Tala Council Newsletter April 2014

SAPA

After a very difficult couple of months, I am delighted to advise that SAPA finally agreed to freeze payments from Tala residents for the sewerage until the end of 2016.   Those of you who have received invoices, can therefore ignore these.

I was called to a subsequent meeting at SAPA when a number of people attempted to get this decision reversed [probably as Peyia have now applied to have their charges postponed for 12 months].  However, I am pleased to advise that sense prevailed and the decision to freeze charges for Tala until the end of 2016 applies.   The matter has now been referred to the Government for a decision as to what should happen at the end of 2016.

Anyone who has paid the SAPA invoice will, I am afraid, have to wait until the Government confirms one way or another what is going to happen to Tala – this is for legal reasons as the Department of Ministers has to approve rebates and they will not do this if there is any possibility that charges may still apply at some time.  This position has changed somewhat from what was originally advised unfortunately.

We still intend to attempt to get Tala excluded from the SAPA road-based sewerage system if at all possible.   Freezing the charges for Tala at least allows us more time to negotiate with the relevant departments.    

I had a good meeting with the Water Board in Nicosia.  They have advised that Tala has their full support and they wish to use Tala as a test case to show that the Government did not interpret the EU ruling correctly in respect of sewerage.  The Water Board will be in Tala during the next few weeks and it will be interesting to see where their findings take us!

POST OFFICE

Following the resignation of Andreas, the vacancy created has been advertised and the position filled.   The successful candidate was Yiota so please allow her a little time to find her feet and get used to addresses.  

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

For those with an election in the European elections, a list of the candidates standing for Cyprus can be found on http://europedecides.eu/candidates/election-lists/cy/

Cyprus will have 6 MEPs.

GRAFFITI, VANDALISM, ETC

I am sorry to report that we have had more graffiti on the walls around the amphitheatre.   As a result security cameras have been installed and photographic evidence of the offenders will be handed over to the Police. 

There has also been a report of vandals throwing lemons, water bombs and some stones at motorists passing the school.   Despite efforts, we have been unable to trace the offenders.  

We have also had a report of vandalism to cars parked overnight at the car park behind the square, and theft of wing mirrors from a vehicle parked on a house driveway.  

We are investigating additional security measures  for various locations around the village, but I ask that everyone remain vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, to please take a description of the offenders and advise the Police.

DOGS

The Council receives a lot of complaints about dogs – whether it be regarding the noise that they make, fouling or wandering the streets.  As the Police appear not to be interested, a  decision has been made by the Council to write to all owners about whom complaints have been received.   If there is no improvement after the warning letter, legal action will be taken against the owners. 

If you are affected by problems, please either write into the council or email Cathi on toffee@primehome.com.  Please state the nature of the complaint and the full address of the offending owner.

COLLAPSING HOUSES AT THE ENTRANCE TO KAMARES

Following on from my last update, the Electricity Board have been asked to tie back the poles again as they are leaning away from the concrete structure.   I appreciate that everyone still has concerns about these buildings, but the District Office is monitoring the situation on a regular basis.

NATURE PATH

The Council has approved the building of a nature path which will go either from the back of the old car park, or from the bend adjacent to the collapsing houses.   The path will lead up to the monastery.   EU funding is being applied for for this project.

NEW CEMETERY

Progress in respect of the above is very slow.   To give you some background, the new church was built on land belonging to the Education Ministry.   An agreement was reached with the previous council and the Church, that the Education Ministry would be given a plot of land of 6.5 donums, this land abutting church land of the same size.   The Church have offered to lease this 6.5 donum piece of land to the Council to build a cemetery, however, whilst the lease is for 99 years, there is a clause that if the cemetery is not built within 5 years, the Church will take the land back.  

We have a long way to go before the necessary permissions and permits are obtained and, unfortunately, work cannot proceed until all these are in place.

THE SQUARE.

I am pleased to advise that the preliminary permit for reformation of the square has been obtained.  We now, therefore, have what is called a ‘mature project’ and we will be applying for European funding.  

GARDEN WASTE SITE

Some of you will be aware that we had another fire at the site and this has led to further complaints from those living in the area.   As a result, anyone who has garden waste to dispose of should please phone the council or call into the council office, and arrangements will be made to open up the site for them. 

COMPUTER SYSTEM AT THE COUNCIL OFFICE

Slow progress is being made in respect of the new system.   We are, therefore, considering bringing in unemployed university graduates who are available under a new Government incentive to help young qualified people gain experience in the workplace.   Under this incentive, the Government pays their salary for a 6 month period and it is felt that their input will ensure that the project is completed as they gain valuable work experience.

COUNCIL WEBSITE & BLOGSPOT

Following the launch of the new website [www.thevillagexpress.com – click on Union Jack and type in Tala for the relevant information] we realised that the site did not suit all the requirements of  Tala given the diversity of events and information we provide.

So, in addition to the website, we now have a blog site – talanews.blogspot.com.  On this site you will find details of all the events, past and present, and the newsletters.    In addition, you can now subscribe if you wish to be notified of events and when the newsletter is available.   Simply log onto the blog and at the right hand side of the screen you will see ‘Follow by email’.  Simply type in your email address and press submit and you will be notified when anything new is added to the blog.

It is hoped that by providing both sites, all our needs in the foreseeable future can be handled. 

We are also investigating whether we can simplify ticket booking for events at the amphitheatre.   If this can be done via the blog site, you will be advised, but in the meantime, please notify Cathi if you wish to reserve tickets for collection on the door.

WATER BILLS FOR THOSE ON TALA WATER

Just a reminder for those on Tala water that meter readings were carried out at the end of March and you can now call into the office to pay your latest bill.   Paper bills will not be issued until after the June readings.

NEW CHURCH – HALL, MUSEUM & LIBRARY

A number of people have spoken to me to ask if the hall, museum and library are to be named as it is felt that ‘the hall underneath the new church’ does not convey the correct image, even if it does make clear where the venue is!   As the premises are the property of the Archbishop, I have raised this issue with him and await his advices.  

NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY HELP REQUIRED

The National Crime Agency continue to pursue criminals thought to be on the island of Cyprus.   The current list of wanted offenders is shown on http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/356-second-operation-zygos-campaign-hunts-criminals-in-cyprus  and there is an appeal for everyone to keep a look out and notify the agency if they see any of those listed.

EASTER EVENTS

These are being finalized and a list will appear on the website and blogsite shortly.

EVENTS

25 April - Tony Lee as Roy Orbison, including the greatest hits of the 60’s by Gene Pitney and others at Vatouthkia – [Kendall & Morrelli].  Only a few tickets remain for this event.

10 May - A ShowDance featuring Melissa Williams, Davey Woodford and host Bob Clarkson at Vatouthkia

15 May - Tom Jones tribute at Vatouthkia – [Kendall & Morrelli]

24 May - State of Quo [music of Status Quo] – at the Amphitheatre – tickets will be available shortly.

25 May – Kamares Festival – 10am to 5pm at Kamares Club

6 & 8 June - Mercury & May – the Ultimate Queen tribute – at the Amphitheatre.  Tickets available shortly.

14 June – Ian G With Strings Attached – octet playing popular music – at the Amphitheatre.  Tickets available shortly.

18 June – Barrie Rowe – from Glen Miller to Motown – at the Amphitheatre.  Tickets available shortly.

20 & 22 June – Rod Stewart tribute – back at the Amphitheatre by popular demand.  Tickets available shortly.

25 June – Music school exhibition – classical Greek music.  Tickets available shortly.

Coming up: 

Bee Gees tribute – [11^th and 14^th July at the Amphitheatre]

Greek theatre [18 July at the Amphitheatre]

Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry tribute direct from the UK,  together with Karen Kendall Covers [26 July at the Amphitheatre] 

Greek music and dance by Aenaon – [3 August at the Amphitheatre]

Simon & Garfunkel  tribute [8^th  August at the Amphitheatre]

Papageorghiou String Quartet putting a classical spin on modern music [29^th August at the Amphitheatre]

Artemis – Greek music [31 August at the Amphitheatre]

Sister Act and Supremes Motown Magic direct from the UK [7^th September at the Amphitheatre]

Jersey Boys – back at the amphitheatre by popular demand [19^th, 24^thand 27^th September]

Engelbert Humperdinck at Vatouthkia – 24^th October [Kendall & Morrelli]

The Rat Pack makes a return – Vatouthkia  - 28^thNovember [Kendall & Morrelli]

Vatouthkia events – booking direct with Vatouthkia [99 459163, or 99 751007], or via Derek on derekincyprus@gmail.com

Kendall & Morrelli shows – tickets, including international buffet, available from Vatouthkia, SoEasy Kiosk in Tala, via Cathi on toffee@primehome.com, or on 96818066

Amphitheatre shows – tickets can be pre-booked with Cathi on toffee@primehome.com

ART EXHIBITION

For art lovers, Maria Etheridge, a Tala resident, is holding an inaugural exhibition from Thursday 8^th May [starting at 7pm] until the 22^ndMay.   This will be held at Zante Restaurant  just 8 kilometres outside Limassol on the Troodos road.   To make the first exhibition something special and different, it will be entitled “Wish you were here” and will feature only postcard art – each piece of art conforming to a specific size. However, such an apparent limitation will not hamstring the artists as they can use any medium they want and let their imagination run riot. It will be fascinating to see what will be on display. 

                If you wish to join this merry band of creators, please contact Maria Etheridge by email on saxons@cytanet.com.cy and she will supply you with the necessary information – visit the website at www.art-en-route-cyprus.com–  and read all about it on the blog at www.sasonsblog.wordpress.com

Next newsletter 15 June

Areti Pieridou

  

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Tala Council Newsletter February 2014

Happy New Year!  

DONATIONS

I would like to say a very big thank you to all those who very generously donated gifts and food parcels to needy families, particularly in the lead up to the Christmas period.   All were very gratefully received and I was very proud of the way the whole community pulled together to ensure that no-one was left hungry or in need.  St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Tala has been particularly supportive and a new initiative is being considered which will allow the members of the church to interact more closely with those families badly affected by the financial situation.

A number of people have handed in bags of good second hand clothing and the like.  Such goods are always useful and I can assure you that nothing will be wasted.   If you have second hand clothing or other items which are surplus to requirements these can be left either at the council office or SKE [Welfare Centre].

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped at the Christmas Bazaar and who provided knitted goods, cakes, or other gifts for this event.

SAPA

As most of you will know from the email issued, SAPA are in the process of issuing invoices to all residents in respect of the sewerage charge.   Since the email, SAPA have agreed to a special meeting regarding Tala but a date is still awaited for this.    I have also had an interview on Paphos Radio by phone.  Unbeknown to me, Mr Vergas was on another line to the station and he has said over the air that he hopes the situation will be resolved by the end of February, and that Tala residents should not pay any invoice received.

In the meantime, if we manage to exclude ourselves from the SAPA road based sewerage system, it looks likely that, due to EU regulations, our existing septic tank arrangement will be unacceptable.   We are, however, pursuing  details of an alternative which converts our septic tanks into ‘domestic treatment units’ – and such units are acceptable to the EU.   It is felt that this option will be cheaper and result in far less disruption than the road based system that SAPA seem keen to include us in! 

Our first task, however, is to get SAPA to agree that they will not charge Tala residents as this is the main priority at the moment.  Thereafter, we will pursue the alternative we suggest with the Government and see if this can be accepted.  The 80% Government subsidy for whatever system we have is unlikely to be available for a number of years – 2020 is the current earliest estimate.

Peyia are in a different situation as they are a municipality and therefore do not qualify for any Government funding.   In addition, their Council has elected to proceed with the road based system.

As soon as there is anything further to report, you will be advised.  In the meantime, it is imperative that you do not pay the SAPA invoice. 

GREEN AREA PLANTING

Now we have had some winter rain, a number of areas will be planted up by the council.

These will be :

Alongside the Council vehicle storage area

Top of Peristerion

PLANTING IN PAVEMENTS

Please note that a Government instruction has now been issued that there should be no new planting of anything in pavements due to the damage caused by root growth, and also to avoid obstruction of the pavement. 

Several residents have allowed the pavement outside their homes to be used for vehicle and boat parking, or as a general dumping ground for items that don’t fit on their drives or in their garages.  Could you please ensure that the pavement is kept clear for pedestrians and also report any offenders to the Council so we can contact them. 

SUBSIDING BUILDINGS AT THE ENTRANCE TO KAMARES

I have finally received information from the District Office regarding the recent work undertaken at the site.

a) Cracks on the patios, area surrounding the pools, drives, paths, etc have been filled in to stop further erosion of the subsoil. 

b) The swimming pools have been covered with panels to avoid ingress of rainwater. 

c) A trench was created at the back of the block of flats to divert rainwater away from the building and into the ravine.

d) A trench was created alongside the main road into Kamares – again to divert rainwater.

Finally, green mesh has been erected to prevent access to the site either from the main or top road.

OLD CEMETERY

Work has been done to tidy up and improve the old cemetery.  A dividing wall between the old and the extension has been removed, and concrete paths have been installed to separate and mark the plots.

POST OFFICE

Some of you may remember that a few years ago, in order to employ a second person at the Post Office and improve the service, the wage for the existing member of staff was halved with the result that the Post Office had two employees for the price of one.

The situation is that each of the 2 members of staff earns €300 a month – from this they have to provide, maintain and fuel the transport they use for deliveries.   Obviously, with increasing costs of fuel  the current position cannot continue and, as the Post Office are unwilling to increase pay, the only improvement that can be made from the staff’s point of view is to reduce their delivery area.

With immediate effect, therefore, those living in the roads shown below will no longer receive a mail delivery and should organise a post box at the post office for their mail.  The roads affected are those in rural areas or where the road surface is poor and unsuitable for a moped, and it is hoped that disruption should be minimal.  All have been notified:

Panaretou Ieromonahou, Dimitri Liperti, Maroniti, Levantas, Iakinthos, Tzoumayias, Rebekkas Andreou, Kafkalla, Lambousa, Christou Keli from 17 onwards, Ioannou Horevti, Irakleous, Papadaniel, Ntirris, Melanos,  the rural area where the new cemetery is to be, all agricultural roads and any roads in Melissovounos where it is difficult for a moped to travel.

Unfortunately, one member of staff, Andreas,  has now handed in his notice as he travels on a daily basis from Peyia to Tala and, with the low pay and increasing costs, he felt that the job was no longer viable.  Andreas  leaves at the end of February and I would like to thank him for the good service he has provided.  We are waiting for a response from the Post Office as to how they will now proceed and I will let you know, in due course, if any further change to the service  will be made.  From the end of the month, with one member of staff, deliveries are likely to be affected unfortunately. 

VOTING – EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

Elections for members of the European Parliament will take place in Cyprus on 25 May.   EU citizens are entitled to vote, providing they do not hold a vote in any other country.   If you already have a vote for the Cypriot local elections, you may have applied for an EU vote at the same time.  Unfortunately, no voting book is issued for European elections.

The District Office is in the process of issuing letters to those who have a local vote but not an EU vote so letters [in Greek] with application form [in Greek and English] may already have been received.

Anyone who does not have a vote in the local elections can also take this opportunity to apply for this at the same time.   There is a separate form and photographs will be needed for this.

Cathi has a supply of the application forms if you email her on toffee@primehome.comadvising which vote you wish to apply for.  There is also a small supply of the forms in the Tala Council Office.

The District Office is on the main street in Ktima where Marks & Spencer’s foodhall is.   The office is up the road from the Post Office and next door to the building surrounded by scaffold and green mesh and is the building with the main door reached by a number of steps up from the pavement.   Once you go through the door, you need to go to the office on your left.

Cyprus will have 6 MEPs.  Details of the candidates are not yet available.

DOGS

The Council receives a lot of complaints about dogs – whether it be regarding the noise that they make, fouling or wandering the streets.  As the Police appear not to be interested, a  decision has been made by the Council to write to all owners about whom complaints have been received.   If there is no improvement after the warning letter, legal action will be taken against the owners. 

If you are affected by problems, please either write into the council or email Cathi on toffee@primehome.com.  Please state the nature of the complaint and the full address of the offending owner.

COMPUTER SYSTEM AT THE COUNCIL OFFICE

Work is underway in respect of  the new computer programme.   We will try and keep disruption to a minimum but in the event that the system is down, payment can still be made and a manual receipt will be issued. 

The council website has moved under the control of the new technical suppliers and there will be times over the course of the next few weeks, when this is unavailable or where information may be out of date.   Efforts will be made to ensure that work is done as quickly as possible so that the site is fully operational again.   Please note the address for the new website is  www.thevillagexpress.com.   Once you log onto the site, click on the Union Jack in the right hand corner [for English] and then Paphos and scroll through the list to Tala.  Alternatively, you can type Tala into the search engine at the top of the page. 

Newsletters will be in Documents.   Events are listed under Events and you can also click on the calendar in the bottom left hand corner if you wish to see if there is any entertainment on specific dates. 

The site is still a work in progress and documents, photos  and information will be added to the site shortly.

VOLUNTEERS

If anyone has a few hours each week where they can make themselves available to help whoever needs it in the community, their assistance would be appreciated.   We have a number of people who are incapacitated due to illness or operations, who are housebound, or whose health is failing meaning that they can no longer drive to the supermarket or bank.    Help could consist of driving, a little shopping or other errands, or simply having a coffee with someone to break up their day.   If anyone is interested, could they please contact Cathi on toffee@primehome.com.

EASTER CHARITY RAFFLE

Tickets for the above will be available from 1^st March at the Council Offices and also at SKE [Welfare Centre].  They are priced at €1.50 per ticket, or €5 per strip of 5.   There are numerous prizes from alcoholic beverages of varying descriptions, tickets at amphitheatre events,  through to meals at local tavernas.   Funds raised will remain in Tala.  The draw will take place on Easter Monday in the Square at 1700.

EVENTS

14 Feb – Vatouthkia – Valentine’s Night with Neil James

23 Feb – Vatouthkia – Sunday lunch with Amy

28 Feb – Kendall & Morrelli – Rob Cairns as Marc Bolan/T Rex at Vatouthkia

28 Feb – Carnival Dinner Dance at Epsilon Taverna, Emba.  Tickets €20 available from the Council                office.

2 Mar – Vatouthkia – Sunday lunch with Crystal Clear

9 Mar – Vatouthkia – Sunday lunch with Ian G

21 Mar – Church Hall in Tala – Concert by Yuri Zhislin and Katya Apekisheva.  This will comprise works from the classical repertoire including Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata and arrangements of lighter works such as Scott Joplin, Johann  Strauss, tangos, rhumbas as well as well-known Russian and Italian songs.  Tickets €12 available  from  SoEasy Kiosk in Tala, online at www.apollonartists.com      or to reserve via Cathi on toffee@primehome.com.  There is also a helpline [8.30am-10.30am and 3pm-5pm] on 7000 9303

22 Mar – Kendall & Morrelli – Andrew Browning as George Michael at Vatouthkia

 13 Apr – Easter  Charity Bazaar at SKE [Welfare Centre] 

Coming up:  [All dates after May are provisional at this stage!]

80’s explosion at Vatouthkia – 25^thApril

Tom Jones tribute at Vatouthkia – 16^thMay

Mercury & May – the Ultimate Queen tribute [6^th and 8^th June at Amphitheatre]

Ian G With Strings Attached – octet playing popular music [14^th June at Amphitheatre]

Barrie Rowe – from Glen Miller to Motown [provisional 18^th June at Amphitheatre]

Rod Stewart tribute – back at the Amphitheatre again by popular demand [20^th and 22^nd June]

Bee Gees tribute – [11^th and 14^thJuly at the Amphitheatre]

Karen Kendall Covers [26 July at the Amphitheatre] – the music of Cher, Blondie, Karen Carpenter, Elkie Brooks and Chrissy Hynd

Simon & Garfunkel  tribute [8^th  August at the Amphitheatre]

Sister Act direct from the UK [7^thSeptember at the Amphitheatre]

Jersey Boys – back at the amphitheatre by popular demand [19^th, 24^th and 27^th September]

Engelbert Humperdinck at Vatouthkia – 24^thOctober

The Rat Pack makes a return – Vatouthkia  - 28^th November

Vatouthkia events – booking direct with Vatouthkia [99 459163, or 99 751007], or via Derek on derekincyprus@gmail.com

Kendall & Morrelli shows – tickets, including international buffet, available from Vatouthkia, SoEasy Kiosk in Tala, via Cathi on toffee@primehome.com, or on 96818066

Amphitheatre shows – tickets can be pre-booked with Cathi on toffee@primehome.com

BLOOD DONING

This will take place at SKE [Welfare Centre] on Wednesday 5^th March from 5pm to 8pm.

Next newsletter 15 April

Areti Pieridou

  

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Tala Council Newsletter November 2013

  

SAPA [MAINS SEWERAGE INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS]

I regret to advise that no progress has been made since the last newsletter.  SAPA had a meeting which I was unable to attend, promptly changed the agenda to include Tala, and then agreed that Tala should be asked to start paying for the mains sewerage from 2014. 

There has then been a subsequent meeting, which I did attend, where SAPA are now demanding that Tala start paying immediately.  The Government Ministers are still unable to make a decision despite intervention from the Archbishop.  Tala Council will continue to refuse to accept any requests for payment from SAPA.  However, there has been a suggestion that as costs have been incurred already in connection with the project, Tala should at least pay such costs [which we estimate to be several  thousands] and if by paying such costs they then agree to exclude us, then this is something that will be considered.

GREEN AREAS

We are waiting for the winter rains to start before we plant up any new green areas.   Once the weather changes,  details of when and where planting will take place will be  posted on the website.  As happened earlier this year, assistance from residents on these occasions would be very much appreciated!

TALA SQUARE

The designs for the pedestrianisation of the square are making progress through the various planning and traffic departments and we are hoping to have them finalised soon so that we can then apply for Government and EU funding.  A set of the provisional drawings is available on the table in my office if you wish to  see them. 

PROJECTS

We are looking to purchase a piece of land suitable for a multi-cultural centre and which would also include provision of new council offices [leaving the Council free to rent out the current premises].    Pending building of such a centre, the Church will allow the village to use the hall under the new church.  However, this hall is intended for functions and weddings.   If you wish to book the hall for a function, please contact Cathi in the first instance with details of the date and function, but please bear in mind that the problem with acoustics has first to be resolved.   Rates start from €300. 

DONATION RE  IMPOVERISHED FAMILIES

I would like to thank those who attended the Cliff Richard tribute show.  As a result of their generosity, €160 was raised towards the provision of lunches for children of impoverished families at the Tala schools.  The current cost for this service is €65 per week.    

I would also like to thank the members of the Stephanie Residents Association who regularly bring food parcels for the needy to the Council Office. 

We are also looking at providing Christmas presents for the children of such families and Cathi and I will liaise with the school to ensure that these children receive an appropriate gift.   The school is also keen to see the children in a uniform and we are looking for a sponsor to fund the cost for all the school children in Tala so that there is no discrimination between those that have and those that do not. 

BREAK IN

The storage area for the council vehicles and property was broken into on the night of the 28^th October and a large quantity of equipment stolen.   If you live in the area and noticed any suspicious behaviour, could you please contact the Police.

PEST CONTROL

The Council have appointed a company to deal with pest control [vermin and mosquitos] throughout Tala.  Pet friendly chemicals will be used in respect of vermin control.  The service provided will involve spraying all residential areas on a regular basis.  However, if you have a particular problem in your area that needs immediate attention, could you please contact the council office.    

SUBSIDING BUILDINGS AT ENTRANCE TO KAMARES

As previously advised, the District Office have chosen to carry out remedial works on the properties instead of demolition.   Such remedial work has now started to prevent further deterioration at the site.

TECHNOLOGY IN COUNCIL OFFICE

It has been recognised that the systems in use in the office are out of date and that improvement is required.  In January a new system will be installed which will bring together the rates and water systems.   This new system will in fact cost less to instal than the current systems cost to maintain each year!  There will also be the facility to contact residents where urgent messages need to be relayed and you will, therefore, be asked to supply mobile phone numbers and email addresses to allow us to do this.   When you go into the council office to pay your rates bills, could you please supply this information to the staff.

SKE [TALA WELFARE CENTRE]

Membership – current membership will run until 1/1/2014 and will then be renewable.     The fees are €20 for an individual, or €30 for husband and wife membership.   Members are automatically entitled to a free tea, coffee or soft drink and a snack each day that the centre is open.    They will also have the opportunity to go on any trips organised.     Membership forms are available from Cathi or at the SKE centre.

Current events:
Monday – 10am knitting and craft

Tuesday – 10am exercise [please note that classes have recommenced after the summer break ]

Friday – 10am exercise

Cookery classes – if you are interested in attending cookery demonstrations at the centre, could you please contact Cathi at toffee@primehome.com.  If there is sufficient interest, it is hoped to have a class once a week, possibly on a Wednesday morning.    Initially the classes will relate to Cypriot cuisine, but it is hoped that Tala residents of all nationalities will be willing to share their recipes and cookery skills.  A small charge will be made to purchase materials.

Could those of you who are members please contact Cathi with your up to date contact telephone numbers and, if you have one, email address.   She can be contacted on 26 653132 or at the email address shown in the previous paragraph.

As previously requested, SKE will always welcome donations of:

Bric a brac

Oddments of knitting or tapestry wool, buttons, ribbons, etc

Knitting patterns

Good quality toys and stuffed animals

Old cushions and pillows [used as stuffing materials]

Financial support to enable the centre to operate as no Government funding is available.   Registering for membership will help SKE financially.

Items should be left either at SKE or the Council offices.  Registration at SKE only please.

LOCAL IPT [IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY TAX]

Regarding the Local IPT [payable to Tala Council], the appropriate disc has now been received from the District Office and payment can be made.   This tax is payable annually once you have your title deeds.  No reminders are issued but we are reviewing the office computer system to see if this can be changed for the future.   This tax is payable now.  To assist the staff, please have the Tala reference number available when you call in to pay.  If you are a first time payer, please have your title deeds with you when you call into the office.

TALA MONASTERY CATS

The organizers are always in need of donations of dry food, of any brand. They are also desperate for volunteers to clean, brush and care for the cats and  undertake general upkeep of the park, or to organize fund raising activities as the costs of food and vets bills are high.  If you have some spare time and are willing to assist with any of these activities, could you please contact Dawn on 99 253430, or via the website www.talamonasterycats.com.

There are also cats available who would love a caring home.  Cats are available free of charge, but it is recommended that they are taken to a vet for a health check.  Most vets undertake this service free of charge.

The organizers have also asked me to pass on their gratitude for the generosity of Tala residents who responded with donations of cash and dry food when it was announced that €120 worth of dry food had been stolen from the park in September. 

PARTY

As a thank you to Tala residents for their support, parties will be held at Vrasidas taverna on Sunday 24^th November, starting at 1pm.  An open invitation is extended, but to allow for catering, could you please let Cathi or myself know if you will be attending.   Contact Cathi by either email or phone [toffee@primehome.com/26 653132] , but by phone only to me please [99 529584]. 

WHAT’S ON IN & AROUND TALA:

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – Kamares Club, 16 November.   10am to 5pm

[V Night] UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, TRAMPS & TARTS WITH EASY DUO – Vatouthkia, Thursday 28 November – tickets €15 available from Derek on derekincyprus@gmail.com

TALA XMAS BAZAAR – Sunday 8 December – see below

[V Night] XMAS PARTY WITH TAKE 2 – Vatouthkia, Friday 13 December – fully booked with wait list.

TALA XMAS CAROLS – to be advised

[V Night]CHINESE BUFFET & SHOWDANCE [Tina ‘the voice’ Chester and Martin ‘Swing’ Rhodes] – Vatouthkia, Saturday 18 January – details available from Derek

Direct from the UK – tribute to Celine Dion.  Vatouthkia, Thursday 23 January.  Tickets €25.00 including international buffet.  Tickets available from  96 818066

[V Night] VALENTINE NIGHT – With Neil James.   Vatouthkia, Friday 14 February.  Details available from Derek

Coming for 2014 – dates are provisional where quoted

T Rex/Marc Bolan tribute – 1 March

George Michael tribute – 28 March

Simon & Garfunkel tribute – 26 April

May/June – Tom Jones tribute

June – Diana Ross and the Magic of Motown

19-22 June – Bob Wyper as Rod Stewart makes a return visit

July  - The Worlds best tribute to the Bee Gees

Sept - Salute to Tony Bennett, Jack Jones, Andy Williams and Matt Munro!

Jersey Boys tribute – return to Tala on 20 and 27 September

Other exciting acts are being lined up and details will be made available as soon as they are confirmed.    Shows from May onwards will be at the amphitheatre.   Venue for the shows in March and April will be advised in due course.

As with previous years, if you wish to pre-book any of the shows you can do this by email to Cathi on toffee@primehome.com.   Also, if you need to know provisional dates of any of the shows, please contact Cathi.

XMAS – TALA BAZAAR AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS

A Xmas Bazaar will be held on Sunday 8 December in the hall underneath the new church.  At the same time, the library/museum will also be open as will the new church so you will have the opportunity to see these if you have not already done so.  The bazaar will open at 10am, with many stalls.  Refreshments will also be available.   A schedule of activities on the day will be published on the website closer to the date. 

In addition, please note that food donations for needy families in Tala can be made on the day.  Dry and tinned goods, cleaning products [personal grooming and household cleaning], nappies, baby food and the like would be very much appreciated.  

If anyone is interested in having a stall at the bazaar at a cost of €10 per table, please contact Cathi on 26 653132 or toffee@primehome.com.

We are in the process of trying to organise a carol concert and details will be provided on the website early in December. 

Council website:  www.talacommunity.com

Next Issue 14 February  2014     

To conclude, if I do not see you before the end of the year,  I hope you all have a good Christmas and I would also like to wish you a Happy New Year.      

Areti Pieridou

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