London Greek Radio

A young woman whose body was found after Christmas in Finsbury Park, north London, has been named by police as Iuliana Tudos.

Detectives launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body by a member of the public at 16:25hrs on Wednesday, 27 December. The 22-year-old was found near the sports area in the centre of the park.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and Iuliana was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin, who are currently abroad, have now been informed.

Ms Tudos, who is from Moscow and went by the nickname “Julie”, was last seen wearing a black and red hooded top with “Agnostic Front” – the name of an American punk band – on it, with light jeans and black and white Vans shoes.

Iiliana, police have said is of Russian and Greek origin, and worked at the World’s End pub near Camden High Street. The police investigations have included Upper Tollington Park where she lived.

A post-mortem examination took place at Haringey Mortuary on Thursday, 28 December which gave cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen and a head injury.

No arrests have been made and a crime scene remains in place.

DCI Nicola Wall, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, appealed to the public to come forward with any information they may have that could help officers.

She said: ”Iuliana’s body was discovered in an outbuilding next to a sports pitch. We believe that she may have been attacked on Saturday, 24 December – Christmas Eve – but we want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in that part of Finsbury Park over the Christmas period.

We are still trying to piece together a timeline of events and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry as regards to a motive”

Anyone with information is requested to call the dedicated incident room on 0208 785 8244, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Article written by Metropolitan Police / London Greek Radio

Welcome to our guide to New Year’s Eve events in London. Are you thinking of a night out this New Year’s Eve, well the team at London Greek Radio rounds-up a few ideas…

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Efestio Bouzoukia 236 Green Lanes, N13 5UD with live music and excellent meze, will be keeping you on your feet till late at £65 per head.

For further information and to book your ticket 07788 200088

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Kokis Gregoriou and Nikos Savvides with their band in a live performance Dinner and Dance, at the Cypriot Community Centre, Earlham Grove, N22 5HJ.

Starts at 7.30 till early hours in the main hall area

Serving great hot food, fruit and much more, at £35 per ticket

For information and to book your tickets Christalla Evdokimou 020 8881 2329 (the new Manager of the Cypriot Community Centre)

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Inside Out Eventz and DJ Sooty present New Years Eve 2017 at The Decorium, 22 Western Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UH #SOLD-OUT

On the night you will enjoy a 4-course meal catered by inside out eventz, midnight Vasilopita and other fun and festive treats to see in the New Year!

DJ Sooty will be bringing you a mix of the very best in Greek, English & Latin music till 2 am.

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The Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H ODG, with DJ Andreas Michealides will be mixing up the newest Greek, English, Arabic, club classics, international HITS, Zembekika, Tsiftetelia, and Floorfillas to keep you dancing all night long into 2018! #SOLD-OUT

Article written by London Greek Radio

It’s been a whole year since Cypriot icon George Michael aka Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou passed on. The famous singer of ‘Last Christmas’ could not have a more poignant song on the London Greek Radio air-waves…

George Michael’s family’s poignant message to his fans as Christmas Day marks first anniversary of his death… which is nothing more to pay tribute to the star with an outpouring of love – for their relatives.

The singer’s nearest and dearest are calling on people to say ”I love you out loud”.

”Nothing had prepared me for the depth of pain George’s death precipitated. The shock and disbelief were overwhelming.”

Their poignant message comes as they prepare to spend a heartbreaking first Christmas without George, who died last Christmas Day at just 53.

George’s sisters Melanie and Yioda and their dad Jack said in a statement: ”This Christmas will be hard without him, but we know that we are not alone in our mourning the anniversary of his loss.

”Christmas is not always easy, life isn’t perfect and families are complicated. So if you can, in his memory this year, take a moment and a deep breath and say those ‘I love yous’ out loud.”

Careless Whisper and Last Christmas star George – who was nicknamed Yog – was found dead at home in Goring-in-Thames, Oxfordshire, by boyfriend Fadi Fawaz, 44, a year ago.

The past week has seen the mansion turned into a shrine as fans pay tribute with flowers, memorabilia and candles.

There is disappointment that an official concert or memorial to celebrate George’s life never happened.

But pals and fans hope there may still be one next year – not least to mark the tireless fundraising George did for charity.

The star’s family admitted it has been a ”challenge” to hear his songs when they miss him so desperately.

They added: “This year has been a series of tough challenges for those of us close and loyal to Yog, not least steeling ourselves this month to hear Last Christmas and December Song streaming out of shops, cars and radios, as it has done for decades, knowing he’s no longer here with us, missing him.

“We are at ‘that age’ and realise many of you will have had difficult losses too.

”Yog, who loved Christmas and always hoped it would snow, would want each of you that ­admired and loved him (yes – he knows you did!!) to take a moment, raise a glass, enjoy his music and think of him fondly, making sure to enjoy your time with, and appreciate your family and friends.

“Yog shared his music with all of us and many of you connected deeply with his words. Have a good Christmas everyone. And as our darling Yog would say… take care.”

A coroner confirmed George died of heart disease and a build-up of fat in his liver. He is buried at Highgate Cemetery, North London, next to his beloved mum Lesley.

Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, 54, said of George’s death: ”That night, ­despite having shed an ocean of tears already that day – the sheer eviscerating sense of loss cut my legs from beneath me and, on the deck and on my knees, I cried like I’d never cried before.

“Nothing had prepared me for the depth of pain George’s death precipitated. The shock and disbelief were overwhelming.”

Article written by London Greek Radio

The definitive Top 10 Christmas Chart of your favourite festive tunes… some of our most loved numbers with your favourite singers. Despina Vandi and ‘Xristougenna’ written by the iconic song-writer Phoebus tops the chart.

Meanwhile, other pop gems by the likes of REC, Stan, Kostas Martakis comprise it…

Anna Vissi zeimbekiko song ‘Kala Xristougenna’ is a sure-fire Top 5…

Article written by London Greek Radio

London Greek Radio held its Christmas Dinner & Dance on the first weekend of December, which was attended by dozens from the Greek Cypriot community and beyond.

With the emphasis on ‘community’, LGR management, staff and presenters integrated with listeners, family and friends at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green to a full-house compliment.

As the evening began, a blessing was carried out by the Reverend Father Andreas Hadjisavvi, in the presence of the Reverend Father Iosif Paliouras, before the Nostalgia Greek Band took to the stage, to ‘warm-up’ the already excited attendees anxiously waiting for Greek-singing legend Giorgos Gerolymatos.

Mr Gerolymatos was one of the most famous performers of the “New Wave” period of Greek music in the 70s, 80s and 90s.  He worked with other leading Greek performers such as Pario, Marinella, Voskopoulos, Dionisiou, Doukissa, Moscholiou, Sakellariou, Gavalas, Angelopoulos and many more.  He also participated in many Greek films.

During the one-night only exclusive performance, he performed a selection of his own charming classics to the eagerly-awaited patrons, before moving flawlessly to traditional Greek Laika, quickly filling the dance floor.

Long-standing LGR host Vasilis Panayi reflected on the radio station’s historic role in 35 years of broadcasting to London and beyond; then, in a unique ‘never-before’ exposition, he presented five Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The Award Trophies were presented to those, who in LGR’s history, contributed significantly to charity and to the station.

A surprise award was presented to LGR’s Managing Director John Kyriakides, during which, Mr Panayi fought back tears as he spoke about Mr Kyriakides continued unflinching commitment and support to the station and its listening communities.

The evening’s charming hosts Andrea Yerolemou and Yiannis Ioannou entertained those present and the evening concluded with the prize draw of the LGR Christmas Raffle, which included the top prize of a flight to Cyprus, courtesy of Cobalt Aero. Several other prizes were also presented to winners of the draw, with thanks from Commeris the Mediterranean food experts and Cocorico Italian Restaurant, as well as others.

The management and staff of LGR were grateful to the event’s sponsors, who made the evening possible; Caspian Lounge Sandwich Bar in North Finchley, Commeris UK Ltd the Mediterranean food experts, Panorama Greek Restaurant in Whetstone, S.Aspris & Son, Simon Fisher, and Taste of Cyprus Patisserie in Palmers Green.

LGR’s Managing Director, John Kyriakides said, ”It was a really lovely evening and everyone enjoyed themselves, eating, dancing and socialising.

He added, ”I really didn’t expect the award. It’s an absolute pleasure and a privilege to serve our communities through the medium of radio.”

Other Lifetime Achievement Award-winners on the night were; Maria Spyrou, who presented a show on LGR for over 25 years, providing advice to listeners on social benefits, as well as years of service to the Citizens Advice Bureau in Haringey; Former LGR Manager Kyriacos Tsioupras and his partner Pola Tsioupra for several years of service to LGR and the community; Former LGR News Editor Tasos Zachariades, who provided detailed and relevant up-to-date news to LGR’s communities for several years.

A huge thank you to Parikiaki and Eleftheria newspapers for their continued support and to Hellenic TV who kindly filmed our night which will be available to be seen on the London Greek Radio social media in the upcoming weeks.

Article written by London Greek Radio

This Xmas, why not treat that special person to an original, abstract painting

On Thursday 14th December Bellway Homes is hosting an exhibition of captivating, vibrant paintings by local artist, Michelle Janes.

The Mayor of Haringey will open the exhibition at Bellway Homes’ prestigious new development in Highgate, which from 6.30 promises a festive evening of culture, carol singers and canapés.

Paintings will be available for purchase with 10% of the proceeds donated to the Mayors Special Fund Appeal, making a difference for mental health.

Highgate Court, Bellway Homes, Bishops Road, Highgate, London N6 4HS.

Article written by London Greek Radio

The island of Cyprus has concluded the first round of auditions that will decide who will represent them in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. The new approach focuses on fresh talent and budding vocalists to see who is right to enter the competition next year.

A limited number of entrants are chosen to audition for the three-member judges; composer Alex Papaconstantinou (Alex P), choreographer Charis Savva and Christer Björkman, producer of Swedish Eurovision selection Melodifestivalen. The first round of auditions was completed in November resulting in the panel’s task of whittling down the number of applicants to 23.

As previously mentioned on LGR, Alex P is a well-known producer of Greek-Swedish origin and has co-written hits for Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and many more. He is known in Eurovision circles with a few Euro-stompers under his belt, including Ivi Adamou’s ‘La La Love’ in 2012 and Sarbel’s ‘Yasou Maria’ in 2007. His most successful entry to date was for the Azerbaijan duo Aysel and Arash, which came third in 2009. He is responsible for composing the song which will represent Cyprus in Portugal next year. Cyprus’ visual director for last year, Charis Savva was responsible for Hovig’s ‘Gravity’ and has been invited to return to plan next May’s Cypriot performance.

The application procedure has triggered a great deal of excitement across Cyprus and from Cypriots living in the UK. The procedure is anonymous and participants are not expected to be revealed during the local heat stages.

Broadcasters CyBc announced that the Cypriot ”sing-off” will air in January 2018 and the judges will select the finalists who will take part in the Cypriot national final which will be aired on TV.

The overall winner, singing the Cyprus entry will be decided by both the public and a selected jury. The combination of these two sets of votes will determine the winner.

The Eurovision song is expected to be recorded weeks after the Cypriot song contest final and is likely to be released in March.

The Cypriot Eurovision delegation has said that they’re hoping that this new contest gets Cyprus into another Eurovision final.

LGR wishes Cyprus the very best of luck!

Picture Charis Savvas (left to right), Alex Papaconstantinou, Christer Björkman

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Six-year-old UK Cypriot Andy Achilleos launched a justgiving fundraising page named Andy’s Wish to Walk and last month appeared on the BBC’s Children in Need television programme.

Andy has been accepted as a candidate for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The aim is to improve spasticity (muscle stiffness) in his legs caused by brain damage at birth. The spasticity can be very painful and leads to excessive stiffness in his legs and causes difficulties with walking.

Last year the television show visited the London Centre for Children of cerebral palsy which support children with a condition like Andy’s. He appeared on the show last year following up what he’s been doing since then.

The brave young soul was with his mum Afrothedi, who explained the situation for Andy and the fundraising aspects of Andy’s cause.

”Andy has been given the okay to have a life-changing operation at Great Ormond Street, unfortunately it’s not all completely funded by the NHS so we’ve been fundraising for Andy, really fantastic community support, and the school that Andy attends have recently fundraised over 19,000”, she said.

Afrothedi further explained to giving money to Children in Need is important as it funds a centre that Andy attends.

”Fundraising the sessions Andy goes to and the specialists and professionals to help teach him to do everyday things like walking, sitting”, Afrothedi stressed.

Check out the Justgiving Page if you would like to make your pledge or donation and Gift Aid, by visiting the website: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andyswishtowalk

Article written by London Greek Radio