Heard through the Hive

Following the recent importation of 250,000 vines from France's Bordeaux region to be grown in Malta, Camilleri Wines recently hosted around 300 growers to a social evening during which they were provided with technical information on the proper growth of these vines and useful tips related to the production of wine in Malta.

The event, held at the Trade Fair Ground's Conference Hall in Naxxar, was addressed by engineer and oenologue Frederic Nauleau, and Auguste Yves, plantations technician from the French vine nursery Arrivé in Bordeaux.

Patrick Xerri, viticulturist for Camilleri Wines, helped with the translation in Maltese of the French speakers' presentation.

The event was well-attended and all growers were very interested to learn more about the techniques adopted in France.

Louie Camilleri, general manager of Camilleri Wines, said: "This event is part of our continuous efforts to assist our growers as they face the start of another busy growing season. We believe in the importance of such initiatives that help our growers achieve a better know-how as well as first-hand experience in order to keep improving their own products. Moreover, this event was an ideal opportunity to get our growers together to discuss their opinions and put forward any problems and difficulties encountered throughout the plantation and growing seasons."

During their presentation, Mr Nauleau and Mr Yves introduced their French company Arrivé and gave an overview of the whole wine production process highlighting the similarities and common environmental conditions enjoyed by both Maltese and French wine growers.

The presentation also gave an overview of the thorough testing procedures, the meticulous planning and the numerous and sanitary measures that need to be taken into account to ensure that the product reaches its destination in the best possible condition.

Following the presentation, all growers were hosted to refreshments and presented with a complimentary hamper by Camilleri Wines.

Australian honour for Josephine Zammit Cordina

Josephine Zammit Cordina, whose name has become synonymous with radio and TV programmes about and for the Maltese community in Australia, last Tuesday was invested with the honorary membership of the Order of Australia (AM).

The ceremony was held during a reception at Villa Risq, San Pawl tat-Targa, the residence of the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Richard Palk, and Mrs Palk.

The award had been announced on November 28 by the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery, who said Mrs Zammit Cordina had been honoured "for service to the development of cultural links between Australia and Malta, particularly through the Maltese media".

At the reception Mrs Zammit Cordina was accompanied by her husband Harry, their son Henry and their daughter Jacqueline Mallia, two of their grandchildren, Mark and Keith, and other members of her family.

The occasion was graced by the presence of President Emeritus Guido de Marco, who was also warmly welcomed by Mr Palk in a brief address.

Mr Palk traced the stage and broadcasting career of Mrs Zammit Cordina, who at the age of 29, when she was already married, started the School Broadcasting Unit; she eventually appeared on stage in plays, in TV series, and films shot in Malta and even in BBC teleplays.

In 1983, to mark the centenary of the first Maltese settlement in Australia, Mrs Zammit Cordina produced and co-presented a link-up between Malta and Sydney.

In 1988 she produced a series of 28 programmes on the 28 Grand Masters of the Order of St John who ruled in Malta for SBS, the ethnic-community radio station in New South Wales.

In 1984 she started Boomerang, a radio programme for and about the Maltese-Australian community. Ten years later, she came up with Waltzing Matilda, a TV programme which has now reached its 200th edition, and which has been shown in Australia since 2000.

Mr Palk said that Josephine had been to Australia nine times, quipping that "she probably knows the country better than I do". Her contribution to the Maltese-Australian community was recognised by the Maltese government in 1995, when she was awarded the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (MQR).

Now it was the Australian government's turn to recognise Josephine's contribution, Mr Palk said, before inviting Professor de Marco to say a few words.

The former President said he has known Josephine Zammit Cordina and the Zammit Cordina "tribe" for as long as he could remember, since he used to be a frequent visitor to the Zammit Cordina household when he still a teenager.

Professor de Marco said that Josephine over the years had done an excellent job of fostering Maltese culture among the second and third generations of the Maltese living in Australia, who were now fully integrated Australians, but who still had a great interest in their roots and their original homeland's history.

A short video was then shown featuring excerpts from Waltzing Matilda, including tributes to Mrs Zammit Cordina from Mr Palk and his predecessor Colin Willis (who was present at the reception).

The playing on the piano of the Australian national anthem by Alexander Vella Gregory heralded the start of the brief ceremony during which Angela Hopkins, from the Australian High Commission, read a brief résumé of Mrs Zammit Cordina's broadcasting career.

Mr Palk then read the citation accompanying the award of the membership of the Order of Australia to Mrs Zammit Cordina by the Governor-General of Australia.

After a champagne toast and the playing of the Maltese national anthem, Mrs Zammit Cordina thanked the Australian High Commissioner for the honour bestowed on her and spoke briefly about the programmes she is producing, which, she said were being well received by the Maltese-Australian community.

MIM celebrates 40th anniversary with quality music

Joe Zammit, president of the Malta Institute of Management, launched the Institute's celebrations of its 40th anniversary with an evening of music and songs at the Casino Maltese, Valletta, on March 27. This event was the first in a series being planned by MIM's 40th Anniversary Celebrations Committee, headed by Michael Ciavola.

Versatile singer Anna Maria Castelli, accompanied by pianist Mro Aliano Frediani, enthralled the audience with a varied repertoire of well loved songs from the last century, very aptly entitled "The Way We Were".

MIM had the Italian Cultural Institute to thank for the arrival of the talented Italian duo, while Air Malta and Crowne Plaza sponsored the artists' stay in Malta. The sponsorship of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts was much appreciated.

HSBC Home Loans staff give prize to Cancer Foundation

HSBC's Home Loans Division, which recently won HSBC's Department of the Year Award, has decided to give a good part of the prize money of this award to the Malta Cancer Foundation.

In recognition of this staff initiative, HSBC Bank Malta has also decided to double the donation through its Lira for Lira scheme. Emanuel Sammut, head of HSBC's Home Loans Division presented the combined donation to Dr Stephen Brincat, chairman of the foundation.

"When we learnt that we had won HSBC's Department of the Year award everyone at HSBC Home Loans was clearly delighted. This is a very difficult award to win and our success was due to a lot of hard work during 2003. There was unanimous agreement by the staff to make the donation to the Malta Cancer Foundation," said Mr Sammut. "I'm delighted to say that because of our initiative, HSBC has also made a donation through its Lira for Lira Scheme," he continued.

The Malta Cancer Foundation was set up recently to raise Lm500,000 for new equipment to treat patients at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital.

The hospital, which provides chemotherapy to over 19,000 patients every year, aims to replace old boilers with a new solar heating system. This would free up enough space to open a new wing at the hospital. The foundation is also aiming to increase facilities in the hospital's female ward.

"When we announced the setting up of the Malta Cancer Foundation less than a month ago, we said that we wanted companies to help us raise the Lm500,000 needed. HSBC and particularly its Home Loans Division have been among the very first to answer our call. We hope that many other companies will follow their example and contribute towards making Boffa Hospital the best possible treatment centre for cancer sufferers," said Dr Brincat.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Malta Cancer Foundation should call 5004-9445 to donate Lm5 or 5004 9442 to donate Lm2.

Cachia - Pace

The marriage was recently celebrated at the Holy Family chapel, Naxxar, between Karen Cachia, B.Pharm. (Hons), daughter of Frank and Mary Cachia of San Gwann, and Jean-Claude Pace, B.Sc. IT (Hons), son of Ing. John and May Pace of Hamrun.

Fr Paul Pace, SJ and Fr Michael Pace, uncles of the groom, and Canon Joseph Bonello officiated the ceremony, which was witnessed by Gabriella Pace, sister of the groom, and Ivan Cachia, BE&A (Hons), A&CE, brother of the bride. Kevin Abela, BE&A (Hons), A&CE, acted as best man.

The bride, wearing an ivory raw silk embroidered fitted bodice with lacy motifs, was assisted by Natasha and Nevisse Livori, cousins of the bride, as bridesmaid and flower-girl. Gabriel Pace, cousin of the groom, was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar. The couple spent their honeymoon in Paris, Strasbourg and Lyon.

Zabbar award

Anthony Farrugia, local councillor and former head of Sir Hannibal Scicluna Secretarial School, together with George Bonavia, currently residing in Canada, were recently awarded Gieh Haz-Zabbar on Zabbar Day.

Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, parliamentary secretary within the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, presented Mr Farrugia with a medal and a parchment scroll inscribed for the occasion, during a musico-literary evening held at Notre Dame Hall in Zabbar which marked the 10th anniversary of the setting up of the local council. Carmel Bonavia received the award on behalf of his brother.

The award was introduced in 1998 for citizens who distinguished themselves in various fields through which Zabbar has benefited.

Mr Farrugia was also awarded the Trofeo Cittadino del'Anno by Dr Pietro Fina, commissioner of the Comune di Villabate in the province of Palermo, a town with which Zabbar is twinned.

Mr Farrugia has generously contributed towards education in general, involved himself in voluntary work and helped in promoting cultural and social activities in partnership with four other European cities.

In his capacity as councillor he chairs the sub-committee for Twinning, Foreign Relations and Street Lighting.

Mr Bonavia, a former journalist with Allied Newspapers Ltd, was awarded for his unstinted efforts on behalf of Maltese emigrants in Canada.

Victoria Hotel's maitre d'hotel retires after 42 years of service

Joseph Vella, maitre d'hotel at the Copperfields Restaurant of the Victoria Hotel, Sliema, has retired after 42 years of service in the hospitality industry.

To thank him for his many years of service, AX Holdings chairman Angelo Xuereb, accompanied by Victoria Hotel acting general manger Claire Xuereb, recently presented Mr Vella with a memento during a reception in his honour.

Mr Vella started his career in 1962 after finishing his education and a six-month course at the Msida Catering School under the tutorship of Charles Watkins. His first job was as a waiter at the Selmun Palace Hotel. From there he moved on to the popular Gillieru Restaurant in St Paul's Bay, and in June 1967 he joined the Sheraton Hotel in Paceville as chef de rang. He was promoted to assistant head waiter in January 1968, head waiter in April 1970 and to assistant maitre d'hotel in August 1970. Eventually in 1980 he was promoted to maitre d'hotel.

Between March and April 1991, Mr Vella also had overseas experience having worked at the Hotel Bellevue Palace in Berne, Switzerland.

In 1994 Mr Vella joined the Grand Hotel Verdala in Rabat and in March 1997 till his retirement he was employed at the Victoria Hotel in Sliema with the responsibility to manage the food and beverage brigade servicing the main restaurant - the Copperfield's Room. During his employment at The Victoria, Joe built a formidable team that gained an excellent reputation for courtesy, professional service and customer care.

People

Dr Joseph Paul Cassar has recently been appointed Moderator of Examinations in Art and Design Education by the International Baccalaureate Programme in Corsham, Wiltshire, UK.

Dr Cassar has been involved with the organisation since 1998 and has monitored visual art examination sessions for Malta and Italy.

The IB Visual Arts Programme prepares students for entry requirements to major art colleges around the world, particularly for those in the UK and the US.

Recently, Dr Cassar launched his latest publication Beyond the Surface - Paintings 1984-2003 in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York.

Meanwhile, Dr Cassar was invited to give art courses to art majors at the Art Department of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, US, between March and April. He will also be delivering public lectures at Loyola College in Baltimore, and will also exhibit his art works at the galleries of both colleges.

Dr Cassar is a lecturer of art at the Junior College, and at Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta.

Calleja - Muscat

St Mary's parish church, Attard, was recently the venue for the wedding ceremony of Caroline Calleja, BA (Hons), LRSM, DFE (Lyon), Med. D'Or (Lyon), daughter of David and Josephine Calleja of St Venera, and Christopher Muscat, M.Mus. (Surrey), BA (Hons), son of Paul and Margaret Muscat of Mosta.

Fr Vincent Micallef, OP, uncle of the bride, officiated the ceremony, while Colin Calleja, B.Sc. (Bus. & Comp.), and Vincent Muscat, witnessed the ceremony.

John Muscat carried out the duties of best man. Maria Micallef acted as bridesmaid, while Luke Grixti was pageboy and Katya Azzopardi was flower-girl.

A reception was held at Villa Oriana, Rabat. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Prague, Salzburg and Vienna.

President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - April 12-18

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives the parish priest of Our Lady of Fair Haven for the annual Easter blessing at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President is interviewed by Galia Limor for the newspaper Haaretz.

11.30 The President is interviewed by Pierre Avril for Le Figaro.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President pays an official visit to the Archbishop at the Curia in Floriana.

11 The President receives the president and council members of the Malta Hotel and Restaurants Association (MHRA) at the Palace, Valletta.

11.45 The President receives Dr Ray Bondin, executive co-ordinator of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project.

Friday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech-Adami attend a performance of the oratorio San Gregorio Magno organised by the Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of the first anniversary of the signing of the EU Accession Treaty in Athens, at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

Saturday
11.40 a.m. The President attends an ecumenical service followed by a wreath-laying ceremony organised by the George Cross Island Association on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the award of the George Cross to the Maltese people at the Siege Bell Memorial, Valletta.

7 The President presides over the launching of the book Malta before History by Daniel Cilia at the Museum of Archeology, Valletta.

8 The President and Mrs Fenech-Adami attend the premiere of Christus by the Yada Dance Company at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

Sunday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech-Adami attend a vocal and instrumental concert conducted by Mro Joseph Vella at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina.

Gozo Lace Day

The University of Malta Gozo Centre will be organising the annual event Gozo Lace Day at the University Gozo Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, on Sunday from 9.45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will include exhibitions of various aspects of Maltese lace produced by students for lace programme projects, demonstrations of pillow covering, card weaving, cord making, tulle lace and general information about short courses available.

There will also be stands mounted by the Koperattiva Ghawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artigjanat with lace- making materials.

A short lecture on "Lace in Church Vestments" will be delivered by Mgr Lawrence Sciberras.

Lacemakers are invited to bring their pillows and to join others making lace and interested persons may bring their old laces to have more information about it.

Further information can be obtained from the University Gozo Centre on 2156-4559, 2156-2054, or send an e-mail to ugc@um. ecu.mt.

Medical Council

In the recent election to the Medical Council, the following were elected: Dr Michael J. Boffa, Dr Karl Causon, Professor Godfrey Laferla, Dr Conrad Azzopardi, Dr Paul Fleri Soler, Dr Alfred Magri Demajo and Dr James Galea.

Judge Victor Caruana Colombo is the president of the council.

For your diary

The San Gwann Light Orchestra under Mro Charles Wood is organising an Eastertide concert at the parish hall, St Joseph Street, San Gwann, tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. Entrance is free.

Caritas co-operators are organising a day to Gozo on Wednesday. Coaches will leave Sliema and Valletta at 8.15 a.m. There will be free time for shopping in Victoria. Mass will be said at St George's basilica at noon, followed by lunch at L-Imgarr Hotel at 1 p.m. and tea at 4 p.m.

For more information contact Marilouise Mifsud (tel. 2133-0471), Mary Darmanin Demajo (2131-3486), Josephine Farrugia (2132-0016) or Phyllis Ciappara (2134-2910).