Social and Personal

COLEIRO. On June 5, at St James Capua Hospital, to Tisha née Mizzi and Mark, God's precious gift of twins - MAX and REBECCA, welcomed by Michael. Thanks be to God for the double gift.

DEPASQUALE. On June 5, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Louisa née Fenech Pace and Ruben, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - CARLA. Deo gratias et Mariae. Our heartfelt thanks go to out to obstetrician, midwife, and to all the staff at the maternity wing with particular mention to all at the post-natal ward.

GABRIELE. On June 4, at St James Capua Hospital, to Nadine née Inguanez and Joe, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - LILY POPPY. Thanks to the obstetrician and the wonderful maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital.

LICARI. On June 2, in Boston, USA, to Anne and Bernard, God's precious gift of a first-born son - NICHOLAS GABRIEL. Thanks to St Anne and St Raimondo Nonnato.

RAGONESI. On June 3, at St James Capua Hospital, to Sharon née Suda and Carlo, God's precious gift of a daughter - NINA, a most welcome sister to Luca. Thanks to all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital for their help and support.

REFALO. On June 6, at St James Capua Hospital, to Charmaine née Grech and Edward, God's gift of a daughter - VALENTINA, a most welcome sister to Krista. Thanks to midwife Carmen Scerri and all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital and the obstetrician.

SCERRI. On June 9, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Roberta née Borg and Dennis, God's precious gift of a first-born son - BENJAMIN. Special thanks to all our family and the staff at labour ward for their support.

Marriages

Dr DANIEL AQUILINA, BA, LL.M. (IMLI), LL.D. and Dr ADRIENNE AGIUS, BA, LL.D.
The marriage took place on Monday, June 7, at St Nicholas parish church, Siggiewi, between DANIEL, son of Joseph R. Aquilina and Cecilia Pellegrini Petit, and ADRIENNE, daughter of the Hon. Mr Justice and Mrs Carmel A. Agius. Fr Mario Jaccarini celebrated nuptial Mass. The bride's sister, Dr Greta Mifsud Agius, and Myriam Aquilina witnessed the marriage. The bride was attended by the groom's sister, Gillian Aquilina, and by Edwina Cassar Pullicino, Alexia Cassar, Janine Hall and Alexandra Delia as flower-girls. The bride's nephew, Julian Mifsud, was pageboy. The duties of best man were carried out by Roger Strickland Jr. The master of ceremonies was John Xerri de Caro, while Dr Malcolm Mifsud, Lic., Norman Martinez, Peter Said and Dr Matthew Bianchi acted as ushers. A reception was later held at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.

Mr ALEX BEZZINA and Miss LUCIENNE CAMILLERI
The marriage took place on Saturday, June 12, at St Bartholomew parish church, Gharghur, between ALEX, son of Joe and the late Lina Bezzina of Marsascala, and LUCIENNE, daughter of Joe and Joyce Camilleri of Fgura. Fr Adrian Cassar Pulis administered the marriage rites. Mrs Isabelle Camilleri, the groom's sister, and Mr Jason Holder, the bride's brother-in-law, witnessed the marriage, while Dr Albert Bezzina, the groom's brother, acted as best man, assisted by Mr Adrian Figallo. The bride was attended by her two sisters, Ingrid and Amy, and Michelle Camilleri, the groom's niece. A reception was later held at Castello dei Baroni, Wardija. The couple will be spending their honeymoon in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.

Dr CONRAD CASSAR TORREGGIANI and Dr PATRICIA MALLIA
The marriage took place on Saturday, June 12, at the church of Our Lady of the Grotto, Rabat, between CONRAD, son of Mr and Mrs Mark Cassar Torreggiani of Ta' Xbiex, and PATRICIA, daughter of Professor and Mrs Carmel Mallia of Balzan. Fr Joseph Orr, SJ, the bride's great-uncle, assisted by Fr Stefan Attard, celebrated nuptial Mass. Mrs Angela Cuschieri, the bride's aunt, and Miss Frances Cassar Torreggiani, the groom's cousin, were witnesses. The bride was attended by her cousins, Miss Lisa Cuschieri and Miss Petra Mallia, and by the groom's cousin, Miss Johanna Cassar Torreggiani. Miss Leanne Sciortino was flower-girl and Master Nicholas Mallia was pageboy. The duties of best man were carried out by Dr Andrew Zammit. Mr Frank Mallia, Mr Albert Bonello Ghio, Mr Iain Galea, Dr Christian Grima and Mr Matthew Mirabelli acted as ushers. A reception was held at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Targa.

Mr ALAN CRAIG, BA (Hons.) Accty. CPA and Miss SHARON CAMILLERI, BA (Hons.)
The marriage took place on Sunday, June 6, at St Bartholomew parish church, Gharghur, between ALAN, son of Stuart and Marquita Craig of Sliema, and SHARON, daughter of Alfred and Lina Camilleri of Qawra. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Rev. Professor Saviour Chircop. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Paul Giglio, MA (Fin. Serv.), BA (Hons.) Accty., FCCA, FIA, CPA, and Mrs Gemma Galazka, B.Sc. (Hons.), BJTC. The duties of best men were carried out by Mr Anthony Attard, BA (Hons.), Accty., FCCA, FIA, CPA, and Mr Mark Gatt. The bride was attended by her sister, Ms Alison Camilleri, BA (Hons.) and Ms Sally Camilleri, the bride's cousin, while Dominique Calleja and Michael Azzopardi were flower-girl and ring-bearer respectively. Mr Malcolm Camilleri, Mr Matthew Camilleri, Mr Gordon Craig, Mr Michele Giani and Mr Jason Pavia, FIA, CPA, acted as ushers. A reception was later held at Le Méridien Phoenicia.

Mr CURT GAUCI and Ms NADIA ELLUL GALEA
The marriage took place on Saturday, June 5, at the Capuchins' church of the Holy Cross, Floriana, between CURT, son of Victor and Alice Gauci of Siggiewi, and NADIA, daughter of Alfred and Judith Ellul Galea of Fgura. Fr Vincent Deguara celebrated nuptial Mass. Mrs Penelope Ciangura and Dr Ian Gauci, the bride's and groom's sister and brother respectively, witnessed the marriage. The bride was attended by Ms Vanessa Cini. Mr Marco Vassallo acted as best man, while Miss Nikita Busuttil was flower-girl. A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Targa.

Mr RODERICK MUSCAT MONSIGNEUR and Miss CLAUDIA FALZON
The marriage took place on Saturday, May 1, between RODERICK, son of Mr and Mrs Anthony Muscat Monsigneur, and CLAUDIA, daughter of Mr and Mrs Joseph V. Falzon. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr David Gauci at Lija parish church. Ms Mary V. Falzon and the Hon. Robert Arrigo, MP, witnessed the marriage for the bride and the groom respectively. Mr Richard Attard carried out the duties of best man. The bride was attended by Ms Krista Falzon. A reception was later held at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.

Mr NEIL YEOMANS and Miss KRISTA CASSAR
The marriage took place on Saturday, May 29, at St Mary of the Angels church, Bahar ic-Caghaq, between NEIL, son of Charles and Mary Yeomans of San Gwann, and KRISTA, daughter of Jude and Jackie Cassar of Gzira. Fr Paul Attard, OFM, celebrated nuptial Mass. Mr Alfred Filletti, the bride's uncle, and Mr Keith Yeomans, the groom's brother, witnessed the marriage. The bride was attended by her cousins Sarah Aquilina Clews and Gail Aquilina, and the groom's sister, Beverly. The duties of best man were carried out by Michael Aquilina Clews Jnr, the bride's cousin. A reception was later held at the Portomaso Suite, Hilton Hotel, St Julian's. The couple are spending their honeymoon in America.

Ruby Wedding

Mr ALFRED CHETCUTI and Miss LUCIA SAMMUT
The marriage took place on June 14, 1964, at Christ the King parish church, Paola. Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary from Deborah and Stephen, Daphne and Jesmond, Daniela and Carlo and your grandchildren Luke, Nicky, Francesca, Matthew, Samwel, Rebecca and Jessica.

In Memoriam

BIASINI - EVELYN. Remembered with love. Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord. Rene and Marian.

BORG - RITA née Mifsud of Hamrun. Today her 16th anniversary. Fondly remembered by her seven children and their families.

GALEA. In loving memory of HANNIBAL on the anniversary of his meeting with the Lord. Forever in the prayers of his family.

HAMILTON - JOHN PATRICK. Lovingly remembered in our hearts and prayers on his sixth anniversary. His sons Joe, Denis, Claude, their wives, children and families.

MUSCAT. Cherished memories of our dearest mother ROSINA, today the sixth anniversary of her death. Sadly missed by her children Lina, Frans and Maryanne, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

O'FLAHERTY - CARMELINA. With cherished memories of a supporting partner, a dear companion and a loving wife for half a century, June 11, 2004 the first anniversary of her joining the Risen Christ for eternity. A prayer is kindly solicited. Charles.

PAVIA - MARIO. Cherished memories of my dearly beloved son 15 years since you were unexpectedly taken from us. We miss you so much, you are always in our hearts and prayers. Your Mama, your siblings Marc, Marisa, Mariella and in-laws.

PISANI. In ever loving memory of MARIE, today the 27th anniversary of her death. Always in our prayers, sadly missed and remembered with love. Her husband John, her son Tony, daughters Barbara and Victoria, in-laws, nephews and nieces.

PISANI. In loving memory of my dear sister MARIE, today the 27th anniversary of her death. Franco.

RUGGIER. In loving memory of DOREEN née Vella Cortis on the second anniversary of her demise.
Our love and prayers
Are all we can give
And those you will
Have from us
As long as we live.
Her husband Edgar, daughters Isabelle and Nathalie, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces and in-laws. A Mass for the repose of her soul will be said today at 6.30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Balluta, St Julian's.

RUGGIER. Treasured memories of darling DOREEN, a very dear sister. Two years have passed. You are still in my thoughts, mind and heart, every moment of my life, more than before, more than ever, and here you will always stay as long as I live. I always recall those moments when I came to see you and find you always with that special smile on your beautiful, shining face. I used to come and comfort you but you were always the one that gave courage and comfort to me. Please give me the courage now to accept your parting, the same way that you accepted your sufferings so bravely until the end, for a whole 20 years. Your loving sister, Anna.

SHIELDS - SAVIOUR. In ever loving memory of a beloved husband and father, June 15 being the first anniversary of his demise. Deeply missed by his wife Julie, his children Joe, Arthur, Rosanne, in-laws and grandchildren.

VELLA - PAUL, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, 13.6.2001-13.6.2004. So long for now.
You looked so peaceful lying there
With your hands folded upon your chest.
You looked like you were sleeping
But you were at eternal rest.
So long for now.
When someone special passes on
It does not mean they are gone,
Though they are no longer with us
Their memory still lives on.
You will always have
A special place in our hearts
Forever until the end of time.
So long for now.
Lycia, Tanya and Louis, Etienne, Andrè and Clare, Kristina, Sarah and Ben.

Obituary

APAP. On June 12, at St Luke's Hospital, WILLIAM, ex-Gzira councillor, aged 85, passed peacefully away comforted by rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Marlene, his daughters Connie and her husband Brian Borg and Nadia and her husband Mark Schembri, his grandchildren Ryan, Shana and Nicole, in-laws, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 8 a.m., for Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Gzira, where Mass prasente cadavere will be said at 8.30, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery.

CARUANA. On June 12, surrounded by her loving family, MONICA (Mona) née Gauci of Sliema, aged 58, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to morn her ireperable loss, her husband Hugh, her daughters Graziella and her husband Claude Scerri and Donatella and her husband Johann Parnis, her grandchildren Sha Kyra, Zack and Jake, her brothers and sisters Alfrida Walker, Godfrey and his wife Terry, Tony, Paul, Dorothy, wife of Joe Formosa Holt, Elizabeth, wife of Noel Pace, Antoinette, wife of Bernard Ciantar, Edward and his wife Rose, Rita and her husband Lucio Caruana, her in-laws Maurice and his wife Mary Rose, Antonella and Salvatore Mousù, Elena Lautrup, Maria and Hugh Large, her nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles, other relatives and numerous friends.
The funeral leaves Sir Boffa Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Stella Maris church, Sliema where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to the Hospice Movement would be greatly appreciated. The family regret they are unable to receive visitors. Lord grant her eternal rest.

Apreciation - Hella Jean Bartolo

Charles J. Farrugia writes from Mqabba:

The news that Hella Jean Bartolo passed away reached me last Sunday. I cannot say I was shocked, as I knew she was passing through difficult times and the end was near. However, the more I think about the sad news, the more difficult I find it to believe that the person whose fighting spirit was second to none is no longer with us.

I first met Hella in 1998, soon after I took charge of the National Archives. I had called her, hoping to establish contact with one of the few archivists on the island with whom I hoped to share some of the frustrations of the job, and learn some of the tricks of the trade. She was expecting the call, and the next day there she was at the archives. From then onwards, her support towards the archives was a neverending story.

The connection of Hella with archives developed quite late in her lifetime. She was employed at the Central Bank of Malta where the need to convert the registry into a records management services unit was implemented in 1988. Hella was sent on a short course in records management in the United States from where she came back charged with initiative to introduce the concept of records management in Malta.

In 1994 Hella was awarded a Master's degree in Records and Archives Management from the School of Library and Information Studies at University College, London. Her thesis, "A Records Management programme for the Central Bank of Malta" was implemented by the Central Bank, Hella's employer at the time, and sponsor of the course.

On her return to Malta, Hella worked at her previous post at the Central Bank and established its records management programme. She lectured at University to students studying for the Diploma in Librarianship and Information Studies. She was the first Maltese to join the Society of Archivists of UK and the American Archivists and Records Managers of the US (ARMA). She was also the only foreign archivist to be approved as director of one of the chapters of ARMA.

On the local scene, Hella has served for a number of years as member on the council of the Library Association (Ghaqda Bibljotekarji), now renamed MaLIA. She also served on various Government-appointed committees to propose reforms in Archives. In 1996 she was appointed on an Action Committee on Libraries and Archives by the Minister of Education. After the change in government, the current Minister of Education appointed Hella deputy chairman of the National Archives Advisory Committee.

Hella used her contacts abroad to put Malta's archival heritage on the international scene. Four main initiatives deserve a mention. Some years back, through her contacts with the World Bank where she used to work for a short period, she managed to get approval for $10,000 for the Maltese government to set up a pilot records centre. Unfortunately such an opportunity was not exploited by the local authorities.

In 1997 she also managed to get funding for a study of the records management system at the Ministry of Education. This survey was conducted by experts from the International Records Management Trust. Once again, in this case, the end result was an excellent report which ended on the shelves of a few conscientious individuals who cared to preserve it.

In August 2001 Hella convinced Geoff Mowlam from the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU) to come over to Malta and negotiate sponsorship for a microfilming project. Luckily enough in this case we manage to build a long-standing relationship with the GSU which is proving most beneficial to the National Archives.

What was most striking in Hella's character was her determination, personal initiative, and stubbornness not to give up in front of bureau-cratic behaviour. Her utter dislike of officials who hide after studies to play for time and avoid change was evident and pronounced on more than one public occasion. She complemented her words with action. She represented Malta in various international archives conferences, paying most of the expenses herself, but saving the face of the country by not divulging abroad that our absence was merely the result of 'lack of funds' to participate.

In July 2000 Hella was one of the founding members and first president of the Friends of the National Archives of Malta, a post she maintained till her death. This voluntary organisation is helping the National Archives accomplish its mission and has proved indispensable at a time when the National Archives is suffering from severe shortages in human and financial resources. Concurrently with this Hella established her own company, which is the first locally managed company dealing with records management in Malta.

Apart from her commitment towards the archival scene in Malta, Hella Jean Bartolo was an active member in the committee of the Friends of St Vincent de Paul, and a member of the Maltese National Commission for UNESCO.

Despite our friendship for the last years, I still do not feel I know this great woman's character enough. It was only lately that I came to know of her singing talents in her youth, and the publication of a least two novels. In all our discussions, she was never eager to talk about her past, but was rather full of plans for the future. Even the last months, she remained a forward-looking person. Her registration as speaker during the forthcoming Archives Congress in Austria is just one proof of her optimistic and forward-looking spirit.

Just two weeks ago she arranged for an extensive collection of books to be donated to the National Archives. I must admit that sorting out the collection last week was the most moving experience in my career.

She carried out all these initiatives despite her serious health problems in the last years. Her medical condition meant that she had to travel to the UK very often for treatment. Yet, she kept all her local commitments.

The passing away of Hella Jean Bartolo can only be described as a great loss for Malta's cultural heritage, especially the archives sector. I feel that her contribution was never officially given due recognition. It is also painful to see that the reforms she worked so hard to see implemented in the archives sector are still on paper. However, her legacy will live on. Her spirit of commitment, determination and initiative will inspire us all for many years to come.

To Whom It May Concern

Looking for John and Lana Muscat. Way back John was at Warwick university and Lana worked in Coventry, England. Heather Ward. Phone 0044 01267 231257, England.

Personal

Jane Schembri and her daughters Josan, Bibiana and Victoria express their sincere thanks to the Rev. Clergy who celebrated Mass at Sacro Cuor parish church, Sliema, to the relatives and friends who attended the funeral service, sent flowers, cards, offered Masses and donations or in any way showed sympathy on the sad loss of a much dear husband, beloved father and grandfather, VICTOR SCHEMBRI, who passed on to eternal life on May 20, 2004. Special thanks to the staff of Wards M5, the consultant GDW, and ITU unit at St Luke's Hospital who helped make his life as comfortably as they possibly could, and to the Emergency team who were always there to give their medical care every time he was admitted. Thank you and God bless you all.

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to noon; Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Empire Pharmacy, 77, Old Theatre Street, Valletta;
Vivien Pharmacy, Fr Magri Street, Marsa;
Evans Pharmacy, 40, St Sebastian Street, Qormi;
Fleur- de-Lys Pharmacy, 32, Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara;
J & L Pharmacy, 8, Yacht Marina Apartments, Marina Street, Pietà;
J.V.'s Pharmacy, Swieqi Valley, Swieqi;
Norman's Pharmacy, 82, Tower Road, Sliema;
St Catherine Pharmacy, Vineyard Street c/w St Catherine Street, Attard;
Grognet Pharmacy, 41, Constitution Street, Mosta;
El Medina Chemist, Ferry Street, Qawra;
Sonren Pharmacy, Zejtun Road, Tarxien;
Victory Pharmacy, 32, Victory Street, Senglea;
Felice Dispensary, 95, Sanctuary Street, Zabbar;
Martin's Pharmacy, 77, Birzebbuga Road, Birzebbuga;
St Andrew's Pharmacy, 25, Dun Pawl Street, Luqa;
St Nicholas Pharmacy, 1, Parish Street, Siggiewi;
Nova Pharmacy, 142, College Street, Rabat;
Azzopardi Pharmacy, Capuchin Street, Victoria, Gozo;
Tony's Pharmacy, Qbajjar Road, Marsalforn.