AD LIB

The magazine of

Paphos Third Age

Dear Members,

For many members it will have felt like a very different summer this year. Those who prefer to depart the island for a cooler location, or join friends and family abroad, may well have chosen to forego that and remain in the relative safety of Cyprus. Perhaps the swallows decided against the risk of air travel rather than flock in great numbers this year. Wherever you are, I hope you will enjoy this edition of Ad Lib. Inside you will read of one group leader who would like to hook you on Angling, or Boules, or join his group to Discover the Real Cyprus. Whilst the fine diners tell of their latest themed cuisine evening, there is good news from film goers who have joined together to create a new format Film Group. Plus, you will read of the adventures of the Friday Walking Group and there is more from Photography, Quizzers, Bridge lovers and the welcome return of TaiChi and QiGong. Naturally we want to get back to the interests we love, but leaders now have a number of restrictions to consider before a meeting goes ahead. The Cyprus Government guidelines published on 21

st August, relating to indoor meetings, will be in place until 15

th January 2021 and

so it is possible that some groups may be faced with having to postpone meetings until January at the earliest. It is with regret that the Saturday Talks will not resume earlier than February 2021. You will have read the request made to all members returning to Cyprus from any overseas trip, or for those with visiting family and friends to please wait 14 days before joining in P3A activities. For a few this means a patient wait before re-joining group activities, whilst for others, who were intending to avoid groups, it means a more confident return to their groups. Thank you everyone for your continued support of this. The club holds its Annual General Meeting during the month of October, however this year we are faced with a number of challenges in order to satisfy the guidelines. Once arrangements are finalised the customary notice will be issued. Finally, if you are yet to do so, please email Dale Ikin at daleikin1958@gmail.com to renew your 2020/21 membership. The annual fee has been waivered for this year; nevertheless before 31

st

December Dale needs to receive the “Please renew my membership” email from you. Kind Regards Keith Adair - Chair

www.paphos3rdage.org Editors: Keith and Marian McEwen September 2020

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P3A committee members

Chair Keith Adair Vice Chair Keith McEwen Treasurer John Harper Secretary Karen Ikin Membership Secretary Dale Ikin Groups Coordinator Jean Alston Magazine Editors Keith and Marian McEwen Website Officer Ros Sparrow Events Organiser Marian McEwen

Co-opted Member Simon Welch Contact details: http://paphos3rdage.org/committee.htm

CONTENTS Message from Chair 1 Committee News 2 Groups News 3-14 CPRG Leaflet 15

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020/21 It has been decided that because of the significant impact Covid 19 has had, not only on our

community but also the curtailment of all P3A activities since mid-March, annual subscriptions for

the year, 1st September 2020 – 31st August 2021 will be waived for this one year.

Your current membership is therefore now valid until 31st August 2021.

I am sure that this will be well received by all members however; it does cause some

administrative problems for the membership secretary and their ability to accurately maintain the

membership database.

It is therefore most important that if you were intending to renew your

membership for 2020/21 you reply to The Membership Secretary and

confirm your wish to continue your membership.

Equally, if you were not intending to renew it would be very helpful if you could reply to let the

membership secretary know.

It will be assumed that anyone who has not replied by 31st December 2020 wishes to leave P3A

and their membership will automatically lapse. This will then be confirmed by email to each indi-

vidual.

Please note: New members and those wishing to re-join P3A will still be required to do so in the

normal manner with the joining fee remaining at €10

Kind Regards

Dale Ikin

Membership Secretary

Tel: +35797786488 daleikin1958@gmail.com

SATURDAY TALKS Due to the current situation with Covid 19 and the recent extension of the Government Guidelines re meetings and gatherings, The P3A committee has agreed it appropriate to postpone the recommencement of Saturday Talks until February 2021

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NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

Return of the Friday Walking Group (FWG) Despite the challenges of Cov-19, this has been a memorable year. FWG is a small, friendly, highly focused, group of regular walkers that concentrate on walks most suitable for our members, plus social events and holidays. Social events have included ten-pin bowling, kayaking, mini-golf, social lunches or dinners, with theme meals, like Chinese or Indian. FWG has two categories of members: (1) Active Members, who are committed to six walks a year, including leading one walk a year; and 2. Recovery Members, who were active members but for reasons of health, injury or personal tragedy etc. are unable to commit to being active members in the walk year. Former members are welcome to re-join or walk as a visitor up to three times a year, like other visitors. Similarly, non-walking partners are always welcome. In Oct. 2019 we had a super trip to Cappadocia, Turkey, with outstanding and unusual hiking. Our accommodation there was in a luxury cave hotel, with amazing views and sunsets. In 2020, we had planned trips to Troodos, Austria and Transylvania, Romania. Because of Cov-19, despite enormous work by organisers, these trips were cancelled. But the good news is that Austria and Romania have been reinstated for 2021, with a trip to Poland in 2022. Both Austria and Romania are ready to go. Austria promises some excellent mountain-hiking, with amazing scenery, organised by some of our members who are very familiar with the Radstadt area. Romania too will be a stunning hiking and cultural trip. Transylvania offers some challenging hikes for those who choose them, or more relaxing walking for others - also included are cultural trips, such as ‘Dracular’s Castle’, churches and Bucharest. Two of our members have just returned from Poland, organizing our next foreign adventure. Recently, FWG was quick off the mark in resuming group-walking when regulations permitted, kick-starting resumption of group activities post lockdown and stimulating planning for the year ahead. Historically, FWG’s year ran from October to June but this year a hardy group of us have walked and socialized together through the Summer. October 1, after three years of active service Paula Devlin, Grant Hammond and Leo Kelly are standing down as joint group leaders. Having helped steer the group, with wise counsel and experience, plus time and commitment, FWG extends a large thank you. We now welcome and thank Patrick Kirk for becoming joint group leader with Alf. Initially, Patrick will manage all walk activities and Alf will lead on planning and communications. The group will continue to empower members during walks and in organization of social events, weekends away and the popular foreign hiking/ cultural trips abroad. Alf Oldman We are currently open to new members. For more information email alf.oldman@gmail.com.

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Looking for something new? Like to be outdoors? Enjoy games that offer some-thing for everyone? Want to compete, but not to be Competitive Until recently we were simply the P3A Boules Group. However, we now spend more time sipping a frappe and having lunch than just playing Boules. So why not advertise there is more to us than simply a group of friends throwing metal balls around. Of course, we play Boules. It is our main activity. But we have drinks breaks between games. Sitting in the shade, having a lot of laughs with friends in a scenic venue, are some of the reasons for coming to Cyprus. When we do finish playing Boules, most members head for a nearby taverna that specialises in good food at reasonable prices. It makes for an all-round enjoyable morning. What is so special about Boules? • You can learn the basics in 5 minutes. • Most of our members had never played before. • You can play at any age. • It is inexpensive. • Men and women have an equal chance of winning. • It is gentle exercise in the fresh air. • Until the final Boule is thrown the result is never certain. Does P3A Boules have more to offer? • We play at a scenic venue. Take a look at the attached photos. • We are a cheerful group and have just adopted a mascot. • We play to win, but winning is not at all the main objective. • We play for enjoyment. Winning is very much secondary. • We draw cards on the day to determine our partner and opponents. • Everyone has an equal chance. Nothing is prearranged. What do you need to do if this sounds like a sport for you? It could not be easier. Just get in touch. You will be made very welcome. We have spare Boules just waiting for your fingers to caress them. Another P3A activity that afternoon? You will have plenty of time. If you would like to try Boules when no one is around, it is no problem. We are very happy to meet you one afternoon for a try out. If after all this you feel Boules is a little too energetic for you, you are still welcome to just come for lunch, as some friends already do. Permanent Resident or Swallow, we look forward to meeting you soon. Brian or Angela. p3aboules@outlook.com. 96136047 Every Tues. Tala. 9.30am.

News From the Groups cont.

P3A Boules Coffee & Lunch Group.

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Bridge Keeps your Mind Active There’s little positive news around the Covid-19 pandemic, but for bridge players it has presented vast opportunities. Lockdown meant spending time at home and online bridge was on hand to exercise the grey matter, whilst observing social-distancing rules. BC, Before Covid, there were two P3A Bridge Groups meeting face-to-face on Mondays for Improvers and on Wednesday for Intermediates. Now, P3A Members have access to the world’s favourite mind-sport, 6 days a week. The P3A Improvers’ Group now meets online twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays with 32 players playing gentle casual bridge. The more competitive P3A Intermediate Group were invited by the Cyprus Bridge Federation to play online against all other players in Cyprus, including the National Team. P3A Members compete in Cyprus-wide Bridge Tournaments with up to 80 players every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and now Saturday. We are using BBO, Bridge Base Online, which is a mostly-free website. Bill Gates is a keen bridge player and an early funder of BBO. That’s why the website works Superbly and is feature rich! Take a look at www.bridgebase.com. You can even watch many of our games and those of world-class players. When lockdown eased, the Intermediate Group offered face-to-face bridge at their new UKCA Club venue. 16-20 players enjoyed a return to real social bridge from early June, leaving those who were hesitant about mixing to play online. Brian Twigger, Group Leader of the Improvers has been running weekly coaching sessions on Zoom for 10 people. Sessions are recorded and posted on the web for all Members. “The Online world opens up incredible learning opportunities for Bridge at all levels” said Brian. Right now, P3A are offering teaching and coaching to players who have played before. If any P3A Member would like to learn to play Bridge, please email Co-Group Leader, Sue McGough to register your interest. If there is sufficient interest, and enough hours in the day, we might start an online Beginners’ Course: sueinfaith1957@hotmail.com

Best Regards from your Group Leaders Ian Hines (Intermediate Bridge) Sue McGough (Improvers’ Bridge) Brian Twigger (Improvers’ Bridge)

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FILM GROUP

BREAKING NEWS:

DUE TO THE UPDATED RESTRICTIONS FOR COVID-19

THIS GROUP WILL COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY 2021

For many years Paul Clarke has run the very successful Classic Film group on a

Tuesday evening twice a month. At the end of the last season, Paul decided it was time

to step aside. Going out at the top, as all stars do!

As the group had been such a success, volunteers were sought to carry on with the

group. Eight people put their hands up, and I have agreed to lead. We held a meeting in

early Summer to decide the way forward. After much discussion it was decided NOT to

continue with the previous group, very big shoes to fill, but to launch a new group.

The new group will be the FILM GROUP. The group will be every second Tuesday.

The eight volunteers will be split into teams of two, each team will present the film for a

particular Tuesday on a rota basis.

The venue for the FILM GROUP will be the Coral Star. It is intended that we will present

films from a wide spectrum, both old, classic and “new”. The only stipulation will be that

the film can fit into the two hour time slot. Showings will be 6-45pm for a 7 o’clock

start.

The Coral Star has undergone upgrading in recent months, this has resulted in a change

of format to the sitting area. As a result of this, it may be necessary to limit numbers. For

that reason, it has been decided NOT to continue with Paul’s original group list but to

create a new email list.

If you wish to join the FILM GROUP, please forward your email contact details to

me. keithcousins60@sky.com

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P3A Angling Group The P3A’s Smallest Group

Now established, Fishing Various Reservoirs, Making Good Catches, Enjoying Ourselves. We were only formed earlier this year. The Original Invitation Letter Is Below. Catches have been good, as the photos show. I am convinced there are several members who are either still fishing or have done so in the past. Or there are members who would like to try it to see if it is something they would enjoy. Fishing has much to offer. Outdoors, Leisurely, Exciting, Nature, Always Learning, Lakes, Sea. Simply relaxing and chatting to fellow devotees of the sport can be a tonic. I am proposing to establish a straightforward Fishing Group, where both ladies and gents can meet up, talk about their favourite branch of the sport, find out where the fish are biting, meet new companions to enjoy a day’s fishing with. Do the things that make angling such a pleasure. I am strictly a pleasure fisherman. I fish purely for enjoyment. Catch and release. But matches can be held if members wish. My main angling activity has been coarse fishing, but I would welcome members who have expertise in other areas of the sport. Having the sea close at hand obviously presents new opportunities, and there is fly fishing in the Troodos. One of the big attractions of angling is the variety of species, and the methods of catching them, that the sport offers. At the least I would hope for monthly meetings, weekly fishing expeditions, making new friends, learning about new species and techniques, car sharing trips to different waters, and continuing to try and actually land the ever elusive ‘One That Got Away’ If this appeals to you simply drop me a line. Brian brianandjeanincyprus@gmail.com 96136047

Quiz Group The Quiz group met for the first time in February this year and we managed to meet on two occasions before events overtook us. The Quiz venue is Neo's on the backroad to Pegia. Stavros has just had it refurbished upstairs and opened up to make it roomier. Questions are purely General knowledge and trivia covering a broad spectrum of sub-jects that pop up in random fashion. On September 7th the Quiz will restart and instead of running on the First Monday of the month I will canvas the group on whether or not having it on the first and third Mon-day of each month will work. Any enquiries please email me : mickcotton20@hotmail.com

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The P3A Photography Group invites you to come and learn the art of Photography All of us these days can take pretty good photos using our digital phone cameras and the like. But if you want to go even further and learn how to take truly excellent photos worthy of being displayed at public exhibitions or being hung on gallery walls then you can go one stage further. Join the P3A Photography Group where you will receive a friendly welcome and learn the art of taking photos using any digital camera. The P3A Photography Group meets every Monday morning at 10 am in the bright and newly refurbished function room of Coral Star Hotel which is opposite Philippos at Coral Bay. There are two sections. Basics Photography is for beginners and those needing to brush up on their skills. Intermediate/Advanced Photography is for every-one else. Photography has been described as the art of seeing. You will gain an appreciation of these words which will become more meaningful as time progresses. We study both the technical aspects of taking photographs and also gain an appreciation of the aesthetics of what constitutes a good image. Our sessions aim to inspire and stimulate an interest in different aspects of photography. There’s always an opportunity to ask questions and chat with other members during the coffee break. During lockdown some members continued to meet online. We have started to share our photographs through our group’s online photo-sharing group on Flickr. Group members freely pass helpful comments on each other’s photos and we find we benefit such a lot from each other. It’s amazing what you can pick up by studying other people’s photos and how you can develop your photographic mind by absorbing what works and what doesn’t work. We are also encouraged to use post processing software which is in itself a huge revelation, one which can lead to whole new possibili-ties. The group runs regular photography competitions four times a year when we each have the opportunity to submit three photos, usually one on a given theme and two in an open category. These photos then get professionally judged and graded with feedback comments. The photographs you see here were submitted by different people for the two recent competitions, one of which was on the theme of Shadows. When lockdown restrictions were eased we also benefited from two organised fieldtrips to Paphos Harbour and a Garden Nursery. More field trips are planned, in additon a two day trip to the Troodos is planned for early October, Covid permitting, hopefully an exhibition too. We positively welcome new members to the group whether they want to master the basics of using any camera or to improve on their existing skills in a friendly environ-ment. If anyone wishes to give a presentation of a particular aspect of photography their input would be much appreciated. The sole proviso is that everyone complies with the 14 days rule prior to joining the group if recently arrived from abroad or if they have mixed with people from abroad in the 14 days prior to joining the group. The Basics course starts promptly at 10am on September 7

th and runs fortnightly. The first session

of the Intermediate/Advanced course is on September 14th and also runs fortnightly.

Please get in touch with Chris Scorer - crscorer@gmail.com Tom Brown – dunfreezin@gmail.com Liz Unwin – liz.unwin@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

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FORGOTTEN VILLAGE BUS

PAPHOS HARBOUR BOATS

Photography cont’d

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Photography con’t

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

SHADOWS ON THE WALL

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We were very pleased to be able to meet up again in early July, when we visited the cuisine of Persia. The bar was raised once again as we sat around the dining table to enjoy an excellent menu of Persian Fried Red Snapper in aromatic flour, presented on a bed of garlic spinach, followed by main courses of Tachin Joojeh (layered chicken and rice with yoghurt) and Koufteh Ghelgheli (lamb meatballs with carrots and potatoes) with a side dish of Shirazi salad. We finished with desserts of Persian rice pudding and Persian ice-cream with saffron and rosewater. Yummy! Absolutely delicious! We met again on the 10

th August, when we delved into the cookbooks of Italy and

enjoyed a long and lazy Italian lunch as one does! Our menu consisted of Canapes and garlic bread, main courses of Italian Chicken, Spinach Lasagne and Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables, followed by Tiramisu and White Chocolate Panacotta, washed down with a glass or two of homemade Limoncello. Thank you to everyone in the group who all go the ‘extra mile’ to seek out and cook such tasty dishes. Our group is currently full at nine members, but if anyone is interested in cooking and eating a variety of cuisines, then please contact me and I will make up a waiting list. The minimum number of people required to make a viable dining group would be six. Carolyn Hart Tel: 97 762371

Around the World in 80 Dishes

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The Happy Nomads of the P3A World No regular home, no regular days, no regular times.

We do just what the title says. We look for and visit the Cyprus behind the Tourist Trappings and Superficialities that are what most holidaymakers encounter during their short stays on the island. Most members come to live in Cyprus believing it is more or less like the UK, with a lot more sun and a different language. Gradually we realise this is not so, with the culture, traditions, religion, the entire way of life of the island being very much at variance with the culture we were brought up with. Cyprus has a much longer documented history than the British Isles. It has been ruled and fought over by various races, many of whom have left their imprint and monuments behind them. It gave birth to one of the most revered Goddesses of the ancient world, who for over 1600 years drew worshippers from all the Mediterranean. It has been both a major strategic point of the Eastern Mediterranean and a more or less forgotten backwater. The Natural History and Geology of Cyprus varies greatly from the UK. The Island’s inhabitants are deeply religious, and churches and monasteries, some over 1000 years old, abound. There are many quaint, old stone-built villages tucked away, where life still revolves around the coffee shop. Old wineries, using the same fermenting techniques used by their founders are found in the hills. This is the Cyprus that we look for. Not only the wonders and technology of the modern world, but the wonders of the past, that have led to the creation of the Cyprus of today. So what have we been up to over the past three years? Amongst other things we have; - • Explored a Battlefield from 498 BC • Seen how Cyprus Delight is manufactured • Been escorted around various wineries and had numerous wine tastings • Have spent an evening learning about the stars and the night sky that are visible

from Paphos • Visited an Olive Oil Manufacturing Plant that was operational before the birth of

Jesus • Learned about the truth and the myths of the snakes of Cyprus • Had a Flamingo Watching morning. • Visited Wine, Olive Oil, Carob, Weaving, Folk and other Museums • Had tours of Paphos, Limassol and the Archaeological Park. • Visited a 5000-year-old graveyard. • Watched demonstrations of traditional bread and halloumi making, followed by a

traditional feast. • Enjoyed a holiday in Protaras and a look around the Cape Greco area. • Plus many other outings.

Discovering and Exploring the Real Cyprus Group

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You may have noticed there is a reasonable amount of variety in the above list. Is there anything consistent in what we get up to? Actually there is. We are normally out and about. Going to see the scenes of the events we are interested in. Learning, ex-periencing and enjoying. We also invariably end our trips with a long, leisurely lunch, usually at a tavern that is new to most members. We have been called a “Lunch Group In Disguise “ . Utter Rubbish. After a hard mornings exploring we deserve a little refreshment. Enjoying ourselves while we learn. The way life should be. Have a look at the photos on https://photos.app.goo.gl/CsyzxiXuFtFQYeEE7 to learn more. A typical hard day’s discovering. If any of any of this appeals to you contact Brian or Suzanne Brianandjeanincyprus@gmail.com 96136047 You will be most welcome.

Discover Cyprus cont’d

A Cheap Holiday

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TaiChi & QiGong for Beginners

Our long-time member Mei Yeung Rees is launching a new P3A TaiChi & QiGong Exer-cise group, at a shaded outdoor venue in Tremithousa. The sessions, led by Mei, will be from 10.00 ~ 11.00 every Wednesday as from 23rd September 2020. For more details, please contact Mei at taichipafos@gmail.com or Whatsapp her at 99923310. QiGong is a form of keep fit which originated in China. Through slow and flowing movements combined with deep 'Dan Tian' breathing, it boosts our flexibility, balance, stamina and coordination. With many movements drawn from TaiChi, the sequences use a wide range of muscles, tendons and joints, working the whole body in a gentle, impact-free way. QiGong is all done standing, on the spot, and is easy for beginners to follow. It is suitable for all levels of fitness - you just do what is comfortable for you. Some simple routines can be practised daily at home too. Many studies have shown that regular practice of TaiChi and/or QiGong can lower stress

and improve our mood. Because it involves concentration, paying attention and coordinating our whole body, TaiChi can also improve cognitive function in older adults and reduces the risk of falling. Studies have also shown, with regular practice it relieves pain in fibromyalgia, arthritis and osteoporosis as well as alleviates common symptoms of chronic conditions due to ageing.

Mei has long-term class members in their eighties whose balance and flexibility are a tes-tament to the benefits. Also, more and more male besides female participants are coming forward to enjoy the benefits of these gentle yet flowing oriental exercises. Hence, the philosophy of balancing of Yin and Yang are not only manifested fully in our movements but also in the surrounding atmosphere. (Ros Sparrow writes) As a regular attender of Mei’s classes for several years, I can vouch that as well as being enjoyable, the exercises have improved my balance and provide a gentle, all-round & full body workout. They especially strengthen my knees, which is important for me as an old injury now prevents me from hiking as much as I used to. Unlike walking, I find QiGong and TaiChi pain-free and I feel good afterwards. Many practitioners believe that our movements channel a cosmic energy known as “Qi”. Because of the mental concentration involved, TaiChi is a form of flowing medita-tion. But whether or not you are looking for a spiritual element in your keep fit, meeting a group of friends to do these exercises together can certainly do you good.

In view of the never ending pandemics and health hazards of modern living, perhaps Covid19 has given us all a warning bell to reinforcing our overall health via balanced di-ets, good hygienes, regular exercises (mental and physical), etc. These have become a necessity rather than pastimes before the forthcoming winter season!!! Best wishes Mei

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UK Nationals – the UK has left the EU building!

As you are all aware, the UK has left the EU and is now in a transition period. To that end, the UK government is working with organisations to help and assist UK Nationals living in EU countries who need residency advice and support. One of those organisa-tions is the Cyprus Residency Planning Group (CRPG) whose remit is to help UK Nationals who may find it hard to complete all the paperwork, particularly pensioners and disabled; those living in remote areas or with mobility difficulties and those need-ing assistance with language translation or interpretation and who, for whatever rea-son, cannot respond and help themselves. In other words, people deemed at risk. CRPG officially opened for business in April 2020, when the Help Desk sprang into action and began the process of taking calls from people seeking advice on whether to apply for an MEU1 or an MEU3 – and what the difference is. There still seems to be some misinformation and confusion out there. So, in a nutshell – if you have lived in Cyprus for more than 90 days BUT less than 5 years, you need to apply for an MEU1 and if you have lived in Cyprus for 5 years or more, you need to apply for an MEU3. All old-style residency documents such as the blue form, pink slip, alien regis-tration book or a stamp in your passport are no longer valid and MUST be re-placed. Please visit the CRPG website for more information and for those of you who are con-sidering residency and who might be new to Cyprus please also look at the GOV. UK information site Living in Cyprus Guide If you would like to chat about your own situation – or you know of someone who needs our help - please contact the Help Desk on 99826087 or email contactus@cyprus-crpg.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

PS: We are also looking for more volunteers to work as Case Workers, to help us manage individual cases. Volunteers are trained in Safe Guarding, Data Protection and will also be required to apply for CRO clearance. There is remuneration for mile-age and an hourly rate – plus Case Workers are provided with a CRPG branded brief case and business card. It’s a great way to help your local community.