Resident spotlight
May there always be sunshine
Welcome to the Resident Spotlight where we share the voices of our residents by discussing their hopes, experiences, and stories. Whether it's what they’ve learned or what they’ve shared with others, we hope to provide an engaging glimpse into their lives. In this edition, we’d like to introduce you to Leonid.
Meet Leonid
Hello, my name’s Leonid.
I was born in the ancient city of Samarkand in a country called Uzbekistan. Alexander the Great called Samarkand "Gem of the world" during his campaign to the city on the Silk Road in 329 BC. The great traveler Marco Polo also visited this amazing city, and this is what he said about it: "Everything I have heard about Samarkand is true! But it is much more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.”
It's been many years since I was born in this fairytale and historic city. It is the second-largest city after Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It's hard to believe I'm already considered a senior citizen. Some people say that old age doesn't mean "happiness”, because there are so many incurable diseases, misfortunes, disasters, earthquakes, terrible wars around us where innocent people, the elderly, women, and children are dying... and life is so short.
When I was 11 years old, I loved to sing and was a soloist in the children's school choir. One of the songs I sang at that time, which was extremely popular among children and adults in the former Soviet Union, was "May There Always Be Sunshine." It was a hymn to peace on earth. Here's how the lyrics of this song sound in English:
«Down with all war! We want no more. People stand up for you, children. Sing everyone - Peace must be won, Dark clouds must not hide the sun.
Chorus:
May there always be sunshine, May there always be blue skies, May there always be mommy, May there always be me! »
Watch 11 year old Leonid singing
Uzbek television in Tashkent filmed a movie about me at that time, which includes the song "May There Always Be Sunshine”. I miraculously found this professional film on 35mm in a television station's archive years later, when I was older, and it's still with me at home. This is my relic. It could have been burned due to the expiration of the negative film's shelf life. It's a miracle!
I graduated from Samarkand State University with a degree in English language, literature, and humanities. I had many hobbies, but the main ones for me were singing and participating in productions of various plays by English and American authors such as Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Richard Sheridan, Bernard Shaw, and others. It was an unforgettable time.
When I started teaching at the same university, I was very fortunate to meet Sir Harold Wilson, who was then the Chairman of the Britain-USSR Friendship Society. I was so happy and proud to accompany Sir Harold Wilson around Samarkand, and he signed his business card for me with thanks and best wishes. I keep it and I cherish it.
My favourite hobby is probably singing, and it seems like my musical career is continuing. I'm planning to record a very beautiful love song for Christmas and New Year's. It's called "A Love So True”, and for now, it's a surprise for me and all my friends and loved ones. I've given many concerts, participated in song contests, and recorded my songs on the radio and television. Many people told me that I was one of the first to sing in English, even on television in Tashkent, Moscow, and Leningrad. It was forbidden to sing in English in the Soviet Union. They said these songs were "the decaying west”. But how could they not play the Beatles or Tom Jones, my idol, on the air?
I was a bit lucky; during Gorbachev's time of glasnost or perestroika, there was some relaxation. All the lyrics of my songs in English were checked for content, which I submitted in writing to television editors, and some of the songs were broadcast. Almost all of my songs were about love – the most important feeling for any person, whether they are English, French, Thai, Russian, or Uzbek. My friends and fans even jokingly called me the "Uzbek Tom Jones”. I found it funny because Tom Jones is a global, amazing singer, my idol, and he shouldn't be compared to anyone. He's a genius, and I really love to sing, just like millions of singing enthusiasts around the world.
On Uzbekistan
I was born in Uzbekistan, and I love this country. The people here are kind and hospitable, very hard-working and open, caring and warm-hearted. Children are much loved here, which is why most families have many children. Weddings are one of the most beloved traditions. Even if you're not acquainted and are just passing by a house where a wedding is taking place, you'll definitely be taken by the arm and invited to the celebration, and treated to amazing wedding pilaf (rice, meat, onions, yellow carrots, spices, garlic and quince dish). Historical chronicles state that Alexander the Great, while in Samarkand with his army, fed them delicious pilaf to strengthen their bodies and spirits. Pilaf or plov as they call it here is still the most popular national dish in Uzbekistan.
When the USSR collapsed, all its republics seceded and became independent states. In 1991, Uzbekistan also became independent. It was a very difficult period, and new problems arose with housing, which is very expensive and currently mainly accessible only to wealthy people. There were problems with employment, and unfortunately, many migrants are seeking work in other countries, leaving their families behind. This is despite the fact that Uzbekistan has rich natural resources, ranks among the world leaders in gold reserves and production, and is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of cotton.
In Uzbekistan, 95% of the population practice Islam, which is the main religion. Islam was brought and spread by Arab conquerors in the early 8th century. Before the Arab invasion, a fire-worshipping religion, Zoroastrianism, was practised here. Uzbekistan has many ancient and famous mosques in the Islamic world, and every Friday is a holy day. There are Christian churches, synagogues, Catholic churches, and Buddhist temples here.
About his family
My friends and loved ones in Uzbekistan say the country has changed for the better with the new president and new thinking. It so happened that I hadn't been to my homeland for a long 14 years. I'll say right away that it was not my will. I really missed my eldest son and his family, my beloved grandchildren. For the last 10 years leading up to 2011, I was a press secretary at the British Embassy in Uzbekistan. There was a difficult political situation that affected the relationship between the UK and Uzbekistan. It touched the Embassy and me too. So, I ended up in London, thinking this difficult time would pass and everything would fall into place. It's no coincidence that in 1404, the ruler of his capital Samarkand and his vast Timurid Empire, the Great Tamerlane sent his ambassadors to King Henry IV of England to establish diplomatic and trade relations.
This significant historical fact at the beginning of the 15th century vividly confirms the desire of two great powers to develop good neighbourly and trade relations, to understand each other, and to create together for the benefit of their people. I hold both the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan very dear and love them; each has its own extraordinary traditions and customs, a rich history, and culture. By getting to know each other, we become spiritually richer and more tolerant. Then the feud (wars) will be a distant memory. And the chorus of my song from when I was 11 will always be relevant:
May there always be sunshine, May there always be blue skies, May there always be mommy, May there always be me!
Thank you
I want to wish you all good health, happiness, wellbeing, peace on earth, and prosperity. I would like to sincerely thankccha, which brings goodness and joy to people, extending their lives.
I am immensely grateful to Melissa for her big, kind heart and her willingness to help each of us. Melissa helps people to become more confident in life and start believing in hope again.
Thank you very much Felicia for your care and attention, kindness and responsiveness. Thank you so much foreverything you do.
Thank you very much Jane for your selfless work. You are a wonderful person and a professional.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Glenda for your valuable work, care, and support, especially during difficult times, and for your wise advice. Your help and support are invaluable.
Thank you very much to all the ccha employees! God bless you all!
Watch Leonid singing
We thank Leonid for participating and taking the time to tell us his story.
We hope to expand and feature more true-life stories from our residents and communities. If you’d like to get involved, email Sam and say "hello" at citeam@ccha.biz or call on 020 8680 7532 or freephone 0800 054 6710 and ask for him.