London Greek Radio

LGR’s Birthday bash with Stelios Chiotis…

London Greek Radio are excited to announce that legendary Cypriot singer Stelios Chiotis will be performing live at The Penridge Suite on Sunday 27th October 2019.

Join us for our annual dinner & dance featuring a live performance by Stelios Chiotis. Including music band with George Georgiou-Lykos on keyboard, Tony Phirippis on drums, and Kitsos on the bouzouki.

The line-up of singers includes Alexia Hioti, George Gerasimos and rising star George Loizou.

There will also be a live performance by a surprise special guest.

You’re invited to join us to celebrate our 30-year anniversary of broadcasting with good food, good music, fun, and dance!

Events like this offer the chance for our station to come together with the community and enjoy a fabulous evening. Moreover, through these events, we are able to renew and build a good relationship with both our listeners and the companies which work alongside us.

In 2019, our time has also been spent putting together events, such as this one, where all members of our community could come and celebrate our culture together.

Join us to celebrate our 30th Birthday broadcasting to you since 1989.

It’s a night not to be missed!

Address: The Penridge Suite, 470 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, London N11 1NL.

Doors open at 6.45pm, dinner will be served at 7.30pm.

Delicious 3 course meal and live entertainment.

Tickets at £35-£40. For tickets & more information call London Greek Radio on 0208 349 6950.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so to avoid disappointment, we advise that you secure your place now.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

This event is sponsored by Cyplon Travel in association with Celestyal Cruises, the cruise operator specialised in serving the Greek islands and East Mediterranean; Demos Continental, the 1st authentic Greek and Cypriot grocery store in Palmers Green since 1965; Touch of Greek restaurant, at 170 Station Road, Chingford, which offers stylish food, great cocktails and regular events; & Varosi Lettings and Estates, with guaranteed rental scheme.

Young UK Cypriot Talia Tosun was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, in May. Unfortunately, after undergoing unsuccessful chemotherapy, she now needs a stem cell transplant.

The best possible match for Talia would be from someone of Cypriot, Turkish, Greek or Middle Eastern descent, but finding a donor has proved difficult since there is currently a huge lack of black, Asian or minority ethnic donors on the Anthony Nolan register.

For someone with blood cancer, a stem cell transplant could be their last chance of survival. Your support could help find their matching stem cell donor and give Talia a second chance of life.

Could you be a match for Talia?

• Aged between 16-30
• In good health
• Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Turkish or Middle-Eastern
• Living in the UK

Fit the criteria? What happens next…

• Sign up to the Anthony Nolan register – www.anthonynolan.org – you’ll be sent a swab pack in the post. Simply swab both inner cheeks and send back.
• If you’re a match, they’ll be in touch to verify whether you’re healthy and happy to proceed
• 90% of donors have their stem cells collected through the bloodstream in a simple process called peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection.
• Only 10% of donors have their stem cells collected via the bone marrow itself. There are myths about this being a painful procedure, but it is mostly performed under general anaesthetic.

Someone out there – maybe you, maybe one of your friends or family members – could be a full match. Please consider registering with Anthony Nolan as a bone marrow donor! You could save a life.

To spread the word and find out more, please visit HERE

#SwabForTalia

Please join us in the Amber Rooms at Regency Banqueting Suite N17 6UR on Monday 14th October between 10am and 5pm.

The British-born, Greek-Cypriot father-son dance duo had the crowds screaming on Saturday night during “Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions” with judge Simon Cowell equally impressed.

Wembley Arena had a slight resemblance to a Eurovision-style ‘green room’, with Cypriot flags being waved by their devoted fans.

An aging Simon Cowell poured praise on dad Demi Demetriou and son Michalakis (nickname ‘Lagi’), before slamming the golden buzzer for the pair.

Each of the judges has one golden buzzer, as do hosts Ant and Dec – it gives them the power during auditions to give acts a direct route through to the semi-finals.

Stavros Flatley were Britain’s Got Talent finalists in the third series of the show, ten years ago in 2009.

Speaking after their energetic performance, judge David Walliams told them, “This for me is what the show is all about. Ordinary people getting up and having a go.”

Alesha Dixon branded them the most iconic act in talent history.  Simon agreed, with the 60-year-old telling the pair: “I will never forget that moment when you guys came out and I was thinking, ‘‘What the bloody hell is this?”

He added, “Like tonight, the same thing happened. The crowd went crazy. I’ve wanted to say this to you for years. I’ve really wanted to thank both of you for everything you’ve done, and there’s one way I can do this…”

Simon then rose to his feet and smacked down the golden buzzer, sending the crowd – and probably everyone watching at home – into total meltdown.

Overcome with emotion, Demi responded saying, “Whenever you need us forever, we’ll be there! If I have to get on this stage in a mobility scooter!”

‘Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions’ airs Saturday nights on ITV.

From Home to Home Walk
A walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Society
Saturday 21 September 2019, meet at 2pm at Anastasia Lodge

Please help us reach our fundraising target and, better still, please join us for a 4km stroll between our care homes in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Families, small children and pets all welcome! The route is also fully wheelchair accessible.

Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Our private care homes and day care services in Southgate and Winchmore Hill provide our community with residential, nursing and dementia care and support 365 days a year.

To find out more visit www.autumn-gardens.com or contact us on 020 8344 2600 or email info@autumn-gardens.com.

Anastasia Lodge 10 -14 Arundel Gardens, Winchmore Hill N21 3AE
Autumn Gardens 73 Trent Gardens, Southgate N14 4QB

Singer Lavrentis Machairitsas has died at the age of 63.

It is believed that he died of heart failure whilst on holiday in the area of Ptelos, Magnisia.

He was rushed to Volos Hospital on the morning of Monday 9th September but was pronounced dead at 6.30am.

The singer-songwriter recently performed with Nikos Portokaloglou and the pair had been scheduled to appear together again on Tuesday at the Herod Atticus for a charity concert for children.

Having become involved in music at an early age, Lavrentis formed his first band, “PLJ” at the age of 20, which was re-named to Termites producing rock style songs in Greek.

In 1989, Machairitsas started his solo career as songwriter, composer and singer.

His hits included “Poso Se Thelo”, “Petheno Gia Sena” and “Enas Tourkos Sto Parisi.”

He has since collaborated with most of Greece’s top artists including Maria Farantouri, Giorgos Dalaras, Dionysis Savvopoulos, Dimitra Galani, Dimitris Mitropanis, Vassilis Papakonstantinou and Eleftheria Arvanitaki.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Machairitsas as “a great songwriter” and “a wonderful person” on Twitter, stating that “His music will be with us always.”

London Greek Radio proud media sponsors

One of the most successful Greek singers, Eleftheria Arvanitaki performs her mix of traditional, rebetiko and Asia Minor influences with contemporary influences from Greece and the Mediterranean. The Ark4Art event is featuring Greek violinist Panagiotis Lampouras.

On Tuesday 24th September at 8pm at the Barbican Centre.

Eleftheria Arvanitaki has been a tireless ambassador for Greek music around the globe, becoming a worldwide sensation across a career spanning more than three decades. With impressive clarity and emotional strength in her voice, her music aims straight at your heart.

She has collaborated with leading Greek musicians as well as international artists and composers, including Philip Glass at the Barbican in 2004. Following her unforgettable performance at the Southbank Centre in 2017, she returns to London as part of her Dynata European Tour.

To book your tickets at ark4art.com, barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/eleftheria-arvanitaki

Official media sponsors London Greek Radio, sponsored by Nikos Transport, Limo Executives London, The Life Goddess, Store Street.

It is with deep regret that we share the news of the death of a former much-loved LGR presenter.

Chrys Chrysanthou sadly passed away on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at the age of 68.

As a former radio presenter and producer for London Greek Radio for more than 20 years, he was a much-loved and professional broadcaster.

As a presenter during LGR’s pirate years from 1985, Chrys continued on the airwaves well into LGR’s legitimacy as a station, up until 2006 when he decided to undertake other ventures.

He was renowned for shows which were always well-prepared and researched, valuing the importance of quality Greek music, including Laiko-Entehno and alternative styles particularly being played during his shows.

As a well-known member of the community, Chrys was a respected journalist and photographer for the Vema, Parikiaki and Nea newspapers, as well as being an LGR broadcaster.

Many couples requested Chrys to be their official wedding photographer and he also took professional photos at Christenings and other functions. He also photographed and interviewed worldwide superstars including, Muhammad Ali, Julie Andrews, Roger Moore, Telly Savalas, Omar Sharif, Vincent Price, Oliver Reed and Lee Marvin.

In the world of music, Chrys also interviewed and photographed The Bee Gees, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, Marc Bolan, The Who, Ringo Starr, Art Garfunkel, David Essex, Mikis Theodorakis, Cat Stevens, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Demis Roussos, Diana Ross, David Bowie, George Michael, Nana Mouskouri and Neil Diamond.

He even took photos of members of the Royal family such as the prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.

Chrys was born in Famagusta and his parents were from the village of Komi Kebir.

After attending Gymnasium Ammochostos, he came to London where he studied at the London School of Journalism and Barnet and Southgate College, where he specialised in Graphic Design.

Thereafter, Chrys moved to Los Angeles, France and Greece before moving to Limassol in Cyprus to set up The Chrys Chrysanthou Photo Studio.

He was devoted to helping his family and friends and was loved by everyone in the community.

John Kyriakides, Chairman of London Greek Radio said, “I share the sorrow we all feel at the news of our dear friend’s passing. Chrys was a true gentleman and maintained the highest of standards at LGR. He will be missed by many and I will always have the fondest memories of him.”

Chrys’ legacy lives on through his two sons, Alex and Philip, and his sister Nitsa.

Funeral details were confirmed for Thursday 5th September 2019 at Agia Fyla Church in Limassol, Cyprus.

Everyone at London Greek Radio expresses their deep sorrow at Chrys’ sad passing and express their sincere condolences to family and friends.

Chrys Chrysanthou
Radio Presenter & Producer
London Greek Radio
2 March 1985 to 21 June 2006

Top 30 London Greek Radio UK Airplay Chart, August 1st-29th, 2019

The London Greek Radio UK Airplay Chart is a monthly chart compiled by ‘Radio Monitor’ monitoring the ‘tunes’. The chart is a useful tool to review a lot of our music choices. 

There are of course many popular tracks and favourites of both listeners and radio presenters which are included here.

1 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Val ‘To Terma
2 Thanos Petrelis – Pao Diakopes, Ta Leme
3 Eirini Papadopoulou (feat. Stamatis Houhoulis) – Halali
4 Antonis Remos – Edo Kai Tora
5 Natasa Theodoridou – Mi Mou Peis Gia Panta
6 Onirama – Pou Isoun Xtes
7 Nikos Kourkoulis – Eline Kai Edene
8 Stan – De Me Ksereis
9 Christos Mastoras – Den Exw Idea
10 Petros Iakovidis – Fovamai

11 Claydee & Eleni Foureira – Loquita
12 Helena Paparizou – Kalokairi Kai Pathos
13 Elli Kokkinou – Takse Mou
14 Christos Menidiatis – Stin Avli Tis
15 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Dyo Zoes
16 Giota Negka – Dyo Nisia
17 Ivi Adamou feat. Stavento – Diko Mou
18 Melisses & Elena Paparizou – Ola Moiazoun Kalokairi
19 Dionysis Schinas – Edo Sti Douleia
20 Konstantinos Tsachouridis feat. Melina Aslanidou – Mesa Stin Agkalia Sou

21 Kostas Doxas – Diva
22 Super Sako feat. Panos Kiamos & Bo – Thelo Na Se Xanado
23 Eleni Foureira – El Ritmo Psicodélico
24 Vangelis Kakouriotis – Stenohoria Mou (feat. Phoebus)
25 Paris – Thalasses
26 Eleonora Zouganeli – Kapou S’ Exw ksanadei
27 Makis Dimakis – Den Pao Kala
28 Giorgos Mazonakis – Agapo Simainei
29 Giorgos Mazonakis – Oinopneuma Ftino
30 Konstantinos Argiros – Ta Matia Sou Eroteftika

Source: London Greek Radio, the UK Airplay Chart
August 1st-29th, 2019

Stath Lets Flats, Channel 4’s British-Cypriot comedy, written by and starring Jamie Demetriou, is to return for a second series this month.

Jamie Demetriou plays an imbecilic lettings agent working at ‘Michael & Eagle Lets’, a dodgy London lettings agency run by his father, Vasos, (Christos Stergioglou).

Demetriou’s real-life sister Natasia Demetriou plays his fictional sister ‘Sophie’ and as the show progresses, it’s actually endearing to see their sibling relationship.

The loosely-coined “British-Cypriot comedy” is a lot more than the sum of its parts; its far less indulgent about portraying Greek-Cypriots, or the “community” for that matter.  This may be because all of the action revolves around the off-beat, quirky characters [a lot of whom are non-Greek-Cypriots].

The six-part series is a lovely take on the ‘madness’ of the current property market, with the ensemble cast ‘explaining’ it. Jamie said, “The community [Greeks/Cypriots] has a different way of putting it; I think it’s characters… are flamboyant, wonderful, funny, caring characters- there all about family and love.”

During a visit to LGR, Star-of-the-show, “Stath” AKA Mr Demetriou said, “London Greek Radio has been playing in my house since I was a foetus”, noting LGR’s long-time role in celebrating Greek-Cypriot music and culture.

The siblings are hoping that the audience will find it relatable because there are a few tacit observations to what it is being Greek/Cypriot.

“We are on London Greek Radio and I think that’s so relevant because so many have made a life here, and they’re Londoners so the character of Stath encapsulates it. He talks in a London accent with a bit of a ‘Greek twang’ to it, which a lot of people have, and I hope a lot of people can relate to that.” Jamie told listeners.

The second series will also see a return for Katy Wix who will reprise her role as Stath’s infuriatingly competent colleague Carole, with Alastair Roberts as his more amenable colleague, Al.

The action will pick up from where we left it at the end of series one with Stath having been denied the manager’s position by his own father.

In series two, he and the rest of the team will be forced to work under his arch rival Julian (Dustin Demri-Burns) – and re-think his life goals. Sophie will be searching for a new direction after failing at Dance College and publicly denying her feelings for Al.

Fiona McDermott, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: “We did originally say no to this, but he just kept turning up, trying to get into the building.  Sometimes it’s just easier to give in isn’t it?  In all seriousness, we’re thrilled to back Jamie and this gem of a show again.”

Ash Atalla, the managing director of Roughcut TV which makes the show, added: “So happy to be going again on Stath Lets Flats. Jamie is a star. And we’ve all felt the pain of terrible flat viewings, so this is our revenge.”

Jamie Demetriou penned the scripts for series 2, with Robert Popper serving as the script editor. The executive producers are Ash Atalla and Jamie Demetriou.

Series two of ‘Stath Lets Flats’ premieres on Monday 19th August at 10pm on Channel 4.

Forty-five years ago to this day the Turkish military launched its second offensive against the Republic of Cyprus, in full violation of international law, including the UN Charter, despite the ceasefire that had been agreed.

The Turkish army invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, and launched the second phase of the invasion on August 14 of the same year, occupying the best part of Mesaoria, Famagusta, Karpasia and Morphou.

On Sunday 11th August the British-Cypriot community held a commemorative event in conjunction with the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Wightman Road. Its president Dr. Vasilis Mavrou and president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Christos Karaolis were in attendance at the event.

The Cyprus High Commissioner Euripides Evriviades who is retiring from his post this month, also present, to address the Church faithful and many visitors on this occasion. He gave a passionate speech about his six years serving the London office. The Cypriot diplomat explained how he tirelessly worked to campaign and enlighten others, on the Cyprus cause.

He underlined the values believed are central to the dispute, with a fairer future, that’s deserved for his Cypriot compatriots.

“All Cypriots Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots, Maronites, Latin, Armenian deserve much better… What we want is nothing more and nothing less than other what is given to peace-loving people democracy, human rights and the rule of law, we are not children of a lesser God, we all burn under the same sun, we want democracy, human rights and the rule of law for everyone.” Mr Evriviades said.

To his fellow-Cypriots he urged always carrying the Cyprus flag high, Euripides said, “if we don’t hold our [Cypriot] flag high, then nobody else will respect it.”

He concluded his speech, thanking the Cypriot community of the UK for their continuous support, “[translated in Greek]… I believe you have made me a better human being, I have learnt so much from you [the British-Cypriots].” He also thanked the Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades for his appointment to the UK post.

The Turkish side continues to disregard calls by the international community relating to Cyprus and continues to hold the city of Famagusta hostage of its illegal military occupation. Dubbed a “ghost town”, Famagusta’s fenced off section – called Varosi – remains to this day deserted, abandoned to the elements.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece. Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives. Three weeks after the ceasefire of July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and just as an agreement seemed about to be reached, the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. As a result, Turkey increased its hold to include the booming tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west.

All in all, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus came under Turkish military occupation. Nearly one-third of the population, some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties, thousands were killed during the hostilities, over 1,000 persons were listed as missing while thousands of Greek Cypriots and Maronites remained enclaved.

Numerous UN resolutions have demanded respect to the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island, but all resolutions have been ignored by Turkey.

The latest effort to reach a Cyprus settlement will get underway next month: with the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, to meet with the U.N. secretary-general to map out the next steps toward a hoped-for resumption of formal reunification talks.

United Nations spokesman Aleem Siddique said Anastasiades and Akinci also decided to carry on discussions with U.N. envoy Jane Holl Lute to prepare the framework for “structured and results-oriented” negotiations leading to a peace deal “with a sense of urgency.”

Siddique said the two politicians discussed “in-depth the basic principles” of a potential peace accord.

Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in the summer of 2017, at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.