Apokoronas Our Home

Well Christmas has come and gone and we have reached New Year's Eve. A mixed year. Busy, fun, difficult at times and we are all wondering what is ahead. The economic situation makes it all the more important  that we take an interest in our surroundings and help each other where we can. At the moment we are busy with the final rehearsals for "Comfort and Joy" which takes place next week in the hall at Vamos school. I think one of the main successes of the year is that we are all far better informed in local issues now and know where to go when we have a problem - or want to make a suggestion. Our Environment group will be meeting on 17th January at 10 am in Kefalas ( location to be confirmed) and our main group the following week. The Environment group has several sub groups,   Recycling and waste                                          Pollution and beaches                                   Disposal of building materials & fly-tipping      Access to the cou

Yesterday we had one of our regular meetings, this time in Georgioupolis. Thanks to all who braved the weather to come out!  Today it was a day of waiting; First to the health centre to get a repeat prescription filled out ( not mine!). It was not busy, but unfortunately there was rather a lack of doctors. I overheard a conversation between two doctors where one asked what was happening - was everyone missing today? just as two arrived with the message that the other had gone to pay his DEH bill in Hania before coming in! On from there to the bank. It was full to bursting with what seemed like every farmer in Apokoronas. The reason for this was that the subsidy had been paid today and everyone was desperate to get their money out before the bank closed so they could pay their bills before Christmas. The only thing to do was to take a ticket with a number on and wait..... The children of the school in Vamos visited the town hall and sang christmas carols to the deputy mayor, council

Everyone has been working really hard and the last of the parcels was delivered today. I say the last, but actually we hope this will become an ongoing initiative now. Items are still coming in  - toys for children especially and we will give these out over Christmas and New Year. As you probably know Agios Vassillis ( or Santa) does not arrive here in Greece till Jan 1st so we have a bit of time yet. I have already heard about plans for the spring for fund raising events. For those of you not here in Crete to enjoy this time of year here is a photo of the sea and white mountains taken from the road to Rethymnon, looking back towards Georgioupolis, taken last winter. There is not that much snow on the mountains yet this year!

Having said our farewells to Ossie Maclain this week, I thought it would be nice to remember our first ever organised christmas collection for the needy people in our area. ( The inspiration came from the year before when Issie  and Ossie Maclain  raised funds for some Xmas hampers with some friends  and this was taken up by the local priest, Father Dimitris, and other people in the area both Greeks and non Greeks. This was back in 2011 before the council had a social services department and before "Helping Hands" was set up which grew out of their initiative. Here is my blog entry from the time.  The morning was spent down at the church in Georgioupolis packing bags and boxes to be delivered to the needy in the area. We packed about 200 boxes. The priests, village representatives, "Help in the home" and a some other volunteers are now out and about delivering!!! Many thanks to all of you who donated, individuals, shops, the churches, and those who helped colle

Decorated the house today - greenery, berries, oranges, quinces, pomegranates, picked from the field and hedges.

Lots going on in the build up to Xmas. Work, Rehearsals for "The Play" and collecting donations to help the needy at Christmas. Last evening The Students, Parents, Teachers and Friends of Vamos Lykeio held a presentation by "Doctors of the World" and donated foodstuffs, clothing and medicines. This was followed by music and a "kerasma" - a drink and nibbles to you and me! Thanks to all of you who came along and joined in.