SOCIAL EVENTS
After every walk we gather at a local taverna for refreshments. This allows members who have been on different walks to socialise.
First Walk of the Month - 3rd May 2023
Our last 'first walk of the month' meal before the start of the summer walking programme was held at the Letymbou Taverna which Anita opened specially for us. Barry and Yasmin did a fantastic work of organising the event - thanks to them.
59 walkers divided themselves between the three walks and 48 individuals ate afterwards.
Christmas Lunch December 2022: With all Covid restrictions lifted an excellent meal was held at Petradaki in Kathikas. Bambos and Nicki excelled themselves and the tables groaned under the amount of food placed on them. A great afternoon for all.
Gala Dinner : 13th October 2022 at Aqua Mare Hotel - A chance to meet up socially, enjoy a glass of wine (or two). After a sumptuous buffet we danced the evening away to music provided by DJ Ray.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25th Anniversary Celebrations - 5th February 2020
Happy Wanderers celebrated 25 years of walking in the beautiful Paphos countryside with three walks and a festive lunch in Lysos arranged by George Bates, one of the founder members.
When George helped set up Happy Wanderers in 1995, he saw walking as a great way to have a healthy pastime, meet people and get to know the Cyprus countryside. The idea was that everyone who enjoyed walking would also help organise walks. Soon, Happy Wanderers grew to have a long, medium and short walk every week followed by drinks and sometimes a meal in a local taverna. In an interview, George praised volunteers for organising and running walks every week for the last 25 years.
Happy Wanderers have enjoyed the benefits of George's vision and we are carrying on with walks that make the most of the spectacular scenery that Cyprus offers.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HW Christmas Lunch, Kamares Club 4th December 2019
After three really enjoyable walks in the winter sunshine, over 70 people sat down to enjoy the most delicious Christmas Fayre, provided by the Kamares Club. All were in agreement that the Food was excellent.
The starter was buffet style with so much choice it was hard not to come away with a full plate. But there was more delicious food to follow . . . The turkey was carved and very generous portions offered with the usual trimmings and roast potatoes and vegetables. Vegetarians were well catered for too with a tasty pasta dish, there was also fish on offer so something to suit everyone.
The short and medium walks were back at the Club quite early so there was lots of Christmas cheer abounding before the long walkers appeared. There was also a glass (or two) of prosecco served before the meal which was much appreciated.
The staff were attentive and cheerful and I’m sure all who were there had a wonderful time.
Thanks must go to Bill Pollard who not only led the medium walk but organised the whole day, including the meal and set up Christmas music for us as well!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HW ANNUAL GALA DINNER - 2019
The Happy Wanderers held their Gala Dinner on 8th November 2019 at Aquamare Hotel. This turned out to be a very successful night with 70 people attending, 62 members and 8 non members.
The food was a Mediterranean Buffet supplied and prepared by Evis (Executive Chef) and his team. Various people commented on the food which was delicious and consisted of Dips and Accompaniments, Whole Poached Salmon, Grilled Chicken, Pork Fillet, Beef Strips Chinese Style, Calamari and Grilled Fish, Pasta, Ratatouille, Potatoes and Bacon, Rice and Seasonal Vegetable. The puddings were, Hazelnuts Cake, Tiramisu, Cream Brule, Chocolate mouse, Fruit Tarts and fresh fruit salad.
Our entertainment for the night was DJ Ray who also provided a quiz with prizes. Ray got everyone up dancing to 60/70 and 80's music, which went down well with the group. The dancing continued to 11.30 when it was time to go home after a fun and entertaining night.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT KAMARES CLUB - 2018
Although the walks had to be cancelled due to rain, 66 members & 4 partners attended a fabulous 4 course Christmas Lunch at the Kamares Club on 5th December 2018. The array of starters was a feast on its own followed by the main course with traditional turkey and plenty other accompaniments to suit all tastes. The Christmas pudding was a show stopper with plenty of other desserts to keep us going. Thank you to the staff at the Kamares Club for a very successful event.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HW ANNUAL GALA DINNER - 2018
For the third year running we held our Annual Gala Dinner at the Aquamare Hotel on 19th October, where Evis and his team provided a wonderful Buffet meal for 66 hungry members of the walking group. This years entertainment was provided by Magical Marcus, who provided gentle music and tricks whilst the attendees were eating, then moved it up a beat and got most of the group dancing. Several requests were honoured, including the wedding anniversary of Steve and Ann H and the upcoming marriage of Mark and Sharon. Thanks to all those members who attended and made the evening very enjoyable, also thanks to the organisers for ensuring the evening was a great success.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT MINTHIS GOLF CLUB - 2017
After three great walks in the Tsada region of Paphos the Happy Wanderers enjoyed their annual Christmas Meal at the Minthis Golf Club on 7th December.
HW ANNUAL GALA DINNER - 2017
The Happy Wanderers held theirAnnual Gala Dinner on 6th October at the Aquamare Beach Hotel in Paphos. There were 62 attendees which included members and guests who indulged in a fantastic Mediterranean buffet provided by Evis and his staff. The entertainment was provided by Michael Antonio who got the members and their guests dancing the night away. A big thanks to Sandra for organising a superb night.
PAJERO GROUP - DINNER & DANCE
On Friday 26th May, over 35 people from the Happy Wanderers joined company with the Pajero Group for their annual dinner/dance at the Venus Beach Hotel. The evening was a great success and everyone that we spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The entertainment was the Blues Brothers and people danced the night away to their music. The meal consisted of 5 courses and included all the wine and beer for €35 a head. Fred Cadman organised this for the Pajero group and Sandra Perrott for the HWs. So a joint effort.
‘Grand Easter Monday Walk’ a Great Success
A big thank you to all those who took part in the walk. You will be pleased to know that to date some €5,000 was raised for church funds and another €3,000 by those walking for a variety of local charity organisations.
Nearly 50 people took part in one of the three different walks; from Latchi to Sea Caves, a distance of 30 Kms; Sea Caves to Agios Georgios and back, a round trip of 12 Kms, or the 7 Kms return route from Sea Caves to Corallia Beach.
Chairman of the Major Fund Raising Team, Roger Bailey said afterwards “I was delighted at the response both in the number of walkers who turned out and in the fabulous amount raised. The weather provided the ideal conditions for walking and the event was enjoyed by all.
We hope next year’s event will attract even more participants raising larger sums of money for their charities.
Make a note of the date in your diaries now – Easter Monday 2nd April 2018
KYRENIA TRIP
27th – 30th April 2017
56 members and guests had a successful trip to Kyrenia in the Northern part of Cyprus. The weather was kind, even if the Turkish Army caused us some problems again in closing off the area we had planned to walk in. Fortunately this was discovered the day before and we were able to adjust our plans and swop around the planned walks.
Day 1 was the linear and Nature Trail walks in the area of Esentepe, we had 42 walking in the 3 groups. Although the short walkers still had to amend their start point due to last minute road closures, they were not fazed by this and did the linear walk in reverse finishing at the Antiphonitis Church for a refreshing lemon drink and browse around the church
Day 2. The long walkers started at Five Fingers to walk along the ridge back to Bellapais. When the minibus was booked to take them on the one-way trip to start their walk the driver was very surprised they did not want a return journey and that they were walking back. The medium and short walkers completed walks around the Bellapais area taking in the views of the Monastery from all angles finishing with a well earned drink in the village. 36 walked plus four of our less able members also did a stroll from the hotel up to the village of Bellapais and back.
Day 3. Our return to Paphos via Yesilirmak (The Strawberry Village) saw 20 members walking around the area before taking lunch across the border in Kato Pyrgos.
Many thanks goes to all those who were involved in one-way or another in making this trip possible.