Wartime shelter tour

If you haven't yet decided how to spend some quality time today, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA) is organising guided tours of a wartime shelter that has been rehabilitated to look like it did in the early 1940s.

The tours, being held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are meant to mark the granting of the George Cross to Malta on April 15, 1942.

The shelter is at Couvre Porte in Vittoriosa and is managed by FWA. The day is being organised with the co-operation of the Malta Tourism Authority and the Vittoriosa council.

A propaganda film made during World War II will be screened, 62 years after it was first shown in London and Malta.

Called Malta, GC the film consists of footage shot by the Army Film Unit, the RAF Film Unit and the Crown Film Unit.

Malta, GC was produced by John Monck and the commentary is by the great actor, Laurence Olivier.

Sir Arnold Bax, one of Britain's top composers, wrote the musical score in September 1942 and the film premiered at the Gaumont in Haymarket in London on January 22, 1943.

Bax was commissioned to write the film score for £50 by Muir Mathieson.

"This war film was specially commissioned by King George VI to be shown all over the Commonwealth to keep the fighting spirit alive of those nations involved in war by showing the courage and determination of the Maltese people," Mario Farrugia, FWA chairman said yesterday.

The events will include the manning of a light anti-aircraft gun and the announcement of air raids by various means.

Another person will demonstrate cooking on a field stove like the ones used in the Victory Kitchens that were used to provide cooked food for the population against coupons issued by the government. Visitors will also be able to sample some of this food.