Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: dimitris on June 04, 2014, 12:14:35 PM

Title: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: dimitris on June 04, 2014, 12:14:35 PM
The Arillas Business Association together with the local Councillors and people of Arillas have achieved to have the beach-front and the rest of the village in a good state before the season started .
In the winter months meetings and small conferences were taking place in order to keep everyone informed and able to contribute with their own opinions and ideas.
Having taken seriously under consideration the results of the Arillas Survey form 2012-13, we followed the rule to improve but not spoil our Arillas by choosing  carefully all actions and necessary developments.
The community spirit within the Arillas business-people is a vital fact that has to be kept going for the next years.
The work that this year has been done by the business-owners is:

All these actions have been initiated by the community spirit of the Arillas people who live and work in this area. It was the ultimate move to respond to the loyalty of all of you that keep coming year by year and to welcome the newcomers with respect.
We are trying to keep your holiday destination clean and tidy with our basic resources and very little help from the governmental services. I must say It WAS NOT EASY....
 It is important that more and more local business-owners should take part in this actions in the future. Our aim is to keep Arillas  AS IT IS .
The identity of our Arillas as a holiday destination is based on :

In order to keep this spirit going, it would be very nice of you to keep mentioning to every establishment that you visit in Arillas and the surrounding areas about the good impact that these initiatives have to your holidays.  

Have a good time in Arillas!!
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Anne on June 04, 2014, 12:32:12 PM
Well said Dimitri - we were pleased to help a little this year as we were here early. It was quite an eye opener for us to see everyone pulling together.  I would just like to say how much we appreciate all that you do for Arillas in keeping it a place we love to return to - again and again. Thank you, lots of love and respect Anne xx
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: TerryW on June 04, 2014, 02:23:02 PM
Thank you for the update Dimitris.

I think, as a forum, we should draft a "letter of thanks" that could be pinned to the notice board by the jetty. I am sure that Phil could word it to perfection, and at least it would display out gratitude in a public way to the Arillas Business Association and the people of Arillas.


I will keep the following list, at hand, for repeating on other websites if that is Ok?

The identity of our Arillas as a holiday destination is based on :

Our natural environment
The sea and sun
Family-run accommodation
Quality restaurants and good Greek food
Quality of the beach
High rate of repeating visitors
The hospitality of the local people
Beach quality
Recommendation from friends and family
The use of social media
The organisation of local events.
Just one to add - A very unique micro brewery with award winning beers.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: heatherberriman on June 04, 2014, 02:43:13 PM
Thank you all so much for your hard work in Arillas looking forward to seeing all the changes in September x
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on June 04, 2014, 02:54:55 PM
A huge thanks for all the effort that has been put in by the community of Arillas  in respect of the work that has been carried out to keep Arillas AS IT IS.

Most of the work had been done when we were over in May and our appreciation was expressed at several venues around the village.

Arillas AS IT IS  is why we keep coming HOME........ looking forward to returning in July.

Social media helps in a big way in spreading the word about this little part of the world we have all come to love and respect.

I will continue to sing the praises of Arillas every time I have the opportunity through social media and I hope we all do the same.

once again A BIG THANK YOU TO ARILLAS AND ITS LOCAL COMMUNITY.

Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 04, 2014, 03:03:39 PM
This wonderful place, and in particular the sympathetic improvements ensure that we will always continue to visit Arillas.  We are very excited to see all the changes for ourselves. To anyone who berates us for not going anywhere else I always say, you cannot comment until you have visited yourself. Even my 19 year old son who has been visiting Arillas since he was 1, is bereft that he is visiting another country with his girlfriend this year and not Arillas. I just know that next year he will be back.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Val n Bill on June 04, 2014, 03:36:39 PM

One of the reasons that brings us back to Arillas time and time again is the welcome we get from all the people of Arillas.

We love the fact that nothing really changes.... it only improves. This year the improvements reflect the pride the business owners have in providing a sympathetic but greatly appreciated improvement along the beach front, as John stated....Arillas as it is. To Bill and I Arillas is always beautiful but this year it is extra beautiful.

So thank you to The Arillas Business Association and the People of Arillas for these improvements and also for opening up the new safe part of the "donkey track" this week.

  Val and Bill x
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: killie on June 04, 2014, 04:04:15 PM
Seems the Arillas businesses are improving all the time, well done Dimitris and everyone else concerned. It was 10 years ago I made my first visit to Arillas gawd time flies, I've returned 4 or 5 times since then, memory is not what it used to be, 2011 was the last time. I return again this weekend coming so it will be interesting to see all the changes, especially the restaurants, We usually cover every restaurant on the seafront for our evening meals during the course of the holiday unless Eileen gets the barbie out :-) , quality was great in each one 10 years ago how much more can it improve:-)

The addition of WiFi in many places now is a bonus to these who need it while on holidays. Get rid of the Mossies and it will be perfect :-)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: justphil on June 04, 2014, 11:38:50 PM
I have watched Arillas and its business owners develop over the last 12 years. For reasons unknown to me then, I took them to my heart the day I arrived in 2002. They have provided me with a life changing antidote to the cynical life we live in Britain. It can be different, and they have provided it for me.

This forum (for which we all owe Dimitris who runs it and pays for it) has seen me find dozens of new and very close friends. I often wonder who would be in that frame without it, and only the physical meetings in Arillas itself. I suspect most of them in truth.   

Dimitri's words explain perfectly how I feel about the development of the place I have adopted as my spiritual home.
Quote
improve but not spoil our Arillas.
I could have written that phrase.

Like everyone, I am truly grateful that instead of decline, the actions of our dear friends whose home it is, have fought back and improved the chances of Arillas thriving in the future. I have a selfish interest of course - I want to spend the rest of my days either in or dreaming about being in an Arillas "improved but not spoiled."

Phil


Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Erja on June 05, 2014, 08:00:32 AM
Arillas AS IT IS  is why we keep coming HOME.

Most excellent and thank you one and all who have made the little tweaks to improve and to keep Arillas AS IT IT.

Good job and see you in August :)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Martin_G on June 09, 2014, 09:27:22 PM
Fabulous update.. and thank you, cannot wait to be back in August and see the changes.. :)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: dylan on June 09, 2014, 09:39:55 PM
is there a link for the Arillas Business Association? so that we could all say thanks, for all the hard work that they have done?
or some kind of visitors book?
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: dimitris on June 09, 2014, 10:06:20 PM
Hello Dylan,
You can send your emails to info@arillas.gr

Not all owners are using the internet  so the best way it's  "the traditional way" to say it your self while you are here!! ;)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Steph ~ on June 10, 2014, 07:43:30 PM
Thank you Dimitris for that update - it's good (and interesting) to hear what is being done in Arillas. The local community certainly put in a great deal of hard work to keep it looking great and to also, most importantly, maintain that unique special atmosphere. 

Looking forward being back home in Arillas next year and, in the meantime, hearing the updates and seeing the photos from relatives coming over this summer :)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: M n M on June 10, 2014, 09:12:06 PM
Dimitris, you know me better than I know myself, we go back a few years so work out what I am getting to eat. See you next week, remember you can run but not hide.
Love to all, M n M and 2 new probable recruits.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: dylan on June 10, 2014, 10:19:36 PM
thanks Dimitris, will certainly do that, always do anyway! see you in Sept, hope you are all well
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Alan on June 13, 2014, 01:09:42 AM
Hi Dimitris, as you know we have been coming to Arillas for 30 consecutive years and will be back in August as usual, over the years we have seen many many changes with businesses coming and going but always there is the attraction for us that basically it is STILL unspoilt, ok more buildings and restaraunts but this adds to Arillas and does not detract the beauty of the place. We have been to other countries, but never missed our holiday in the paradise which is Arillas. I can't wait to see the improvements that you mention, but I already know how hard you all work in the winter months having seen it every year. So it will be 31 consecutive years for us this year, and as usual I will pop in for a quick chat with you one afternoon after your siesta, take care my friend.
Alan & Joyce xx
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: nicmccluskey on June 13, 2014, 01:53:11 PM
Thankyou to Dimitris and all those involved in the upkeep and improvement of Arillas. I will be sure to express my thanks when I return in July ( for the 12th time!!)
I cannot wait to be in my spiritual home and see all my friends again,
much love and thanks,
Nicola x
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: GECKO on October 10, 2014, 02:56:00 PM
Hey Dimitri!
Excellent and accurate report on the positive changes in Arillas, as we saw the evidence of efforts so far in May/June. A massive well done to you & all others involved!
Xanne & I were expecting to re-visit in Sept., but I have rather foolishly & carelessly managed to break my spine!
Recovery going well & expect to be back early 2015.
Keep up the good work & look forward to seeing you & everyone next year.
Kalo himonas!
Gecko.

Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Anne on October 19, 2014, 02:35:51 PM
I wish you a speedy recovery Gecko - what an earth were you doing - hope it wasn't too much Ouzo ;)
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: NickBoardman on February 15, 2016, 01:18:43 PM
I have never found better hospitality and customer service than in Arillas  and it is heart warming that residence take to heart their visitors so warmly year after year. I intend to say thanks as mentioned 'the traditional way' and, if I'm brave enough, in Greek. I do travel to other places but always get drawn back to Corfu, but especially Arillas.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Karen Arillas on June 09, 2016, 10:39:30 AM
It is the most cherished place and I am so honored to meet all the locals each year that make my holiday so wonderful......Thank you
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Diane and Terry on June 20, 2016, 05:16:18 PM
We return on the afternoon of June 23rd and I know I will have a lump in my throat from the sheer joy of being part of the  Arillas spirit for the next 3 weeks.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: john and gaye on April 13, 2020, 10:19:18 PM
Demetrius and family:
Gaye and I are so sad having to cancel our spring holiday to your wonderful Arillas and visiting you at your Taverna. We are always getting told off by your other diners (mostly idiot English) for smoking! But if we keep near the road we can usually get away with it. However as soon as it is safe for us all we will be with you again .Hope you and your family stay safe and don’t take to big a financial hit.
John and Gaye.
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: dimitris on April 13, 2020, 10:46:51 PM
Hello dear John and Gaye ,
It will be strange without you on the start of the season,.
Don't worry about the non-smokers  I'm One of them too, with nowadays situation. who knows  for what other things people will be telling each-other off that will keep us amused on your next visit.
Stay safe my "Old" friend... and  thank you for joining the forum! Now  I will be offending you from here.
KEEP SAFE , KIsses to Gaye,

Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: harold on April 17, 2020, 10:57:24 AM
you will need to be careful as dimitris could end up with a big fine.The greek government tightened the law last Novemeber
One day before the Smoking Ban official goes into effect in Greece on November 19, 2019, the Health Ministry published in the Official Gazette the full price list of fine for those violating the Law.

The fines range from 100 to 10,000 euros and will be charged on smokers as well as on businesses as well as managers of public facilities violating the Smoking Ban.

The minimum fine of 50 euros for smokers, valid since 2010, will burn the fingers of those holding cigarettes as it increases to 100 euros. It will be implemented to smokers in private and public enclosed places like public workplaces, public services waiting lounges, hospitals, schools and universities,  all public transport means, port and passengers stations, with the exception of places specially designed for smokers in airports. A fine of 500 euros will be imposed to the managers of the places where the smoking violation takes place.

This fine increases to 200 euros for those smoking in places where minors gather, such as kindergartens, schools, playgrounds etc.

A fine of 1,500 euros will be implemented to any smoking driver or passenger of a car where minors under 12 are present. occupied by minors under 12 years of age. the fine increases to 3,000 euros, if it is a public vehicle. In addition, drivers’ license will be revoked for one month.

Owners of restaurants, bar, cafeterias etc where the law has been violated will be called to pa heavy fines depending on the size of the facility

500 euros when the facility is up to 100 sq.m.

For facilities over 100 sq.m. the fine starts at 2,000 euros and will increase by 2,000 euros for every time the owner is caught to violate the Law. By the fifth time, the fine will be 10,000 euros and the definite revocation of its operation license.

For nightclubs and dining areas larger than 300sq.m. fines for facility managers start at 6,000 euros and increase by 1,000 for each repeat offense.

On Sunday, Health Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced the launching of an information campaign within the week as well as the activation of phone line <1142> where people can denounce  their complaints about violations of the smoking ban. Complaints have to be eponymous, though, and not anonymous.

https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2019/11/18/greece-smoking-ban-fines-list/
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Eggy on April 17, 2020, 06:42:37 PM
Harold
Looking forward to the ISO being lifted when I can go anywhere and have a cigarette to celebrate.
Negg
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: turkeyfoot on April 18, 2020, 08:27:39 AM
Harold
Looking forward to the ISO being lifted when I can go anywhere and have a cigarette to celebrate.
Negg

Hi Negg

Naughty naughty. No smoking in bars etc allowed.

Geoff
Title: Re: A few words about the Arillas Community Spirit
Post by: Eggy on April 18, 2020, 09:40:52 AM
Geoff , didn't say I was going to light it,
Negg