Our
play is not competitive since we are all 'learners', and we happily discuss hands and playing methods.
If you wish to know more, contact: JOHN STORMONT on 96340123
Military History Group
The new Military History Group held its first meeting on February 18th. The group will meet once a
month to study some of the key wars and military leaders in History. It is hoped that the group will
appeal to anyone with an interest in how wars in the past have shaped the History of nations, as well
as those interested in the more technical side- the strategy and tactics employed by Generals, the
weapons they fought with and the reasons why individual battles were won or lost.
Our first war is the American Civil War which broke out exactly 150 years ago. This is often
described, with good reason, as the first modern war. It was in many ways the first media war where
the dead lying on battlefields were photographed for the first time. It was the first war to make
extensive use of railways, ironclad warships, mines, the telegraph, economic blockades, mass
produced weapons and trench warfare which became familiar in World War I.
In the first meeting we looked at the causes of the war, which were primarily about Slavery and
States’ Rights. We looked at the importance of Abraham Lincoln and the myth that he favoured the
immediate emancipation of the slaves. In the end it was the Southern states that refused all
compromises and decided to break away to protect their "Peculiar Institution".
Future topics will include the main campaigns on land and sea, the weapons and tactics used by the
armies, the military revolution that took place in the war, the effects of the war (some of them still
haunting the USA to this day) and the reasons why the North won. Actually it was always clear that
the North was bound to win in the end, so the real question is why it took the North so long to win.
Our next topic- starting in May or September- will be the Campaigns of Napoleon.
The group has over 40 members, but there is no limit on numbers and all talks are stand-alone, so
members can join at any time. Please email me if you would like to become a member.
Wally Oppenheim
Enexus2008’at’gmail.com
11
PROPOSED NEW GROUP
There has been some demand for a group to play the popular sport "Pétanque".
For those who are not familiar with it, this is the sport that is played in many town
squares and villages mainly in France but also in many other countries. It is
sometimes mistakenly called "boules" which is the generic term for many ball
sports. The aim of the sport is similar to crown green bowling, but the balls are
metal and are thrown rather than rolled in order to get as close to the jack as
possible. For further information on the game go to www.winningpetanque.com
We have an enthusiastic player (Gerald Payne) amongst us who will lead us through the
technicalities of the sport, but as he is currently off island until the beginning of March, I would like
interested members to contact me during the course of this month to register their interest. A playing
area has been identified close to the Corallo Hotel, Coral Bay. (Ideally, a playing area needs to be
about 12 m long, firm and flat, preferably with no weed growth.)
If there are existing players among us who have their own boules or simply newcomers to the sport,
we'd like to hear from you. If any member has knowledge of other playing areas, also please let me
know. On Gerald's return, we will hold a meeting to discuss start up, visit the playing area, and
perhaps hold a fun game.
Bill Stokes -96571342
A Word from the Editor
Once again it has been a busy and fulfilling few months for Paphos Third Age and its members. We have
had entertaining speakers at our popular monthly talks, a highly successful Open Day, which resulted in a
large number of new members, and the creation of several new Groups. All this demonstrates what a
lively and thriving organisation we have. This doesn’t just happen, though. A lot of work goes on behind
the scenes to ensure that members are getting what they want from P3A, both now and in terms of
future plans. There have been a number of suggestions for new groups, including Science & Technology,
Wine Tasting and Creative Writing, as detailed on page 5. It’s always good to receive these suggestions,
and hopefully they will be implemented in the future BUT groups need leaders. It’s not essential to have
expertise in the relevant topic/activity, just a willingness to help with the organisation so that those
who do have more expertise can come together with other enthusiasts and share their abilities. Several
groups have joint leaders, which seems to work very well. So if you feel you could help out with any of
the suggested groups—or indeed any others you may think of—please get in touch with our Groups Coordinator, John Harper.
Another area which needs your help is this magazine. It’s about YOU and your interests. These don’t
have to be confined to P3A activities. How about some Travellers’ Tales from those of you who head off
to other parts of the world during the year? Stories about pets and their antics are always entertaining
and a Letters Page would be good. Why not air your views on P3A, Ad-Lib, life in Cyprus, life beyond
Cyprus, encroaching old age or anything else that sparks your interest. Others would surely be
interested too. I’ve also been considering including a For Sale/Wanted column—nothing of a commercial
nature, just brief classified ads for member. Let me know if you think it a good idea.
The next issue of Ad-Lib is due out in June so any contributions should be sent in by May 22nd. I look
forward to hearing from you—it can get a bit lonely here in the Editor’s chair!
Carole
And the last word goes to the primary school students answering questions on Geography and Natural
History. More of these next time………….
1. In Scandinavia, the Danish people come from Denmark, the Norwegians come from Norway and the
Lapdancers come from Lapland.
2. Crabs and creatures like them all belong to a family of crushed asians.
12