We perseverate

Since last summer the Friends of Paros have started a number of projects which still require their  full attention and continuous endeavours.

Let us first mention archaeology: We raised awareness of the sites that desperately needed to be maintained or restored.  The first one  – the site of Apollo, Despotiko – was the objective  of a fund-raising campaign: one of the four columns that rises to the sky was funded  by our action ! This summer, additional activities of the Friends would facilitate the partial reconstruction of this ancient  temple.

The second project is that of renewable energies.  If the Friends of Paros stand together with  the population of Paros concerning the installation of wind  turbines, they nonetheless consider  that renewable energies are useful and represent a leap forward for our island, but also for the whole  country. The recent workshop organized  by our association  early  December 2017 in Parikia, brought together the main  actors to take stock and to start thinking about alternative solutions. A new workshop will be further organised  before the end of the summer. Participation in cultural life and debate of ideas is also our “raison  d’être”. Thus,  after the organization at the end of November 2017 of the second edition of theatrical workshops led by  stage director Petros Sevastikoglou, we plan to show a film dedicated to the life and work  of author Alki Zei. Our “Bulletin” will also continue its action in favour of cultural life. We are also proud  to announce that the « Bulletin” received an award of excellence by an organization acting under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism. Concerning the new airport, we hope that a broader debate will address its future development. The Friends of Paros consider  that the efforts to be undertaken should focus on the improvement of this airport as it is, in order to better accommodate  passengers and optimize its use.

Last but not least, how not to mention our next ceremony on August 8th: This summer we will be going to Antiparos to honour  the associations  working on this island  for the common  good. Paros, Antiparos,

Despotiko, constitute the same geographical and human entity. Antiparos is an asset for Paros and vice versa and Despotiko’s  Temple of Apollo will attract visitors from both Paros and Antiparos. The destinies of this three islands are closely  interrelated, yet another  reason to visit this island  ! We will come back in our next issue on the actors who will be honoured this summer.