Heard in the Hive

The European Movement (Malta) held its by now traditional reception last Monday to mark Europe Day. Indeed, as the chairman, Dr Roderick Pace, reminded the guests present at the Osborne Hotel, Valletta, this was the 40th year that Europe Day was being commemorated by the movement, which was set up in 1965, a year after newly-independent Malta joined the Council of Europe.

Attending the reception were President Eddie Fenech Adami and former Presidents Guido de Marco and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, and the resident ambassadors of EU member states including those of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Holland, and two new arrivals - the two lady ambassadors of Greece, Dorothea Tsimboukeli Douvos, and Austria, Dr Elisabeth Kehrer - China and the US chargé d'affaires.

In his address to the guests, Dr Pace welcomed the news that both Malta's main political parties will vote for the EU Constitutional Treaty when it comes up for ratification by the Maltese Parliament.

Looking back at the first year of Malta's membership of the EU, Dr Pace said the movement is fully satisfied with developments. "Malta has not yet started reaping the full benefits of membership, though some are becoming apparent. Malta has taken the first step up the learning curve and may take some years to reach its end. A national consensus on EU membership may help Malta move faster along this curve," he added.

The European Movement is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and Dr Pace said he was honoured to have been its president for the past eight years, which were probably the most interesting in the life of the movement so far. He thanked all his colleagues, past and present, for their commitment.

The movement's main focus after the ratification of the Constitution will be Malta's adoption of the euro, Dr Pace said as he praised the government and the central bank for their decision to join ERM II without further delay. He hoped there would be a smooth changeover to the single currency.

As an EU member Malta has now acquired unprecedented importance in world affairs, giving it greater scope and more tools to work for world peace. Dr Pace urged the authorities to prioritise human rights and democracy as well as the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

This year being the "Year of the Mediterranean" Malta must also give its solid contribution to make the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership more successful.

Referring to the celebrations in Europe of the 60th anniversary of VE Day the day before, Dr Pace said the movement is proud that Malta played a significant role in World War II and that our ancestors were ready to endure great sacrifices and to lay down their lives for the values they believed in.

"Our biggest acknowledgement of their sacrifice is to work so that such follies are never repeated again. That is what we believe the EU is all about and what Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet started 55 years ago significantly on the morrow of the fifth anniversary of Victory Day in Europe," Dr Pace concluded.

He then proposed a toast to European unity.

In his reply, President Fenech Adami praised the "sterling work" of the European Movement (Malta) to promote accession to the EU over the last 40 years.

Schuman, then foreign minister of France, who made his famous Declaration on May 9, 1950, was a man of vision, who saw a way in which Europe could be built in solidarity and peace among its peoples. The first step was the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community, which led eventually to the European Union we know today.

However, Dr Fenech Adami said, Schuman's vision has only been partly realised. He too welcomed the bipartisan consensus on the EU's Constitutional Treaty, which now has to be approved by all 25 EU member states.

"We need a vision even now," the President continued, "since peace cannot be taken for granted. It is not enough to write treaties; there has to be work on the ground, constantly promoting solidarity. We must not lose our vision."

Dr Fenech Adami then proposed a toast to European unity and to Malta's accession to the EU.

Remembering the victory over Fascism and Nazism

The bad ideas of Fascism and Nazism were responsible for the death of millions. This was the leitmotiv running through the addresses delivered by Russian Ambassador Valentin S. Vlasov and President Eddie Fenech Adami during a reception hosted last Thursday week by the Ambassador at his embassy to commemorate Victory Day 60 years ago.

"In Russia's calendar of memorable dates the Ninth of May occupies a special place," explained Ambassador Vlasov. Even 60 years after, deep emotions are stirred at the commemoration. This was especially true of the surviving veterans, whose numbers are unfortunately dwindling, but who deserve special honour.

There was hardly any Russian family that was left unscathed by the flames of war. The sufferings inflicted on them, which they bore with great fortitude, also "revealed the greatness of the human spirit and manifested numerous examples of heroism, personal feats and true pat-riotism. That is why this war has gone in the history of our country as the Great Patriotic War."

World War II exceeded in scale all previous armed conflicts. At stake were not only different interests of states and systems of government, but also the diametrically opposed approaches to the very basis of human existence. For the first time in history the preservation of the life of whole peoples was threatened by a scheme of thoughts fraught with evil ideas that sought to impose an inhuman "New Order" on Europe and beyond.

The Maltese fought bravely and loyally against this abomination, side by side with the Russians and their allies, creating a coalition that can be rightfully considered the biggest diplomatic breakthrough of its time: a common understanding that evil had to be resisted together.

"This lesson in full measure retains its relevance in our days as well. The experience of the international brotherhood in arms during the war years is assuming particular significance in the conditions when a global challenge has again been thrown down to humanity - this time by international terrorism. It is no less dangerous than Fascism. And no less merciless: thousands of innocent people have already become its victims. The foundations of civilisation have again turned out to be in jeopardy."

Ambassador Vlasov concluded: "Preservation of memory about World War II is our moral responsibility both to those who paid with their lives for the defeat of Nazism and to the new generations." He then proposed a toast for the health of the President of Malta, for the health, prosperity and success of veterans - victors in World War II - and for the further strengthening of peace, security and stability in Europe and throughout the world.

In response, President Fenech Adami said that Malta was a British colony during World War II and was therefore drawn into the conflict without choice. Nevertheless, the Maltese resisted wholeheartedly the threatened imposition by an overwhelming military force of a bad ideology of racial repression. He was only a child at the time, but had vivid recollections of the sufferings that were borne with great fortitude by the whole population - death, destruction and hunger were the order of the day.

The Maltese people do not regret having been in the thick of it, in spite of the great loss of life and damage inflicted on them, for they were fighting loyally alongside their allies, including most prominently the Russian people, to defend principles they cherished and defeat a common enemy with bad intentions of national and racial repression.

Just as Malta made its contribution in the waging of war, it also contributed towards the forging of peace six decades ago. President Fenech Adami recalled the meeting in Malta of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General Charles de Gaulle before they proceeded to the Yalta Conference. Then, in more recent times, when he was Prime Minister, it was Yalta that came to Malta as it were.

President Fenech Adami said he was proud and privileged to have hosted, in 1989, the Summit between Soviet President Gorbachev and US President Bush that marked the end of the Cold War.

Having looked to the past, we must look to the future. Malta is a small country that is always ready to lend its services to foster mutual friendship between nations, whatever their size or military might. Hot wars and cold wars are thankfully over.

There must be unity in international relations to face the challenges of the present and future as well as to combat threats to civilisation such as that of world-scale terrorism.

With this in mind, the President of Malta then proposed his toast to the President and People of Russia, their Ambassador in Malta and to all present.

Francis Cachia

Artist inspired by Buddha symbology

Buddha Nature is the current exhibition by Miriam Sorrell at Cleland & Souchet in Portomaso. Ms Sorrell has firmly established herself in the local art world since moving back to Malta from London eight years ago. A full-time artist, Ms Sorrell has held seven major exhibitions over the past five years, and has become known for her flamboyant and passionate use of colour and texture.

Ms Sorrell has been invited to participate for the past three years in the annual celebrity event Art for Life at Christie's, St James, London, in aid of Cancer Research UK. In her latest collection of works, she has explored her enduring fascination with Eastern culture and art, and in particular the symbology of the Buddha figure, and the peace it represents and evokes. The Buddha nature is the quality of being present at this very moment, not having one's mind travel into the past or future, but relaxing into what is, being mindful and fully conscious of the present moment in order to maximise the experience. The pressures of today's Western society prevent us from making time to practise this essential part of being.

In creating this series of works, Ms Sorrell hopes that others will experience the same sense of harmony and well-being she felt as she worked with them. They fall into three main categories. Firstly, there are a series of semi-monochromatic Buddha faces, drawing on a palette of organic, earthy colours used in a sculpted, textured fashion, resulting in dramatic images that retain a calm and gentle serenity. There is then a set of Buddha-themed works that employ a more abstract treatment, and juxtapose an exciting array of colours in a manner more associated with the artist's previous works.

Finally, Miriam is also showing a number of abstracts created to celebrate the joy and flow of life, with the use of rich, passionate colours and the high-gloss, vibrant finish that have become synonymous with her trademark style.

Her works may be viewed at the Cleland & Souchet lifestyle store in Portomaso until the end of the month, from Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Reception for REMPEC Focal Points

On the occasion of the seventh meeting of the official Focal Points of the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC), which was held in Malta last month, REMPEC director Rear Admiral Roberto Patruno hosted a reception for the delegates and other guests.

The reception, which was held at the Hilton Malta in St Julian's, was attended by the representatives of all 21 Mediterranean coastal states and of the European Union as well as by the representatives of various international organisations present for the Focal Points Meeting. They were joined by members of the diplomatic corps, Maltese Government officials and other guests.

Paul Mifsud, co-ordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), as well as Miguel Palomares, senior deputy director, Marine Environment Division, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), also attended.

REMPEC, which was established in 1976 and has since been hosted in Malta by the Maltese Government, is one of the Regional Activity Centres of MAP, which was established under UNEP's Regional Seas Programme.

The centre, which is administered by IMO, assists Mediterranean coastal states with the implementation of the Prevention and Emergency Protocol to the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

Among other important issues, the seventh meeting of REMPEC national Focal Points had a particularly important task of endorsing the Regional Strategy for Prevention of and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships. It is expected that this strategy, once adopted by the contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention, will become the driving force behind the actions of the countries around the Mediterranean in protecting their common sea.

Diamonds International launch Montegrappa

Diamonds International have recently launched a new brand - Montegrappa - the oldest Italian pen manufacturer. The company will be its first and exclusive representatives in Malta.

One of the great world leaders in the luxury goods sector, Montegrappa today preserves its characteristics of craftsmanship of the highest level in creating authentic fine writing jewels, precious objects intended for those who love beautiful pieces artistically made. Creativity, luxury, exclusivity and the passion for the sea are clearly reflected in the collections America's Cup and Amerigo Vespucci. A range of pens is also dedicated to Connoisseurs, an exclusive line designed for Ferrari, and special editions including a tribute to Ayrton Senna.

Alessandro Formisano, commercial director at Montegrappa, flew over to Malta for the launch. "Malta represents an important cultural centre. Always aware of timeless values, Montegrappa showed its huge interest in becoming part of the Maltese market," he said.

This announcement coincided with the P1 Championships which took place in Malta last weekend. For this reason, Montegrappa participated in this event by sponsoring OSG, the Italian team lead by Giancarlo Cangiano, which placed third.

Karl Micallef, director at Diamonds International, said: "Montegrappa is a prestigious pen brand around the world and we are proud to have been chosen as exclusive representatives. The brand adds value to the already attractive portfolio of international names which Diamonds International hosts."

The full collection of Montegrappa pens is exclusively available at Diamonds International, Republic Street Valletta, and Luxe Pavilion, Portomaso (customer care on 2122-0200, or visit www.montegrappa.com).

MidTECH Competition award winner

At an award winners ceremony held recently by the West Midlands NHS Innovation Hub, at the Thinktank Millennium Point in Birmingham, Dr Anton Vella was presented with the award for winning the MidTECH Competition 2005.

MidTECH, the West Midlands NHS Innovation Hub, launched the Innovations Competition in December at the inaugural regional Innovations Conference as part of a brief to encourage and promote innovation within the NHS.

Dr Vella is a graduate of the University of Malta Medical School. He specialised in anaesthesia which he has been practising in the UK for the past 27 years. At present he is employed with the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust as a consultant anaesthetist at The City Hospital. The winning entry by Dr Vella describes the design of a piece of anaesthetic equipment which facilitates the successful intubation of patients in difficult situations.

In September 2004, the anaesthetic department at St Luke's Hospital took part in an assessment audit of his innovation.

Dr Vella wishes to thank the department and in particular the individual anaesthetists who participated in the audit. The overall response was very positive and helped in encouraging Dr Vella to carry on and eventually win the award.

Malta holds presidency of Social Cohesion Committee

Joe Gerada has been elected chairman of the Council of Europe's Social Cohesion Committee, which is its major committee dealing with policy development on social security, social welfare, housing, and employment.

Mr Gerada, who is currently the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services that manages Appogg, Sedqa and Sapport has been representing Malta on this committee for five years.

He has served in a number of roles and sub-committees dealing with policy issues, most notably the policies on children and families and access to social rights. He has also been closely involved with other committees of the Council of Europe, as well as serving on the editorial board of the Council of Europe publication Access to Social Rights.

Mr Gerada will be responsible for chairing this committee and its executive bureau, co-ordinating its work and representing the committee during meetings with other committees of the Council of Europe.

This is the first time that the presidency of this committee has gone to a Maltese. Mr Gerada, who was uncontested, takes over the presidency from Marie Cecile Vadue Douché of France.

25 years of service to St Laurence Band

The symphony concert of the Vittoriosa St Laurence Band at the Maritime Museum has become a regular spring time appointment for the band.

This year's concert was a special one, as it was in honour of Mro Paul Schembri who has been the band's conductor for the past 25 years.

Mro Schembri has been a solid contributor to the band, a source of inspiration continuing in the tradition of his renowned predecessors, including Mro Carl M. Affz, G. Giumarra, Pacifico Scicluna and Hector Dalli, all of whom have become landmarks in the history of the Vittoriosa Band,

The programme consisted of music composed by Mro Schembri. The selection highlighted the sheer versatility of the maestro, his versatility in different music genres and rhythms, and his ingenuity in creating a variety of moods.

This was amply proved in his outstanding new Classic Dances collection, written specifically for this occasion. The brilliant performance of the bandsmen and the soloists also showed the meticulousness and determination of his direction.

The event was attended by President Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, the archpriest of Vittoriosa, mayor John Boxall, the Knight Resident at Fort St Angelo, Fra John Critien, and representatives of all the city's associations, besides a very appreciative audience. The gifts that Mro Schembri was presented with and the praises and good wishes that were heaped on him were well deserved.

People

Dr Julian Mamo, MD, M.Sc., has recently been conferred with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from King's College, London, within the University of London.

The field of study of Dr Mamo's research was the health care of the elderly. His research work comprised the setting up of an extensive registry to maintain information on elderly persons in Malta, followed by a trial of a holistic screening facility for community dwelling elderly persons in Malta.

Dr Mamo worked for eight years with the International Institute on Aging (UN-Malta), maintaining links with the international scientific community in the field of health care of elderly persons and conducting consultancy missions for the World Health Organisation in various parts of the world.

A lecturer at the University of Malta since 1990, Dr Mamo also practises as a family physician.

Chiara Borg, M.Sc. (London), B.Psy. (Hons), ATCL, has recently obtained a Master's degree in Occupational Psychology from Birkbeck College, University of London. In partial fulfilment of this degree, Ms Borg (née Cortis Micallef) conducted a qualitative research project entitled Social Representations of Sexual Harassment at the Place of Work in Malta.

Prior to her studies at Master's level, Ms Borg obtained a first degree in Psychology from the University of Malta and is an Associate of the Trinity College of London for her achievements in pianoforte performance.

She is currently employed as a research officer at the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.

Order of St Lazarus investiture

The April 2005 Investiture of the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem (Malta Obedience) was a grand feast for old and new members of the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands, their families and guests.

The event, held at St George's Basilica in Victoria, Gozo, was presided over by Chevaliers Grand Vicar Reginald S. Attard and Grand Chancellor of the Order Dr Friedrich Schubert, and Dr Joseph R. Pace, Grand Prior of the Maltese Islands. Dame Helen Meli Attard, Deputy Chancellor and Grand Custodian of the Order and member of the Supreme Council, was also present, as were members of the Grand Priory Council, some of whom assisted with the investiture, particularly the Chancellor, Chev. M. Ciavola.

The archpriest of St George's Basilica, Mgr Dr Joseph Farrugia, Prelate of Honour to the Pope, was unavoidably absent. The religious part of the ceremony was presided over by Mgr Saviour Borg.

It is thanks to the Rev. Archpriest and the St George's Chapter that the event was possible. Marshal of the event was Chev. J. Spiteri Audibert. Also participating were the Special Rescue Group - St Lazarus Corps, led by Field Marshal Cdr David Zammit and the Step-by-Step Foundation (affiliated to the Grand Priory) led by Marisa Xuereb. A delegation from the Hospitallers of St Lazarus, led by Chev. John Grima, were also present.

After the ceremonial procession and Holy Mass, which was accompanied by organ music and hymns by the Laudate Pueri Choir led by Mgr George Joseph Frendo, there followed a short ceremony at the altar dedicated to St Lazarus where the Grand Prior presented a bouquet of flowers to honour the patron saint. The very large painting of the raising of Lazarus from the dead is by the well-known Giuseppe d'Arena.

Here the Grand Prior announced that, with the consent of the archpriest and the collegiate chapter, the Basilica was going to be the spiritual seat of the Grand Priory, and that another old painting of St Lazarus in the sacristy was to be restored by the Grand Priory. Another bouquet of flowers was placed before the monument to Mgr Joseph Pace, Bishop of Gozo, uncle of the Grand Prior and a former honorary Grand Cross of Merit of the Order.

The investiture ceremony was preceded by the blessing of the insignia. The new admissions into the Grand Priory were: Marisa Xuereb and Godfrey Sammut, Charles Cilia, George Attard, Mauro Pace Parascandolo, Duncan Triganza, Joseph Grixti, Albert Camilleri and Joseph Zammit.

A number of promotions were presented to Joseph Meli Attard as Commander Companion, David Apap Agius and Donna Isidora Siracusa as Knight and Dame of Grace, and Chevaliers Michael Ciavola, George Said-Zammit, Tony C. Cutajar, Joseph Spiteri Audibert and Walter Caruana Montaldo as Knights Commander.

Awards were then given to Chev. Tony C. Cutajar, Field Marshal David Zammit, Dr Charles Savona-Ventura and Meli Attard as Officers of Merit, followed by Chevaliers George Said-Zammit, Joseph Spiteri Audibert, and Walter Caruana Montaldo as Commanders of Merit. Knight of Merit Awards went to Chev. Joseph Pace, Chev. Michael Ciavola and Chev. Paul Banavage, who was also awarded the Silver Cross of Merit.

The investiture was followed by a luncheon at L-Imgarr Hotel's banqueting hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Speeches of thanks and congratulations were made by the Grand Vicar and the Grand Prior.

To round up the wvent, the Grand Prior then launched the Commandery of Gozo with Chev. Paul Banavage as its Commander. The standard of the Commandery was then presented amid applause by all those present. Toasts were called to the Grand Master Charles Philippe d'Orleans, Duke of Anjou, to the Order and to the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements May 16-22

Tomorrow
12.30 p.m. The President receives EU Commissioner Joe Borg on a courtesy call at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Israel and Mrs Gol, at the Westin Dragonara, St Julian's, on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the book Documentary Sources of Maltese History Part II - Documents at the Vatican by Fr Aquilina and Professor Stanley Fiorini at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Libyan People's Bureau on board the Libyan naval vessels, berthed at the Deep Water Quay.

Wednesday
9.30 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami visit the primary school of De La Salle College, Cottonera.

Thursday
9 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
11.40 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami welcome the President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and Mrs Ciampi at the official arrival ceremony on St George's Square, Valletta.
11.55 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami receive President and Mrs Ciampi at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a state concert in honour of President and Mrs Ciampi.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a state dinner in honour of President and Mrs Ciampi.

Friday
11.05 a.m. The President attends a tree-planting ceremony by the Italian President at San Anton Palace.
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception in their honour hosted by President and Mrs Ciampi at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami bid farewell to President and Mrs Ciampi at the official departure ceremony at the Malta International Airport.

Sunday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami receive families visiting Verdala Castle for a cultural activity organised by the Office of the President in conjunction with Heritage Malta. (Tickets available from Heritage Malta till Friday.)

For your diary

A week of spiritual formation will be held from tomorrow to Saturday at St George's parish church, Qormi, organised by the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM. Meetings start at 7 p.m. till 7.45 p.m. and will be held at the Society's centre of the same parish. Child-minding will be provided.

A get-together for past pupils, teachers and friends of St Joseph School, Paola, will be held on Friday at 6.30 p.m. at the school at 69, Zabbar Road, Paola. The Crowning of Our Lady will be followed by a reception. Tickets cost Lm3 in aid of the Missions. To book call Vivienne Vella on 2169-1062 or Sr Gemma on 2169-4085 by tomorrow.

Ward u Zghar is meeting to watch the Eurovision Song Context at Belmar Bar, Triq il-Halel, Bugibba, on Saturday at 8.30 p.m. For bookings phone 9947-2868 by Wednesday.

The Crowning of Our Lady at St Joseph's School in Sliema will be held for past pupils and friends on May 27, starting with Mass at 7.30 p.m. For further details phone Jo Jo Delia on 2137-0666 or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 by May 24.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Skyroom Preluna Hotel Sliema on June 1 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

Gallon - Lansonneur

The marriage took place recently at the Church of the Holy Cross, Floriana, between Kristell Gallon, daughter of the late Charles Gallon and of Mrs Josette Gallon, née Zammit, of St Julian's, and Goulwen Lansonneur, son of Mr and Mrs Charles Lansonneur of Plouzané, in Brittany, France.

Canon Vincent Borg, chaplain of the French community in Malta, officiated at the ceremony during which the Joy Gospel singers participated. They made Nuptial Mass a memorable celebration and the Gospel songs brought everyone together in one joyful spirit.

The bride was given away by François Gallon, her godfather and uncle. François Lautel, Eva Doste and Mikaela Gallon, the bride's sister, witnessed the ceremony, while the bride's cousins Mathieu and Pauline Rolland and Amy Zammit were pageboy and flower-girls respectively. François Lautel also carried out the duties of best man.

A reception was later held at Ir-Razzett l-Antik, a 300-year-old restored farmhouse in the heart of the medieval village of Qormi. It made a perfect setting for the many guests who travelled from France, England, Ireland, Germany, Morocco and the United States for the wedding. The couple spent their honeymoon in the South of France before taking up residence in Paris.

Xuereb - Grech

The historic Ta' Giezu Franciscan church in Valletta was the wedding venue for Dr Karen Xuereb, LL.D., from the Legal Revisers Group of the European Commission, and IT manager Aldo Grech, MBA.

The bride was given away by her father Charles Xuereb, while nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Anton Farrugia, ofm. The ceremony was witnessed by Karsten Xuereb, brother of the bride, and Dr Elena Grech, LL.D., the groom's sister. Antoine Torpiano carried out the duties of best man.

Immediately after the ceremony the bride, who wore a striking ivory wedding dress in silk, and her husband, were toasted to champagne outside the church.

They proceeded to a sumptuous wedding lunch on the terrace of Quadro by the sea prepared by family friend and colleague Michael Cauchi, the resident chef.

Led by mother of the bride Tracy Xuereb and the groom's mother Maryanne Grech, the guests at the lunch included a number of friends, among them Dr Ana Nieto Nuez, Dr Helmut Maurer and Imma Subirana who came for the wedding from Brussels.

The couple have just returned from their honeymoon in Malaysia.