Kalavasos Association UK

Our Organisation

Kalavasos Association UK – 30 Years on and still going strong…

By Lakis Neokleous

This year marks the 30^th anniversary since our Organisation was set up.   To find out more about the early days, we contacted Pangratis Papacosta, who now lives and works in Chicago, USA.  Pangratis was one of the founder members and first Chairman of the Organisation:

“It is good to hear from you and particularly happy that our Kalavasos UK organisation is now developing its own web site. This will enhance our communication system tremendously.

We had a rocky and uncertain beginning. I remember how we met at the Ealing Broadway restaurant of our departed friend Yiannakis (Maroulla's husband) and I believe its name was "The Boulevard". I remember brother Andrew, Costakis Neokleous, Pampos Picrodafnis, Antreas Irakleous, Anrtikkos Agridiotis and maybe brother Socrates (not sure on that). I was the one who arranged this gathering with the idea of organising the Kalavasiotes in UK with only one purpose in mind. Besides arranging events that will preserve our connection and identity with the village the most important reason for forming our organisation was how we can help Kalavasos.

It was my main objective to make this a totally apolitical organisation with only one thing in mind and that is how to help our village. My hope was that if we were to stand together - regardless of political affiliations - united in our love and concern about Kalavasos then this model could also be an example to follow by all Kalavasiotes living in the village, a reminder that we must all work together for the common good of our village. This to me is the most important success of the organisation. Yes it also sends money to the village and supports individuals in need and we have to acknowledge and be proud of these efforts. But the organisation also is a symbol of Unity; all of us bound by a common heritage, history and the traditions of our great village. I believe this approach should be intention of every Cypriot organisation overseas.

That first meeting was a bit tense because we had no procedures or bylaws and not everyone knew what the exact mission of the organisation would be. I remember also that some of the founding members were suspicious of what was behind this initiative. After a series of disagreements we all came to a common belief that our love, interest and commitment to our village must be the core of our mission and that this organisation must be above politics.”

Despite the difficult beginnings: overcoming suspicions, agreeing the Organisation’s Constitution, finding Kalavasiotes addresses, contacting them all, organising meetings and events, its roots were set firmly in the ground, it flourished, and now can present a proud history and a promise for even more successes…. in the next  30 years …at least.

We present here only some of the activities and events of the Organisation’s rich history:

Bringing UK Kalavasiotes together     

• Children’s Christmas party: This is organised 2-3 weeks before Christmas every year, and is always well attended.  The children not only have a good time they also receive a Christmas present from the organisation. 

• Disco Nights: The Organisation’s young members got to know each other and made new lasting friendships.

• Ladies buffet: Ladies, members of the Organisation prepare delicious, with traditional recipes, food and cakes for Kalavasiotes & friends get-together evenings.  Lately this event is combined with the Children’s party, thus giving the opportunity for whole families to be together.

• Kalavasos Souvla event: this takes place every year in early July.  It is always well attended and apart from good traditional souvla, open-air games are organised and good time is had by all.

• Dinner and Dances: These do not take place every year, but when they do they are successful and enjoyable.

• Pensioners Dinners: From time to time the Committee organise special evening for grand parents.  Reminiscing stories of Kalavasos life in the bygone years and the early and difficult years in the new country normally last well into the night.  

• Bus Trips: So far visited: Cambridge, Bognor Regis, Isle of Wight, France.  Always well attended and Kalavasiotes and friends have memorable times together. 

 The Organisation’s links with Kalavasos

Whenever the opportunity arises our Organisation helps Kalavassos (as a whole) and individual co-villagers. 

• Contributing to the Village-Square (Platea) cultural renovation: Kalavasos Association UK apart from been part in the planning stages made a substantial financial contribution towards the completion of the project.

• Contribution towards the repair and maintenance of the Village Church Iconostasi.

• Contributed to the running of the Village Nursery.

• Contributed to individuals in need: Send three wheelchairs for co-villagers with disabilities and made donations to others with financial needs.

Finally, the Organisation has the potential for even more successes in the future, lets all try to help it succeed.

 

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