Heard in the Hive

The Kilimangaro Challenge (KC2) last Friday week organised an official gala dinner at the Coastline Hotel, Salina, in aid of the Reaching Out project. 

The dinner was very well attended. It could not have been successful without the helping hand of volunteers and the support of sponsors, including Island Hotels Group, Gato Negro Wines of Chile, O2 oxygenated water, Tango Boutique and Abbey printers.

The evening kicked off with an introduction by team leader Alec Sultana and an address by Dun Gorg Grima. Joseph Chetcuti launched the event by playing his violin.

Good food and wine were accompanied by the serenading voices of Claire and Peter, accompanied by Keiko on guitar. A fashion show was also organised, with friends, colleagues, family and customers parading in fashionwear provided by Paul Musu of Tango Boutique.

A raffle was held towards the end of the evening. Gifts for the raffle were provided by Inspirations, M4 Home and Gift shop, Peter Calamatta, Sta Lucija Confectionary, Cesca's, Photocity, Club Vitalis, Mares, Absolut Scuba, Flamingo, Eye Spy, Audio, L-Imgarr Hotel, Coastline Hotel, Golden Sands Resort and Spa, P.J. Sutters, P. Cutajar, Chemimart, Cartridge World, Solair Bar and Restaurant, a portrait taken and donated by Kili climber and The Times photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, and an original clay work especially made for the event by Denise Baker entitled The two faces of the mountain. Three lucky winners took home Lm500 each worth of prizes.

Those present also got the chance to catch up on the team's progress. A powerpoint presentation introduced the team and also showed various training sessions and activities being organised.

KC2's next event is Adrenaline Sunday, being organised at Migra Ferha, limits of Rabat, today. For tickets, at Lm2.50, phone Greg Attard on 9945-6949.

KC2 would like to thank their corporate sponsors - Alberta, Energy Mix...Quaker and Nivea - as well as Attard Bros, Onvol, The Sun in Splendor Pub, Camilleri Wines, Canon, Island Hotels Group, J.F. Security, Schranz Ltd., Vernon Carus (Malta) Ltd., Dolphin Forge, Trattoria Fiorino d'Oro, B4 Textiles, Credinvest International and St Edward's College.

Dinner in honour of the President

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami were recently the guests of honour at a special dinner hosted by the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise at the Sir Agostino Portelli Hall of the Exchange Buildings, Valletta.

The event represented a unique opportunity for chamber members to dine with the Head of State and to network with fellow members of the business community.

Chamber president Louis Apap-Bologna thanked the President. The chamber's endeavours, he affirmed, were influenced by the national interest and the local business community was renowned for transforming threats into challenges.

President Fenech Adami referred to the history of the Chamber of Commerce and its role as the senior private sector institution, recognised by the Commercial Code of the Laws of Malta.

He praised the sterling work performed by the chamber for the benefit of the Maltese business community.

100th anniversary celebrations

V&F Portelli of Mriehel are organising a grand Christmas competition on their 100th anniversary next year.

Customers will be given an entry form for every cash purchase of Lm10 spent at the company's showroom in Mriehel. To participate in the competition, all one has to do is write a slogan in not more than 12 words, which could be used by the company.

The company currently has a large range of Christmas trees, lights and decorations, a variety of gifts, white goods, household goods and appliances. The entry form can be returned by hand at the company showroom in Notabile Road.

The competition closes at noon on December 24. The winner will be announced on January 9, 2006. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the company will also be launching its Website www.vfportelli.com tomorrow.

1530 Knights' arrival remembered

The arrival of the Order of St John in Malta and the establishment of their headquarters at Vittoriosa on October 26, 1530, was commemorated by the Vittoriosa Historical and Cultural Society with a special dinner for members and guests at the Swan Lake Restaurant, Marsascala.

President Canon Paul Raggio welcomed the guests, stating that this event was a turning point in the history of Malta and Vittoriosa. He praised Lino Bugeja for his untiring and enthusiastic initiatives to promote Vittoriosa.

A memento was then presented to Dr Alastair Farrugia for volunteering to set up the society Website www.vittoriosahistorica.org

The address for the occasion was made by Lorenzo Zahra.

BoV Canada Office's fund-raising concert

The annual Bank of Valletta concert organised by the Canada Represen-tative Office, which raisied funds for organisations in the Maltese community, this year collected $11,500, which will go to Arka Foundation, Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Gozo Eden Foundation and St Paul Church in Toronto.

Hosted by senior vice-president Albert E. Vella and Mrs Thérèse Vella, the concert was held under the patronage of Dr Mark Pace, LL.D., MA, deputy high commissioner and consul of Malta to Canada.

Among the distinguished guests were the pastor of St Paul the Apostle church in Toronto, Fr Karm S. Borg, MSSP, Fr Joe Fenech, pastor of St Aidan, Rupert Agius-Pease, CA, TEP, ACMI, president of the Maltese Canadian Federation, Joe Sherri and Mrs Sherri, and representatives of clubs and associations in the Maltese-Canadian community.

The main attraction this year was the appearance of soloists - Maltese-Canadian tenor Victor Micallef and soprano Natalie Pratt (née Ellul), and pianist Mark Camilleri. The soloists' delivery and magnificent stage presence left a lasting impression on the audience.

The final medley (La Vie en Rose, Mattinata and O Sole Mio), for which they were accompanied by pianist Mark Micallef and the band, earned them a well-deserved extended standing ovation.

Throughout the concert, Victor Micallef and Natalie Pratt were accompanied by the pianist and by the Mississauga Pops Concert Band. This Canadian band, founded by Mississauga president Larry Vella, was under the direction of Mro Denny Ringler, (Ret) B.Mus., B.Ed., M.Ed. (Music) CD.

The selections for the evening included works by Giuseppe Verdi, Von Suppe, Francesco Ciléa, Rossini, Aubre Winter, De Curtis, Strauss Cardillo, Puccini, Lloyd Webber, Donizetti, and Sorozábal.

The compere for the evening was Valerie Borg and the conclusion was a new march by Mro Emanuel Spagnol composed for the occasion - Sahha u Grazzi.

HSBC sponsors Royal Marine Band's state visit

The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines will be visiting Malta later this month. This latest visit to Malta by one of the world's most famous and accomplished military bands is being made possible thanks to a sponsorship from HSBC Bank Malta plc and is one of the many activities taking place this month which are being supported by HSBC Malta. During its visit to Malta, the band will perform at various high profile functions as well as public events.

The Royal Marines' Band can trace its origin to 1767. Its principal role is to provide musical support for military parades, mess functions, troops on overseas deployment as well as charity and sporting events.

"Our forthcoming visit to Malta is by no means our first. The band of the Royal Marines has a long and happy association with Malta and all the members are looking forward to coming over at the end of the month for what should be a very hectic but enjoyable few days. HSBC previously supported us on our last trip during Princess Anne's visit last year and we are very grateful for their support again for the Commonwealth," said Captain Pete Curtis, director of music of the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Commando Training Centre.

Sovereign Military Order founder celebrated

The feast day of Blessed Gerard, founder of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, was this year commemorated thanks to a joint event organised by the president of the Maltese Association of the SMOM, Dr Jaime H. Cremona, and the Ambassador of the Order, Dr Silvano Pedrollo, who co-hosted a reception in honour of the Frater who founded the Order as a monastic community in Jerusalem, as a fitting tribute to his legacy, which evolved into the Order of St John.

Although shedding its military character in recent centuries, it has remained a religious, chivalric Order committed and dedicated to humanitarian assistance, in the widest possible sense, of the sick and those in need and is today led by Fra Gerard's successor of the 78th Grand Master, Fra Andrew Bertie.

In the distinguished presence of Fra Elie de Comminges, who flew over for the day from the Grand Magistry in Rome to represent the Sovereign Council of the Order, the president and Mrs Elizabeth Anne Cremona welcomed various esteemed guests to the reception, held at St John's Cavalier.

The reception was followed by Mass, celebrated at the church of St Ursola, also conveying the warm greetings of their co-hosts, ambassador and Signora Pedrollo, who could not be present on the night.

Among the distinguished personalities were Presidents Emeriti Dr Vincent Tabone and Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and their respective spouses, Dr and Mrs George Hyzler, and various heads of diplomatic missions in Malta including German Ambassador George Merten, The Netherlands Ambassador Rienko Wilton and Mrs Wilton and their family, Russian Ambassador Valentin Vlasov, Spanish Ambassador Maria Rosa Boceta Ostos, Belgian Ambassador Baekelandt, Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Soliman, Portuguese Ambassador Antonio Russo Dias, French Ambassador Jean Marc Rives and his wife, the new Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires Mohamed Mezgheni and Irish Chargé d'Affaires Gerald O'Connor.

Also present were Parliamentary Secretary Helen D'Amato and her husband, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affaires and Dott.ssa Anna Maria di Marco, director of the Italian Cultural Institute.

Also present were Fra John Critien, knight resident at Fort St Angelo, and Ambassador Jose Antonio Linati Bosch, and members of the Maltese association and their spouses.

Mr Speaker pays official visit to Luxembourg

On the invitation of Lucien Weiler, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Mr Speaker Anton Tabone and an accompanying parliamentary delegation is paying an official visit to the Grand Duchy from today to Wednesday.

The delegation includes MPs Joseph Falzon and Joe Mizzi, and Joe Mangion, diplomatic officer at the Speaker's Secretariat.

Exchanges between the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg and the Maltese House of Representatives have been going on since the EU Speakers' Conference in Budapest last May, when it was agreed that the time was ripe to strengthen the bilateral exchanges between the parliamentary institutions of the two smallest members of the EU.

Diplomatic relations between Malta and Luxembourg were established in 1969 and both countries have since enjoyed a friendly relationship.

Luxembourg and Malta share similarities and differences. Though both are members of the EU, Luxembourg is a founding member while Malta has only joined the EU last year. Luxembourg is a landlocked country, geographically positioned at the heart of Europe while Malta is an island, strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean.

During his visit, Mr Tabone will hold meetings with the Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy and with the Chamber's Committee of Foreign and European Affairs.

Mr Tabone will have an audience with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and will be received by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker. Mr Tabone will also pay visits to the Luxembourg Court of Auditors, the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Auditors.

The objective of the visit is to strengthen the House of Representatives' international dimension and to enhance parliamentary diplomacy.

It is envisaged that a structured dialogue between the parliamentary institutions in both countries will be entered into with a view of identifying new avenues of co-operation, both at the bilateral and multilateral level.

Fabrizio Faniello promotes new CD at Bay Street

Fabrizio Faniello, one of Malta's most successful singers, presented his new CD at a promotional event held at the Bay Street Complex, St Julian's.

Fresh from his European launch of the CD Believe, Fabrizio Faniello, joined his Maltese fans and friends for an enjoyable afternoon at the Bay Street Complex, where he signed copies of his CD at the Exotique outlet. This was followed by a live performance, to the delight of all present.

During this performance Keith Camilleri, one of Malta's up and coming young talents, also sang a selection of songs from the Song for Europe, while a performance was given by the Msida Dance Centre who will also be kicking off Bay Street's big Birthday celebrations on November 25 at 7.30 p.m.

ZigLand shows its faces to Malta Gay Rights Movement

Camilleri Wines recently presented its ZigLand fun and stylish wines to the Malta Gay Rights Movement at the Bir Mula Heritage site in Cospicua.

The informal wine-tasting event was conducted by Etienne Mallia, marketing executive for Camilleri Wines, who presented the three wines that make up the ZigLand range.

"The setting and the scope of the event was perfect," Mr Mallia said. "The fact that we were surrounded by art, displayed in the conference hall of Bir Mula, and the fact that the place has so much heritage complimented the tasting session perfectly."

Outgoing MGRM co-ordinator Sandro Mangion said: "A look at the label made me curious about the new product of Camilleri Wines. The locally made wine was named after a flower that grows mostly in Gozo but is becoming rare in Malta."

Zigland wines have a very appealing package and the bottles have a fancy coloured label and cork cover. Both its package and bottle presentation have that youthful and jolly look. Three different choices of wines come under this name and yet distinct in flavour.

The event was organised by MGRM as a thank-you to the core members who helped out during this year's Gay Pride event in Valletta.

Vodafone sparkles through Timeless exhibition

Vodafone Malta Limited is sponsoring this year's Timeless exhibition at the Radisson Golden Sands Resort and Spa in Ghajn Tuffieha. The exhibition ends today.

The exhibition, which is organised annually by Diamonds International, brings the best designer jewellers and world-famous watchmakers under one roof, offering a wide selection of gold, diamonds, pearls, silver and state-of-the art watches.

During this exhibition one can also view and buy the limited edition silver ingot issued by Lombard Bank, which commemorates CHOGM in Malta. Lombard Bank has also issued three gold ingots. One will be given to the Queen, another will be kept at Lombard Bank, and the third ingot has been offered to Diamonds International which it is to auction in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The auction process will start during the exhibition and will last until the end of year.

Throughout the exhibition, certified gemologists are also giving customers free evaluation of their diamond jewellery to determine their real market value.

Successful fund-raising in aid of Discern

The Victoria Hotel in Sliema recently hosted a concert by soprano Phyllis Bajada Abram and pianist Corinne Maria Briffa in aid of Discern, followed by dinner. Funds raised will contribute to meet part of the expenses incurred by this organisation whose main aim is to serve the Maltese Church with appropriate socio-pastoral research, which is so necessary for the elaboration of pastoral policy relevant to the contemporary world.

The fund-raising activity was held at the Copperfield Restaurant, where the pleasant atmosphere was exhilarating as the guests who attended experienced an excellent musical performance, followed by a three-course dinner.

The Friends of Discern would like to express their gratitude to the management and staff of the Victoria Hotel, Ms Bajada Abram and Ms Briffa for making the evening memorable.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements November 14-20

Tomorrow
10.45 a.m. The President is presented with a painting depicting the Memorial commemorating the Award of the George Cross by the president of the Maltese-Australian Association in Melbourne at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President is presented with a copy of two books by L-Akkademja tal-Malti.
8 p.m. The President attends the unveiling of a fresco painting Dhul ta' Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropeja at Café Cordina, Valletta.

Tuesday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musical programme by the Band Clubs Association at the Manoel Theatre.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Belgian Ambassador and Mrs Baekelandt on the National Day of Belgium at the Westin Dragonara Resort.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of a book entitled In the Editor's Chair by Charles Grech Orr at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Saudi Arabian Ambassador Prince Mohamed Bin Nawaf Al Saudi on a farewell call.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a gala dinner organised by The Cantenian Association at the Casino Maltese, Valletta.

Thursday
9 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with the letters of commission by Pakistani High Commissioner Iqbal Haider.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the launching of the book entitled Martin Borg - The Watercolours at the Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the executive council of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association and the council of the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists.
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a dinner organised by the Lysette Rizzo Naudi Memorial Fund in aid of the Guh fl-Africa Campaign at the Holiday Inn, Sliema.

Saturday
6 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Fifth and Sixth Form prize-giving ceremony at St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara.

Sunday
4.25 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass on the feast of Christ the King at Marsa parish church.

Three-day belly dance workshop

Paul Curmi Dance Company is organising a three-day Belly Dance workshop next month, conducted by Chellcy K. Reitsma to beginners, intermediate and advance level.

Ms Reitsma is a professional belly dancer from Chicago (USA) with many years of experience in teaching, choreographing, and performing. She has 19 years of classical dance training, including ballet, modern, tap and jazz. Ms Reitsma is a well-known personality, who has given numerous workshop and performances internationally and enjoys respect and appreciation by the larger belly dance community.

During her visit to Malta, Eldridge Curmi, director for Paul Curmi Dance Company, will host Ms Reitsma to conduct the workshop at the Paul Curmi Dance Studio in Fgura from December 9 to 11.

For more information phone 7949-0248.

International cat show

Malta Feline Fanciers (MFF) will be holding the next international cat show at the Cottonera Sports Complex next Sunday.

The MFF was established in January 2001 as the only internationally recognised cat organisation, officially affiliated with Federation Internationale Feline (FiFe). The organisation's main priority is to promote the welfare of all cats while promoting sportsmanship and collaboration among cat lovers.

The MFF is the only organisation in Malta recognised by FiFe and all its shows are convened under FiFe rules. All local accomplishments obtained during MFF shows are recognised worldwide, leading to further championship awards.

Earlier this year, the first Maltese-owned international champion, IC Harwood Malta, owned by Connie Gauci de Brincat, was registered with the MFF.

FiFe judges from Italy and The Netherlands will be present for next Sunday's show to assess the pure breed entries according to international breed standards. Non-pedigree domestic and pet quality cats, whether long-haired, pointed or short-haired, can also compete to obtain show titles in the New Laureate Award Scheme, the first of its kind in Malta.

Cats are judged according to their breed, and further sub-categorised according to colour, sex and age. All class winners are then nominated to compete for further titles, leading to the prestigious Best In Show Award.

The new pet section for unregistered cats was established by the Malta Feline Fanciers to encourage pet owners to show and exhibit their much loved pets. This section of the show will be judged by local veterinary surgeon, Dr Quentin Lawson, whose decisions will be based on general well-being and temperament. Pet cats can be entered for only Lm1 per entry.

Rosettes, trophies and other prizes will be given to all winners at the event. These will be sponsored by Pet Nutrition and Tony Vella.

For more information log on to www.malta-feline-federation.com or call 2156-5869, 2165-8078.

Miss Malta crowned

Claire Marie Busuttil, a Junior College student studying languages and sociology, is the new Miss Malta, crowned yesterday week during the 42nd Miss Malta beauty pageant.

The pageant, organised by George and Margaret Gatt Mangion of GM Productions, was organised at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall of the University of Malta. Foreign judges chose Miss Malta from among 20 girls, who paraded in eveningwear and swimwear.

George Vella, chairperson of the panel for the past 24 years, announced Janice Vella as Miss Maltese Nation, and Tricia Mercieca as Miss Republic of Malta. Frederick Attard, radio and television presenter, and Mrs Gatt Mangion, announced Sefora Micallef as Fashion Queen, Christine Pollacco as Miss Tourism, Desire Racusa as Miss Talent, and Deborah Spiteri as Miss Solidarity, Lady Malta and Miss Gwida.

Appreciation Gerald V. Ferro, MVO, MBE

Mr David Spiteri Staines, secretary and council member of the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation, writes:

The recent demise of Gerald V. Ferro deserves an appreciation. Mr Ferro was a first class civil servant, known for his loyalty, dedication and discipline. He was also an excellent organiser and administrator. He was appointed a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) and later the MBE for his meritorious services.

He was the first Maltese director of Civil Aviation, and it was with his foresight that the first Maltese were employed for the highly technical and operational tasks necessary for the department to function effectively. I had the honour to serve under him as accountant in that department for a number of years.

Ever since his youth, Mr Ferro had a great interest in aviation. He was one of the pioneers of aircraft control-line and flying models in Malta. He also formed the first Air Scouts Group in Malta. It was through his initiative that Malta obtained the donation of Spitfire EN199, which was presented by the Royal Air Force to the Boy Scouts of Malta, way back in 1947. (This aircraft was subsequently given to the Civil Defence and later scrapped and eventually remains of this aircraft formed the backbone of the restoration of the Malta Aviation Museum's Spitfire by Ray Polidano and his small team of helpers.)

Mr Ferro was a founder member and great supporter of the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation. A few years ago Mr Polidano was invited to his garage and home and given a multitude of items, which Mr Ferro had collected in wartime and later years. Some of these have been used in the Hurricane restoration project; others will come in useful for our future restoration projects, including the Swordfish and others are on display.

With his passing away the Malta Aviation Museum has lost a great friend.

For your diary

A missionary bazaar is being organised at Kings, Tower Road, Sliema, tomorrow from 9.30 a.m. Big bargains on clothes, toys, books, jewellery and more.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are organising an auction sale from tomorrow to Wednesday at 3 p.m. Items of interest include antique furniture from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, oil paintings, crystal chandeliers and jewellery as well as modern furniture and furnishings and contemporary oil paintings by popular Maltese artists.

The Malta Floral Club is organising a visit to the Roman Domus on Tuesday, followed by lunch at a Rabat restaurant. Members and their friends are asked to book early by phoning Lily dei Conti Manduca on 2135-4160 or Monica Chetcuti on 2148-8089.

A bazaar is being held at St Helen parish centre, Birkirkara, till Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 to 7 p.m. There will be plants, furniture and antiques on sale, among other things.

Ward u Zghar is organising a wine-tasting at Camilleri Brothers Winery, Mtarfa, on Friday at 8 p.m.