MRS SOULLA GEORGHIOU

I was born in the small yet picturesque village of Louvaras and I arrived in the UK in the mid-1950s.  I took a ship to Marseille in France, a train to Calais and a ferry boat to Dover.  I was on British soil.  I expected that a cousin of mine would be at Victoria Station to meet me, but his partner, Mr Michaelides, was there instead.  They owned a restaurant in Southampton.  The very next day we travelled down to the South Coast.  Loukis, my cousin, and his wife Kaesia, introduced me to the catering trade.  I was making teas and coffees and despite the fact that I had a problem with the language, I also managed the till.  After a few months, I was much happier and whatever I was doing became much easier.  The winters were long, often very cold and the sun seemed “not to exist”.

Why did I decide to come to the UK?  Poverty and a general lack of opportunities were prevalent in Cyprus.  Although I missed my family and friends, I decided to emigrate and
when my cousin sent me the necessary documentation, what we called a ‘prosklisis’, I was on my way.  After a year or so I met Andreas and we married in 1958.  For the first time at a wedding in Southampton, a violinist travelled ‘down’ from London.  It was also noted in the newspaper.

I wanted to return to Cyprus and we nearly did so in 1974.  However, the events of that year put a stop to such dreams.  I am very happy here in Southampton.  I have three children.  My two daughters are married to Greek Cypriots and their marriage ceremonies
took place in Southampton.  My son married in Ireland and he now lives in London.  They all have good jobs.  My two grandchildren are also making the right strides to a successful future.  I can only say “thank God” for giving me such happiness.