My dad Bill Grisdale was a chief tech in the RAF, we were in Cyprus (1970 - 74) welived in Limassol first then moved onto camp - Akrotiri. David, Linda and Kevin would have gone to st johns, I was at primary then Berengaria,we lived on Princess street, every weekend if dad was not working we would be at the beach (any beach) sometimes camping all weekend, Ladies mile, Buttons bay, Famagusta. Kevin played football at Happy vaiiey. I can remember Mrs Adel at primary school, swimming lessons in the sea near the sailing club, the massive scalextric at the youth club on camp I remember it was a 4 lane sit down race, going to school watching silver Lightning fighters going vertical.Ted next door to us had a VW white camper, when dad was working he would take us to the beach with sliding door wedged open (no health & safety then thank god, mum and dad were always at the sgt's mess, while my brothers and sister were causing havoc, I also remember a few visits by the military police to which my dad was not best pleased. but all in all what an amazing time, we've now travelled the world but I've never been back,I would like to remember those magical days as they were now that I'm the only one left to remember those memories.

Hello. And Bye.

@Ray Richards i was in cyprus when the water spouts hit akrotiri and limassol.My brother John worked there and was caught up in it at the airport and hid under a steel table in a hanger.

Dad was the Royal Signals RQMS in Episkopi until he was demobbed back to the UK in 59. We lived at #2 Down Rise and I went to the Army Children's School. Class teacher was called Dai. He also taught Boxing and he drove a Vauxhall Victor, the one with fins at the back, a bench seat and a gear stick attached to the steering wheel. Favourite memories include the Scouts, Happy Valley (and mucking out the horses in the stables) and exploring the valley behind our house which was also used as an assault course with cardboard soldiers popping up and taking our gang by surprise.

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was at RAF Akrotiri 63-66.I worked in the airmens mess and the transit mess.In July, 63 I was a founder member of a Beatles tribute band(must have been the first on the planet)We played at Berengaria club and Jamaica johns cellar bar on the by-pass.We were called Mi5 and stayed togetger till leaving the island in 66.Does anyone remember this or have any photos as mine were destroyed in a fire.Would be nice to hear from anyone of that time.Best wishes to all.

I lived briefly in Berengaria Village in 1952 and was in the 51st Cyprus Boy Scouts
I think it was a turning point in my life and didnt want to return to cold old England, now live in the Tropics of North Queenland. Absolutely loved Cyprus even though I was only 8 years old. Dad was in the RAF and when the Greeks and Turks started fighting it was decided to send us back to England. At one stage I seem to remember a house in Berengaria being blown up. I do recollect the camp being fenced off with rolls of barb wire and I think my Father was rostered to patrol the wire. we lived in 5 Olive Grove. Just recently been doing a bit of Family historyfor my younger sister, identifying areas where we lived and lokked on Google Earth for Berengaria Village and saw it was all demolished but could still pick out the roads, very surprised how all of the surrounding area has been built upon, which all used to be natural bush.

hi

Hi I was wondering if anyone could help. My husband was in the army in Cyprus in 1976. He has quite fond memories of being there and said it sorted him out! He has a memory of being out on a morning exersise and stopped at the edge of a cliff to rest. He said the water was so clear you could see to the bottom so he thought it was shallow. The next thing he knew his Sargent had pushed him over the edge and into the water. He thought he was going to die but he said it was wonderful. He has always wanted to revisit but has no idea where it is or how to find out. If anyone could help I would be very grateful.

At RAF Akrotiri 1957 to 1958. Many good memories

Great memories living first in Limassol and then in Episkopi 1959 to 1962. Went to St John's 1961-62. Many happy times at Tunnel Beach and Happy Valley

Have very happy memories of living at RAF Akrotiri between 1972 and 1975, despite the troubles. Compo rations (during the war); the chocolate tin was first to be opened!). St. John's School; loved the English and drama teachers; and playing Queen Henrietta Maria in the school play. Freezing juice wrapped in a teatowel so had access to a chilled drink throughout the hot school day; swimming lessons in the sea were gorgeous but always too short as we had to treck in school bus from Tunnel Beach back to school.Ladies Mile beach and, unknown by our parents ,climbing down the cliffs to swim at, what we called, Submarine Bay. Anyone remember Niazis? Fab restaurant in Limassol serving delicious kebabs. Member of the stables; happy times having lessons and going out on hacks. Horses names remembered! MCduff, Sandy, Trooper and Trixie! Friends were Lis Norman and Karen Hutchison.

Was there as a youngster from 67 to late 69. Still remember so much. Best place ever. Dad...Frank Redmond, was with the Vulcan Bombers. Lived in Berengaria...went back to visit 20 years later while on a UN tour with CAF and so much had changed.

I lived in Akrotriri 64 to 67 and they were the 3 best years of my life. I went to Berengaria school first then for some reason which I cant remember moved on to St. Johns Episkopi 18months later. I did my Duke of Edinburghs award there which was great fun and ended up going back to the UK to receive my award at B Palace. My friends then were Shirley Taylor, Jane Montgomery Anette Weaver and many many more I sadly cant remember. Ive often wondered about going back but I know the area wont be the same which wld be sad and a disappointment as I wld want it to be all the same so ive never gone.

Anyone remember Don Moffat ? He was the Drama teacher when I was at St John?s Episkopi circa 1969-1972 he put on a couple of productions while I was there ?Oliver? and Royal Hunt of the Sun

I was a member of the 58th Akrotiri Scout Group. I lived at 1 Princess Street from March 1965 to December 1968. I attended Akrotiri Primary then St John's Episkopi. Great three years of my childhood.

I lived at 29? princes street around 1966 and Andrew Way in 1973 went to school in Episkopi on the second tour. Was there for the invasion had loads of families living in the house and remember getting supplies delivered to feed everyone with rations and queuing at the Naffi for teabags for Mum... happy days ????

I went to Berengaria junior School in the late sixties and early 70s. My father was in the RAF Regiment. The teacher I remember was a beautiful lady called Mrs Graham. I remember sunny days, sand pits that you could jump into from a height and wee tin hut class rooms that we got taught in. In one class we made sweets and everyone used to collect and swap stickers! Very happy days!!

I lived at 13 Pembroke Park? ( North Paramali from the summer of ?70 through to summer ?72, my father being a Civil Engineer I?ve not been in contact with anyone from that period.I would love to hear from anyone who knew me during that time particularly Iggy Suttcliffe and Michael Morgan, also Robert McCreary (sp). My brothers were both at St. John?s - James being Head Boy in ?72- ?73 . I went to the Junior School towards the North end of the Cantonment also I was a Cub- the base was a little Nissen hut in the middle of nowhere. I remember fondly the Sailing club down on Acrotiri Bay next to the runway- you got a great view down there , on one occasion a U2, on another a Blackbird! I was surprised to read about the fire in ?98 that destroyed parts of North Paramali. I went back to visit in ?87 whilst studying at the Cyprus College of Art in Lemba and nothing had changed apart from the higher security due to the security threats.. I remember the grocery van that would do the rounds -( an old grey Commer) , Shab Din?s curry house in Happy Valley, endless football and Athletics in The Valley. A memorable trip through the tunnel to the beach in a 1960 Mercedes driven by a friend?s mother- Mrs. Kindell. I remember the roads awash with fermenting grape juice dripping from trucks winding through the garrison main road. An amazing air show in the summer of ?72 , watching from the cliffs above Tunnel Beach with all the school kids in awe- Vulcans, Buccaneers, Phantoms , a Víctor , Lightnings, maybe a Harrier too!
We were pretty free in those days to get to see most of the Island- holidays in Belapais Kyrenia, trips to Larnaca and Famagusta and of course up to the Troodos where my father had built the highest NAFFI in the world. We narrowly missed the big bust up after a year living in Limassol until the summer of ?73. A year later I remember seeing ITN news at midday and watching the disaster unravel in ?74 . Maybe it was all Kissinger?s fault, I don?t know. I once met someone ( a Greek Cypriot)who was doing his National Service when it all went off. He reckoned that the invasion had all been planned and agreed on by the Turkish and Greek top brass beforehand.I don?t know if that?s the case, we might never know.
Perhaps the most idyllic memories are of Paramali beach which was then only for the use of ?Officer families ?a very secluded affair with rafts to swim out to and its own private headland to keep the riff raff out . We used to watch the Vulcans doing their bombing practice runs aiming at their target rafts. Well , that?s it- there?s a novel out there waiting to be written hopefully better than Mrs. Hislop?s one!

I went to Berengaria in 1971 , my first school . My Teacher was Mrs Headly ...... so many moons ago and I can recall many happy memories

I attended st johns episkopi 70-73.i was 16 in 73.best time of my life.we lived at akrotiri. The played footi.in the basketball courts during breaks at school.the youth team I played in was the grasshoppers. Other teams hogs,dynamos. Friends were John barton,Graham Nichol,.I worked as a waiter at the families club at akrotiri for pocket money.spent most of my time at buttons bay.a whole gang getting the bus at the roundabout.we also did a charity 5 a side and the girls danced.at buttons bay.my dad was a police sergeant at akrotiri. He ran the provost footi team.halcyon days.

Reference the canoes. there used to be about a dozen. Some fibreglass slalom, some wooden tourers. I think we got a grant at one stage for more

I spent many happy trimes at the canoe club between 1973 and 1975.
we had major competitions there, expeditions from epi round the headland to the club and we hosted the Royal Navy during the Cyprus troubles.
Membership topped 50 and many children learned to swim thanks to people like Stu and Dimps

Lived in Akrotiri, Albion Street 1969 - 1971, Great times!! Bus races to School we were on Akrotiri 1 No. Plate TDU 444. How can I remember that ??

Went to St Johns High School Episkopi 1964-1966. Wonder if there is anyone out there who were there too. Best friend was Frances Cook.

Loved it here!

Posted to 73 Sqdn In Sept 1957. Lived in Billet 86 didn't have a street name. All we did was Bomb Up Canberra's every day for 2 and a half years, but was casavac back to blighty after 15 months. Took out cartlage from both knees. Am now 82yrs old and can hardley walk. Got a pension but does'nt help.

Have some wonderful memories of my time there 67-69. Ostensibly on Strike and then Bomber Wing. However, when sober, spent a lot of time playing in the Tangerine Manhattan pop group with Emo, Olly, Pete and Peter. Always in awe of the Wednesday Morning and spent many great nights listening to them play at the Calypso Bar. Fabulous posting for an 18 year old.

Went back last year and couldn?t believe the juke box was still there! We were in Akrotiri 1979 to 1982.

i did akrotiri 1957 1967, 1970 and 1974 married sacw valora budden we was raf cyprus champion sprinter







had 6 kids

For Penny, One of Mr Edmondsons class (61-62}, sadly had to leave BG school early on the death of mother in Mar 62.
Also remember most of the names in Dennis Thompsons entry, our paths have crossed a couple of times whilst in RAF blue.

I was based at RAF Akrotiri in the early 1970's and unfortunately caught the troubles with family evacuated. Luckily, I was posted back 1981-84 to RAF Akrotiri and a good trouble free tour.

If anyone was in Mr Edmondsons class in 1960 - 1963 please ge
t in touch

Trying to make contact with Dennis Thompson.
The right Dennis will remember our form teachers name

My ex husband who was RAF was stationed at RAF Akrotiri from 1971 - 74 we had a hiring firstly in Polimedia village just behind Berengeria and then into Limmasol itself we were evacuated on to camp due to being invaded in 74

I lived in Berengaria 1992- 1994. And Episkopi 1996-1998. Father was in army PT core. Amazing place to live. I had my sports days at Happy Valley :)

Afternoon - can somebody put me in touch with Director of Rugby at Akrotiri? or anyone i can deal with - we are a UK Rugby team based in the west country who may be looking to tour to Cyprus in late October 2021 or Feb 2022 - many thanks look forward to hearing from someone soon!

Lived at 32 Princes Street 1968/1969 house hit by tornado, temporary move to Limassol rehoused at 26 Barnet Road.

Lived at 5 Phillip Road from July 1968 - July 1971. Best three years of my childhood. Would love to hear from anyone else who was there around the same time and recalls the damage done to the station by the water spouts / whirl winds around Xmas 1969/70. Have so many fantastic memories of my time there. RAF Akrotiri will always be a very special place for me.

i arrived Cyprus Sep 6th 1960 by MS Dilwara, one of the last troopships, with my parents and 2 siblings. On the 10 days sea crossing we stopped at Gibralter and Malta. Shared a cabin with 3 other kids my age. I was 13. Dad was RAF. Landed at Famagusta then military bus dropping px off enroute to Limassol where we alighted and got booked into Hotel Continental on seafront for a few days while Dad searched for off base accommodation. After 3 days we moved into our first home in Cyprus which was a well built bungalow with address "from Polimedia crossroads go up Ayia Philia (spelling hehe)then take 4th turn on left".
Our unique bungalow and home for a year was last house on the right.
Ole. with such an address no chance getting lost ! School bus to Berengaria ACS pick up point was end of my road. nearest class mates lived not too far away. best friend was Terry Kennelly same class. many weekends we partied his house booze and fags with his parents up at the Akrotiri Sgts Mess functions. no chance my home because siblings disloyal and parents not smoke Facebook Dennis R. Thompson

correction. my facebook account: Dennis R. Thompson Thankyou

correction. my facebook account: Dennis R. Thompson Thankyou

Any oldies still around. Limassol and Akrotiri 1960-62. Age range upper 13 to 16. Attended (sort of) Berengaria Army Childrens School. Class mates included Mick (Butch) Bennet, Terry Kennelly, Jeff Waller (Army Brat), Dave Don, Tom Weaver (my neighbour), Pete Zapasnik, Pauline Oddy, Shemmeld sisters, Pat Shilling, Angie Weaver. and more. Most of us guys were Secondary School products and left school age 15. Nowhere to go except back to UK at RAF expense and then into RAF Boy Entrants or Apprentice training schools but that's another history. I am now 73 and like to hear from anyone before i drop. Facebook Dennis R.

At Akrotiri, 1961,62,63,64. 32sqdn canberras. Probably the best time of my life. Used to travel all over Cyprus on motorbikes at the time.

My dad was posted here between 87-89 (Dave Wood, 84 Sqn supply). We lived at 20 The Oval, and I remember our Cyprus days fondly. I joined up myself and spent 14 years in blue, serving on 43 Sqn, the Reds and ACES at RAF Lossiemouth. I now work for an energy company. Mum and dad doing ok, would love to hear from anyone that knew me. I was taught by Miss Butt, Mr Way and Mr Brewerton at APS. Best Regards to all.

My father was posted to Episkopi 1969-71 abd we lived at 16 Dorset Drive. Went to Episkopi Primary School but spent most of my free time at the saddle club in Happy Valley. Remember all the beach names as if it was yesterday. Visited about 15 years ago and although now gated little had changed. Friends from those days were Diana and PATRICIA Allen Elizabeth Hearle and Julia Chapman. Best days ever

Hi.
We were based at Episkopi barracks from 2000-2003 and as well as painting several animal Portraits I also painted Happy Valley. I had the painting printed up into over 500 prints which I donated to the WOs and Sgts Mess at Episkopi. I'm sure they sold many as leaving gifts but I never once got a thank you or any offer to compensate me for all the prints I left as we were emergency evacuated back to UK in 2003 due to my daughters I'll health. It would have been nice to know how many prints were taken and if they even appreciated the donation to the Mess. I guess I will never know.

My father was posted to RAF Akrotiri 1968-1971 and we lived in a hiring in Limassol, walking distance to the NAAFI, the Island Club etc. I went to St John?s and started in 3rd year, my brother Philip Harris was in year 1. I remember going on the school bus from Limassol. We used to go to Tunnel Beach for swimming lessons. I also used to go to the riding school near Polemedia, Limassol. We used to go to six mile beach every weekend, six miles out of Limassol. I remember the beer festival, the Keo factory, driving up to the Troodos mountains, Platres village.

Was an Army brat here in around 79. Lived in the first house in Princes Street, on the corner of Alexendra Hill. Fond memories.

Was at st. John's '68 to '69. 2nd and 3rd year. A long time ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. Travelled in by bus from Limasol each day. Sports in Happy Valley. Cricket, soccer and athletics. Don't do facebook but wondered if anyone there at same time. Can anyone remember the teacher's names

I was posted to Episkopi in February 1959, and was with 3 GHQ Signal Regiment as a teleprinter operator till end of July 1960, then was demobbed and went back to Edinburgh , loved the posting far far better than being stuck in the UK .Duncan.

Remember arriving at Nicosia by comet in full No1 carrying Great coat and travelling by car to RAF Episkopi and transported to Paramali were no bed was allocated to me,June 1961

Great memories of Cyprus.
We lived at 8 Hampshire Terrace 1981-1982 and I went to Episkopi Primary

Ahh memories. I was in Episkopi 65 to 68, R Sigs. Remember Picture House, Naafi,Dodge City, Merc Taxis to Limassol, Bril RAF Cookhouse, Mhukka's opposite,Clifftop Club,is that still there? some good nights there, Istanbul Club in Limassol, Mezzis, Episkopi village late nights/early morning drinking.Happy Valley. Happy days.

Hi, I lived at number one 16 princess street. I lived there with my family, the Alexander's

I remember visiting RAF Episkopi Happy Valley Beach in the 1960s.The beach was partitioned off/ rank segregated...Each area had its own sign...as follows Airmen & their women.SNCOs and their wives,Officers and their ladies. When I showed a photo of this to my father,ex RAF Officer WW2 he was disgusted.Trade Gp11 NNNN

Hi
Was in Akrotiri early eighties and had many enjoyable kebabs at Sylvanas just on the strip outside the base. Going back to Limassol next year so wondered if still Sylvanas is still open?
Many thanks

Charles Street No.8 1971~74

I was a member of the club 1969/70 and the last time I visited the club was 1987. My name [Kipper] was in the trophy on the bottom shelf in the clubhouse. Is it still there and could someone send me a photo please?

Thank you

Dad was posted to RAF Episkopi (as it was then) in early 1972. He was the Principal Dental Officer at RAF Episkopi. We were in a hiring in Limassol for the first few months and then moved to a quarter in South Paramali, No 17 Gloucester Hill. Had a lovely view over the bay from the back garden. I was in my mid / late teens and had a great time there. We travelled all over the island before partition including Troodos, Kyrenia, Paphos etc. Lots of us dependants would get together for kebab nights in Limassol, great fun! Good fun was also had on the beaches including taking part in the Happy Valley to Tunnel Beach swim in 1972 & 1973. I still have the certificates signed by the Station Commander - Group Captain KCD Nixon.

I remember the 1974 crisis well. We could hear sounds of battles in the distance and there were great clouds of smoke from parts of the forest set on fire at one point. I saw a National Guard convoy drive along the main road through RAF Episkopi. We had two families evacuated to us, Corporal Shaw from the Royal Scots and Sergeant Watson from the RAF. The house was suddenly packed with loads of kids and mum cooking up lots of meals from the compo rations with help from the other wives. The same families returned to us for the second evacuation and were then repatriated after a few days. I also helped out cleaning and washing up etc in one of the messes at Episkopi which was serving thousands of meals to trapped tourists and refugees. It was hot work but great to be able help out.

I finally returned to the UK early September 1974 as had to go to college and Dad was posted back to the UK early 1975. I?ve been back for holidays several times since (last time mid 2000?s). The tourist areas are now much more developed but on driving through Episkopi and past Happy Valley, it all looks very much the same! I really enjoyed my time there and it would be great to hear from anyone I knew there then. It?s a long time ago now, but some names I remember are Brian Dawson, Nigel & Ian Taplin, and Kevin Mcdonell .

I used to live at 14 Pembroke Park North Paramali with my parents & worked at Epi Garrison. Then 9 Dorset Drive South Paramali briefly. After getting married at Area Office Akroriri in 1995 I moved to 15 Durham Road on Epi Garrison. Very happy times.

I lived at 28 Tyrone Street 1960 to 1966, Aged 6 - 12. The best fun I ever had growing up. Walking through the tunnel to the beach daily to swin out to the pontoons and laze around. Such great memories. Any old photos of 28 Tyrone St would be nice.

who was at St Johns in 1970/1973

who was at St Johns in 1970/1973

I lived at 49 Albion Street 73-75, Mr Bishop was my teacher, not found anyone from that time yet

Lived at 26 Barnet Road 1969

Lived at 7 harding avenue. On akrotiri base.

Lived at 5 Tyrone Street, Epi from 1991 - 1994. Loved Happy Valley and sailing at ISYC (now ESSC). Great times!

Loved Arabs

Hi. Any photos between 1970
-1973 or Dynamoes football team ?

Best years of my life spent at the saddle club 1965 to 1968.

lived at 18 Westmorland Drive Episkopi with my brothers John and Kevin and sisters Chris ands Cathy.
Dad was in the catering corps.
Loved it there except for the Turkish army ruining my 11th birthday !!!

that was #10 Westmoreland

lived at # 10 in 1963 dad in the Glosters

Hi Bernard, unfortunately my hard-disk packed up about a month ago and I lost all the comments and tags. Fortunately I had a backup of all the photos, but everything else was lost.

Where is all the information that I supplied regarding the formation of the Scout group in the mid 1950s and its early history which seems to be wiped from the site great pity as I would have thought it would have been very informative and helpful for the groups many members.