London Greek Radio

Mr Nicos Anastasiades was re-elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, this evening, following the second round of the Presidential Election. Mr Anastasiades won with 56% of the votes against independent candidate Mr Stavros Malas who won 44% of the votes.

Speaking after the result was announced, the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Mr Christos Karaolis, said on behalf of the Federation that, ”the people of Cyprus have voted in a free and fair election and have chosen Mr Anastasiades to serve as President for the next 5 years. The Federation will unite behind Mr Anastasiades and work very closely with him to achieve our common aims of a free, united Cyprus; the end of Turkish occupation; the right of return of refugees; the determination of the fate of the missing person; and to improve the lives of all Cypriots. We also look forward to welcoming him to London in the coming months to, once again, visit the UK Cypriot community.”

Mr Anastasiades has made it his priority to return to negotiations as soon as possible in order to reunify the island of Cyprus with a just and viable solution that is based on the United Nations Secretary General’s framework, and that is in line with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and High-Level Agreements. The reunification of Cyprus will bring peace and prosperity to Greek, Turkish, Maronite, Armenian and Latin Cypriots and have major benefits for the entire island.

In his acceptance speech, President Anastasiades thanked all Cypriots who participated in the election, whether they voted for him or not, saying that ”tonight there no winners and losers. From tomorrow, we must all unite to address the economic and social problems faced by Cypriots, young and old”. He went on to say that ”above all, we must continue, united, to address the problem of occupation that our country faces. We need a solution that does not disregard the concerns of the Greek Cypriots or the sensitivities of Turkish Cypriots.

The new Government of the Republic of Cyprus, led by Mr Anastasiades, will take office on 1 March 2018.

Profile: Nicos Anastasiades

• Born in Limassol in 1946.

• Studied Law at the University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Shipping Law at University College London.

• Was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Limassol in 1981 and leader of political party DISY from 1997 until 2013.

• He was first elected President of the Republic of Cyprus in 2013.

Detectives investigating the murder of Iuliana Tudos in Finsbury Park have made an arrest.

The 31-year-old man was arrested at around 13:30hrs on Monday, 1 January, at an address in Dalston.

He was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Iuliana Tudos.

The man has been taken to a south-west London police station where he remains in custody.

A murder investigation, led by DCI Nicola Wall, was launched after Iuliana’s body was found by a member of the public at 16:25hrs on Wednesday, 27 December.

The body of the 22-year-old, who was also known as Julia and Lili (short for Lilith), was found in a disused building located in the north eastern area of the park. Iuliana lived in Upper Tollington Park, Haringey.

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

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

Haringey Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Des Fahy said that extra officers had been deployed for reassurance and that his officers had been engaging with local residents, community groups and traders.

He said: ”We understand that the local community might have concerns, but I want to reassure people that incidents of this nature are incredibly rare.

”We have police out and about on patrol and local Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been out speaking to members of the community.

”By all accounts, Iuliana was a bubbly lively girl enjoying a fun life in London when she was tragically taken from her loved ones. Our hearts go out to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the dedicated incident room on 020 8785 8244, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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.

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

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.”

Flowers and tributes left outside the home of singer George Michael in Highgate

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.”

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

St Andrew the Apostle School’s new 6th Form will have an academic focus with most of its curriculum featuring A-Level courses for students expecting to go to university.

Detailed plans for the 6th Form, which is due to open with brand new facilities at North London Business Park in September 2018, were unveiled on Thursday (16 November) at an Open Evening for Year 11 students and their parents.

Students were given the opportunity to discuss their subject choices, application process and other questions about life in a 6th Form with subject experts, teaching staff and representatives from the school’s sponsor, the Russell Education Trust. RET currently runs the highest achieving multi-academy in the country and has already opened two 6th Forms in Bristol and Essex.

RET’s 6th Form Advisor, Mr. Martin O’Sullivan, told a packed hall, ”Going the extra mile for 6th Form students will be an integral part of the RET package in which every possible support and opportunity is in place to ensure that each student looks amazing on an application form, whether for university, employment or other work-based training.

”Most of our courses will be A-Level courses, though we will be offering selected BTEC Level 3 courses with a greater practical element.”

He described the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to create a successful 6th Form and said the first priority would be the appointment of the best teachers for first-class teaching. He added that pastoral care was at the forefront of everything they do.

”Running alongside effective teaching, it is vital that we provide a crutch when things get difficult. Life can be incredibly stressful for both students, who have to deal with additional responsibilities and opportunities with the added confusion of greater freedom, and parents who have to ensure that their children are not burning the candle at both ends and ruining their chances of long term success for short term gains.”

Headteacher, Mr Rob Ahearn, said he was very proud of the progress made so far and was looking forward to building a vibrant, successful 6th Form which would inherit and build on many of the successful features of St Andrew the Apostle School. These included the high-quality of the teachers, belonging to an outstanding trust and being an inclusive school.

”As a Greek Orthodox secondary school, there is an emphasis on broad Christian values of forgiveness, responsibility, kindness and respect for others which leads to very high expectations in terms of behaviour and academic endeavour.

”We are an inclusive school where we hope even those joining us from elsewhere will quickly feel a part of the school. We may be smaller than some 6th Forms, but we believe that will mean that no one will be ignored or over looked,” stated Mr. Ahearn, adding that the new block will have outstanding facilities to provide a safe and comfortable working environment.

He stressed that St Andrew the Apostle 6th Form students would be setting an example to younger students and would be expected to dress appropriately for a working day ‘in the office’ as part of their preparation for their future aspirations and careers. They would ”enjoy a unique experience of leading the way in helping to build the 6th Form of the future.”

Founding student, Marianna Christodoulou, is hoping to study English Literature, Psychology and Philosophy & Ethics. She said, ”I want to stay on because everyone is so enthusiastic about establishing the new 6th Form. I love the family atmosphere, my friends, teachers – the whole ethos.”

Fellow Year 11 student, Guy Coker, who wants to go on to university to study maths, has visited other schools but is expecting to stay on too. He explained, “The wide variety of subjects and the dedication of the teachers means that it’s definitely worth taking the opportunity that is being offered at St Andrew.”

Deputy Headteacher and 6th Form Development Lead, Mr. Mike Michael, was delighted with the success of the evening and the interest shown by existing and external students in the new 6th Form.

”It’s been such a positive night, with so much enthusiasm from students and parents keen to make the right choices for the next stage of their education. We hope that many will be joining us for a 6th Form taster day on Friday 5 January,” he concluded.

Details about the new 6th Form, curriculum and application process can be found on the website: http://www.standrews6th.org.uk/

Nikki Christou, 13, is a UK Cypriot inspiring others through the power of social media, whose latest award come rubber-stamped by none other than 10 Downing Street. The social media star who video blogs her experience of living with life-threatening AVM (Arteriovenous Malformations) and uses digital platforms to share information on how to cope with a chronic illness, has received the Prime Minister’s daily Points of Light award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.

Through talking about her condition, offering advice for people with deformities and delivering makeup tutorials, Nikki has attracted millions of views and over 250,000 subscribers. Her public display of bravery, despite undergoing 28 facial operations and 300 visits to hospital since being born, is inspiring each of her viewers and followers.

Additionally, with the help of her parents, she founded the ‘Butterfly AVM Charity’ that has so far raised £500,000 for research at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London.

Last year she was presented with a ‘Pride of Britain Award’ by Prime Minister Theresa May in Downing Street.

In a personal letter to Nikki, Prime Minister Theresa May said: ”By sharing your experience of living with Arteriovenous Malformations on social media and in online videos, you are an example of hope and positivity to each of your hundreds of thousands of fans, and particularly those who also have the condition. Your fundraising for the ‘Butterfly AVM Charity’ is having a transformational effect on the scientific research that is being undertaken in this field and you should be very proud indeed of achieving this at such a young age.”

Nikki said: ”I am really honoured to have been chosen for such an amazing award. My AVM has taught me to make the most of everyday. I started ‘The Butterfly AVM Charity’ to raise money to support and inform sufferers and their families about this rare illness and to establish potentially life-saving research. This could not have been achieved without the help of so many volunteers who I thank from the bottom of my heart. I also try to show people that facial differences and disabilities should not stop a person from enjoying their lives to the best of their ability and achieve their dreams without any prejudice. We are all imperfectly perfect in our own way. Close your eyes make a wish – open them and make that dream a reality.”

Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers. Every week day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award.

First established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, over 5,000 US Points of Light have been recognised in the USA. UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street in April 2014.

Since then hundreds of people have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister, highlighting an enormous array of innovative and inspirational volunteering across the length and breadth of Britain.

The UK Points of Light are fundraising, awareness raising, problem solving heroes who all had an idea they decided to make a reality. Their actions have changed lives and their stories are can inspire thousands more to get involved or start their own initiatives.

For the first time ever, Despina Miraraki will bring 30 years of craft expertise to London.

Her vast collection of tailor-made carpets will be available to browse and purchase, including traditional and modern varieties.

Date: 23rd November 2017

Location: Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL

Time: 18:30–21:00

RSVP and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exclusive-cocktail-event-invitation-worlds-best-handmade-carpet-company-tickets-39833356642

If you are unable to attend the launch event, the exhibition will run from 22nd to 26th November, open daily from 10am – 9pm.

Join us in the heart of London as we showcase the award-winning Miraraki carpet exhibition.

Founder Despina Miraraki has led the specialised industry for over three decades with a long list of achievements, including being named the best handcrafted carpet company globally and winning the Seven Star Carpet Gallery Award, the highest award for the pinnacle in luxury hospitality and lifestyle.

Her achievements to date include collaboration with award-winning designer Robert Cavalli, weekly TV exposure and production for leading hotel brands such as Hilton.

Guests will be welcomed by a cocktail reception and will have a chance to browse a display of masterpieces, from classic carpets created from wool and silk to modern designs such as Persian silks, Qum, Tabriz, Nain and Isfahan.

Enjoy a show of exquisite craftsmanship, meet with founder Despina Miraraki and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind exhibition.

We hope to welcome you to the launch show in London!

The Labour Party’s ‘Friends of Cyprus Group’ was launched on Tuesday evening at an event held in the UK Parliament, in the presence of the party’s leader Jeremy Corbyn and a number of Labour MPs.

The initiative for the creation of the group belongs to Vassilis Mavrou, who said that he aim is to ”create closer bonds between Labour MPs and Cypriots, both in the UK and in Cyprus.” He noted that Jeremy Corbyn’s support was a catalyst for the launch of the group.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

In his address, Corbyn said that he represents a constituency that includes a huge number of Cypriots, both of Greek and of Turkish ethnical background, and that in 1974 he remembers trying to help Cypriots arriving to London as refugees following the invasion by Turkey.

”The contribution made to our communities and our lives by those people is really incredible,” commented the Labour Party leader.

He went on to say that there must be a reunification of Cyprus and a resumption of the collapsed talks.

”Campaigning for Cyprus and having a sense of responsibility towards Cyprus is very important to me. I recognise that the UK is a guarantor power and I want a Labour government to ensure that we fulfil our obligations, to ensure that this means the island of Cyprus gets reunified,” he added.

The first UK Cypriot MP Bambos Charalambous said that there is still hope for a solution, despite the collapse of the talks in Crans Montana. He added that during his recent visit in Cyprus, he realised that Cypriots are worried about the chances to solve the Cyprus problem as with the elections coming up in January, the timing is not ideal.

The Cypriot MP also said that the Labour Party Friends of Cyprus needs to put more pressure on Boris Johnson and the Foreign Office to support Cyprus.

The coordinator of the event and MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Catherine West, said that the Labour Party will support Cyprus in its efforts to find a just and viable solution.

On her behalf, the hostess of the event, MP Kate Osamor, said she is proud to be part of this newly formed group which aims to take responsibilities and to speak on behalf of the community.

Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield North, said that her constituency is a fantastic example of how Turkish and Greek Cypriots work and live together. “The two communities have more in common than divides them,” she added.

Other MPs that were present and spoke in support of Cyprus and the new group were Angela Rayner, Stephen Doughty, Steve McCabe, Joan Ryan, Roger Gossif, Carolyn Harris, Hugh Gaffney and Caroline Flint.