September 2015 View/Download
Transcription
September 2015 View/Download
FREE Issue 7, September 2015 Monthly English language newsletter about the island of Corfu Corfu features in new TV series Inside this Issue:- What’s On Guide Corfu Villages by Steve Ford Photo Competition Animals on Corfu Postcard from Blighty by Lou Bruce Living with Art - Firsthing and Noel Recipe Community Classifieds Postcards of Corfu from Stefan Unkelbach Agiotfest Review by Sue Gentry Done In September, Corfu will once again be the setting for another adaptation of Gerald Durrell's 'My Family and Other Animals'. descriptions that are still surprisingly valid. There have been two earlier versions of My Family, and this will be the third. It is a testament to the This time it is an ITV enduring appeal of the books production, and is adapted that TV and film companies from the three books that still find it viable to make make up the Corfu Trilogy. and remake these series. There can be very few I was lucky enough to be people who are familiar involved in the first (BBC) with Corfu and love it who do not know of Gerald Durrell's books about his youth on the island, even if they have not actually read the books. I would urge all Corfu lovers to read the books, that have not dated at all, and portray Corfu and its inhabitants, human and otherwise, with wit and affection. Gerald's older brother, Lawrence, also lived on Corfu as an adult, spending a year at The White House in Kalami, with his then wife Nancy. The books could not be more different in style, Gerald the passionate naturalist, lover of largerthan-life characters, writing down his reminiscences with only slight exaggeration, to entertain generations of readers. Lawrence, poet, skilled wordsmith, somewhat cynical observer of human nature, accurate in his descriptions of Corfu's people and customs, (who went on to great TV popularity), asking if I could find any carpet offcuts to line boxes where fledgling owls were unable to get a grip and were falling over. I actually had some in a cupboard! There were lots of funny experiences involving pigs in cars, snakes terrorising chambermaids in apartments, bemused Corfiots who showed us round their homes but in the end nervously refused us permission to film. One thing leads to another once you become known to film producers and shortly I was being asked, very late at night, if I knew of any presentable, elderly British men who could play cricket and take part in a cricket match being filmed for 'Fortunes of War'. Then came the next version of My Family, again a BBC production, with Imelda Staunton and Matthew Goode as Larry. Simon Nye was the writer and I spent quite a bit of time with him, reminiscing, as I had version of the series, made in actually met the Durrell brothers in the 1960’s. 1987, starring the largerthan-life Brian Blessed as Now ITV is to film a six-part Spiro and Hannah Gordon as mini-series of the Trilogy. This Mother. time I have no connection, but I was recommended to the director by a friend who worked for the BBC in Athens, and spent one of the happiest periods of my life helping to find suitable locations, artefacts of the period, including vintage motor-cars and matchboxes. Perhaps my favourite memory of that time was receiving a frantic phone call from Nigel the naturalist you can't escape Durrell for long when you live here. Some members of my own family have been signed up to play small parts in That Family – and so the story continues. Angela Papageorgiou Issue 7, September 2015 CORFU GAZETTE Page 2 What’s On Guide Editor: Victoria Robertson Advisory Board: Stephanie Kirolivanos, Brian Moores Corfu Gazette Team: Corfu Central and North: Sue Gentry Done Corfu South : Tracey Robinson Circulation manager: Nigel Worthington Email: [email protected] Find us on facebook.com/ corfugazette Corfu Gazette endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this publication; We can not however be held liable for any errors or omissions. Content submitted by contributors features their own opinions and not those of Corfu Gazette. To subscribe to a free copy sent by email send a request to [email protected] EDITOR’S LETTER We are now moving the Corfu Gazette to a digital only publication. In our first 6 months we have gained a huge database of readers receiving it by email every month or downloading from www.realcorfu.com. This also means we can reduce our advertising rates to help more businesses on Corfu. We will be running the publication through the autumn and winter to keep every one in touch with what’s happening on the island so keep sending in your contributions and ideas so we can keep the Corfu Gazette fresh. Victoria Robertson, Editor Weekly Events MONDAY Live Music Events Help, Beatles Tribute Band Apple Steak House, St George South Elvis Live - with Karel Goldmann TUESDAY Greek Dancing Night - Stamatis Restaurant /Cafe/Bar St George South WEDNESDAY Quiz Night, Kazzoo’s Bar, THURSDAY Afternoon Coffee, Sunbeam Reiki and Crystal Therapies , Gouvia 2-4pm FRIDAY Talk of the Town, Sidari. Open Mic Night. 10pm Greek Night - Blue Sea Restaurant/Pool Bar. St George South SATURDAY Ozzy Karaoke Show Buddies Bar from 9pm, Moraitika Help, Beatles Tribute Band Kafesas Too, St George South SUNDAY Quiz Night - Kazzoo Bar Greek Dancing Night - Spiros on the Beach Restaurant St George South EVERY NIGHT Karaoke - Pirates Bar, Roda Quiz Night - Crusoe's Bar, Roda Latest events can be found on www.realcorfu.com/ events CORFU GAZETTE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FREE FROM www.realcorfu.com/corfu-gazette Latest copy and back issues available If you are planning an event in October we would be happy to include it On the following days/venues:- FREE OF CHARGE Tuesday/Friday Moraitika in our ‘What’s On’ listings. Golden Beach Cocktail Bar Thursday/Sunday St George South Stamatis Restaurant/ Bar Please send the details of the event to [email protected] Wednesday - Gouvia Melodies Pub Saturday—Kontokali Old Barrel Bar All shows start at 9pm by 25th September or send us a message on our facebook page Page 3 Corfu Gazette 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for your support over the last 2 years . We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to relocation , but are now pleased to announce we will open on Tuesday 1st September. You can find us next to the Porta Marina Cafe/ Apartments opposite the North entrance to the Marina (coming from Gouvia just before Spiti Prifti Apartments). Our new hours of opening are 9.30 am till 10.30 pm Look forward to seeing you all again many thanks Deborah & Steve' MARINA HEALTH CLUB TRANSPORT Greece - UK - Greece and other European countries Tel 0030 26450 41292 or 0030 6939 329978 [email protected] Serial Killer Room You are trapped in the room of Corfu’s serial killer (doesn’t every island have one?...) Try to find his name and escape before you meet the same end as the others……... / The Labyrinth Located at Aquis Park Hotel, Gouvia and Aquis Sandy Beach Resort - St Georgios South Book online at www.thelabyrinth.gr or phone us on 26610-24672 or 6988151653 Page 4 Corfu Gazette Corfu Villages by Steve Ford Agios Ioannis - Aγιος Ιωάννης In the heart of the Island just 10km west of Corfu Town is the Village of Agios Ioannis. It has a taverna in the Square and a nice Church. Agios Ioannis was one of the first places the backpackers found over 30 years ago who set up their tents amid the olive groves in what is still known today as ‘The Cactus Hilton’. The Village itself is next door Steve Ford the author of the above book donates all the proceeds of the book to Corfu charities. Here is an extract of his monthly blog detailing his travels around the island allocating the funds among other things... ‘My wife Ann and I arrived late on the 8th July and headed to Pelekas village for a few drinks and to meet our European and Greek friends. The following day we met with my friend Reni and went to Corfu town to pay for the bicycles for the children’s home and to arrange delivery for the following week. In the evening we ate at the Hawaii pool bar as they have a Greek night every Thursday with a BBQ and Greek dancing. Food shopping the following day was proceeded by a live band in the top of the village. to the mighty Aqualand Water Park and hardly gets a mention in it’s own right. There is a taverna in the main square where you can sit in the shade under the old Plane Tree. The Church of Saint John is next door and opposite is a Hotel which was once the village Mansion. It is most famous in modern times for the staging of the yearly Agiofest rock music festival where bands from all over the world come to perform. Since 2009 this event has been held in the Olive and Orange Groves and takes place around the end of August. Dutch people went to the taverna one night and we sat on white plastic chairs lined with long white plastic tables. The Lady of the house served us and the Gentleman of the house cooked the meals. We had a great night out and the service was fantastic. The bizarre thing about it was, when we ordered our starters, lets say tzatski, kalamari and Greek Salad etc. Everyone’s tzatsiki was served first, then all the kalamari, then all the Greek Salads? By the time the last starters were served then the main meals were arriving. It wasn’t until later that we realised that the lady was serving everyone and the husband was cooking all of the meals. By the end of the night though, the taverna was packed and we all got fed and watered. Great Night ! This is an extract from a book by Steve Ford - A Traveller’s Guide To Fifty Corfu Villages. which is now available from the website www.corfuvillages.eu and at Amazon books. The book is now also available from Alex Christou in Arillas, Sally’s Bar in Ipsos, the British Corner Shop in Perama and the Hawaii Pool Bar in Pelekas. My family and twelve The next 2 days we went to Yialiskari and Kontagialos beaches and on Saturday night there was a dance festival in the village square with over 100 dancers from all over Greece! wedding anniversary. It was a very special moment, I hadn’t invited or told anyone about it and afterwards when we had made the donation we sat in the café with the papas with a huge smile on our faces. On Sunday I said to Ann we had to go to the village after the morning church service as I needed to see the Papas to make a donation to the Paralion as he does a lot of work for the poorer people in the surrounding villages, the blood bank and the hospital. I asked her to put a dress on and some makeup and we would meet him in the café next door and then go to his office next to the church. What I didn’t tell her was that I had organised a “Blessing” in the church a couple of months previously to celebrate our 25th A few lazy days then a trip to the Corfu Donkey Rescue centre near Doukades to meet Judy who started the sanctuary in 2009. We were shown around by Christos the manager who told us that the centre was founded to stop unwanted, old and sick Donkey’s from being exported to the Italian meat markets. The volunteers do a wonderful job there and I promised a donation of 275 euros from the profits of the Corfu villages books. And finally, a day before we were due to fly back to England I got the call that the delivery of the children’s wish list was ready to be taken to the children’s home. To see the children’s faces when we presented them with their bicycles, mobile phones and a play station was worth its weight in gold. A big thank you to Alex who supplied and delivered the goods. To Reni who sourced the items and acts as my interpreter. To my wife Ann for supporting me and to you the people who have bought the book and have made this possible.‘ Issue 7, September 2015 Page 5 Monthly Photo Competition - ‘My Favourite Place on Corfu’ For October’s competition the subject will be ‘’Summer 2015 Corfu” Please send in your unique photos of Corfu that you have taken out and about on the island. The best ones each month will be featured in the newsletter. The winner will receive a copy of Steve Ford’s Book ‘A Traveller’s Guide to Fifty Corfu Villages’. Send your entries to [email protected] by the 20th of September to be considered for the following month. We will also feature runners up, so get clicking. Winner for September Paul Villa ‘San Stefanos NW’ 2nd Steven Williams ‘Plateia Dimarchiou in June’ An English / Greek owned Estate Agency operating throughout the island. REACH OVER 3000 READERS ON CORFU ADVERTISE WITH US FROM ONLY €5 per month We have wide range of properties for sale and to let, please see our website which is updated daily or contact us with your requirements and we will try to find something suitable . Also if you have a property you would like to sell or rent please contact us. Sheree Allseybrook & Alex Theodorou Property Centre Kerkyra Email [email protected] for details 3rd km National Lefkimmi Rd ,Tsarou, Kerkyra Tel. (0030) 26610 23825 / 6947 663295 www.propertycentre.gr Email [email protected] Page 6 A Postcard from Blighty by Lou Bruce Corfu Gazette FIRSTHING & NOEL - LIVING WITH ART OUR STATEMENT Living with art; Art is living. Art is for everyone. Art is affordable. Everyone has their hidden artist inside. It’s just up to you to find it, and hand over the knowledge to your kids. To see objects differently again, to see behind an object, to see the man, the creator. Producing our own object is unique and unrepeatable. That carries our soul, our marks with it. This is what a mass product can’t do. Mass production destroys something essential. Machines produce products without soul and cause unemployment. Let’s bring back to our everyday life the esteem of objects from the era of our grandparents. When something broke they fixed it instead of quickly changing it for a new one. Art is watching and acting differently. You can be an artist. Anyone can be. Unique and unrepeatable. THE PLACE Here you can; become inspired, learn about art and crafts, create your own objects, buy art pieces, lovely presents and memories to take home, A place where you can pop in anytime you pass by, a place which is a must to visit for any of your friends who come to Corfu. For us it was love at first sight. When we saw the abandoned old empty house in Gouvia (8 km away from Kerkyra) we knew that this was the place that we were looking for as our future work/shop. We knew that we would turn it into a common space of art, where from creating to sharing, and selling our art products we can make reality all our dreams. WHAT WE OFFER It’s not simply a shop ,we offer: Ceramics and fine art workshop and showroom. Do your own ceramics with raku technique. Learn and create art pieces twice a week. Organize with us your stylish art birthday party with a workshop for you or for your kids, Interior design for your restaurant, bar, bistro or apartment. On the ground floor there is Laci’s workshop and showroom where anyone can see in real time how the ceramics are made. On the first floor Eniko's studio and art programs for everyone. On the weekends we offer RAKU & fine art workshops from early afternoon till late night in the back garden. RAKU is a ceramics making technique and has a huge draw for many potters because of its excitement and unpredictability. That’s why every single piece becomes unique and unrepeatable and also because it is made by your own hands. On this workshop everyone can make their own piece of art ceramic or any art object and take it home or give it as a present. If you don’t have time to take part in our workshop, on weekdays it’s possible to make your own painting on an existing form and you can pick it up after firing by the raku technique a few days later. From autumn we will offer different workshops from the age of 5 to 100 to anyone who would like to make things with their own hands, would love to learn about making things, would like to turn all its inspirations into objects. We both design interiors and exteriors (bar, bistro, restaurant, apartments). The interior design does not only include the ideas of setting the new environment but also we design furniture and objects for the space. We also can make the owners own designs upon request. For companies and individuals also we are capable of making individual small objects in bigger amounts with a customised logo or pattern. (E.g. wine stoppers, tiles, bowls, trays, paintings, design products) Keeping an eye on that all our products are unique and unrepeatable but for an affordable price. Our other offer, Art Birthday is for everyone who is a fan of art or would just want to have a unique and unrepeatable birthday. We organize not only the artful and tasteful set decoration design with the parents input for the party but also give high level creative workshops during the event. Above all upon request we make photos , videos and postcards from an art perspective of the birthday. WHO WE ARE e n i k o o r o s z – audio visual artist & designer laszlonemeth– ceramics artist & designer We are Hungarians with a Mediterranean soul who were always looking for a place where we felt more at home than ever. When we came to Corfu – visiting a friend – we felt it was something different. We said: yes, we need to be on this island, yes we need to be surrounded by the Ionian sea, yes the air is very familiar. Since that visit we couldn’t think about anything else than coming here. Now we are here and we feel finally, we’ve arrived. Our brand name FIRSTHING & NOEL reflects us. Firsthing refers to any „first thing” that is always unique and unrepeatable. Noel is coming from our monogram. You are welcome at any time of day to come in, look around and say hello in our work/shop. You can find us: at GOUVIA/TZAVROS junction. We are open from 10:00-15:00 & 18:00-21:00 contact: Enikő Orosz: Cell: +30 694 25 30 554 E-mail: [email protected] László Németh: Cell: +30 695 17 63 752 E-mail: [email protected] Issue 7, September 2015 Animals on Corfu The Reason (to you from all your rescue dogs) Author unknown I would've died that day if not for you. I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes. I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands. I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted skin that isn't flea bitten good food and enough of it beds to sleep on someone to love me to show me I deserve love just because I exist. Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands Your big heart saved me... You saved me from the terror of the pound, Soothing away the memories of my old life. You have taught me what it means to be loved. I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me. I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair Why you do it When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter Make just a little more room...to save one more like me. I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes In the best way I know how Reminding you why you go on trying. I am the reason The dogs before me are the reason As are the ones who come after. Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given We would die if not for you. A Big Thank You to all those helping with animal rescue work on the island of Corfu this poem is for you xxx Page 8 Archie’s Story Archie was found running in the busy traffic on the main road. He was with his mother Katie and just about to be run down by a coach. Luckily for Archie an animal lover was driving past on her scooter and stopped, scooped Archie out of the road to safety stopping the traffic to do so. His mother was very nervous but followed her puppy to safety. After phoning for help another animal lover soon arrived at the scene by car to help. Archie was put into the foot-well of the car with food and after an hour and gaining trust Katie the mother jumped in as well to be with her puppy. Enquiries were made in the local area and it was established no one 'owned' the dogs and that they had been abandoned. Luckily for the dogs they were able to be taken to the Lefkimmi shelter to be cared for and to start the process of finding them new homes. A family from the UK emailed the rescue enquiring about adopting a dog to be part of their family, they already had another dog called Talullah they had adopted in the UK. They visited the shelter and fell in love with Archie and arrangements were made for the adoption. Archie travelled to the UK last year and went to a wonderful home with Pip Gordon and her family. He is now in training as a search and rescue dog in Berkshire. He is specifically in training for water search, usually this involves finding drowned victims. He is doing amazingly well and Pip sends regular updates on his progress. Recently Pip sent an email saying: 'Archie is a wonderful dog, we still haven't met another dog that hasn't liked him, even those with behaviour issues. I have a friend who is a behaviourist and uses him when she has a very reactive dog to work with. You could not have a better advert for adoption from Corfu.' Archie went from near death to a wonderful life where he is being of service to the community as well as being part of a loving family. He is now one of 3 adopted dogs and loves his day trips on the River Thames enjoying outings by boat. It is so lovely to have news of adopted Corfu dogs in their new lives. Thank you to Pip Gordon for giving Archie his forever home and to all the people in Corfu who made this possible. (Katie has also found her forever home and is living happily in Germany with her family thanks to the German charity Tierhilfe Korfu.) For more information on the search and rescue visit http://www.k9-sar.com Page 9 Corfu Gazette DOG OF THE MONTH Spotty (902/1997 Kivotos) is a pure breed pointer and was found abandoned on the streets of Corfu. A kind hearted animal lover took Spotty to the vets, he was very skinny and had lots of ticks. He was vaccinated and treated for the ticks and then fostered temporarily by a friend of the woman. Sadly he sold Spotty to the gypsies without consulting anyone. Luckily after much advertising and research Spotty was found again, he had escaped and made his way to Ermones beach. He was very skinny and hungry and taken again to the vets as he was not in good condition at all. He has now put on weight and is healthier. He has Leishmaniasis and takes daily medication to keep it under control. He is a lovely friendly dog and despite all that he has been through is still able to show love and trust to humans. Have you got a place in your heart and home for Spotty, he will be forever grateful and show you so much love and affection, all he needs is his chance. For more information please call 6984723154 or 6936121882 or email [email protected] Postcards of Corfu - A record of times gone More Portcards from the collection of one of our readers Stefan Unkelbach. Would you like to advertise your business in the Corfu Gazette? Adverts from €5 per issue. Please contact us at [email protected] by 25th September latest to feature in the October Issue Man and compact tractor available. Based North Island, but can travel depending on job. GRASS CUTTING & ROTIVATING PLOUGHING & POTATO RIDGING Price dependent on size of job, Please call Dave on 6980638188 or 2663052034. Issue 7, September 2015 Recipe Page 10 Community Classifieds Salad in a Glass An alternative to the traditional salad on a plate. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is important in helping to prevent heart disease and cancer. This juice is also full of potassium, folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene and calcium - a fantastic cleanser. Simply juice all the ingredients and add the ice. Ingredients: 1 stick of celery 2 tomatoes 1/4 cucumber Handful of salad leaves of your choice 2 carrots, topped and tailed 1 apple (preferably Golden Delicious) Handful of ice The 100+ Club The 5th draw of year 3 will be held at AVRA Taverna – Bar Almiros on Wednesday 23rd September 2015. Start time 8pm Draws 8.30pm Everyone welcome The 100+ Club supports Charities of Corfu https://www.facebook.com/groups/ the100plusclub/ © The 100+ Club Corfu Do you have a story, picture, article or recipe to share? Please email it to [email protected] Would you like to advertise for FREE here? FOR SALE, FOR RENT, COMMUNITY EVENTS CHARITY EVENTS, CLASSES, PERSONAL ADS It is FREE for private and community advertising. Please send the details of your advert to [email protected] The deadline for the October issue is 25th September Page 11 Business Directory Corfu Gazette Page 12 Issue 7, September 2015 Agiotfest Rocks Corfu by Sue Gentry Done The 7th Agiotfest festival took place on Saturday 29th August under the The festival was opened and compered by Steve great performance by a Corfu based band. The penultimate band were Los Jaiguey all the way from Mexico, bringing a South American influence to the festival with some of the audience demonstrating their Latin American dance skills. Los Jaiguey also This years headliners were Leatherat, a well known UK festival band who gave an amazing performance under the full moon. Leatherat also played a set at the Polytechnic unplugged event giving a taste of what to expect at Agiotfest and they certainly didn't disappoint. Their music QUIZcomes NIGHT EVERY influence from TUESDAY AT traditional folk, gypsy8PM klezmer, prog and heavy rock. TheyNIGHT performed BINGO EVERY their set with energy SATURDAYgreat AT 7.30pm and even wrote a song especially for the occasion. Thanks oncebe again to all We will closed 21st the performers, December and crew, reopen on volunteers and audience 3rd January. for making Agiotfest 2015 Main ( next to miniature agolf). reallyPhone fantastic festival. 2645092648 Leatherat by Vasilis Pandis August full moon creating a magical event with clear skies. A big thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making the event happen, many people contribute their time for free to make this unique festival possible every year. There are too many people to thank individually but of course a mention must go to Paul McGovern the festival organiser who is supported by his wife Lula and his sons Peter & Kostas. Also a big thank you to all the performers on the night who did a superb job keeping the crowds entertained. Another fabulous festival with great performances all round. Dell who flew in from the UK for the event and was ably assisted with the Greek translation by Natasha. The first band to play were a young local band Bitter Almond who played a great set and opened the show with confidence. They were followed by Stringed Sensation and 3 & The Cuckoo, also local bands. These 2 bands never disappoint and it is wonderful to listen to a string quartet playing with a rock band. Next to play were LocoMotive with a guest spot by Paul Fennell on harmonica. Another Pete Bailey, Leatherat by Dick Mulder played a set at the Polytechnic in Corfu town on the Thursday preceding the festival. It was wonderful to also see them in a more intimate environment playing their traditional Mexican guitars. Quotes from people who I spoke to after the festival: 'The best one yet!' 'It was wonderful to dance under the full moon' 'Really enjoyed my first Agiotfest, the bands were great' 'Looking forward to the next one' If you have enjoyed reading the Corfu Gazette please support us by keeping us informed with what’s going on in Corfu. If you use any of our advertisers please let them know you read about them in the Corfu Gazette. Please share your copy with other people so we can get it round to as many people as possible. If you would like to receive an email copy every month please send your email address to [email protected]