Firstly, the “fount of all knowledge” is THE TREE as it is still referred to, but it is now a proper notice board. Notices of everything noteworthy from funerals to beach barbeques are pinned to this notice board in the forecourt of Girne Post Office in North Cyprus; messages are left here and rumour vibrations emanate from “the bark”.

The BRS (British Residents Society) organises social events during the year, open to both members and non-members, and provides a comprehensive telephone list, which is updated every six months. The British Residents Society is based in Northern Cyprus Kyrenia and is open on Saturday mornings. Members of the committee are there every Saturday to give help, information and advice. Their website is www.brstrnc.com.

The British Residents’ Society organise a Blood Donor Day at North Cyprus Girne Hospital every six months (April and October). Blood is collected by the TRNC blood bank and personal Blood Donor Cards are given to donors, which record both blood group and units donated. As a donor, you do not have to find a blood donor for yourself and family in the event of an emergency. The Blood Donor dates are published in North Cyprus Today.

The Northern Cyprus Anglo-Turkish Association is a non-political Association that arranges activities to promote understanding and respect for English and/or Turkish speaking people.

The Kyrenia Society in TRNC runs a lending library, which is open every Saturday and Wednesday morning, in the building behind the Post Office in Kyrenia. Temporary membership is available for holiday-makers.

The Red Cross is a branch of the Cyprus Red Crescent whose premises are behind the Post Office in North Cyprus Kyrenia and open every Saturday morning. Emergency equipment such as crutches, commodes, baby cots and high chairs may be hired. Fund-raising events are held twice a year. They also have a second-hand shop in Kyrenia.