COMMUNITY
LGR has teamed up with restaurateur, George Psarias, who has nearly 40 years of cooking experience to bring you a recipe every Monday for you to try one evening this week!
Tune in to Ligo Prin To Mesimeri 10am-1pm with Soulla Violaris every Monday to hear George’s latest recipe!
Click here to download this week’s recipe!
WEEK 149: 27th February 2023
TARAMOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 148: 20th February 2023
GLYKES KREPES (PDF File)
WEEK 147: 13th February 2023
KEIK ME AHLADIA KE SOKOLATA (PDF File)
WEEK 146: 06th February 2023
SARDELLES LADORIGANI STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 145: 30th January 2023
GIOUZLEMEDES ME FETA KE MYZITHRA (PDF File)
WEEK 144: 22nd January 2023
FAKORIZO PILAFI (PDF File)
WEEK 143: 16th January 2023
SAGANAKI TYRI (PDF File)
WEEK 139: 19th December 2022
CHRISTOUYENIATIKI YALOPOULA (PDF File)
WEEK 138: 13th December 2022
MELOMAKAROUNA OR FINIKIA (PDF File)
WEEK 137: 05th December 2022
KARYTHOPITA ATHINAIKI (PDF File)
WEEK 136: 28th November 2022
HIRINO KRASATO (PDF File)
WEEK 135: 21st November 2022
HIRINO ME FASOLIA (PDF File)
WEEK 132: 31st October 2022
FETA SAGANAKI ME MELI KE SOUSAMI (PDF File)
WEEK 131: 24th October 2022
KOUNOUPITHI AUGOLEMONO (PDF File)
WEEK 130: 18th October 2022
KOTOPOULO SOFRITO (PDF File)
WEEK 129: 10th October 2022
AFRATA TIROKOULOURA (PDF File)
WEEK 128: 03rd October 2022
HALLOUMOPITTA TOU TAPSIOU (PDF File)
WEEK 127: 26th September 2022
LAHANORIZO KOKKINISTO (PDF File)
WEEK 124: 29th August 2022
KOTOPOULO KOKINISTO (PDF File)
WEEK 122: 15th August 2022
SIROPIASTA GLYKA KEIKS ME FETA (PDF File)
WEEK 120: 01st August 2022
FETA SAGANAKI IN FILO ME SOUSAMI KE MELI (PDF File)
WEEK 119: 25th July 2022
GLYKIA STRIFTI KOLOKYTHOPITA ROUMELI (PDF File)
WEEK 117: 11th July 2022
REVITHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 107: 02nd May 2022
EKMEK KADAIFI (PDF File)
WEEK 106: 24th April 2022
YIOUVETSI (PDF File)
WEEK 105: 18th April 2022
TSOUREKI (PDF File)
WEEK 104: 11th April 2022
MANITARIA AFELIA (PDF File)
WEEK 102: 28th March 2022
FASOLADA (PDF File)
WEEK 99: 07th March 2022
LAGANA (PDF File)
WEEK 98: 28th February 2022
BOUYIOURDI (PDF File)
WEEK 97: 21st February 2022
SPETZOFAI PILORITIKO (PDF File)
WEEK 95: 07th February 2022
ARNAKI ME FASOLIA (PDF File)
WEEK 94: 31st January 2022
GALATOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 93: 24th January 2022
MOUJENDRA (PDF File)
WEEK 92: 17th January 2022
TYRI SAGANAKI (PDF File)
WEEK 91: 10th January 2022
FAKES SOUPA (PDF File)
WEEK 79: 18th October 2021
SIKO GLYKO TOU KOUTALIOU (PDF File)
WEEK 77: 04th October 2021
KOTOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 76: 27th September 2021
MELITZANOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 74: 13th September 2021
YEMISTA ME PIPERIES, NTOMATES KE RIZI (PDF File)
WEEK 71: 23rd August 2021
DEEP FRIED PASTRIES WITH CREAM CHEESE (PDF File)
WEEK 70: 16th August 2021
PRASORIZO (PDF File)
WEEK 69: 09th August 2021
KOUBES (PDF File)
WEEK 68: 02nd August 2021
SIAMALI CAKE (PDF File)
WEEK 66: 19th July 2021
MIDIA ME ASPRO XIRO KRASI (PDF File)
WEEK 65: 12th July 2021
KOLOKYTHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 64: 05th July 2021
RIZOGALO (PDF File)
WEEK 63: 28th June 2021
YIAOURTOPITTA ME SYROPI KE STAFIDES (PDF File)
WEEK 60: 07th June 2021
IMAM BAYILDI (PDF File)
WEEK 58: 24th May 2021
HIRINO ME PRASA (PDF File)
WEEK 56: 10th May 2021
HIRINES BRIZOLES ME FASOLIA GIGANTES (PDF File)
WEEK 53: 19th April 2021
GEMISTA MILA STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 52: 12th April 2021
NISTISIMES TOMATES YEMISTES (PDF File)
WEEK 51: 5th April 2021
MELITZANOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 44: 15th February 2021
CHONIA FILOY ME THIAFORA MOURA KE SALTZA ME VATOMOURA (PDF File)
WEEK 43: 08th February 2021
MELINTZANES YEMISTES (PDF File)
WEEK 42: 01st February 2021
AFELIA (PDF File)
WEEK 40: 18th January 2021
KOLOKYTHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 38: 04th January 2021
FAKES SOUPA (PDF File)
The year 2021.
The year 2020 (see below).
WEEK 37: 28th December 2020
VASILOPITA CAKE (PDF File)
WEEK 33: 30th November 2020
LOUKOUMADES ME MAYIA (PDF File)
WEEK 1: 20th April 2020
GALAKTOBOUREKO STO TAPSI (PDF File)
WEEK 2: 27th April 2020
GREEK KLEFTIKO (PDF File)
WEEK 3: 06th May 2020
SPANAKOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 4: 13th May 2020
ARNI YIOUVETSI (PDF File)
WEEK 5: 20th May 2020
SFOUGATO (PDF File)
WEEK 6: 27th May 2020
PSARI PLAKI (PDF File)
WEEK 7: 03rd June 2020
HTAPODI (PDF File)
WEEK 8: 10th June 2020
FAFOLADA (PDF File)
WEEK 9: 17th June 2020
VASOULLA’S STAPHIDOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 11: 1st July 2020
PSARI SAVORO (PDF File)
WEEK 13: 15th July 2020
SPANAKORIZO (PDF File)
WEEK 14: 22nd July 2020
PSARI ME SELINO KE AVGOLEMONO (PDF File)
WEEK 16: 05th August 2020
KOTOPOULO ME PILAFI RIZI (PDF File)
WEEK 20: 02nd September 2020
MELITZANES KE TYRI STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 21: 9th September 2020
KARITHOPITA KAI ELLINIKO KAFE (PDF File)
WEEK 22: 16th September 2020
BIFTEKIA (PDF File)
WEEK 24: 30th September 2020
KOTOPOULO ME 40 SKORDA (PDF File)
WEEK 25: 07th October 2020
TOMATOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
Article written by London Greek Radio
The increasing daily death toll from Coronavirus has stunned the nation. The pandemic has caused widespread disruption to jobs, family life and individual liberty. Our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is currently fighting this dreadful disease.
The media and politicians alike suggest that we will need to call upon ‘The Dunkirk Spirit’ to see us through the crisis. It was said that the “Yorkshire flood victims showed the Dunkirk Spirit as they battled the rising water”. However, what does this really mean?
A brief look at the history does at least give us a startling perspective.
The renown historian, AJP Taylor famously wrote, “Dunkirk was a great deliverance and a great disaster but it might simply have been a great disaster”. Put bluntly, had Hitler not halted the advance of his Panzers at a critical point during the allied retreat, the miracle of Dunkirk would not have been possible. The term ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ would not exist.
Hypothetically, under these circumstances, “Dunkirk Capitulation” is a more appropriate epitaph as it is likely that the whole area would rapidly have been transformed into a giant POW cage.
As we know, for reasons which have never been convincingly explained, Hitler did halt his tanks, allowing the British and French to build a defensive perimeter around Dunkirk making mass evacuation possible.
More than three-hundred thousand British and French troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. But make no mistake – this was a collective effort. A brilliant feat of improvisation from our forces supported by a selfless rear-guard action from troops on the ground, notably the defenders of Calais and the French 12th motorised infantry division.
However, not everyone behaved as heroes and, like today, although most are observing social distancing, but not all, back then, some service personnel / civilians behaved selfishly.
Recently, Scotland’s chief medical officer has resigned after making two trips to her second home during the coronavirus “lockdown”. The chief medical officer had fronted television and radio adverts urging the public to stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS. However, it is the majority that create a collective spirit, not random individuals.
In 1940, private boat owners volunteered themselves and their vessels, (often just pleasure craft), to help with the evacuation. Their contribution was critical and is regarded, rightly so. with great pride. No doubt, in time, memories of the volunteers prepared to risk infection for the greater cause during the Coronavirus will attribute similar status.
After Dunkirk, Winston Churchill reminded the public, “wars are not won by evacuations”, but added, “there was a victory inside this deliverance which should be noted”. From this platform, based on a common spirit of defiance, Churchill was able to galvanise a nation to defend itself against invasion.
Of course, to varying degrees, this spirit was evident during the threat from the Spanish Armada and later Napoleon, although modern communication was not available then so the message would have taken time to circulate. Churchill had radio. Today our leaders have satellite TV, the internet and social media.
It is often said that the British are at their best when their “backs are to the wall.” There is truth in this. Unlike our cousins across the pond, we champion the underdog, celebrate near misses, honourable defeats, resistance against all odds, rarely sublime victory. At the defence of the mission-station at Rorke’s Drift, which was a courageous, yet defensive engagement, the ‘hero’ status was accorded to Captain Scott after failing to reach Antarctica ahead of his biggest rival.
Our sentimental attachment with the Second World War is another factor. A couple of weeks ago, H.M the Queen made a rare televised address to the nation in which she called on the country to “remain united and resolute”, and echoed the words of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime anthem, when she said “we will meet again.” I can’t imagine other world leaders resurrecting our memories from the war to boost morale.
We are told hundreds of workers in small laboratories across the UK are working to create a 21st century flotilla of little ships to avert Britain`s threatened Coronavirus Dunkirk by testing the nation’s frontline NHS workers. This is truly uplifting, but is it really a version of the Dunkirk Spirit?
I believe this reaction to be a trait which is intrinsically British, but not exclusively so. “Lest we forget” the Spartans gallant stand at Thermopylae against overwhelming odds, or the French defenders at Verdun.
We may very well be a softer society than the one our parents or grandparents inhabited, but our current plight and capacity to endure should be measured against our world of 2020, not 1940.
I joined in the hand-clapping for National Heath /social workers which, although pre-ordained by the media, showed the very best of British. In my street, (Heywood Road, Harrogate), people came together in a simultaneous act of appreciation. Whole families clapped and cheered, not only out of respect, but there was a real sense of ‘we are in this fight together – we will beat this disease together.’ Other countries have shown their appreciation in similar ways but it is unusual for the British to embrace a collective emotional outpouring of this kind.
We may very well still be influenced by past glories perceived or otherwise, but our special spirit remains intact. Whether this is a British characteristic or the Dunkirk Spirit remains to be seen, but it is nevertheless, something we will be increasingly reliant upon in the months to come.
Michael Janes
LGR Broadcast Journalist.
Article written by Michael Janes
The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, have compiled useful support information for our UK Cypriot diaspora and Cypriot nationals currently in the UK. This initiative is also supported by the Presidential Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus.
We will continue to update this page, so if you know a service that we should be including please let us know, by email: [email protected]. Also, subscribe to our mailing by clicking here to get our regular updates.
London Greek Radio – working together with partners, businesses and organisations to support our communities.
Shopping/delivery support
If you are elderly, or vulnerable, and need help getting food or essential supplies, email us at [email protected], or call us on 0208 4459999. We will put you in touch with a team of young volunteers, organised by NEPOMAK UK, who can help you.
Areas covered include North, Central & East London; Manchester; Canterbury; Colchester; Glasgow; Hertfordshire; Ipswich; Harlow; Bury St Edmunds Newmarket; Red Lodge; Kentford; Stansted; Bishop’s Stortford; Saffron Walden; Harlow; Buntingford; Hertford; Birchanger; and Newport. These areas depend on volunteer availability, so may increase as we find more volunteers. Please do check back if you cant see your area on the list.
More HERE
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio is showing love to all our NHS workers by supporting #ClapForOurCarers this Thursday night.
This is something which affects us all, in London, whole of UK, and the World, the like of which has never been seen ever before.
The spread of coronavirus across the globe has forced us to stop doing things that for so long we’ve taken for granted…
Our favourite sports postponed, the Eurovision Song Contest especially Greek/Cypriot fans, the gigs/concerts of our favourite artists, our favourite restaurants, local businesses and community places, our Greek Orthodox Church services suspended.
We’re being asked to change a lot from our daily routine… social distancing, to self-isolate, in order to save lives.
The NHS heroes on the front-line deserve our recognition. The nurses, doctors, GP’s and carers for their ongoing hard work and fight against the virus. This is only the beginning of what looks set to be a challenging and difficult few months… we here at LGR want them to know, on behalf of you and everybody listening right now – how much they are appreciated… Which is why, this Thursday, we’re coming together, for them.
The hash-tag #ClapForOurCarers has been trending on social media in the last few days – and this Thursday – us here at LGR, along with the wider British public will be taking a minute out to ‘Applaud Our NHS Heroes’.
At 8pm on Thursday night – we’ll stop everything – to take a minute to put our hands together and make some noise for the doctors, nurses, carers, GP’s, pharmacists and all the NHS staff who are working hard to help those affected by coronavirus.
And we want you to join us – so, make sure you’ve got LGR on – this Thursday, at 8pm… turn your radio up and open your windows and front doors, stand on your balcony or in your garden and show your support.
Join us to create a wave of positivity for our friends in the NHS and let’s really make a difference – as we applaud our NHS heroes this Thursday at 8pm on LGR.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Cypriot leukaemia sufferers have 20% chance of a donor match help improve the odds for Stella.
Before Christmas, an urgent bone marrow appeal was launched for Stella Charalambous, a 45-year-old mother of one who has leukaemia. Among those spearheading the campaign to find her a blood donor match is her friend of 34 years, Naz Hassan.
The two, pictured above with another close friend Tina Agsti, are originally from North London, and while Stella and her family now live in Cyprus, the ladies have remained in close contact.
Stella’s appeal for a donor was initiated by Tina, who teamed up with Androulla Stylianou, head of the UK-based Leukaemia Cancer Society (020 8374 4821), a vital support organisation for numerous Greek and Turkish Cypriots seeking blood donors.
Stella’s friends quickly rallied round, sharing details of the appeal online and with ethnic community media. They have also distributed flyers and posters in North London, where there is a large Cypriot community, in a bid to drive up registration numbers and help find a donor for their seriously ill friend.
Their appeal is supported by British blood charity DKMS, which can arrange a mass swab testing session for groups, or they can send a special kit home for people to do their own swab test.
Currently, the odds of finding a match for Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, is very low due to the small number of people from both communities being registered on the global blood register. The two communities share similar genetic codes, making them highly suitable for blood donor matches.
“As a community, we need to pull together. People shouldn’t just read and ignore this appeal. We really have to help each other, as this illness can strike any of us at any age. So please take the (swab) test – your blood could potentially save a life,” urged Ms Hassan.
To help improve the odds of survival for blood cancer patients of Cypriot, Turkish, and Middle Eastern heritage, simply register online at dkms.org.uk for a cheek swab kit. It’s open to all UK residents who are healthy and aged between 17- 55 years of age.
The swab test itself is a painless, 30-second procedure. You use a cotton bud to rub on the inside of your cheek, which is returned to DKMS in a sealed bag. Its labs will do the necessary tests and add your details to the UK blood register, which is accessible to other blood charities worldwide. You only need to do the test once and it will cover you until you reach 55.
Where a match is generated, the process for donating stem cells is far easier and less invasive than previously, and there are no known health risks. You simply give blood, which is used for stem cell treatment of the patient with blood cancer.
The Leukaemia Cancer Society, Tel: 020 8374 4821.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Former LGR Presenter and Producer Costas Vorias sadly died on Monday 30th December 2019 in Larnaca, Cyprus. He was 60 years old.
Mr Vorias was a presenter during the 1980s and 1990s and started at London Greek Radio in 1986 before the station obtained its FM licence.
He coined the phrase on LGR, “Me tou Voria ta kimata sas stelnw xairetismata”.
Costas left LGR in 2002 and re-settled in Larnaca with his family.
He had served as Rentals Manager at Demorilo Holdings in Larnaca and studied “Radio and Media” at Enfield College in North London, graduating in 1989. He was schooled at ‘Pagkiprio Likio’ in his hometown of Larnaca.
The Vorias family have set-up a crowd-funding page called “We’re raising £1,000 to Give Costa the send-off he deserves”.
The page states, “As an alternative to sending flowers as a mark of respect, the family would welcome a donation to help give Costas the send-off and goodbye he deserves.”
Find out more here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/in-memory-of-costas
Tony Psilou, Managing Director of LGR said, “It’s always sad to hear news like this and there’s some comfort in knowing that Costas’ time at LGR was popular and his programmes were enjoyed by thousands.”
Costas leaves behind his wife, Katie, two children, Stamatis and Katerina, his brother, three sisters and extended family and friends, as well as his loyal dog, ‘Brando’.
Funeral details were confirmed for Saturday 4th January 2019 at Apostolos Varnavas Church in Kameres, Larnaca, Cyprus. The service will take place at 12.30pm.
London Greek Radio expresses their deep sorrow at Costas’ sad passing, and we express our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Photo credit: Costas Vorias Facebook, LGR Haringey studios, Radiomarathon
Article written by London Greek Radio
British-Cypriot Bambos Charalambous wins Enfield Southgate constituency.
Labour’s Bambos Charalambous has been re-elected with 48.5 per cent of the vote and a majority of 4,450.
Labour took this seat from the Conservatives in 2015. Before that the Tories held the seat since 1950 with (the exception, 1997 and 2001 elections, with Stephen Twigg wins for the Labour party and elected-government).
In 2017 Charalambous won 51.7 per cent of the vote with a majority of 4,355 so results this year are very similar to before.
Running against Mr Charalambous and the closest competitor is David Burrowes, who was MP for the constituency for 12 years until 2017.
Burrowes got 39.1 per cent of the vote which accounted for 18,473 votes.
In the 2016 EU Referendum the constituency was fiercely Remain with 62.1 per cent of the electorate voting to remain in the European Union.
The constituency has an interesting make up with the southern parts being fairly urban and the northern parts semi-rural.
Enfield Southgate results:
2017 result: Bambos Charalambous, Labour
Luke Balnave, Green, 1,042
David Burrowes, Conservative, 18,473
Bambos Charalambous, Labour, 22,923
Parag Shah, The Brexit Party, 494
Rob Wilson, Liberal Democrat, 4,344
Photo: Bambos Charalambous Twitter
Article written by London Greek Radio
The former Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain & Thyateria, Gregorios, has died at the age of 91.
He passed away at 7.00am on Wednesday 20th November after several months of ill-health, in the house of the Archdiocese where he had lived for the past 30 years.
Incumbent Archbishop Nikitas paid tribute to his predecessor’s “tall figure” on London Greek Radio.
His Eminence told LGR’s drive-time presenter Pierre Petrou, “This is a very sad day for the community, not only for London and the UK, but for world Orthodoxy. [This is] because we stand in the shadow of someone who gave his life to the church, to the community, to the world; a real servant – a man who lived with humility and led by example, a man who never forgot his roots, his identity. When we lose people like this, who stood as tall figures for us to imitate and for us to follow, there’s a sudden emptiness in our lives. The world becomes poorer.”
It was revealed that the former Archbishop was bedridden since July and was cared for around-the-clock by the clergy, staff and family members at the Archdiocese in London.
Archbishop Gregorios found joy in his last few months of his life when visited by members of the community.
Born in a village within Famagusta, Cyprus on 28th October 1928, he was the ninth and youngest child of the family.
His father was a builder who died when Gregorios was just three-years old.
At the age of 11, Gregorios completed his primary education and became an apprentice shoemaker.
In 1949, he enrolled at the Higher Commercial School in the town of Lefkoniko and two years later, he transferred to the Pan-Cypriot Gymnasium in Nicosia, having become a rassophore.
He was later ordained as a deacon in 1953 at the Church of St. Sava in Nicosia by Archbishop Makarios III.
After graduating from the Gymnasium in 1954, he went to Athens and studied at the Theological School of the University, receiving his university degree in February 1959.
During this time, he was appointed to the Church of All Saints in London and began ministerial duties at the Church of the Holy Saints in Camden Town in April 1959.
In 1964 he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and six years later, he was consecrated Bishop of Tropaiou.
Within hours of being ordained, Gregorios undertook to organise and administer St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Barnabas the Apostle in Wood Green, North London.
He was unanimously elected by the Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain in 1988 and his enthronement took place at the Cathedral of Sophia in West London.
For over thirty years, Archbishop Gregorios worked tirelessly within the community and maintained an open and transparent schedule of attendance at hundreds of community events, in London, the UK and across the world.
As well as attending high-profile appointments with British royalty, politicians and dignitaries, he also made time to preside personally at many Christenings, weddings, and funerals, as well as meet with anyone who sought his spiritual advice and guidance.
With a gentle and reasoned voice, the former Archbishop upheld the concerns of the Greek Orthodox community, expressing the Christian message of peace and reconciliation.
Until his ailing health, Archbishop Gregorios often spoke of repentance and his Christian beliefs were strongly delivered in a modern 21st Century Britain.
Archbishop Nikitas added, “[Archbishop Gregorios] had that wonderful smile and that twinkle in his eyes. The legacy that he leaves is that he was the one who founded many churches and that he ordained many clergy. I think his greatest legacy is seen in his simplicity of character and his humility.”
LGR presenter Pierre Petrou, who knew Archbishop Gregorios for over 20 years said, “Archbishop Gregorios’ presence – physical, intellectual, and spiritual, was a gift to all who knew him. His unwavering faith in Christ gave him a particular perspective both to the church and to all those who he spoke with, as well as when he delivered sermons during his thirty-plus years as Archbishop.”
Archbishop Nikitas reminded those mourning that people should also look at the goodness the former Archbishop brought into the world. “We have to look at his example, his character, and imitate virtues that he tried to live by, especially his love for Christ and the church, which he expressed in his love for all people.”
Funeral arrangements have been released this evening. The body of former Archbishop Gregorios will lie in state, followed by the funeral on Thursday 5th December at 10:30am at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Wood Green. The Funeral Service, followed by interment at Hendon Cemetery.
Any and all donations and contributions in memory of the late Archbishop Gregorios should be sent to the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, 5 Craven Hill, London W2 3EN.
LGR expresses the sincere condolences to the former Archbishop’s family, friends and the clergy who served with him.
Photo courtesy of Alexios Gennaris
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio Celebrates 30 Years of Broadcasting.
The UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold an FM licence commemorates its birthday.
London Greek Radio, (LGR), celebrates 30 years of broadcasting as a radio station on 13th November 2019, becoming the UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold an FM licence.
Listeners, presenters, staff and management celebrated its 30th birthday at a “Dinner & Dance” event on 30th October, with Cypriot singer, Stelios Chiotis and others.
Britain’s first-ever licensed ethnic radio station began official broadcasting on 13th November 1989 upon being awarded its licence, breaking ground for changing the landscape of UK radio.
A special day of “celebratory programming” will take place on Wednesday 13th November 2019 from 7am until Midnight to also mark the anniversary.
The book, ‘London’s Pirate Pioneers’ by Stephen Hebditch tells the story of the capital’s pirate radio stations and the people who helped change the British broadcasting system.
LGR’s undeniable legacy and the intense pressures the station faced to be closed down is highlighted by the author. London Greek Radio became Britain’s first-ever licensed ethnic radio station upon being awarded its FM frequency and is the UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold that FM licence.
The station’s strong community backbone is as relevant now as ever it was.
Over the years, London Greek Radio has become steadfast to a wide range of listeners; from maturing-settlers-to-the-UK, to the coming-of-age of British Greeks and Cypriots – connecting listeners to their roots through a carefully balanced programming of music, speech, entertainment and news.
The station is an integrated part of the communities’ sociable lives including the organising of successful, frequently ‘sold-out’ events such as the annual ‘Dinner & Dance’ to the regular ‘Club-Nights’ which are immensely popular with the station’s younger audience.
Today, in addition to serving communities on 103.3 FM, LGR has been taken into 21st-century broadcasting by joining the Digital Radio platform.
LGR can now be heard in four major cities on DAB+ (digital radio), namely London, Birmingham, Manchester and crossing into Scotland, Glasgow.
As part of the station’s ever-growing expansion, LGR now also broadcasts to Larnaca in Cyprus, on 93 FM, believed to be the first ever FM station in the world to broadcast on FM in another country.
Furthermore, listeners extend worldwide, online at lgr.co.uk and the station has a free app for mobile devices which listeners can download from the App or Play stores, embracing the ‘on-the-move’ audience.
LGR’s Managing Director, Tony Jay, said, “More listeners are discovering the ever-growing London Greek Radio family every day, and it’s not only Greek-speaking listeners but English, Jewish, Albanian, Arab, Bulgarian, Turkish, Russian and many more who frequently tune in.
He added, “LGR is undergoing a revamp with fresh ideas to attract an even wider audience. Exciting times ahead; ‘onwards and upwards’.”
LGR’s Chairman John Kyriakides, said, “With LGR’s edgier playlists of the biggest Greek and Cypriot tunes, Modern Laika, Greek Pop, Entehna, Golden-Oldies, Alternative, Folk and current Chart Hits, we continue to serve the listener.
“It is this fundamental reason that the station remains the preferred choice in most Greek and Cypriot homes, offices, shops, factories, workplaces, vehicles and venues.”
The birthday party continues on 30th November when the station invites you to help celebrate at it’s ‘Greekology‘ Club Night at Trent Park Country Club. To secure your attendance, visit, lgr.co.uk/lgr-presents-greekology-at-the-country-club-2/
Happy Birthday to LGR – Here’s to the next 30 years!
Article written by 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.
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