Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Have you heard of the music group 'Umut' (Hope) - a group of young people who play to raise the enjoyment levels of music and raise awareness for Tulips and the Hope Hospice, plus raise money to help the hospice keep its doors open> 14th ~December is a night not to be missed. Concert at the Bedestan in Nic osia next to the big mosque and Bandabulya (old market). 8.00p.m. and entry 15tl for a feast of classical and other music . Queries contact 0392 227 0564 or tyurn up on the night. A wonderful setting iof you haven't been there, then worth going just to see how beautiful the building is since renovated.

You already know the answer from me, Marion. But I am going to say it again for the sake of myself and others who are constantly being disadvantaged this way. I would love to go, but there is no way I can drive to Nicosia after dark - in the face of blinding headlights.

Particularly in this case (since the entrance fee is very reasonable and the cause good) I would be only too happy to pay a reasonable charge if a minibus were provided. It is probably too late on this occasion but if enough people were interested and the organisers were prepared to publicise it, I would organise the mini bus myself if that would help.

I will pass on your message. they phoned me today and asked me to spread the word, so I am trying. And of course, I think most of them live in Nicosia. But I will pass on the idea and you never know. But of course that adds to the cost of the concert - possibly trebling it.

Hi Marion,

You beat me to it (but I have been moving house!!)

So I am just bringing it back to the top!

Sue

Marion: Particularly at this time of year, there are those who get so depressed by being house bound after dark (and some poor souls during the day as well) they would pay quite a lot to get an evening out even if it meant living on bread and cheese for the rest of the week, and, of course, it would increase the audience for the Charity.

I have got a quotation of 200 TL (both ways ) for an 8 passenger modern,, well maintained mini bus. ie if the bus was filled it would be 25TL per person . A taxi would cost 100TL both ways - again based on 4 people again 25TL. I do need to know numbers very soon, though.

Meantime, could you tell me, please, how long the concert will take.

PS It is not of course restricted to people who are prevented from driving at night by blinding headlights of others or who dont own cars. Arrangements can be made for anyone who has walking difficulties. Others may just be glad not to have the hassle of parking etc. and/or(though I dont know if refreshments are available in this instance) to enjoy a drink or two above the legal driving limit.

Please count me in Rose.
It looks like a great night.
PM me with pick up details please, and I will give you my contact details off forum
Maybe at the Mosque in Ozankoy would work for people that live that way.

That's great Philoz. Will it be just you, or will you have a partner/guest. We need at least four people to make it financially viable. Will pm you with detail when/if I hear from others. Anyone else interested, please suggest the most convenient pick up point for you. I suggest: The Sports Club at Ozankoy, the Lemar Car Park at Karakum, or the main car park (by St. Andrews Church) in Girne. Girne is as far West as the minibus will go without further charge.

If anyone is able to drive a short distance and offer lifts to others to pick up points, please let me know . I can take three from Ozankoy Sports club to Lemar, but two must be fairly sprightly and not too large, as it is a three door and a bit of a scramble to get in the back seat!

Anyone seriously disabled please pm me separately: the minibus will be prepared to collect from door for those who cannot manage otherwise in the Ozankoy/Karakum, Dogankoy area.

What a great idea RR. Hope you get enough takers to make it viable. This gorup deserve support, and so does the charity they represent (Tulips) plus of course it is a marvellous venue. Hope you get more takers. Maybe someone could even offer a lift. i am sorry that I can't, but maybe others can?? But your effort is great. Good luck. so, more takers?????

Marion: It is a sad fact, but since some driving has become difficult for me (as the driver of a small saloon): eg night time (because of headlights blinding), medical appointments and mountain roads like the British Cemetary - I have had to rely on Cypriot friends for lifts, and some occasions (eg funerals) it has been just too embarrassing to ask! The only Brits have been a tourist and a "swallow" who will be back in the UK on Friday. I am luckier than some because I can still use my car in daylight (and in the evening on roads I know if they are not too steep), and will be pleased to offer a lift to anyone who cant, or pick up shopping for them when I do my own (provided I dont have to walk too far or carry heavy loads!)

Sadly so far, only one response, but it is short notice and maybe the cost for Nicosia is too steep (pun deliberate!) for some, or since there is no response to my request for a time scale, child or animal sitting may be a problem.

If anyone cant manage Friday but would be interested in minbuses or taxi share for future events. please get in touch with me. I am thinking particularly about Bellapaise (the cost, of course, is much cheaper than Lefkoşa) and parking there is a nightmare on busy nights. For anyone with mobility problems there is the advantage of experienced drivers who can drop off close to the entry.

They were so kind and helpful, performing at the Fiddlathon, we shall obviously be going. Having 'sat in' on a couple of their rehearsals we can say it is definitely worth attending and all in a good cause.

Yes, they are a super bunch of people, and not only is it a joy to hear and watch them play, but one knows that the pleasure is not a selfish one, as indireclty one is helping cancer patients to have hope.

Rose-I have blundered and cannot make Friday as I am having dinner with some friend in Girne on Friday (for some reason I thought it was Saturday).
Not sure if you have booked the bus-but if you have and cannot fill my place I will of course pay the 25tl so that others don't have to-Please let me know.
Very sorry about the cock-up!

Philoz: Not a prolem re the money - I hadnt made a firm booking and I was going to pm you later anyway to warn you that I would have to cancel by Wed. anyway if there were no more "takers" - with only two people it would be too expensive for me at least! Also I havent been able to find out how long it will take (which could raise a problem with the dogs) or even find out if there are any obstacles for the disabled in the venue itself.

Such a shame that some people arent able to get out at night , even to support a Charity - a sign of the new North Cyprus sadly.

However it was short notice and, with respect to Soner, really needed more publicity than a single site.

If anyone else is interested in future car sharing, and/ or any Charity organisers are prepared to extent their charity and publicity to advertising opportunities for the disadvantaged to attend their functions please send me a PM.