Heard in the Hive

The newly opened consulate of Malta in Dubai on October 1 organised its first Malta Charity Dinner, which was held under the patronage of President Guido de Marco.

Anthony Tabone, Malta's consul-general in Dubai, said: "The focus of this event was to bring together the Maltese community in Dubai, and also those Maltese businessmen who are conducting business here in the UAE, and at the same time collect funds for those in need."

"We hope that this event would become an annual initiative in the consulate's calendar of events," he said.

This charity dinner was extremely well attended by over 200 guests, some of whom had travelled specifically from Malta. The venue for such a meaningful dinner was the Barjeel Grand Ballroom at the Fairmont, Dubai, which was tastefully decorated for the evening.

The evening kicked off with a brief introductory welcome speech by Mr Tabone, followed by a screened short message from the President. In his address he congratulated the Maltese community working and living in Dubai for being ambassadors of Malta in the UAE. He also thanked the distinguished guests for their generosity towards the Malta Community Chest Fund of which he is the patron.

A sumptuous meal expertly prepared by the Fairmont Dubai was served to the guests, who were kept entertained throughout the evening by a four-piece band.

Open-air diplomatic dinner

Malta's ambassador to Tunisia Ives De Barro and his wife Anna recently gave a series of open-air buffet dinners at their new residence in Gammarth, on the outskirts of Tunis.

Among the many guests welcomed by the couple, who have just celebrated their first anniversary in Tunisia, were former Tunisian ambassadors to Malta Noureddine Fenniche and Abdessalam Hetira and their respective wives, the ambassadors of Poland, Hungary, Jordan, Algeria, the Czech Republic and Germany, accompanied by their wives.

Also present were the ambassadors of Italy, Britain, and Indonesia, the Catholic Bishop of Tunis, and the vice-president of the Sidi Bou Said Yacht Club, Dr S. Marrack, who recently sailed to and from Malta as a trial for next year's sailing regatta to Malta.

The couple also welcomed Radhouan Laarif, director of the division responsible for non-EU European countries at the Tunisian foreign ministry; Med Guitouni, general manager of the Corinthia Khamsa Hotel in Tunis, former ambassador Ahmed Ouanies, a foreign relations analyst, former ambassador Rashid Driss, currently president of the Association for International Relations of Tunisia, and Dr F. Djait, an endocrinology specialist at the Tawfik Clinic in Tunis, some of whom were accompanied by their spouses.

The menu consisted of a variety of Maltese and Tunisian dishes prepared by Mrs De Barro who always prides herself on preparing the dishes and dinners on her own.

In a speech of welcome, Ambassador De Barro said that moving to a better residence now permitted him and his wife to finally reciprocate the several dinner invitations received since their arrival in Tunis almost a year ago.

It was also an occasion where they could a enjoy some relaxing moments with friends in the spacious garden of the new residence and a pleasure to renew friendship with former friends whom they had not seen for several years, and exchange conversation with their new guests who had hosted them several times since their arrival in Tunisia. In conclusion, he augured his guests many similar pleasant evenings.

Couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary

George And Helen Agius have recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. George and Helen née Scicluna were married on September 19, 1943, at St Sebastian church, Qormi.

Mass, celebrated by their son Fr Robert Agius, OFM Conv., and by Fr Sebastian Scicluna, OFM Conv., Helen's brother, was held at the chapel of the Dar tal-Kleru, Fleur-de-Lys, to mark the 60th wedding anniversary.

Mr and Mrs Agius were surrounded by their five children and their spouses, their four grandchildren and their fiancés.

The Maltese exhibition in London

Exactly a year ago, on September 24, Tony S. Mangion's photographic portraits exhibition entitled The Maltese debuted at the Presidential Palace.

This collection of photographic portraits featured living Maltese, "who contributed to the building of Malta," in the words of the President who hosted the exhibition.

Following the success of The Maltese, Mr Mangion thought it was time to internationalise this exhibition by embarking on another phase: a tour around the High Commissions and embassies around the world.

The exhibition's foreign debut was at the Malta High Commission in London. On September 19, the Maltese and Gozitans in the UK commemorated the 39th anniversary of Malta's independence and Mangion's exhibits were displayed for the day.

At around noon the High Commissioner of Malta, Dr George Bonello Du Puis, welcomed over 60 High Commissioners and ambassadors accredited to the United Kingdom at Malta House. The curator of the exhibition was Dr Raymond Xerri, Malta's commercial counsellor in the UK, who made all the arrangements for such a prestigious exhibition to commence its world tour.

After Evensong at Westminster Cathedral as thanksgiving for Malta's independence, the High Commissioner welcomed a large crowd of Maltese and Gozitans from all over the UK at the High Commission. Dr Bonello Du Puis also greeted a delegation from the Maltese Cultural Movement.

The exhibition was impressive and many appreciated this initiative.

The Maltese will be exhibited next at the Embassy of Malta in Paris in the coming weeks.

Epilepsy youth exchange project in Malta

The Youth Section of the Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association has just hosted an EU Youth Exchange Project in Malta.

This project, entitled The EYiE of Horus, was co-funded by the Youth Programme DG Education and Culture of the European Commission, helped to create an international forum of 36 youths with epilepsy from 10 countries.

It was carried out in collaboration with EYiE (Epilepsy Youth in Europe), IBE (International Bureau for Epilepsy) and the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Malta.

Its aims were to explore what it is like to be a youth with epilepsy in Europe, what it means to European society at large and how to tackle the multicultural social exclusion these youths often experience.

The participants took part in several interactive workshops as well as cultural activities around various historical sites in Malta. It also included a call on President Guido de Marco at the Palace in Valletta, during which the aims of the exchange were explained to him by EYiE project co-ordinator Dr John Chaplin, and the local organiser, Dr Janet Mifsud.

At the end of the week the participants expressed their satisfaction that the project activities such as role play, dealing with the media, lectures by various NGOs in Malta, personal presentation of epilepsy and experiential activities assisted them in developing their character, expanding their knowledge about the condition and about the situation in various EU countries.

This organisers would like to thank the President, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Arts and Sports, and the Ministry of Gozo, Heritage Malta, Caritas Malta, Galaxy Hotel Malta, University of Malta, Go Mobile, HSBC Save the Children Fund, Malta Tourism Authority, St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation, Consolidated Biscuits, General Soft Drinks Malta Ltd, Rokna Pizzeria, Veduta Pizzeria, Mdina Glass, Jolico Ltd Malta, Collis Williams Ltd, Gozo Channel Ltd, and Marsovin Ltd, Eden Foundation and KNPD for their support.

Further information about the EYiE project can be found at www.eyie.org, while information about epilepsy and our association can be found at www.caritasmalta. org.

Fishing marathon at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija

For the second consecutive year, the fishing marathon organised by the Kingfisher Sports Fishing Association, was held in aid of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

This year's event was held at Marsascala with 28 dedicated anglers fishing for over 48 hours non-stop. This year's fishing bonanza again proved to be a great success - the anglers fished till they dropped but had great fun knowing that they were practising their favourite sport and at the same time giving a helping hand to a good cause.

The winning team had a field day catching no less than 11.67 kg of fish most of which were mullet but with a good sprinkling of bream, which is a record catch compared to all previous marathons.

The winners were Extreme Ends ,composed of Charles Caruana, Darrel Borg Cardona, Mike Delia and John Azzopardi.

Second place was won by RAPCO composed of Alex Genovese, Mark Caruana, Mario Micallef and Paul Sammut whose catch totalled 7.24 kg. Third place was won by Autumn Swell, composed of Kevin Cassar, Godfrey Farrugia, George Grech and Saviour Borg, with 4.96 kg.

The biggest fish was landed by David Tabone. This eel weighed 790 grams, and won David a trip to Lampedusa.

The best collector was once again Alex Genovese who managed to collect, by means of his sponsors' sheet, the amount of Lm870. One cannot also fail to mention Alex Ciantar who was a close runner-up.

The anglers and organisers managed to collect Lm2,600 for Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija and presented this amount to Lisa Sultana, disability services manager, during their presentation night which was also held at the Razzett in the form of a pasta night - an excellent credit to Mark, the chef of the night.

Ms Sultana thanked all those who helped towards this event's success, in particular Josef Camilleri of Mr Fish who sponsored the whole event.

She explained the financial hurdles which the Razzett tal-Hbiberija faces to keep on rendering free services to people with disabilities and stressed that since the organisation does not receive any financial support from the government, it has to work hard to raise over Lm200,000 a year to cover its running costs.

Association of Maltese Communities of Egypt organise vin d'honneur

Sixty members and guests attended a vin d'honneur organised by the Association of Maltese Communities of Egypt (AMCoE), at the Imperial Hotel in London, on October 4.

The function was the third organised by the council this year, and gave an opportunity for everyone to meet old friends and reminisce about the past, as well as discuss future plans.

High Commissioner Dr George Bonello Du Puis mixed with everybody and was reminded of his younger days, especially at his prowess at the game of snooker. Members were pleased to see the AMCoE president, Ivan Magri-Overend, and commented on how well he looked.

The next AMCoE function will be the annual dinner and dance - also at the Imperial Hotel - next month.

Lions World Sight Day

The Lions Clubs of Malta, namely, Lions Club (LC) Malta (Host), LC Sliema, LC St Paul's Bay, LC La Valletta, and LC Mdina, which constitute the Provisional Zone of Malta of the International Association of Lions Clubs, led by Zone chairman Alfred Micallef Attard, recently celebrated the Lions World Sight Day.

Chaplain Fr Norbert Ellul Vincenti celebrated Mass at the chapel of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Mgr Laurence Gatt addressed the packed chapel with a moving speech which was very well received by the congregation.

The president of each Club then presented a donation towards the upkeep of this most deserving institution. About 100 members and guests later attended lunch at the Coastline Hotel in Salina.

Present for the celebrations were, among others, LC Malta (Host) first vice president Joe Gauci, LC Sliema president George O. Attard, LC St Paul's Bay president Emanuel Schembri, LC La Valletta president Mario Attard Trevisan and LC Mdina president Maryanne Abela.

In his short address, Mr Micallef Attard thanked all those present and all Lions for attending and for the sterling work they are doing for the community.

He expressed hope that with the scanning equipment donated some time ago to the health authorities to screen glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy, more Maltese patients will benefit from this programme. He also expressed hope that the new cornea bank will soon start functioning so that patients in need of transplants could regain their sight.

Mellieha couple celebrate 40th wedding anniversary

Carmel and Mary Vella of Mellieha recently celebrated their wedding anniversary at the same spot where they had tied the knot 40 years ago, that is, at the foot of the crowned image of Our Lady of Mellieha.

Thanksgiving Mass was said by Fr David Cilia, while readings and offerings were made by their four children. In his homily, the celebrant invited the couple to share with the congregation present, their personal experience and ingredients leading to a happy and successful 40 years of marriage.

At the offerings, their 11 adorable grandchildren each presented a rose to their grandparents. In turn, the Vella couple, after renewing their marriage vows, presented a wicker basket full of roses to Our Lady of Mellieha of whom they are great devotees, in recognition of Our Lady's continuous protection on them and their children's families.

At the end of the Mass, the celebrant read out a message sent by the Apostolic Nuncio expressing His Holiness's appreciation for these 40 years of mutual love and fidelity sustained by the grace of the sacrament of marriage.

After Mass, guests were entertained to a sumptuous dinner at the Pergola Hotel. Special guests were Mr Vella's brother John, living in Australia, and his sister Vitorina, a missionary nun in Vietnam. Messages from overseas relatives were read out before the couple cut the traditional cake.

Fr Zerafa celebrates birthday at Villa Tempra

After an extremely busy schedule in connection with this year's Malta International Art Biennale, during which he gave lectures in Paris, Moscow, Rome and Sicily, its founder vice-president Fr Marius Zerafa, OP, a former director of museums, recently returned from Rome just in time to celebrate his birthday at Villa Tempra in Mgarr.

Yesterday week relatives, former and present students and art lovers from the Alliance Francaise (de Malte) and the University of the Third Age, where Fr Zerafa still lectures, the University of Malta and the Malta International Art Biennale and Summer Tempra Academy, turned up for the celebration hosted by Dame Françoise Tempra.

There they were stunned to learn that Fr Zerafa had been offered the chair of Art History at the University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome. But then the realisation sank in that this would give everyone the right excuse to visit the Eternal City and all the museums and art treasures under Fr Zerafa's guidance. However, he added, he would only go for two months each year!

This proved to be the most musical of all Fr Zerafa's birthdays. The delegate of the Malta Biennale for the US and Israel, Shelley Tayar, suggested a commemorative day for Daniel Pearl, the US journalist who was killed by his kidnappers in Pakistan a year ago, shortly before his 40th birthday.

Pearl was a music lover and talented violinist and mandolinist who used his passion to create friendly dialogues all over the world, despite cultural and linguistic divergences, just as the Malta Art Biennale has done for the last decade.

Among those who this month rendered a musical homage to him called "Harmony for Humanity" were Sir Elton John and Barbra Streisand.

Shelley Tayar brought to Villa Tempra, thanks to Tonio Casapinta, honorary Czech consul in Malta, the Czech ethnic group Gajdosi had just arrived here to perform at St James Cavalier. The Czech musicians agreed to pay homage to Daniel Pearl at Villa Tempra with the planned birthday to Fr Zerafa.

They played Jewish songs as a tribute to Daniel Pearl to the applause of the 100 guests present.

And when later, in the drawing room, the enormous cake bearing the words "Happy Anniversary Daniel Pearl, vibrating musical icon of tolerance and humanity, from Shelley Tayar and all art and peace lovers" was being cut, Dame Françoise could not resist pointing out to Shelley that, in that room alone, works by artists from five continents and six religions bore witness to the Daniel Pearl homage!

Mezzo-soprano Marie-Therese Vassallo gave an impromptu recital on the Tempra Villa Gardens stage thanks to the guitar (borrowed from the Czechs) singing in various languages including Maltese (her own compositions with her own lyrics) brought a tremendous ovation... followed by a no less fervent applause for the extraordinary young violin virtuoso, James Grech.

After the buffet-dinner in the conservatory Fr Zerafa cut his birthday cake accompanied by the faithful "Zerafina", the lovable "red-bowed-hound" that was a birthday present, many years ago, and therefore shares both his life at the priory and his birthdays.

Lyceum Old Boys celebrate 60th anniversary

On October 8 a group of men in their early 70s met at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Sliema to celebrate a very special occasion: the 60th anniversary of their admission to the Lyceum, then the only government secondary school for boys.

The occasion began with a concelebrated thanksgiving Mass, all the celebrants being members of the 1943/49 group. Prayers were also said for the repose of the souls of past masters and former schoolmates.

Those present were asked to identify themselves. Not a few were seeing each other for the first time in more than 50 years and would definitely not have been recognisable.

As was to be expected during dinner, the conversation centred mainly on those "lovely times". Incidents, not all funny, practical jokes, nicknames and daring adventures were recalled with nostalgia and gusto. After all, which 70-year-old doesn't enjoy going down memory lane with former schoolmates, some of whom he is seeing for the first time in over half a century?

After dinner the group was addressed by Dr Guido Saliba, founder president of ALPS, the Association of Lyceum Past Students. He encouraged non-members to join the association and thus keep ties with the old school and former students.

It was unanimously agreed that the occasion was a huge success and that another should be held, possibly before the lapse of another 60 years...

A donation on behalf of those who attended was later made to Dar Nazareth of Zejtun which is run by a former schoolmate, Fr Angelo Seychell, who could not be present for the joyful occasion.
Laurence Mizzi

More prizes from 89.7 Bay

89.7 Bay, the Eden Century Cinemas and Pavillion Jewellers have just given away a brand new Tissot T-Touch watch, featured in the latest Lara Croft Movie, to the lucky competition winner - Joanne Portelli.

Bay listeners were invited to listen in to Ian Lang's show between daily 4.30 and 6.30 p.m. and to movie clips, and guess which one was taken from the Lara Croft Movie. Joanne was presented with the gift worth Lm255, by Malcolm Galea at the 89.7 Bay studios.

For your diary

The mission fund is holding a clearance sale at City Lights Arcades, St John Street, Valletta, tomorrow and Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Ceramics, household items, shoes, toys, magazines, etc., will be on sale.

A Coffee morning and tombola in aid of the Salesians is being held at the Salesians Oratory, Sliema, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. Tickets are available from Fr Forte (tel. 2133-1447) or Mrs Y. Camilleri (tel. 2133-4253).

Ward u ZgHar is holding a Halloween party near the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta, on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets cost Lm3 for members and Lm3.50 for guests. For more information phone 2141-8174.

YANA is organising a bowling night at the Eden Super Bowl, St Julian's, on Friday at 8.30 p.m. For more information phone 2189-2394.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a pizza night and wine at La Riviera, Xemxija, on Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets cost Lm3. Bookings must be made by Wednesday. For more information phone 2152-5250 or 9947-7181.

The annual grand sale in aid of the Dar tal-Providenza, the residential home for persons with disabilities, will this year be held at Id-Dar tal- Providenza, Siggiewi, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A shuttle bus service every half hour starting at 9 a.m. to id-Dar tal Providenza and vice-versa will be provided by the Home during the days of the sale. Stalls will include toys, cakes, ceramics, plants, cosmetics, haberdashery, new clothes, shoes, woolens, stationery, books, philately and various other items - all at bargain prices. Those wishing to donate goods for this sale are asked to contact the Home on 2146-2844 or fax 2146-7925 by today.

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements October 27-November 2

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives the organising committee of the centenary celebrations of the feast of St Gregory, Kercem, at the Palace, Valletta.

10.45 The President receives Federation of Industry president Anton Borg.

12.15 p.m. The President receives Tony Cutajar, president of the Friends of Australia Association, accompanied by the executive committee.

6.30 The President and Mrs de Marco preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting at San Anton Palace.

Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President receives teachers and students from Dun Manuel Attard School, Wardija, at the Palace, Valletta.

11.30 The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund from proceeds collected during Skolasajf by Ms M. Mifsud, director of Student Services and International Relations.

6.30 p.m. The President addresses the annual seminar organised by the Friends of the National Archives of Malta at the National Archives, Rabat.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti publication Histories of Malta by Judge Giovanni Bonello, at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President presents a donation on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund to YMCA at the YMCA premises, Valletta.

Noon The President receives Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Policy, at the Palace, Valletta.

5.30 p.m. The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund from proceeds collected during a football marathon organised by the Ghaqda Karità bl-Isport.

6.30 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with letters of commission by New Zealand High Commissioner Ms Julie Clare MacKenzie, at the Palace, Valletta.

11.15 The President is presented with credentials by Panama Ambassador Winston Spadafora Gálvez.

1.15 for 1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host a luncheon in honour of the new High Commissioner of New Zealand and Ambassador of Panama at San Anton Palace.

6.30 Mrs de Marco presides over the fund-raising committee of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta.

Friday
9.15 a.m. The President receives a delegation from Pieve Emanuela, province of Milan, accompanied by the mayor and councillors of Attard at San Anton Palace.

10.30 The President receives Russian Ambassador Valentin S. Vlasov at the Palace, Valletta.

12.15 p.m. The President receives Dr Philippe de Buck, secretary general of the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe accompanied by FOI president Anton Borg.

12.45 The President receives the chairman and council members of the Bulebel Industrial Estate Tenants Association.

8 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a concert organised by the Malta Cancer Foundation at the Manoel Theatre.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a performance of Verdi's Otello as part of the Mediterranea festival at the Astra Theatre, Victoria, Gozo.

Sunday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a performance of the rock opera We Will Rock You organised by the Kumitat Festi Esterni San Lawrenz, Vittoriosa and Sezzjoni Zghazagh Palmizi at St Agatha's Auditorium, Rabat.