Greek-o-File 10th Anniversary Celebration

Autumn 2008 was the 10th Anniversary of Greek-o-File publications.  We started planning before, but left our regular jobs in Spring 1998, set off on our first research trip, spent the summer writing, making contacts, etc. and sold our first Introductory Issue of the Greek-o-File magazine in Autumn 1998.  We may not have achieved the level of success hoped for (or even minimum wage), but 15 magazines and 7 books later, over 2,800 people had bought something from us, well over 10,000 Greek-o-File books (Volumes 1-7) were in circulation and we continue to receive letters of gratitude and encouragement ... It had to be celebrated!

On Saturday 9th May 2009 we really enjoyed the party at Taverna ‘O Platanos’ in the village of Armeni, 3km inland from Kalyves in NW Crete. A traditional Greek/Cretan night with food, drinks, music and dancing for Greek-o-File readers and contributors.  About 20 stayed in or near Kalyves where we met informally some evenings, some went for a walk together and a trip to Aptera  & 55 made it to the Greek night on 9th May 2009.

QUICK REPORT 1: As a thank you for his significant and well loved contributions, a surprise presentation to Arthur Deeks at the party on 9th May 2009 was a special edition of his own book - ‘Last of the Summer Retsina’ compiled from his articles previously published in Greek-o-File magazines & books with some unpublished material, introduction and comments.

It has 88 pages, limited ‘Print on Demand’ special edition & available for £6 including UK P&P.  Two initial prints are nearly used up, but more can be reprint subject to demand.

Meeting up with Arthur & Harry after many years of communicating over articles was one of the highlights of the week in Kalyves, as was meeting all the other contributors & regular subscribers who came along - a real ‘fellowship’ of Grecophiles !

After the success of our 10th anniversary get together in Crete in May 2009 (see below) many requested another.  The second meet at Skala Polichnitou, Lesvos centred on events 6-8th June 2010 was enjoyed by all who were there.  See Grecophiles’ Forum ‘Blog’and photos to see what we got up to!  

If there is enough interest we plan to hold a similar get together with main events 12 - 15th June 2011 - come to Skala Polichnitou for  4-7 days - by charter flight Thurs 9th or Sat 11th or scheduled via Athens any day.
Maybe split your holiday with a week or so somewhere else on the island of Lesvos.

2010 : Most attendees stayed in Skala Polichnitou for 4-7 days, 29 for the Taverna mzze & live music at Maistrali, Sunday evening 6th ,  Polichnitos Spa - Monday 7th to see or soak, walk back down to Skala (5km) via Polichnitos town for lunch and still 23 for a party at our Polichnitos home Tues evening 8th. .

The early evenings meets (7-8pm in Skala Polichnitou) on other days were a great opportunity to get to know each other & invariably lead to groups eating together at one taverna or another, sharing taxis, etc..

See details from 2010, plus discussions, photos, etc  on  Grecophiles’ Forum ‘Blog’   and Photos

or just log onto the Forum which you can view without joining - but do please join to add comments or questions.  We hope to see you in Lesvos 2011.

Greek-o-File Get togethers

Polichnitos and the area between the gulfs of Lesvos are ‘real Greece’ - a fabulous area for Grecophiles to explore or relax. Spend lazy days by the sea and working fishing harbour of Skala Polichnitou, or nearby Nifida, Vatera, Skamnioudi, Ag Fokas, go for walks ‘on the flat’ or inland over gentle hills to villages and spas, or explore further eg. inland Agiasos,  Mt Olymbos & Plomari on the south coast.   Arrange your own accommodation for a few nights,  a week or more.  Book flight only , or a package holiday to another part of the island and pop over for a few days and nights.  Main resort holidays available from UK package tour operators are Skala Kalloni (nearest in the centre of the island 35-40 mins by car),  Molyvos, Petra & Anaxos in the North East.