Heard in the Hive

The annual charter gala dinner held by Round Table (Malta) Two (RT2) was a special one this year as the club celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The event was held at the magnificent Palazzo Castellania in Valletta, courtesy of the Minister of Health, Care of the Elderly and Community Care.

The evening was made even more special by the attendance of most of the former RT2 chairmen, including two of the founder members.

In his speech, RT2 chairman Kenneth Micallef highlighted some of the key achievements of the past year including the increase in the number of members as well as the organisation of well-attended and successful fellowships.

He reminded all present of the charitable side of Round Table and listed the various organisations which benefited from contributions from the club this year including the Children's Bank Book Fund, the United Nations Refugee Agency, Angela House, Dar it-Tama, the Round Table International Tsunami Relief Fund for Sri Lanka and India, and the Oncology Department at Boffa Hospital.

Crowne Plaza hosts reception for travel representatives

The Crowne Plaza Hotel recently hosted a reception for travel trade representatives and the media featuring a lavish selection of food, live music and entertainment.

Among the guests was Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech. William Latour, Crowne Plaza Malta general manager, greeted the guests on arrival.

Addressing the guests, Mr Latour said that the hotel is performing well and that the current business trends are encouraging. He said: "Contracts with our current partners are being renewed for well into 2006. Moreover we continue to entice a significant number of new operators to feature the hotel over the coming seasons".

He also stated that the hotel is continuously upgrading its products and services, and is conducting extensive staff training programmes to give all patrons an enduring experience which meets expectations. Some of the recent upgrades include a soft renovation of Pizza Place with the launch of 'Flavours', a new, dynamic approach to Sunday lunch dining, featuring some of the best food selections.

During a reception, Mr Latour and Christopher Gingell Littlejohn, sales manager, Leisure-CIT Groups at Crowne Plaza Malta, presented awards to the hotel's top producers: Holiday Malta for Top Producer within the Wholesale Business Segment, Grand Circle Travel for Top Producer within the Groups Business Segment, and the Italian Military Mission for Top Producer within the Local Corporate Business Segment.

World Bikini Model International contestants visit Bay Street

The 38 participants of the World Bikini Model International contest recently paid a courtesy visit to the Bay Street Tourist Complex. The group of international beauties, which also included three Maltese contestants, were welcomed by James Davis, CEO, who showed them around the Complex.

The group and the entire entourage had lunch at Gusto in the artisan market after visiting the outlets at the complex. All contestants were presented with pearl necklaces made by Goran and Lourdes Coravic who operate Street Craft. The winners of the contest were also awarded with exquisite tiaras handmade specifically by Street Craft.

Some of the contestants also had a live radio link from Bay Street with the popular radio programme Kuljum Bay Street presented by Martin Sapiano.

The contest was won by Alina Gheorghe of Romania.

Actors' Workshop certificates awards night

The first Actors' Workshop semester came to an end recently with the presentation of certificates and personal assessment reports to all the students.

The Actors' Workshop is the brainchild of acting couple and television personalities Mark and Louise Doneo, who for the last five years have dedicated their energies to television drama productions focusing on bringing new faces and established artists together on the small screen.

Their experience in producing quality drama programmes has put them in the forefront of the television entertainment industry and gained the respect of audiences and artists alike for their professional approach to casting and cutting-edge production values in the local television community. However their experience has thought them also that very few local artists are truly trained for television acting and that's where The Actors' Workshop was born.

Apart from catering for the beginner, Mark has developed an interesting technique very popular with American drama schools for his intermediate syllabus that focuses entirely on the individual's potential highlighting the strengths and weaknesses through constant scene work and workshops.

Nearly all sessions are taped and the students are constantly reviewing themselves through constructive analytical sessions set up as part of their syllabus.

The Actors' Workshop caters for children and adults and is open for beginners as well as drama students and/or artists with some theatre or television experience who wish to enhance their technique.

July shall see the launching of the two-day summer workshop for children, while September kick-starts the next Actors' Workshop semester.

Send an e-mail to markdoneo@onvol.net or phone 9988-2878 for more information.

Celebrating US Independence Day

Well over 1,000 guests, led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami and Deputy Prime Minister and Mrs Tonio Borg, packed the sprawling lawn of Villa Apap Bologna, the residence of the US Ambassador in Attard, last Tuesday to celebrate the 229th anniversary of American independence, which falls tomorrow, the Fourth of July.

The reception was hosted by the US chargé d'affaires, William Grant, and his wife, Mary Knight, and was enlivened by the Presentation of Colours by the Embassy's Marine Security Guard detachment, entertainment by singer Marisa d'Amato, and lots of red, blue and white bunting, and the Stars and Stripes in various forms.

In his address, Mr Grant spoke of the " resounding vote of no that had repercussions in many countries" which shocked leaders to look at each other and say "What now"? He was referring, "of course", to the vote in the US denying approval for the construction of New York City's Olympic stadium. which was to be the centrepiece of New York's bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

Since that negative vote, however, New York has come up with a new stadium plan - so he urged those present to lobby the International Olympic Committee (which is to decide on Wednesday between New York, Paris, London, Madrid and Moscow) and tell them to vote for New York!

Mr Grant said the strong commitment which the US and Malta have towards each other has been strengthened since Malta joined the European Union, for the US-EU partnership has an increasing worldwide impact. The US attaches great importance to a strong Europe and strong European institutions.

However, he continued, US interests in Malta are not limited to EU matters. A large group of Maltese are employed at the embassy, and "as a renewed sign of our commitment to the island", it is planned to build a new American Embassy, which will be an investment of well over 50 million dollars.

Again this year, the embassy sponsored a number of Maltese visitors to the US, including a highly successful trip by Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee led by its chairman, Dr Jason Azzopardi.

Prime Minister Gonzi reaffirmed that a priority for his government would be combating terrorism and promoting regional security, and, Mr Grant said, he has followed through on that priority.

During this past year, the US embassy provided training for dozens of personnel from Customs, the police and other forces on advanced techniques to detect the transit of illegal or dangerous cargoes and provided a special decontamination unit to the Civil Protection Department and are currently assisting the Customs department to set up a first-rate facility for their operations at the Malta Freeport.

Besides, it continues to build strong ties with the Armed Forces of Malta. Mr Grant said they were grateful that Malta continues to welcome US Navy ships. "The sailors and marines aboard those ships enjoy their time in Malta and appreciate the hospitality they receive during their well-earned breaks here," he added.

A new American Ambassador, Molly Bordonaro, along with her family, will be coming to Malta later this year, Mr Grant continued. He was sure "she will be impressed by the warmth of the Maltese people and the co-operative spirit we see every day in our work here".

Mr Grant said that members of the Embassy team will be ending their assignments in Malta soon. They are Tom and Cindy Belnomi, Erik Holm-Olsen, Matt Kurlinski, Richard and Amber Ober and Susan and Pablo Peruzzi. He wanted to tell them, "Grazzi hafna u r-rizq it-tajjeb" .

Mr Grant gave special thanks to several companies from the American business community which sponsored the reception. They include Microsoft, Hard Rock Café, Coca-Cola, Baxter, Hetronic Malta, Melita Digital, Hilton Malta, Methode Electronics, Aero Maritime, VF corporation and InterContinental Malta.

Mr Grant then proposed a toast to Malta-US friendship and the health and well-being of the President and People of Malta.

In his reply, President Fenech Adami said that they had all wished that the ratification of the EU Constitution would be a formality, but this was not to be. However, this did not put in doubt the importance of the relations between the United States and the European Union, of which Malta now formed part. He was confident the Maltese Parliament would approve the EU Constitution.

Dr Fenech Adami said Malta-US relations are close. All governments in Malta would have liked relations to improve further. He himself, as prime minister for 16 years, had worked hard for these relations to grow, and they have - in all senses.

He welcomed the decision to invest in a new US embassy, which showed that the United States government believed in the importance of Malta and its role in the Mediterranean.

The President then proposed a toast to Malta-US relations and to the health of President Bush.

The Maltese anthem was then sung by Mario Rolè, while Simone Pavlides sang The Star-Spangled Banner.

Guests were then invited to partake of the lavish buffet.

First president of Queen's Bench Division

It was announced in London recently that the Rt Hon. Lord Justice Judge has been appointed the first President of the Queen's Bench Division.

This new post was created in the Constitution Reform Act 2005. Prior to this Act the Lord Chief Justice presided over the Queen's Bench Division.

Aged 64, Lord Justice Igor Judge was born in Malta to Raymond and Rosa Judge (née Micallef). He was educated at Sacred Heart Convent, St Julian's, and St Edward's College, Cottonera. In 1954 he attended the Oratory School, Woodcote, where was school captain and cricket captain.

In 1962 he graduated BA Hons. and later MA in History and Law from Magdalene College, Cambridge. During time at Cambridge he entered the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.

In 1963 he was called to the Bar, in practice on the Midland Circuit; in 1976 he was appointed Recorder of the Crown Court and in 1979 Queen's Counsel.

From 1980 to 1986 he served on the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar and from 1984 to 1988 was a member of the Judicial Studies Board. In 1987 he was elected Leader of the Midland and Oxford Circuit and elected Bencher of the Middle Temple. In 1988 was appointed High Court Judge, Queens Bench Division, and knighted.

Chairman of the Criminal Committee of the Judicial Studies Board from 1990 to 1993, he was presiding judge on the Midland and Oxford Circuit from 1993 to 1996. In 1996 he was appointed Lord Justice of Appeal and sworn in as a Privy Counsellor.

He was chairman of the Criminal Committee of the Judicial Studies Board from 1996 to 1998 and Senior Presiding Judge of England and Wales from 1998 to 2003. In 2003 he was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of England and Wales.

People

Jonathan Schembri was recently appointed director of Fogg Insurance Agencies Ltd and Fogg International Insurance Brokers, one of Malta's leading insurance companies.

Mr Schembri's experience with Fogg spans more than a decade. He joined the company in 1991 after completing his studies in Malta and abroad.

He began his career working in both the Motor Underwriting Department and the Accounts Department. In 1994, he moved to the General Business Department, settling at the Motor Claims Department in 1996. He was promoted Motor Claims Manager in 1999, while also acting as project manager in the set-up of the motor claims computerising operating system.

In 2002, Mr Schembri was appointed Data Protection Officer and Money Laundering Officer, later also taking on the additional role of Compliance Officer. Mr Schembri is also an active member of the Malta Insurance Association.

Local photographer Guido Bonett, of Naxxar, an active member of the Malta Photographic Society, was recently awarded the Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.

The Royal Photographic Society, founded in 1853, is the most prestigious international photographic society. It has long been recognised for the promotion and maintenance of high photographic standards around the world and has established itself worldwide, through its programme of touring exhibitions, events and special interest groups.

The awarding of distinctions is fundamental to the society's promotion of standards of excellence, universally respected by amateur and professional photographers alike to whom RPS membership is open.

To gain a distinction a photographer has to submit a portfolio for approval by a highly qualified panel of society fellows or hold one of the acceptable photographic qualifications.

Mr Bonett has been successful in satisfying the judges with his portfolio depicting his favourite theme - that of Maltese natural subjects, mainly flora and fauna.

Ramon Grima, of Birzebbuga, has recently been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics from Arizona State University, USA. This consisted of two years of taught advanced physics classes and three years research in the sprawling theoretical area of statistical non-equilibrium physics of biological systems.

His Ph.D. thesis, entitled "Multi-scale modelling of chemotactic interactions", earned him the Department of Physics and Astronomy highest award for graduate research: the Mark Anderson Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. At a recent conference he was also conferred the best graduate student presentation award by the American Physical Society.

Presently Dr Grima is working as a postdoctoral research scientist in the Biocomplexity Institute, Physics Department, Indiana University, US, where he is developing stochastic biophysical models of invivo chemical kinetics, biofilm formation and cell movement.

Vittoriosa Historical Society honours centenarian

The Vittoriosa Historical and Cultural Society recently organised a luncheon for members and guests at the Qawra Palace Hotel in honour of Guzeppi Gellel, popularly known as Peppi, who turns 100 this year.

Mr Gellel, who was accompanied by his family, is a member of the society and a well-known personality in Vittoriosa - he was a renowned tailor whose small shop in Britannia Street was a hive of activity.

But Mr Gellel became synonymous with the interior decoration of the Church of St Lawrence especially during the post-war period.

Mr Gellel would organise fundraising to buy art objects and silverware which still grace the church of St Lawrence during the feast of the patron saint, partly making up for the treasures it had lost during the war.

Canon Paul Raggio, president of the society, congratulated and praised Mr Gellel for his service to the city of Vittoriosa and wished him well. Mr Gellel was presented with a birthday cake, courtesy of the management of the Qawra Palace Hotel.

In a short speech for the occasion the president also congratulated a number of priests all hailing from Vittoriosa who this year celebrate the 50th anniversary of their ordination: Fr Maximilian Mizzi, OFM Conv., founder of the Franciscan Ecumenical Centre at Assisi; Fr Marius Zerafa, OP, former director of museums; Fr Emanuel Adami, MSSP, missionary in Peru and Australia, and Fr Angelicus Vella, OP, former director of the Holy Name Society.

Police Week activities

Mass will be celebrated at the chapel of the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery today at 9 a.m. followed by a service and wreath-laying ceremony on the graves of the members of the police force, as part of the activities marking the 191st anniversary of the police force.

Activities started on Friday with an open day at Valletta police station and a performance by the Police Jazz Group on Freedom Square followed by a display by the dog section.

Yesterday another open day was held at Qawra police station; the police band performed at Bugibba while the precision drill team and the dog section gave a display.

Activities continue tomorrow with an open day at Sliema police station and the opening of a hobby exhibition by members of the police force at St James Cavalier, Valletta, at 10 a.m. In the evening, at 8.30, the police band will play in Sliema; the precision drill team and the dog section will give a display. Two mounted police will give horserides to children.

Open days will be held at Birkirkara police station on Tuesday, with a display at Balzan at 8.30 p.m., at Cospicua poice station on Wednesday, with a display at 8.30 p.m. in Cospicua; on Saturday at Zabbar police station, with a display at 8.30 p.m. at Marsascala (a pet show will be held from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. on Freedom Square, Valletta), on Sunday at Police headquarters, Floriana, with a display at 8.30 p.m. at Zurrieq, and on Monday, July 11, at Naxxar police station.

On Friday a reception at the Police Academy, Fort St Elmo, Valletta, for members and former members of the Police Corps.

On Tuesday, July 12, the anniversary of the foundation of the police corps, Archbishop Merciea will say Mass at 8.45 a.m. at Police Headquarters, while at 10 a.m. the annual police parade will be held on St George's Square, Valletta. In the evening Police Commissioner John Rizzo will host a reception at the Police Academy.

Activities will be concluded on Wednesday, July 13, in Gozo, with an open day at Victoria police station; Mass will be said at 6 p.m. at the chapel of St Mary's Cemetery for deceased members of the corps, and the laying of wreaths on their graves.

At 8 p.m., the police band will perform at Marsalforn, followed by a display by the precision drill team and the dog section, and a reception for members and former members of the police force in Gozo.

For your diary

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Skyroom Preluna Hotel, Sliema on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are organising a bazaar at their home for the elderly in Hamrun, on Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1.30 to 6 p.m. Entrance through High Street, Hamrun, opposite HSBC.

The Maltese-American Association is celebrating US Independence Day with a luncheon and high tea at the Seabank Hotel, Mellieha Bay, on Sunday at 12.30 p.m. For tickets and information phone Dar l-Emigrant, Castille Place, Valletta, on 2122-2644, 2123-2545 or 2124-0255.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - July 4-10

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives the president of Dante Alighieri, Dr Bruno Bottai, secretary-general Comm. Alessandro Masi, accompanied by Dante Alighieri - Malta president Alfred Spiteri, at the Palace, Valletta.

10.45 The President receives Dr Richard Laurenti, Ambassador of Malta to Egypt.

Tuesday
5 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Ball of the August Moon committee meeting at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives the newly appointed members of the Kunsill Nazzjonali ta' l-Ilsien Malti at the Palace, Valletta.

7 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Ball of the August Moon committee meeting at San Anton Palace.

9 The President attends the musical ceremony on Jum il-Banda and the laying of the foundation stone of the new band club on Orvieto Square, Kercem.

Thursday
Noon The President presents the letters of appointment to the newly appointed board of governors of the Malta Mediation Centre at the Palace, Valletta.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Dr Arcangelo La Cagnina, governor of Rotary International, at the Palace, Valletta.

10 Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Malta Community Chest Fund working committee.

Noon The President inaugurates the Ohloq Tbissima 60-hour marathon organised by CAM Productions International in aid of missions in Malta, Pakistan, Peru and the Philippines at St Joseph Home, St Venera.

8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a flamenco performance, Waking up the Lady in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta.

Saturday
11 a.m. The President receives the committees of the Duke of Connaught Band Club of Birkirkara and the Queen Victoria Band Club of Zurrieq on the occasion of their 140th anniversary at the Palace, Valletta.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a symphony concert conducted by Riccardo Muti at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

Sunday
9.15 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a commemorative Mass followed by a reception on 40th anniversary of Din L-Art Helwa at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.