Last Month the Best Western Les Lapins Hotel in Ta' Xbiex was the venue of a fashion show with a difference.
Thanks to the untiring effort put in by Johanna and Tanya of Slimming UK, 30 ladies from various walks of life, aged 16 to 61, took to the catwalk to show off, not just the beautiful clothes but also their newly found figures.
All faces glowing, the models had an air of self-confidence, having lost anything between six and 29.5 kilos, and this without stress, strain or sacrifice - no medications or machines.
This very successful event included entertainment by singers Benny and Tonia. A buffet dinner rounded off the evening, which was compered by Frances Falzon.
The Slimmer of the Year 2002 award went to Antonia Farrugia of Siggiewi, who managed to shed 29.5 kilos. First runner-up was Florence Vella of Zabbar, with a weight loss of 28 kilos and second runner-up was Tessie Sammut of Rabat, who managed to lose 23 kilos.
Slimming UK has been holding its activities on a weekly basis for these last two years in Fgura, Rabat, Hamrun and Zurrieq. Although predominantly frequented by ladies, individual males are attended to separately and individually.
The fashion show was sponsored by Capri Boutique, Galleria, Charles Darmanin & Co, Crown Cold Stores, Vascas, the Best Western Les Lapins Hotel, Mark Navarro, Women 2000, Tessons Ltd, Jean Bannon Beauty Salon, A&A Mizzi Ltd, Tower Shoes and Anthony Micallef.
Golden Keys president in Malta
Francis Spiteri, head concierge of the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, and also president of the Golden Keys Association of the UK, recently stayed at the Corinthia San Gorg, St George's Bay, where he met Tony Tabone, the hotel's head concierge.
Mr Spiteri is of Maltese origin. His grandparents were Maltese who settled in Gibraltar.
Mr Spiteri and Mr Tabone discussed the Golden Keys Association's future in Malta and also the possibility of holding one of its annual international director presidents' conferences, with participants from 35 countries, in Malta.
Mr Spiteri will be proposing Malta as the next meeting destination at the association's annual conference being held in France next month.
Mr Tabone will shortly be travelling to London to meet top concierges in London to discuss topics related to the Golden Keys Association. He will also be meeting other influential people from the hospitality industry.
Rainy but memorable wedding day
Massachusetts-born Scott Marcus, currently living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA, and Maharani Melania of Jakarta, Indonesia, were married in Malta on December 7.
Mr Scott Marcus was at first undecided whether he should choose Barbados or Malta. He opted for Malta on account of its old heritage and even visited the island three months before the wedding to facilitate preparations.
The wedding service, which was held at the Bible Baptist Church, St Julian's, was followed by a splendid dinner at the Portomaso Hilton Hotel, where the newly wedded couple and the group accompanying them were all residing.
Maharani and Scott defied the bad weather and brought their family and guests from America and Indonesia to share their joy on their wedding day.
Scott's mother, although not in the best of health, also travelled the long distance to participate in her son's wedding.
Scott also invited his guests to an excursion programme on Malta and Gozo. He has been well praised by all those around him for his generosity and had met Maharani in Indonesia while she was caring for sick children in the course of her vocational work.
Galea - Behrla
The marriage took place recently at Lapsi church, St Julian's, between Angie-Ann Galea, BA, MA (Qual.), daughter of Mr and Mrs Albert Galea of St Julian's, and Manuel Behrla, son of the late Mr Gunther Joachim Behrla and Mrs Françoise Behrla of Adelboden, Switzerland.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Cardona. Veronica Calleja, BA, and Gordon Cachia, friends of the bride and groom respectively, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Christoffel Diamantino was best man.
The bride wore a medieval silk chiffon dress with pearls and beads and carried a fresh white rose bouquet.
A wedding reception was later held at Villa Anna Teresa, St Julian's.
The couple will be taking up residence in Switzerland.
Darmanin - Agius
Married recently at St Francis of Assisi church, Ta' Paris, Birkirkara, were Sandra Darmanin, B.Ed (Hons), Dip. Env. Science, daughter of Mr and Mrs Francis Darmanin of Tarxien, and Bernard Agius, B.Ed (Hons), son of Mr and Mrs Michael Agius, also of Tarxien.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Vincent Deguara. Mr Anthony Degiovanni and Mrs Ann Marie Dougall witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Darren Scerri was best man.
The bride was attended by her sister, Tiffany Darmanin, and the groom's sister, Jessica Agius.
A reception was later held at Villa Marija, Rabat.
The couple are spending their honeymoon in the US.
Bonett - Duke
Married recently at the Church of the Resurrection, Tarxien, were Monica Bonett, B.Pharm. (Hons), M.Sc. (York), daughter of Mr Vincent Bonett and the late Mrs Josephine Bonett of Floriana, and Dr David J. Duke, B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Duke of Brisbane, Australia.
Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, the bride's uncle, and Fr Joseph Theuma. Dr Pierre Bonett, MD, the bride's brother, and Dr Philip Barnard witnessed the wedding ceremony. Professor David Duce was best man.
The bride was attended by Dr Marylyse Galea Scannura, MD, MRCP (UK), as bridesmaid.
A reception was later held at Villa Mdina, Naxxar.
Alekhine-Attard chess tournament at Russian Centre
The Russian Centre for Science and Culture recently hosted the 2002 Alekhine-Attard Chess Tournament.
This event, originally intended to commemorate the great Russian chess player Alexander Alekhine, has now been renamed the Alekhine-Attard Chess Tournament to keep alive the memory of Wilfrid Attard, who died a year ago.
Mr Attard was Malta chess champion for 12 times, first winning this top Malta title in 1946, and continued to dominate the local chess scene during the Fifties and early Sixties, when he left for Australia. He was also the first Maltese International Player, having taken part in the 1960 Zonal in Madrid.
At this tournament, the Russian side was represented by the five chess heavyweights: Ivan Loktev, Anatoly Bychovski, Garry Gasparients, Mikhail Ivanov and the delegation leader Mikhail Archangelski, who actually won the honours. The Maltese side also provided a formidable opposition by fielding not only seasoned players but also promising youngsters.
The tournament was brought to a successful conclusion on December 12 with a special prize-giving ceremony.
The highlight of the ceremony was a presentation made by Mrs May Bonello, Wilfrid's daughter, on behalf of the Attard family. Mr Attard's entire library of 276 chess books and magazines were presented to Tony Muscat Baron, on behalf of the Malta Chess Federation.
Mrs Bonello said that chess was her father's life and passion. He always went out of his way to share his knowledge. The book collection will perpetuate his commitment towards young chess players.
People
Bashir El Madani, MSA, CPA, was recently appointed by the Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company (LAFICO) to represent its interest as managing director of the Libyan Arab Maltese Holding Company Ltd.
A chartered accountant by profession, Mr El Madani graduated with honours in accounting from Oklahoma City University in the US in 1982.
During the last five years, Mr El Madani was general manager of finance at LAFICO head office. He enjoys a vast experience at managerial, audit and operational levels and has good experience in the hospitality industry having spent several years in Morocco as general manager of the owning company of the Safir chain. At that time, Safir were managing eight hotels in various resorts in Morocco.
Mr El Madani, who replaced Dr Mustafa El Hasuni, is no newcomer to Malta as he had already spent another term of duty as general manager at the Libyan Arab Maltese Holding Company Ltd between 1990 and 1995.
Among other duties within the group, Mr El Madani is also a director of the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel and chairman of the Hotel Milano Due.
Professor Paul A. Zammit-Lewis, Malta's honorary consul- general in Turin, will be retiring from his position with effect from January 1.
Professor Zammit-Lewis, a psychiatric consultant and specialist in his updated chelation therapy in geriatrics, will keep a constant relationship with Maltese-Italian contacts in any field as before.
His address is Via Oddino Morgari, 3, 10125 - Turin, Italy (tel: 011-6504528; e-mail: lewisons@libero.it).
Caroline Busuttil, RAD Teaching Dip, was recently appointed Graded Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance.
The Academy is a worldwide educational, examining and membership organisation founded in 1920 to advance the standards of teaching in classical ballet.
With over 17,000 members the Academy's influence has spread to over 80 countries and its operations are supported by a network of international offices, representatives and registered teachers.
Ms Busuttil, a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, auditioned successfully to join the Academy's intensive training programme at London headquarters and, having been successful in the final examinations, was appointed Graded Examiner on the European Board.
Ms Busuttil started her ballet training at the age of nine at the Lilian Attard Ballet Studio under the tuition of the late Jeni Delicata Lynam and Joanna Vella. She gained her RAD Teaching Certficate in 1996 and the Diploma in 1998.
Ms Busuttil is principal of Centrestage Studio in Mosta and Mill Room Studio in Victoria, Gozo.
Association of Maltese Communities of Egypt celebrates
The Association of Maltese Communities of Egypt recently celebrated its 148th anniversary at the Imperial Hotel on Russell Square, London. The 140 members and guests enjoyed the dinner and were entertained by the music played by Complesso Fantini.
The function enjoyed the high patronage of the High Commissioner of Malta and Mrs George Bonello du Puis, and the presence of the Deputy High Commissioner and Mrs Adrian Camilleri, Fr Alfred Xuereb, SJ, and Frs Stephen Sciberras and Christopher Farrugia, OFM.
Following the loyal toasts to the Queen by Ivan Magri-Overend, and to the President of Malta by Oscar Vella, the welcome speech was made by Herbert Magri-Overend.
The toast to "The Ladies" was prompted by the anniversaries of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee and the 60th anniversary of the Santa Marija convoy.
The High Commissioner in his reply praised the efforts of Ivan Magri-Overend in keeping the community together and continued with the prospect of Malta's membership of the European Union.
Mr and Mrs Patrice David won the main prize which was kindly supplied by Air Malta and Malta Direct Travel.
Messages of thanks were also extended to HSBC, the Malta Tourism Authority, Action Printing from Enfield, and the Imperial London Hotels for contributing towards the success of the function.
Today's charity swim
What started out as a simple bar wager five years ago between friends has become an annual event for a dedicated group of people who take to water to raise funds for charity every year.
Grown men and women shed their business suits and dive into the sea for the brief, body-numbing swim, while others whip round donations from the gathered crowd on the Sliema promenade.
This year, the event will be held at the Sliema slipway, opposite the Plough and Anchor Pub this morning at 11.30.
All proceeds go towards the Strina fund and this year, the organisers are challenging Peppi Azzopardi and other well known personalities to join them in the swim.
This event is organised by staff of Thomas Smith Group and is held under the patronage of President de Marco.
Money for your school
A New Campaign - "Money for Your School" - is being launched by TCTC Ltd this month.
As the name suggests, TCTC is donating money to schools each time students buy edutainment software from its outlets.
Edutainment software combines learning with entertainment, and is thus very appealing to students, parents and teachers alike.
The software titles cover a vast range of subjects and range from preschool to secondary school levels.
On the purchase of edutainment software, students will be given vouchers which should be handed in to the head of school, who collects the vouchers till the end of the campaign, when the vouchers will be redeemed.
TCTC Ltd is a company that specialises in computer training courses, computer systems, compatible printer cartridges and also produce Click, an educational programme on computers that is broadcast every Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Super 1 Television.
For your diary
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held on Wednesday, January 8, from 10 a.m. at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema. Phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Appreciation: Julian Calleja, BA, S.Th.Dip, BE&A, A&CE, AMSE (Civ), C.Eng, MICE
Mr Peter George Ferry of Msida writes:
I met Julian over 30 years ago. At that time, he struck me as a quiet retiring gentleman. Over the years, as my son became a member of his family, I confirmed the initial impression of an unprepossessing character whose considered actions always spoke volumes.
The focus of his life was his family and his dedication to a lay spiritual life. His stewardship of the Society of St Vincent de Paul was performed diligently as was his professional work as an architect. His humility and meekness were always a pleasure to behold.
Julian was a loyal friend. He is no longer with us but his spirit resting in the Lord still shines as an example to all who knew him.
May the Lord grant solace to his wife and children in the knowledge that they have lost an excellent man but obtained a saintly being in God's presence.
The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements
December 30-January 5
Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the dissertation by Dr John Paul Grech entitled Malta's Mediterranean Security Policy at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by the directors of Edward Lowell Company Ltd.
Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives the chairman and chief executive officer of the Water Services Corporation and is presented with a donation in aid of the MCCF.
10 Mrs de Marco is presented with a printer in aid of the MCCF by the Directors of Avantech Ltd., at the Palace, Valletta
5.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend the end-of-year Te Deum at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.
Wednesday
8.45 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco receive New Year's greetings at the Palace, Valletta.
1 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco exchange New Year's greetings at the Archbishop's Palace, Valletta.
Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Justice Carmel A. Agius at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Patrick Chrismant, the French Ambassador.
Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President presides over a ceremony presenting a gold medal to Judge Giovanni Bonello at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Valletta.
Sunday
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend the annual Epiphany concert, organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture, at the Palace, Valletta.
Social and Personal
Births
AGIUS. On December 19, at St James Capua Hospital, to Rose Anne née Zammit and Cliff, God's precious gift of a son - JUSTIN, a most welcome brother to Juliet. Our heartfelt thanks to the maternity staff at the hospital.
BUGEJA. On December 16, at St Philip's Hospital, to Nadia née Perrett and Shawn, God's precious gift of a son - JACOB ELIJIAH, a most welcome brother to Sean, Naomi, Noel and Isaac. Thanks to the consultant and all the staff at St Philip's Hospital.
CARUANA. On December 21, at St Philip's Hospital, to Emanuela née Valletta and Charlot, God's precious gift of a second-born daughter - DEBORAH. Thanks to all the helpful staff at the maternity department.
GAMBIN. On December 12, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Judith née Camilleri and Sammy, God's precious gift of a son - MICHAEL, a most welcome brother to Andrea. Thanks be to Christ the Redeemer and Our Lady.
SCIBERRAS. On December 19, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Suzanne née Grech and Angiolino, God's precious gift of a daughter - LAUREN, a most welcome sister to Kyle. Special thanks to midwife Catherine Bonnici and all the staff.
VASSALLO-AGIUS. Patricia and Joseph happily announce the birth, on Christmas Day, of NICHOLAS PATRICK, brother to Maximilian. Deo gratias et Mariae. Thanks to the obstetrician and staff at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing.
ZAMMIT. On December 20, at St James Capua Hospital, to Petra née Ellul and Aaron, God's precious gift of a daughter - THEA, a most welcome sister to Nathan.
Engagements
Dr ALEX GATT and Miss STEPHANIE CAMILLERI
The engagement is announced between ALEX of St Julian's, and STEPHANIE of St Julian's. Fr Hilary Tagliaferro blessed the rings on Saturday, December 21.
The Noble Marchesino
DANIEL GERA DE PETRI TESTAFERRATA, KM and Miss ENYD PISANI
The engagement is announced between DANIEL, son of Chev. Alfred Gera de Petri and the Most Noble Agnès, Marchioness of San Vincenzo Ferreri, and ENYD, daughter of Mr Alfred Pisani and the late Mrs Audrey Pisani. The engagement party was held in Villa Corinthia at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, San Anton, on December 14. The engagement was blessed by His Lordship Mgr Annetto Depasquale, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta.
Mr GERALD STRICKLAND and Miss REBECCA FENECH
The engagement is announced between GERALD, son of Mr and Mrs Adrian Strickland, and REBECCA, daughter of Mr and Mrs Alfred Fenech.
Marriages
Mr HERMANN BORG, B.Eng. (Hons) and Miss CHARMAINE BUGEJA
The marriage took place on December 28, at St Mary's parish church, Attard, between HERMANN, son of Mr and Mrs Francis Borg of Attard, and CHARMAINE, daughter of Mr and Mrs Carmel Bugeja of St Venera. Fr Joe Vella, O.Carm., celebrated nuptial Mass. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr John Borg and Mr Reuben Borg, B.Eng. (Hons). Mr Joe Mercieca carried out the duties of best man. Ms Christine Bugeja was bridesmaid, while Ms Shazney and Ms Neve Conti were flower-girls. A reception was later held at the Grand Ballroom, Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.
Obituary
ATTARD. On December 27, at St Luke's Hospital, GODFREY, aged 87, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Mother Church. He leaves to mourn his irreparable loss his wife Marie Louise née Xuereb, his sons and daughters Godfrey and his wife Antoinette and Michel and Julie and Marie Celine and her husband Chris Dandridge, Josette and her husband Paolo Morelli, Monique and her husband Alfred Gauci, Denise, Yvonne and her husband James Blair, and Annette and her husband David Bonnici, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for St Gregory's parish church, Sliema, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m. followed by interment in the family chapel at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be greatly appreciated.
FENECH. On November 25, in West Australia, JOE, formerly of St Paul's Bay. Sadly missed by his wife Gwen and his son Joseph of West Australia, his sisters, brother and family of St Paul's Bay. The 6.30 p.m. Mass said on Thursday at Our Lady of Sorrows parish church, St Paul's Bay, will be offered for the repose of his soul.
In Memoriam
BORG. In loving remembrance of our parents Dr FREDERICK BORG, MD, and his wife ADELINA, 29.12.60 and 24.2.74, respectively. May they rest in peace. May, Joe and family.
BUTTIGIEG - NICKY, 1985-2002. This is the third Christmas without you, dear son and brother. Nothing is the same anymore, you left us heartbroken. But we all still remember the special days we spent together in the last millennium, so therefore, we'll celebrate them in our dreams. Till we meet again. Loving you always and deeply missed. Mum, Dad, your sister Rhiana, Etienne and your niece Nicole.
CASOLANI - HENRY. Precious thoughts of my dearest father on the third anniversary of his meeting with the Risen Lord. Wonderful memories. Today's 6.30 p.m. Mass at the Benedictine Monastery, Mdina, will be offered for the repose of Henry and Inez Casolani. Their daughter, Cecilia.
DEBONO. In memory of a much loved and missed husband, father and grand-father, VINCENT, on the 12th anniversary of his passing away. Sweet Jesus, grant him eternal rest. His family.
DRURY - VICTOR. Remembering with love our dear Dad on the fifth anniversary of his passing away. Lord, grant him eternal rest. Joe, Frances and Kane.
GINGELL - LINO. In loving memory of a beloved husband and father on the 20th anniversary of his death. Rosa, sons and daughters.
GRECH. In loving memory of GAETANO on the first anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his wife Violet, his daughter Daniela and her husband Darren, relatives and friends. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Fgura.
MAGRI OVEREND - REGINALD. In memory of our dearest Reg. "He is good, His mercy endureth for ever". Lilian and family.
MAMO - ELISABETH (Hippy). In loving memory of a dear aunt on the 16th anniversary of her death. Anne, Albert and Helen.
MERCIECA - SAVIOUR. In loving memory of a wonderful, loving brother and uncle on the second anniversary of his death. Forever in our thoughts and prayers. Mary and Lino, Ludgard and Josephine, Rita and Igino, Nadya and David, Miriam, Susan and Cheryl.
MICALLEF - EUGENIA CARMELA. In loving memory of a very dear mother and grandmother, today the first anniversary of her death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Tessie and Victor Shaw and family. Dear Lord, grant her eternal rest.
PACE. Fondest memories of our dear father JOHN on the 17th anniversary of his demise. Always in our prayers. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
SALNITRO - JOSEPH. Treasured memories of a loving father and grandfather, today the 42nd anniversary of his demise. His family.
SCHEMBRI. Treasured memories of ANTHONY, today the second anniversary of his demise. Lord, grant him eternal rest. His daughters Monica, Gorg and Jana.
Sidonia Enterprises Ltd
Closed for Christmas holidays. Reopening on Thursday, January 2.
St Therese Of Jesus
(preparation for the arrival of her relics)
Theme: Like Mary, our Holy Mother, we are full of confidence in the salvation of Christ. "What pleases the Lord is that He sees me loving my littleness and my poverty, the blind hope that I have in His mercy . . . That is my only treasure, why would this treasure not be yours? . . . It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love . . .". (Letters 197.1896 Sept. 17th).