Mellissa
Hello, my name's Mellissa and I'm the owner/editor of Nisea magazine. Creating Nisea has been an ambition of mine for as long as I can remember. But, as a self-employed graphic designer I never found the time, until now... I realised from the beginning that in order to make the magazine a hit I needed to choose the Nisea team wisely. As every successful businesswoman knows the secret of success is to surround oneself with talented people. And what a talented team they are! email: mellissa_rispin@hotmail.co.uk 
Belinda
My name’s Belinda, Bill to my friends (apart from Mellissa, Nisea’s editor, who calls me B). I regularly write for the English side of Nisea.net magazine and occasionally get collared to do other bits and pieces from photography to deliveries.
I’m a Brit who, looking for a simpler way of life, thought Corfu might offer me just what I was looking for. My family and I took the plunge and moved here at the beginning of 2007. I’m also (in no particular order) a mother, occasional gardener, wife, writer, home maker, journalist and retired analyst.
Whilst I have absolutely no regrets about moving, the reality is most certainly not what I anticipated when still living in England. I am now convinced that this quiet life nonsense that I dreamed of as I stared out through a grimy window, rain lashing down on the cars that stood in regimental rows between white lines in the car park beyond my office, doesn’t exist!
On the positive side, apart from the monthly deadline my working hours can be slotted round the important business of having a life. I get to write about a diverse and entertaining range of subjects when I am working, and in my spare moments I am re-learning my long forgotten cookery skills and discovering what motherhood should be all about.
On the negative side its been too hot to function properly for weeks now - if my brain is working my fingers are so swollen I can’t type, and if my fingers are OK the brain has gone numb! And please, never, ever, suggest to me that the school summer break that children enjoy in the UK is too long. 5 or 6 weeks - childsplay! Try 13 full weeks of “I’m bored; when can we go swimming; can I have another ice cream”… I can’t wait for winter - pleasant sunshine, cooling breezes, the odd snowstorm - ah bliss!
But despite my criticisms, this beautiful, tranquil island of Corfu is the place where my dreams are beginning to come true. Before we arrived I had promised myself I would endeavour to achieve my goal of writing commercially. The inception of Nisea and my role within its pages has given me the opportunity to fulfil that ambition.
When I’m not researching (a nice word for getting stuck into a job I wouldn’t normally do) for the monthly regular ‘A day in the life of…’, interviewing a holidaying celebrity or attending a local event to report on I do sometimes find the time to work elsewhere as a freelance writer, mainly for e-publications. And just now and again, when the kids are at school and both brain and fingers are functioning simultaneously, I’m writing my first book.
email: Belinda_Farmer@hotmail.co.uk http://corfuupthehill.blogspot.com/
Sarah
Hello Nisea Readers,
My name is Sarah Pandoni and I am honoured to join the Niséa team! This is the first time I am writing ‘officially’ for a wide and discerning reading audience, so needless to say, I am a little anxious but very excited too. Having attended Kingston University to complete an Education course and having chosen English and Drama as my specialism, I have done a fair amount of writing and ‘performing’, nevertheless, this is a new challenge and a means of direct communication with people of the same community and, as in teaching, there are many challenges and rewards in communicating with other people and making a connection with others in the community.
I was very blessed to be given one English parent and one Greek parent and as a result have spent the first part of my life growing up in Corfu and finishing school here.
I then chose to continue life and studies in England. I now lead a busy and settled life here on our little island with my husband and two little girls. As you may guess, my work involves passing on my knowledge of both languages and cultures and due to my job and the convenience of town, we have recently moved to Corfu town where I grew up as a child, leaving ‘life in the village’ for weekends and holidays.
As I am sure you all agree, however small Corfu may appear on the map, there is plenty going on, lots of interesting people leading interesting lives, important issues which concern us all and many events which often pass us by, as we may not have been informed about them. Having set a personal goal to become more involved in what is happening in Corfu town, to try and re-discover the vibrant beat of the ‘town’ versus the slower tempo of the ‘village’ I will be keeping the Niséa readers up-to-date on the people, events and issues, thus, hopefully, helping Niséa magazine and the team with the challenging task of keeping on top of everything that’s happening on the island!
Happy reading to everyone out there and please keep in touch with comments and suggestions!
email: spandoni@live.com
Spiros
My name is Spiros, I was born in Corfu and live in Platonas-Nimfon. I graduated in economics from the University of Athens, then completed my Greek national service in 1986.
From September 1989-1992 I worked as an accountant for the agricultural cooperative in Nimfes. Opening my own accountancy business [accounting firm] in 1990, which was initially based in Corfu town before relocating to Roda in 1997.
My accountancy firm offers a full range of services including book keeping, tax advice and completion of returns. Fully computerised, we are able to provide a complete payroll service and full support for all business and personal financial needs. My accountant firm offers such services for all categories as required by law (books markets, revenue - fees, and C 'category)
From 1999 until 2004 I taught economics in the public sector at I.E.K. Corfu. Moving into the private sector in 2003 as a lecturer at K.E.K. (Corfu’s vocational training centre). Part of my work there involves taking part in the examination of the Regional Certification Commission Certification Exam (P. E. E. P. Ionian Islands - Testing Centre Corfu) as an examiner.
I’m also a member of the Economic Chamber of Greece, the Economic Chamber of Accountants and a member of the Association of Professional Accountants in Corfu.
Taking an active role in local politics I’m also a Councillor for the municipality “Dimo Thinalio”.
Since 2002 I am also the Chairman of the Board of T.O.E.V. Nimfes and a board member of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives in Corfu.
Tel & Fax: 26630 - 64663 & mobile 69 77 40 26 95
email: rizoss@otenet.gr
Dr Alexandros Tsopelas M.R.C.G.P.
Hello, my name is Alexandros and I was born in Athens. I moved to Corfu in 1998 when I graduate from Athens University medical school . I moved to the UK in 2003. There I competed my training as a GP and continued to work as a GP for the NHS.
In 2007 I become a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners. I also have an additional diploma and special interest in Diabetes, Dermatology , Medical Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnosis. I returned to Corfu last year, for a lot of different reasons that I’m still trying to work out!! And in February 2009 I opened my own GP surgery in Corfu town. I believe that medicine is an art and I hope the medical I will publish in Nisea magazine with be of help and interest to you. Dr Alexandros Tsopelas M.R.C.G.P. General Practitioner (UK trained) Diploma in Dermatology, Medical Acupuncture, Diabetes. Clinical Hypnosis 39 Alexandras Street, Sanrocco square, Corfu town. Surgery Tel : 2661024096 - Mob.6945791120 email:tsopelasalex@yahoo.gr
John
Well hello!
You might well know me personally or you may have heard my voice on the radio over the last couple of years or so, most recently in Corfu on Aktina Radio on 104.7fm and across the world on www.aktina.fm
My name is John Clothier and my shows are on Aktina Radio on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.00pm until 5.00pm where is believed that I am the only English Presenter on Greek Radio! There’s something for my CV!! The two shows are completely different; Saturday is a ‘Pop and Classic Pop’ show with lots of fun thrown in and Sunday is well…… if you like Rock it’s the place to be!
My radio career started some 2000! years ago on hospital radio. I started with Radio Camelot in Yeovil Somerset and from there I worked for 2 local radio stations promoting local radio and presenting. Then I ended up working both Yeovil hospital and also Dorchester hospital. I was very busy but had great fun!
I love meeting people and radio has brought many fond memories of famous people, some actors and pop stars. I have even had a kiss from Sally Traffic from BBC’s Radio2! Famous Stars are always (well mostly!) willing to help with hospital radio.
My music tastes go from Classical right the way through really but I suppose you can say I love playing 60’s 70’s and 80’s mostly and I think the contents of my show are quite good, and hopefully entertaining.
I am proud now to be part of the Nisea Team and writing in the Nisea magazine every month for you out there and I hope you all enjoy it too.
Thank you, John.
Spyridoula
Spyridoula studied to be a beauty therapist in Thessalonika before οpening the “Morfi” institute of beauty in Acharavi. She also teaches at B’TEE Corfu college
Acharavi Corfu Tel.: 26630 64530
Belinda
English hair stylist Belinda trained in Covent Garden London before setting up a successful business in Sidari
BELINDA'S HAIR SALON
SHOPPING ARCADE IN SIDARI CENTRE
OVERLOOKING THE CAR PARK TEL.: 26630 95909
Santhi
Trained to be a hair stylist in Athens, before opening her own salon in Roda 19 years ago ! Her aim, she says is to always achieve the best possible result for her clients. Using inspiration, imagination and creativity, as that is the
only was to achieve success in any field
Tel.: 26630 63945
Christina
Christina Economou - Kladas studied Classical Ballet in Bulgaria and where she received the title of Prof. of Ballet, from the State Musical Academy of Sofia. She has previously worked as a dance teacher and Artistic director.
In 2004 she founded the School of Dance "Xorokinisi." which is recognized by the Ministry of Culture and is based in Sidari, while retaining a position in Corfu, in collaboration with the Dance Group "Laodama."
Christina is a married mother of two and lives in Xathates, Corfu.
email: xorokinisi.corfu@gmail.com
