Members of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain recently enjoyed a day trip to Southend. The group gathered and boarded their coach near the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green. They had a break in their journey so the group could light a candle and enjoy the service at the church of St Barbara, St Phanourios and St Paul in Westcliffe-on-Sea before travelling on into Southend.
On arrival everyone enjoyed the traditional seaside lunch of Fish & Chips at Kingfisher Restaurant. It was a pleasant summer’s day and many took the opportunity after lunch to walk or just relax by the seafront.
The coach journey was made more enjoyable with Greek music and songs. As always the traditional Shinnopittes prepared by 90-year-old Katina for the outing, were enthusiastically received by all, including Anastasis, who at 94 is our oldest Association member.
Members took the opportunity to exchange family information, recount memories of Rizokarpasso and express their desire to return to their homes and properties in Rizokarpasso. They also remembered the sacrifice of the remaining 230 enclaved Greek Cypriots in Rizokarpasso, whose numbers have declined over the years from over 3,000 Rizokarpassides prior to 1974.
The Association’s next opportunity for family and friends to meet will be at the Annual Rally for Cyprus, which will be a march through central London starting at 2.30pm outside the Turkish Embassy on Saturday 16th July; the Annual General Meeting in the Autumn at the Cypriot Community Centre, Wood Green and the Association’s Dinner and Dance on Saturday 5th November at The Penridge Suite, Arnos Grove.