London Greek Radio

Today, 18th October, marks the first anniversary of the sad passing of LGR’s Founder and former Managing Director, Akis Eracleous, AKA George Power.

All the team at LGR have fond memories of Akis and all his work at London Greek Radio. We wanted to share some beloved memories of Akis, forever with a smile on his face, doing what he loved: presenting shows on London Greek Radio & managing the LGR events which he launched in 2012.

We hope that his family and friends are finding comfort in the legacy that he has left behind.

In 1983, Akis felt there was a need for a Greek radio station to give a voice to our community. No one could have imagined the success of London Greek Radio (LGR) as a pirate/unlicensed station. Thanks to his devotion, determination and continuous battles to keep the station on air, LGR became the world’s first Greek Radio Station to obtain an FM licence in 1989. This was achieved after Akis sold KISS FM, as he believed that providing the community with a platform was integral.

Akis was one of the iconic presenters during the 1980’s and quickly found fame within the Greek and Cypriot communities. He continued his work when LGR was licensed in 1989, serving as a Director, Managing Director, Station Manager, Shareholder, but most notably, hosting the long-running mid-morning show, “Ligo Prin To Mesimeri” on weekdays. Akis championed the modernisation of the station to bring it into the 21st century. He was a mentor to the upcoming younger generation of presenters and helped them to establish themselves as household names within the Greek and Cypriot Communities.

Akis, also known as ‘George Power’, found fame on the British soul scene in the 1970s and 80s as a resident DJ at Crackers Nightclub on Wardour Street and The Electric Ballroom on Camden High Street. George was an essential and influential DJ on the London Club Scene. Making a name for himself at the legendary Crackers on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights, George had a massive following from the regular “soul-boys” to the trendy celebrities – even Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet) was spotted in the club. His Roller Disco’s at the Electric Ballroom on Wednesday nights with Paul “Trouble” Anderson and his Double Disco on Friday nights with Gilles Peterson were a huge success in the mid-eighties. It cannot be understated how important George was to London’s clubs in the 70s and 80s. In 1993, he founded the “Nice ‘N’ Ripe” record label, which is renowned as one of the leaders in the birth and growth of the scene called “UK Garage”.

Today we’ve shared with you just a small section of Akis’ career and life. He was an amazing man and an inspirational leader. Words cannot begin to describe his impact on radio, on music and on his friends and family. RIP to our beloved GP.

Stavros Flatley has come second in Britain’s Got Talent’s Champions Final.

The British-born, Greek-Cypriot, father-son dance duo was voted second on Saturday night’s “Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions Final” who were looking for the ‘ultimate champion’.

The likeable pair, Demi Demetriou and son Michalakis (nickname ‘Lagi’) excitingly engaged the studio and got the judges on their feet.  Their routine was backed by the world-famous Mikis Theodorakis, “Zorba the Greek” music.

The routine over, senior Demetriou said to the judges and audience, “You’re all Greek now!”

The two-minute routine was fired-up with Cypriot dancers to compliment the act, which included Anthony Komodikis and Kiri Pitt.

Family and friends, including wife and mum, Karen Demetriou waved Cyprus flags.  Listeners told LGR that they felt uniquely proud of seeing the Cypriot-patriotic colours at such a huge television event.

Demi Demetriou, 51, bounced onto the stage in character of the usual Riverdance music, only for Lagi, 23, to ‘cut it off’ and announce: “Let’s do this Greek style.”

He then told his dad: “Teach them to dance!”

Demi happily obliged, demanding that everybody in the studio gets up on their feet as Zorba the Greek started playing.

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 is interpretive dance, it’s an interpretation of what dance is, and it was great you involved all of us actually.”

Simon Cowell agreed, with the 60-year-old telling the pair: “You just make us feel-good. In this country we just want to feel good and that is what you have just done.” Alesha Dixon echoed the sentiment, saying, “You made us smile, you made us feel good. What more can I say, I love you”.

Amanda Holden summarised the pair’s legacy with, “You are the heart of Britain’s Got Talent! You make my heart sing!”

In the end, the winners were dance duo Twist and Pulse.  Ukrainian sand-artist Kseniya Simonova came third.

From LGR’s point of view, we thank Demi and Laki for the fun. The duo have often said it’s just a “fun jokey act” but one that we think, has always managed to extract that joyful, feel-good factor.

A Just Giving page has been created in an attempt to raise £35,000 to help with the costs of bringing back a Greek-Cypriot dad to London, to receive expert care and treatment at a hospital close to his home.

The man’s children desperately want to bring dad back home to receive the appropriate amount of support and loving care, while doing what they can to ensure he fully recovers.

The daughter Maria Panayiotou has set up the Just Giving Page ‘Please Help Bring My Dad Home’ in which explains the weeks of coping with her father’s sudden ill-health, whilst on holiday in Cyprus. Maria and sister Androulla have been at their father’s side continuously which has meant being separated from family and absent from work for many weeks.

On the 11th August 2019 the father suffered a severe Intracerebral Haemorrhage to his brain and was taken to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at Nicosia General Hospital.

On 11th September, due to overcrowding at the General Hospital he was moved to the ICU at the American Medical Centre in Nicosia where he continued to receive treatment.

Since then 9 weeks of treatment has continued and the father has defied the odds with showing some signs of improvement.

The siblings want to better support dad, surrounded by his closest and most dearest family members at his very side. Being of course given the chance to be at home with his loved ones, Maria Panayiotou writes on the Just Giving Page: “Being away from our families in the UK has been so tough and desperately need to bring him back here with us so we can continue to support him and where he can continue to receive the treatment he requires in order to recover.”

The family need help to raise money to fly him back over to the UK so he can receive the expert care he needs.

If you are able to support the family and donate ANYTHING it would be greatly appreciated!

Just Giving page to make your donation, right here, this very link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1rwj9l4ltc

National Thalassaemia Day in memory of Costas Kountourou on Saturday 19th October 2019, Open Day, why not be screened for the world’s most common genetic blood disorder that you may not know you carry, you may only save of your future generations .

Don’t wait until it’s too late, find out now, in partnership with the NHS Blood and Transplant at UK Thalassaemia Society, 19 The Broadway, Southgate N14 6PH, 0208 882 0011, ukts.org

The United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society (UKTS) will be launching National Thalassaemia Day (UK) on 19th October 2019. This date has been chosen to mark the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Costas Kountourou, a prominent figure in the world of thalassaemia.

On this date, the charity will open its doors to the general public to walk in and be tested for thalassaemia and other conditions.
At the open day UKTS will:
• Offer free screening to the general public for thalassaemia and sickle cell trait.
• Offer counselling and guidance (for positive test results).
• Partner with NHSBT for “know your type” blood testing / promote the need for blood donation.
• Offer free screening for Hepatitis C and other infected diseases.

Whilst these are the main activities UKTS is concentrating on, additional events are being planned for the day. The society is extending an invitation to all interested to join them on the 19th October 2019 as this is a major awareness-raising event. Given that there are over 300,000 carriers with thalassaemia in the United Kingdom and that it is a hereditary condition, clearly there are many members of the public who could benefit from thalassemia screening.

Thalassaemia is a chronic blood disorder affecting the genes that are responsible for production of red blood cells. What this means is that patients with thalassaemia are dependent on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives. Without them, they would die in early childhood. Thalassaemia developed as an evolutionary response to malaria which is why it mainly affects those coming from regions such as Asia and South East Asia, the Mediterranean, South America, the Caribbean, Northern and Central Africa and the Middle East. Whilst it was initially prevalent in these regions, due to the migration of communities over the centuries, anyone can be at risk. In fact, 10,000 babies are born with thalassaemia every year. This is why it is so important to be screened.

In the UK, women are typically offered screening after they become pregnant despite it being available to everyone at any point in time. The blood test is usually done between 8-10 weeks. If the expectant mother has a positive result, the father of the baby is then screened. This process can sometimes, despite the best efforts by the NHS team, take the pregnancy up to 16 weeks, at which point it may be too late.

All it takes is a blood test to find out if you carry the gene! It’s better to be informed now so you can protect your unborn children, rather than be surprised later.

Please support this event in order to prevent children being born with thalassaemia.

On Saturday 19th October 2019

UK Thalassaemia Society flyer

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.