Heard in the Hive

Fifty members and guests gathered at the delightful Torri ta' Lanzun, Mensija, recently, to bid farewell to British High Commissioner Howard Pearce, CVO, who has served as Royal Naval Officers' Association patron during most of his time in Malta.

Castell Lanzun, the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St Lazarus, looked its summer best as guests took their seats to formally wish Mr Pearce "God speed and Good Sailing'.

He leaves Malta on September 1 to take up his new appointment as Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commissioner of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.

In his address, association president Lt Cdr Clive Bennington, RN, thanked Mr Pearce for his exceptional support to the association and, on behalf of members and guests, presented him with a miniature replica of an 1805 24lb ship's cannon hand-turned in brass, made by association member Les Middleton.

In his reply Mr Pearce recalled that his appointment as patron had been most enjoyable and that he would miss the many friends that he had made within the association.

Before formally toasting the RNOA and Royal Navy, he reassured the gathering that all members would be most welcome to visit him at any time in the Falkland Islands!

FM summer 2002

Have you had enough football and tennis to last you a lifetime? Perhaps it's time to look around for something different... a popular lifestyle magazine is out now and packed with fun, style and hot issues.

Making perfect summer reading, this season's issue of FM brings you features, articles and columns from some of Malta's best-known writers: Daphne Caruana Galizia, Vanessa Macdonald, Anna Briffa and Ranier Fsadni join Pat Salomone, Claudine Cassar and Lawrence Scerri and many others writing about a host of different topics and issues... offering entertainment, distraction and information.

Fashion, Fun and Fundamentals are the themes of this issue's content... from a comprehensive view of the hottest styles around to a cautious view of the hottest star around, this season's FM examines issues like love, breeding and decision-making, as well as etiquette or the lack thereof!

Gorgeous cover girl Sister Bliss of Faithless gave an exclusive interview to Alan Montanaro... read on to find out how she and her companions look at life and laughter. And if it's laughter for yourself you're after, turn to Richard Micallef's column... if you've got a spare crown in your bottom drawer, you might pick up a few interesting career ideas.

And of course, look out for this issue's great competitions ...two free flights to Dubai to be won, courtesy of Emirates, as well as books from Sapienza, music and vouchers from Exotique and beauty treatments and memberships from Estetika.

FM can be bought from all leading newsagents.

Mention for Maltese entry in Floramondi

Malta Floral Club member Lily de' Conti Manduca obtained a Mention at the Floramondi Seventh World Flower Show, held last month at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow.

There were 36 classes in all in the show, with Mrs de' Conti Manduca taking part in Class 22 - Compact Charm, an exhibit in the form of an evening bag or purse.

There were 36 entries in this section worldwide, including three others from Malta.

Mrs de' Conti Manduca is also an overseas member of the World Association of Flower Arrangers.

Agius - Vella

The marriage took place recently at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, Zabbar, between Kristina Agius, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Agius of Tarxien, and Ramon Vella, son of Mr and Mrs A. Vella of Zabbar

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr George Schembri. Ms Josephine Agius and Mr Joseph Vella witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Darrell Pace carried out the duties of best man.

The bride was attended by Miss Jessica Agius and Miss Oriana Farrugia as bridesmaids.

A reception was later held at The Palms, Ta' Giorni.

The couple are spending their honeymoon in Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Papal blessing for newly-weds

The marriage recently took place at Lija parish church between Maria Christina Peresso, daughter of Mr and Mrs Emanuel Peresso of Iklin, and Jean-Paul Sammut, son of Mr and Mrs Victor Sammut of Sliema.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Alfred Xuereb, assisted by Fr Simon Sciberras. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Joseph Azzopardi and Mr Michael Peresso, Jr. Mr Gregory Sammut was best man.

The bride was attended by Victoria Peresso, Daniela Sammut and Louise Cilia as bridesmaids. Noela Peresso, Sarah Mifsud and Kim Lia were flower-girls. David Castillo and Nicholas Borg were pageboys.

A reception was later held at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Orlando, Miami and on a Caribbean cruise.

After their honeymoon, the couple went to Rome, where they attended the canonisation of Blessed Pio of Pietrelcina, where they also attended an audience with Pope John Paul II, who gave them his blessing.

Corrado - Wood

The marriage took place recently at St Pius X parish church, Sta Lucija, between Joanne Corrado, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Corrado of Sta Lucija, and Shawn Harold Wood, son of Mr and Mrs Harold Wood of San Gwann.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Colin Apap. Mrs Rose Galea, the bride's aunt, and Mr Francis Coppini, the groom's uncle, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Alfred Degabriele carried out the duties of best man.

The bride was attended by her sister, Claudianne, and Ramona Fenech, a friend, as bridesmaids. Ylenia-Marie Cristina and Annalise Ebejer were flower-girls. Daniel James Casha was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Olive Gardens, l/o Mdina.

Fsadni - Xuereb

Married recently at Mosta parish church were Sharon Fsadni, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Fsadni of Hamrun, and James Xuereb, son of Mr and Mrs A. Xuereb of Mosta.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Richard S. Grech, OFM. Mrs Mary Barbara and Mr Joseph Xuereb witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Robert Attard was best man.

The bride was attended by Maria and Malcolm Bezzina, Odette and Glen Fsadni and Lisa Farrugia and Ryan Finch. Julia Attard was flower-girl.

A reception was later held at Franxaver Hall, Qormi.

Zebbug wedding

Married recently at Zebbug parish church were Silvana Agius, daughter of Mr and Mrs Carmel Agius of Zebbug, and Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, BA, LL.D, son of Mr and Mrs Joseph M. Zrinzo of Naxxar.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Daniel Cardona, assisted by Fr Carmel Attard and Fr Salvinu Micallef. The bride's brother, Mr John Agius, and the groom's uncle, Dr Antoine Zrinzo, witnessed the wedding ceremony. The duties of best man were carried out by Dr Edward Zammit Lewis.

The bride, who wore a Victorian French lace dress, was attended by the groom's sister, Alexia Joy, as bridesmaid. The bride's niece, Leanne Agius, was flower-girl and Ryan Mangion, the bride's nephew, was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.

The couple spent their honeymoon in England, France and Italy.

People

DR PAUL JOHN CASSAR, MD, MRCP (UK), Dip.IMC RCS (Edin), Dip.PCR (Bath), recently passed the final examination leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine of the University of Bath.

Educated at St Aloysius College, Birkirkara, Dr Cassar graduated Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malta in 1989. Following postgraduate training in General Medicine, in Malta and the UK, he was elected Member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK in 1995 and obtained the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1996.

In 1997 he left for the UK for further postgraduate training in rheumatology, and in 1999 obtained the Diploma in Primary Care Rheumatology of the University of Bath. He is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Member of the Association of Physicians of Malta, Founder Medical Member of the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Member of the British Society for Rheumatology and a Member of the British Primary Care Rheumatology Society.

Dr Cassar is currently Senior Registrar in General Medicine and Rheumatology at St Luke's Hospital and honorary clinical lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Malta.

Dr Cassar is the son of Mr and Mrs C. Cassar of Paola and is engaged to Dr Karen Bowman, MD, MRCP (UK).

MR RAY MICALLEF recently received his Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) from Henley Management College, UK, through the college's distance learning programme.

The programme of study, divided in various modules, focused on the main functions of general and strategic management.

The topic of Mr Micallef's thesis, entitled "Increasing competitive advantage by generating positive word-of-mouth through customer-employee relationship - the key element for growth for the Maltese private medical insurance industry", was considered to be "very interesting indeed" by the college.

Mr Micallef, who also holds diplomas in Nursing Studies and General Management, is currently reading for his ACII (Associateship of the Chartered Insurance Institute).

He is currently employed as claims manager with one of Malta's leading private medical insurance agencies.

Egypt's National Day and Ambassador's farewell

The couple of hundred guests who turned up at Villa Misr, the Egyptian Ambassador's residence in Kappara, last Tuesday, did so not only to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Egypt on July 23, 1952, but also to bid farewell to the Ambassador, Yehya Ibrahim el Ramlawy and his wife, Dr El Ramlawy, at the end of their tour of duty in Malta.

The Ramlawys, who have been here since April, 1998, and will now be returning to Egypt, greeted the many distinguished guests who were led by the President, Professor Guido de Marco. They included the Prime Minister, Dr Fenech Adami, many Cabinet ministers, MPs, former Presidents Censu Tabone and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and their wives, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil servants, members of the business community, and members of the Judiciary.

Although it was a very warm evening, the guests gathered around the pool on the large terrace enjoyed the slight breeze - and the delicious Egyptian food served.

Ambassador El Ramlawy, in a brief address, said that since the "White Revolution" of 1952, which overthrew the monarchy, Egypt had progressed in peace and taken up an important task and role to mediate and help others achieve progress in peace.

His country has always acknowledged Malta's role in Europe and its contribution towards peace and stability in the Mediterranean region, especially related to European and regional co-operation, he said.

During his term as ambassador, he has experienced Malta's hands-on efforts with all its governments working towards the achievement of peace.

"As an Arab ambassador I sincerely feel I must express my appreciation of Malta's support for the Arab causes, especially its constant support to the Palestinian people, who are trying very hard to have their own state," Mr El Ramlawy said, adding his "deep appreciation" for the continuous efforts of President de Marco, "who through his personal and refined diplomatic contacts has never lost heart to find a possible solution to the Palestinian problem."

Diplomatic relations between Malta and Egypt, established 30 years ago, have given tangible results, the ambassador continued, recalling the presence of Egyptian doctors and teachers in Malta to help out in times of crisis, and various other initiatives. He referred to the agreements between the two countries which have been reviewed to take account of the ongoing changes.

He felt honoured that during his term there has been an exchange of high-level delegations leading to fruitful initiatives and decisions. "All this could materialise because I found a good response from the Maltese government and its people," Ambassador El Ramlawy said, adding that he will treasure the warm friendship extended by the Maltese people for the years to come.

The coming months are very important for the future of the Maltese people, especially regarding the decision to be taken on EU membership. He was sure that the Maltese will make the right choice, the ambassador said before proposing a toast to the friendship between the peoples of Egypt and Malta.

In a short reply, President de Marco thanked Ambassador El Ramlawy for contributing to the strengthening of relations between the two countries, and said that Malta's support of the Palestinian cause reflected the value it attached to human life, human rights and freedoms.

He gave the Ambassador and his wife his best wishes for the future.

Appreciation: Franco Serracino Inglott

by Professor Salvino Busuttil, president, governing board of CIHEAM

All of us on CIHEAM's governing board have, over many years, appreciated Franco Serracino Inglott's participation, as Malta's delegate, to our work.

With CIHEAM's Bari Institute, Franco had a special professional and personal relationship cemented through close collaboration. The directors of our other institutes (Zaragoza, Chania and Montpellier) all held him in high esteem.

To me the loss is even greater. He was one of my star students and became, in recent years, a close adviser on agronomic matters. Having followed him practically every day during his illness, I was in awe of his courage and his deep faith. To the end, he was a good and great man.

Appreciation: Michael (Lino) Bartolo

by Mr Louis Azzopardi, Rabat

It was only just over a couple of weeks ago that the Good Lord chose to call into His fold one of the nicest men I have come across during my lifetime. Lino left us suddenly, and in the process left a good number of people mourning his departure. He may have gone but he will never be forgotten.

I was fortunate to make his acquaintance a long time ago as a very dear friend at work and although he had retired, we never lost contact.

Lino was a loving family man and in later years he could never cease to talk about his loving nephews and nieces and how they are progressing in one way or another.

At work everyone loved him and he was sorely missed when he retired. He was the topic when we heard the tragic news and on behalf of my colleagues I would like to give my condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.

They're still at it!

That "bullish" (no adverts please) eating place on Mgarr parish square, where they serve probably Malta's best cooked rabbit, has long been a favourite eating corner for officers and men who many years ago served in the 3/11 Regiment of the Royal Malta Artillery.

Thirty years down the line after their regiment's disbandment in 1972, they still have regular reunions, and off they traipsed last week to Il-Barri for another dig-in.

The 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) Association runs these events with enthusiasm and among the faces seen thoroughly enjoying themselves last Friday, one noticed old loyals Capt. George Pace Balzan, Capt. Saviour Portelli, Mr Tony Mangion, Mr C. Arena, Mr Millo, Mr Balzan, Mr Bezzina, Mr Caruana, Mr Micallef, Mr Preca Trapani and many others.

Everybody enjoyed themselves, except those who (even for one evening!) missed the wives and girls not being there. To which the general secretary replied: "OK, we'll have a bigger one again this summer!"

For your diary

YANA (You Are Not Alone) is meeting at the Despott Hall of the Education Centre, Floriana, on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. for its usual chat and drinks.

Members of the Anglican Chaplaincy resident in Gozo are holding a garden party at the home of Tony and Patricia Prescott (7, Belvedere Court, Hamri Street, Ghajnsielem) on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests are the departing British High Commissioner, Mr Howard J.C. Pearce, CVO, and Minister Giovanna Debono and Mr Debono.

Guests will be entertained to a musical interlude by soloists of the Chorus Urbanus and their director, Mro John Galea. For further information phone Patricia and Tony Prescott on 2155-2483.

Ward U Zghar is meeting at the Beer Festival, Ta' Qali, on Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Emigrants' Commission is setting up a museum to honour and record the lives of thousands of Maltese who left the island in the last two centuries to make a new life abroad. A great deal of work involving substantial costs needs to be accomplished if this is to become a reality.

To this end, the Friends of Australia Association, together with the commission, is holding a barbecue on the roof terrace of the Best Western Les Lapins Hotel, Ta' Xbiex, on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. Members, their families and friends are invited to attend, as well as Maltese visitors from abroad. Bookings at Dar l-Emigrant, Valletta, close on Wednesday.

A pasta night in aid of St Joseph's Home, St Venera, will be held on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. at St Agatha's in Rabat. Bookings, by Wednesday, should be made at the reception at St Joseph's Home.

Tickets are at Lm3 for adults and Lm1 for children.

This is part of a series of fund-raising activities jointly organised by CAM Group and the Missionary Society of St Paul. The main activity will be a football tournament at St Agatha's Complex, Rabat, between Thursday and Sunday.

Smile for Albania, a student society of the University of Malta, is holding a jumble sale on Saturday between 4.30 and 11.30 p.m. at Ghar id-Dud, Sliema, near TGI Fridays.

The proceeds will go towards purchasing dental materials and other requirements to provide humanitarian dental care to schoolchildren in Korce, Albania.

A dental team made up of members of staff and students of the Department of Dental Surgery, University of Malta, and general dental practitioners will be in Korce between August 30 and September 15. This will be the society's eighth visit since 1994.

An Mgarr Night will be held on Mgarr square on Sunday at 7.30 p.m. Fabrizio Faniello will be the main singer. There will be several competitions, including flower- arranging, wine tasting, and photography and also an agricultural display. A variety of food and house plants will also be on sale.

Viva la vita!

Martini kicked off to full effect this summer with two excellent promotions at G7 Gianpula and the new Brass Monkey in Paceville.

In celebration of La bella vita, Martini has picked Malta's 'gorgeous' crop! It is now looking for more of that big attitude among the Maltese.

So this is how it works... Martini is setting up professional photoshoots in clubs all over the island, spotting people who are potential Martini material. These potential people will eventually have their picture taken with Martini models.

The President's and Mrs de Marco's engagements: July 29-August 4

Tomorrow
11.30 a.m. The President receives Ing. Emanuele Castrigniano, president of Gruppo Tu Telecomunicazione and Professor Raffaele Sapienza, accompanied by Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, at the Palace, Valletta.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Mario Farrugia of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Fort Rinella at the Palace, Valletta.
11 a.m. The President receives a group of volunteers from the Kare 4 Kenya Campaign travelling on a mission to Kenya.
Noon The President receives Dr Austin Gatt, Minister for Justice and Local Government.

Wednesday
Noon The President receives Professor John A. Yena, president of the Johnson and Wales University, US, at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives Professor Salvino Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta in Paris, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President pays an official visit to the Malta Federation of Professional Associations and meets representatives of the Councils of Federated Members in Gzira.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a Commission for the Administration of Justice meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
8.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by the Sr. Col. Wang Wenming, defence attaché of the Chinese Embassy, in St Julian's.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives the president and council members of the Gozo Business Chamber at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Yehya Ibrahim El Ramlawy, Egyptian Ambassador, on a farewell call.

Saturday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco preside over the Ball of the August Moon in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund at Verdala Castle.

Sunday
9.15 a.m. The President attends Pontifical Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Dominic at St Dominic's parish church, Valletta.
8.30 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the St Cajetan's Band Club at the club's premises in Hamrun.