The Mediterranean, meze and mountains. Partners Daniel Knott and Major Michael Brigham share a tour of their army life on the island of Cyprus…
How long have you been an army family?
15 years.
Time in Cyprus?
Two happy years in the sun.
How many other military families live in Episkopi station?
200 plus families.
What’s your quarter like?
We live in a nice-sized, four-bedroom house overlooking the Med and RAF Akrotiri. If you like 1950s style and flowery curtains this is the place to be. We love it and enjoy the cliff walks.
Are there any employment/training opportunities?
Supporting the Unsung Hero come over once a year to help new business owners set up and 55 AEC run a comprehensive education programme on camp.
There are employment opportunities but competition is fierce as jobs are limited. I work in media ops and run my own photography business from home, which keeps me very busy.
What about schools and childcare?
We have some fantastic schools in Cyprus – the parents sing their praises.
Where do army families get together and who supports you?
Life tends to take place on the beach or in Happy Valley with regular social events and open-air cinemas. Every year we have a party in the park and celebrate both UK and Cypriot cultural events. We are well supported by welfare, the HIVE, AFF, SSAFA and numerous other charities.
How do you find the cost of living there?
It’s not too bad. Food is our biggest expense and shopping around is a must here. You can travel to two or three different shops in one trip to get everything you need. Eating out is cheap and you can get amazing meze for next to nothing if you explore.
What are the best and worst things about living in Cyprus?
The sun is a definite bonus and combined with breathtaking coastlines and mountain ranges, it really is a very pleasant place to live. Be warned, in the spring and autumn you can get some very impressive thunderstorms. I suppose one of the hardest things is you’re pretty isolated without a car. Public transport around Episkopi is limited and most attractions and bars are a few miles away so you can’t just walk there.
Would you recommend it as a family posting?
It’s a perfect posting for families. In the summer everyone is in the pool, enjoying the beach or cooling down in the mountains. You have five-star hotels around
every corner and an excuse for a barbecue every day. Add in the amazing schools and close-knit community and you can’t really ask for more.
Get in touch
Want to share your experiences of army family life? Get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk