Heard in the Hive

A five-a-side football tournament was recently organised for the first time between the hotels in the Gzira Strand and Sliema areas.

Six hotels took part in The Strand Football Tournament - Petit Paradis Hotel, Kennedy Nova Hotel, 115 The Strand Aparthotel, Waterfront Hotel, Plevna Hotel and Marina Hotel. The tournament was won by Petit Paradis Hotel. All matches took place at Pietà Hotspurs FC grounds on their new synthetic pitches at 10 p.m. Futsal laws of the game were adhered to.

The organiser of the tournament, Paul Cassar (115 The Strand Aparthotel), with the assistance of Joe Cassar (Plevna Hotel), stressed that the aim of the tournament was to encourage good spirit and fair play and to enhance the good relations between all employees from different hotels. The trophies were sponsored by Marsovin Winery. The respective hotels' managements paid all other expenses. A knockout competition, won by Hotel Kennedy Nova, was also organised.

Martine at the Manoel

A sizable gathering of guests was recently present at the Manoel Theatre courtyard for the opening of an exhibition of oil paintings and pastels by Martine Derenbach Gervais.

The exhibition was inaugurated by French Ambassador Patrick Chrismant, who delivered an appreciative address about the artistic qualities contained in the works by the French-born artist.

Emmanuel Fiorentino gave his personal views on the artist's progress since her first exhibition in Malta last year.

Those present included Paul Asciak, president of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and Mrs Asciak, Baron Salvino Testaferrata Moroni Viani, artists Alfred Chircop, Anton Agius, Joseph Barbara and William Azzopardi, Chev. George Said-Zammit and Mrs Said-Zammit, Noemi Zarb, friends of the artist and a number of foreign guests, who were at the time taking part in an international conference.

Independence celebrations in Paris

The Maltese embassy in France is holding a series of cultural events to mark the 40th anniversary of Malta's Independence.

Together with the Foyer International d'Accueil in Paris (FIAP) as its Jean Monnet Centre, and with the co-operation of MTA and Air Malta, Professor Salvino Busuttil, Malta's ambassador, will be hosting the diplomatic corps and a gathering from different walks of life to a reception on Tuesday.

During the reception there will be the vernissage of Luciano Micallef's exhibition, sponsored by the Foundation de Malte, and a piano recital by composer Marc, a very original musician of Maltese descent who has already delighted French audiences at the ambassador's residence.

Other exhibitions being held at the same time are those of Michel d'Anastasio, an expert Calligrapher whose Maltese heritage is deeply ingrained in his personality, and of Daniel Cilia, a photographer fascinated by the multiple richness of his homeland. The exhibition remains open till October 4.

Other activities to mark the celebrations will be a concert by the pop group Corkscrew, as well as two performances of contemporary Maltese music by Mario Frendo and The Medit Chamber Players.

Bringing the celebrations to an end on October 4 will be a presentation on Malta's tourism and investment opportunities by MTA and Malta Enterprise.

Maltese Bartenders Guild annual awards

Bartenders James Aquilina and Neville Azzopardi were recently awarded the Flairtending Award and the Classical Award, part of the Joseph Gusti Bartender of the Year Awards.

The awards, which are given annually to two of the members of The Maltese Bartenders Guild who excel most in their profession, were sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority.

Mr Aquilina, who works with the Corinthia Group at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard, and Mr Azzopardi, an employee with Island Hotels Group at the Bugibba Hotel Complex, will be representing the Malta in the World Cup Cocktail Competition in Las Vegas, organised by the International Bartenders Association.

They will compete with their original cocktails made of George Monin Syrups and De Kyper Liquers as main ingredients. Paola Bonnici Ltd and Francis Busuttil & Sons (Marketing) Ltd are the local representatives.

Emigrants celebrate wedding anniversary in Malta

Maltese emigrants Angelo and Donna Dimech, residing in Walnut Creek, California, recently returned to Malta to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their three sons and their families, who all live in the bay area of San Francisco.

The Dimech couple were married in Detroit, Michigan, in 1954, and moved to California in 1968. Before emigrating to the US in 1950, Mr Dimech worked as a linotype operator with The Times. Mrs Dimech emigrated to Detroit in 1953.

The couple were newly ordained by Fr Brendan Gatt and Fr Lino Grech during Mass, held at the Sacred Heart Oratory in Mosta. A reception was later held at the Danish Village at Mellieha bay.

Miss World - Malta winner

Antonella Vella, 20, of Mosta, was crowned Miss World - Malta, during a final night held at the Ballroom of the Westin Dragonara Resort on September 4.

Miss World - Malta, organised by Modelle International under the directorship of Sue Rossi and Claudia Calleja, it is the only contest which entitles a Maltese representative to participate in the Miss World International beauty pageant.

This year's Miss World will be held on December 4 in China in a building named the Miss World Theatre, built in the shape of a crown and boasting of a 7,000-seat capacity.

Malta will be participating among 110 other countries. The event has a viewership of 2.5 billion.

Newly crowned Antonella also won various gifts, trophies and vouchers. Above all, she had the satisfaction of wearing the prestigious Miluna crown and sceptre, sponsored by Classic Jewellers.

Second place was won by Mariyln Grima, 19, of Mellieha, followed by Christine Tonna, 25, of Pietà.

Other titles presented during the final night were: Miss Cut Coiffeur, won by Caroline Grech; Miss Top Promising Talent, won by Antonella Vella; Best Photogenic Looks, won by Caroline Grech and Elaine Bartolo; Best Personality and Miss Miluna, won by Marica Vella; and Miss Gambissime San Pellegrino, won by Sharon Richard.

During the event, the 24 contestants from 17 localities including Gozo, paraded in exclusive evening wear. The 12 finalists then paraded in swimwear provided by Toleno from Spain. The girls were judged by well-known personalities.

The show was compered by Charles Saliba. Entertainment was provided by Fabrizio Faniello and DJ Steve Ceaser with live music throughout the show.

The audience also appreciated fashion shows from different houses including La Poupée, San Pellegrino and Classic Jewellers, and a hairshow presented by Cut Coiffeur, who were also responsible for all the models' and contestants' hair. Make-up was sponsored by Woltz Italiana and applied by Diane Nicolic and Maria Zammit.

Special thanks go to the main sponsors: Classic Jewellers promoting Miluna, Paolo Bonnici Ltd and Anthony Farrugia Ltd, Fotoclassic, Orienta, Cynergi by Reebok, Got 2 Be Glued, Crystal Clear Skin Care, Jardinland, Lady's Secrets, Woltz Make-up, Carmelo Abela Marketing, Prinz Ltd and Mims Ltd.

Applications to participate in the ninth edition of Miss World - Malta are now open. For more information phone 2132-4611 or 2131-6304.

Final night for Miss Model of the World (Malta) pageant

Contestants for the Miss Model of the World (Malta) and Best Male Model of Malta titles recently went through the first selection stage during a preliminary judging event on board the Hera Cruise.

The contestants also enjoyed a trip around the islands, sponsored by Hera Cruises.

The final gala night will be held on October 8 at the Radisson SAS BayPoint Resort. The winners will represent Malta at the international finals of in China, Turkey and Russia. The contestants will be parading in swimsuit sponsored by Trafalgar and evening wear of their own choice.

There will be live entertainment from Eleanor Cassar and Paul Giordamania, Shalaine and Daphne and Sean for Latin American Dancing. For more information call 9944-5783 or 7905-5638.

National Council of Women annual conference

The National Council of Women, with the support of the British High Commission and in collaboration with the Malta Employers' Association and the Foundation for Human Resources Development, is holding its annual conference, entitled Make The Most of Your People, on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.

The conference, under the patronage of Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, will debate the importance of developing the potential of all the workforce, and understanding the challenges different people face in developing a career and pursuing their development while also fulfilling responsibilities at home. It will also discuss the need to sensitise employers to benefits gained if real opportunities can be created for an increasingly diverse workforce.

The keynote speaker will be Dr Val Singh, senior research fellow at the Centre for Developing Women Business Leaders, Cranfield School of Management, UK.

Entrance is Lm3, and Lm2 for NCW members and registered students. For reservations and further details contact the NCW Secretariat on tel. 2124-8881/2, 2124-6982.

People

Christina Guillaumier recently graduated with a Master's degree in Music from the prestigious Royal Holloway College, University of London.

She was awarded a scholarship, enabling her to study at five-star rated Music Department where she specialised in Performance Studies.

During her time at Royal Holloway, Christina followed classes convened by internationally renowned music specialists such as Professors Jim Samson and John Rink, also in collaboration with the Royal College of Music.

In partial fulfilment of her degree, she wrote her dissertation under the supervision of Professor Rink on the piano music of Prokofiev. Ms Guillaumier studied with the acclaimed British pianist James Kirby and also with her previous piano professor from the Royal College of Music, Judith Burton.

During her postgraduate year at the college, she was the resident pianist with the Royal Holloway New Music Ensemble, a role that allowed her to explore her passion for contemporary music. Christina had chamber music training by the Barbican Trio and also premiered works by composers from Greece and Israel, among others.

She gave several solo recitals in London, Prague and Montreal. She participated in the Oxford Philomusica International Piano Festival, attending masterclasses by Boris Berman, Hamish Milne and Menahem Pressler.

Furthermore, Christina participated in several workshops organised by the International Society for Study of Tension in Performance and conducted by international expert on piano technique and tension in performance, Carola Grindea.

Following her year at Royal Holloway, Christina was awarded an academic year scholarship by the Rotary International Foundation that enabled her to further pursue her postgraduate music studies in North America. She studied at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, one of the country's top educational institutions.

Christina started her piano studies in Malta, at a very early age under the tuition of the late Antoinette Degabriele, LRSM, continuing with Tessie Portelli, LRSM, and Karen Briscoe, ARCM Perfs. Dip.RCM. She studied Theory and Harmony with Cynthia Genovese, BA(Hons) LRSM.

A graduate of the University of Malta, Christina was educated at St Joseph School, Sliema, and St Aloysius' College.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - September 20-26

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives members of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Culture at the Palace, Valletta.

10.45 The President is interviewed by Roland Young for the newspaper Le Monde.

4.45 p.m. The President receives the Princess Royal at San Anton Palace.

5.15 The President attends a memorial service at the Royal Air Force Memorial, Floriana.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concelebrated Mass on the occasion of Independence Day at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.

Noon The President lays a bouquet of flowers at the Independence Monument, Floriana.

12.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception on the occasion of the visit to Malta by the Princess Royal, hosted by the Commanding Officer of the naval vessel HMS St Albans, berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.

7.15 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert on the occasion of Independence Day at the Palace courtyard, Valletta.

8.45 for 9 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a dinner in honour of the Princess Royal at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert, hosted by Russian Ambassador Valentin S. Vlasov and Admiral V. Masorin, Commander of the Black Sea Fleet, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives Admiral V. Masorin at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President presides over a Drug Forum Meeting at the Palace, Valletta.

7.45 p.m. The President attends a show of Tropical Fish organised by the Ghaqda tat-Trobbija tal-Hut at St Publius Hall, Floriana.

8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception, hosted by Ambassador Vlasov and Admiral Masorin on board the vessel Moskva, berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.

Friday
11 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Dawl Gdid by the Ghaqda tal-Malti and the Linguistics Institute at the Palace, Valletta.

11.30 The President is interviewed by Ziharia Enbeita Gardoki for the Berria Spanish newspaper.

7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a concert on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the National Council of Women at the Russian Chapel, San Anton Palace.

Saturday
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Premju Anzjan tas-Sena at the Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Marsascala.

9 The President inaugurates an exhibition of ceramics by Victor Sammut at the Mdina council, Mdina.

Sunday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a dinner hosted by the president and members of the National Council of Women on the occasion of their 40th anniversary, at the Coastline Hotel, Salina Bay.

For your diary

The Association of the Members of the U3E is holding a Mass at the Jesuits' church, Merchants Street, Valletta, on October 1 at 10 a.m., followed by coffee at St James Cavalier. Bring your membership card. For more information phone 2124-3202.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on October 6 at 10 a.m. Please book early. Phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.