The Chief Minister of Gibraltar Peter Caruana yesterday fired the 100-ton gun with a blank charge during an official visit to Fort Rinella in Kalkara. The last time the gun was fired was on May 5, 1905.

The fort has been restored and is run by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. The Chief Minister was shown round by Mario Farrugia and George Said, FWA chairman and deputy chairman respectively. He was accompanied by his private secretary, Denis Hook and by Malta's Consul in Gibraltar, Franco Cassar-Loporto.

Fort Rinella has a direct historical connection with Gibraltar in being one of the original four Armstrong 100-ton gun batteries built in Gibraltar and Malta between 1878 and 1886.

During the Chief Minister's visit, ways were explored how best the two countries can cooperate in the field. FWA has already assisted Gibraltar with historical research about their 100-ton gun. A common idea is that of organising joint tourism focusing on the common aspects of the cultural heritage of the two countries.

FWA will be holding yet another special firing of the gun for the public on December 11 at noon.

Further details will be announced later or they can be obtained from the FWA's official website - www.wirtartna.org. Bookings can be made by calling the FWA office during hours on 2180-0992 or 2180-9713.

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