Sonia Writer: Oroklini sparkles as the Christmas lights are turned on!

It's that time of year again. Time to listen to Cliff Richard, munch on a couple of mince pies and sip a glass or two of mulled wine. Our Christmas lights switching on ceremony, did not fail to disappoint this year. As always, it was hosted by Rose and Eric Bone, who both dressed as Santa to fit the occasion (you can see Eric on the balcony of his house). The ceremony was opened in Greek by the President of Oroklini, Spyros Elenodorou, and then translated for our benefit into English (yes that's correct, I can hear you gasp in the U.S! our village is important enough to have its own president).

Never one to miss an opportunity to try and make the new council building more popular (it cost millions, it's huge and it sparkles in the sunlight due to the glitter in the cement) the president announced that there will be free blood pressure tests at the council offices on Sunday morning. As they are also offering free breakfasts for those tested, I am sure there will be a good response.

Back to the merriment. The entertainment was provided by international cabaret singer Shirley, who looked very fetching in her brief Santa outfit with fishnet tights. The food was nice at only €1 a plate and the drinks, including the popular mulled wine, were all the same price. I believe a lot of raffle tickets were sold for the Children With Special Needs charity and I am sure this fun event will prove to be the success it was last year. Santa is due to reapper in his grotto in the village park, tomorow at tea time. I wonder if he has got me a present?