Grantham Journal Big Interview: After fame in Cyprus family comes first for Andreas

After growing up in Cyprus in the limelight, as the son of an international footballer as well as enjoying his own career as a successful singer, Andreas Alkiviades is now using his musical skills to run classes for youngsters in Grantham and the surrounding area.

* I understand you used be a recording artist?

Yes I released a single called ‘Elatirio’ in my native country of Cyprus in late 1999, which went gold. I appeared on both national radio and television shows, from Saturday night prime time, to morning shows. Since I moved to the UK in 2001, I have appeared as a guest on BBC Radio on numerous occasions.

* And you are the son of a professional football player?

My father, Makis Alkiviades, who sadly is no longer with us, was the goalkeeper for Cyprus’ national team for about 20 years. He was captain for his local team in the Cyprus league, which won the league in 1970. He won Sports Personality of the Year in 1970, runner-up the following year, and was awarded Sports Fair Play Award in 1980, the year in which retired.

* Tell us about your family and what led you to setting up Jo Jingles.

I have two young girls, now aged 10 and six, and when my eldest was about two my wife and I decided to make a lifestyle change. At the time we were living in Berkshire and the everyday commuting to London, working long hours and sadly not spending enough quality time with our daughter took its toll. My passion for music, the desire to start my own business and first-hand experience of the benefits music provides to children, led to the decision to purchase the Jo Jingles franchise - initially in Berkshire and as of March 2014 in Grantham and Stamford. I absolute love what I do and especially watching preschool children enjoy the classes in their own unique way. It is hard work but immensely enjoyable and rewarding.

* How can parents sign up to Jo Jingles classes?

Parents can visit the website www.jojingles.com/stamford, email me at jojinglesstamford@gmail.com or call me on 07590 434016. Also liking the Facebook page ‘Jo Jingles Grantham and Stamford’ enables prospective parents to see what is happening in the World of Jo Jingles.