The Malta Charities Association in London held its annual ball at the Landmark Hotel late last year. The association's purpose is to raise money in the UK for distribution among charities in Malta.
The annual ball combines the opportunity for Maltese and their friends in the UK to meet and enjoy an evening together with the purpose of raising funds. An auction was held and conducted by Nick Bonham, the well-known London art dealer and auctioneer, and there was also a well supported raffle.
The event was a great success, and, as a result of the sponsorship which the association received, the generosity of those attending, and those who were not able to attend but sent donations or bought raffle tickets, the Malta Charities Association, is distributing £42,000 to four charities in Malta. This brings the total raised to date by the association and allocated to Maltese charities to over £280,000.
Group 4 Malta Falcon Awards
Group 4 security officers John J. McCann and John Mizzi were recently presented with the Group 4 Falcon Award in recognition for their outstanding service throughout last year.
The Falcon effigy, a symbol of honour and prestige awarded for distinctive performance of Group 4 security officials, was presented to each security officer by Group 4 Malta managing director Yves De Barro during the annual social event at ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija.
The Falcon Award was presented to Mr Mizzi, in recognition of his exemplary customer care, as a result of commendations received from Group 4 clientele.
Mr McCann was presented with the Falcon Award in recognition for his excellence in the execution of duties and for presence of mind in moments of adversity. "Throughout 2004, Mr McCann has demonstrated thoroughness and dedication in his work which makes him an asset to Group 4," Mr De Barro said.
During the presentation, Mr De Barro emphasised the fundamental importance for a security officer to provide a service with precision, attention and diligence as well as being courteous and helpful, and thanked all Group 4 officers for their service and support throughout the year.
At the close of the evening, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija was presented with a donation which had been collected from Group 4 employees.
Winners at Embassy Complex
Carmen Micallef of St Venera is the winner of the Embassy Shop-ping Complex 'Greatest Competition Ever', winning a Ford Fiesta 1.3 70PS Ambiente, complete with power steering, airbags and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
From October 2004 to last January, all clients who spent Lm5 anywhere in the complex, whether shopping, eating, playing bingo or watching films, were granted the opportunity to win this Ford Fiesta and one of many fabulous prizes from the Westin Dragonara Resort including five weekend breaks for two, five buffet dinners for two at The Terrace Restaurant and five lunches/dinners for two at Palio's Restaurant.
The winners of the runner-up prizes were Marthese Parascandolo, Mark Gauci, Denise E. Sullivan, Doris Falzon, Ruth Simmonds, Doris Camilleri, Michelle Grech Mallia, David Cilia, Rowena Agius, Nadia Fabri, Keith Montanaro, Joanne Cardona, Karen Vincenti, Loredana Bonello and Nicholas Borg.
Speaking during the winners' presentation, Bettina Azzopardi, managing director of the Embassy Complex, commented: "The judging panel had a very tough task in choosing the winners from the tens of thousands of competition forms submitted.
"Winners were selected on the basis of the best ideas, originality, and other criteria. The Embassy management is confident that the extensive product mix offered by our outlets and the promotions and events being planned for the coming months will entice even more shoppers and cinemagoers to visit the complex in 2005."
The Embassy Complex in Valletta has now been open for over four years. It remains the only complex of its kind in the heart of Valletta successfully combining shopping with entertainment.
Demonstration by patissiers for MacBake Ltd
Mac Bake Ltd importers and distributors of raw materials for the catering industry recently organised a demonstration at Villa Mdina, Naxxar, to launch and promote their new products from Zeelandia International for the catering sector.
Patissier John Bravenboer was invited to give his demostration together with chef Joseph Schembri from Busy Bee Caterers.
The local patissiers had the opportunity to see the preparation of mousses, doughnuts, marzipan, brownies, muffins, cake mixes and other products related to this sector.
After sampling the pastries and cakes, the crowd of patissiers that attended the demonstration were full of praise for the high quality products of Zeelandia International.
Penny Black Wine Bar opens at The Victoria Hotel
The Penny Black Wine Bar opened its doors to a number of guests last Wednesday.
The opening night was an enjoyable one greatly appreciated by all present. Guests were treated to Marsovin Cheval Franc Wines, which blended excellently with the chef's speciality platters and delightful dips.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by the suave tunes of jazz, very ably performed by Christian on keyboards, Mario Abela on bass and Joe Micallef on drums.
An art exhibition by Christine Xuereb for the occasion was also set up for guests to enjoy and added a particular touch to what was a truly special evening.
The Penny Black Wine Bar is open daily, offering an exclusive atmosphere in which one may choose from a select choice of local and foreign wines, as well as delectable dishes that are an excellent complement to the wines on offer.
President visits Miranda's book fair
President Eddie Fenech Adami last week visited the book fair and exhibition organised by Miranda Publishers on the occasion of the 15th anniversary since the publication of the first book Malta 360° at the end of 1989.
The book fair is being held at the ex-Gasan showroom in Pietà and is open daily up to Friday.
Miranda Publishers, which has become synonymous with the production of quality coffee-table books, is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on selected titles.
The fair also coincides with the launch of Miranda's latest book in the 360° range, Welcome Malta to Europe 360°, a special numbered limited edition which is available at the book fair. This book is also available on Miranda's online bookstore www.mirandabooks.com.
Coeliac seminar
The Coeliac Association Malta is organising a two-day seminar at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's on Friday and Saturday, to further increase awareness on the coeliac condition and its dietary requirements.
Gluten-free dietary manufacturing companies will be setting up stands in the Exhibition Hall and all participants are welcome to view the variety of gluten-free products now available on the local market.
Participation for the Friday morning session and the evening session for patients on Friday is strictly by registration and there is a participation fee.
For further information contact Mary Rose Caruana, chairman, Coeliac Association Malta on 2137-0778 or 7937-0778 or e-mail edros@ global.net.mt or cpacebalzan@hotmail.com. Registration form including payment must be received by Tues-day.
For further information regarding the medical session contact Dr Mario Sammut, secretary of the College of Family Practitioners, or visit their Website www.mcfd.org.mt.
People
Justine Bugeja, 17, of Gzira, has been awarded the Performer's Diploma by the London School of Music and Media - Thames Valley Universoty (ALCM).
Ms Bugeja started piano lessons at the tender age of five under the tutorship of Claire Genovese, ATCL, LTCL, LRSM, and Cynthia Genovese, LTCL, LRSM.
Ms Bugeja attended the Sacred Heart Convent, and is currently in her second year at St Aloysius' College Sixth Form.
She is the daughter of Marisa and Francis Bugeja.
Mark De Marco has been appointed general manager of Montaigne Investment (Malta) Ltd, a recently registered company that set up its office in Portomaso Tower, St Julian's. Montaigne Investment is a Dublin-based mergers and acquisitions company that can also provide venture capital. Apart from Dublin, it has offices in Spain, Slovakia, New York and now Malta.
Mr De Marco brings more than 30 years of experience in a variety of banking, financial and accounting sectors to Montaigne Investment (Malta) Ltd.
He spent 10 years working for Swiss Bank Corporation in London, eight years as an executive with the Corinthia Group of Companies, four years as project manager and financial controller of Island Sound Radio and eight years in the Fund Administration industry both in Malta and Dublin.
He was finance manager of HSBC Fund Management (Malta) Ltd and for the last three years he worked for Olympia Capital (Ireland) Ltd as fund accounting manager responsible for a number of hedge funds and venture capital funds.
Mark De Marco is a certified public accountant and a fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants.
Antoine Barbara recently took up a new appointment as director of studies with the eBusiness Foundation, the local campus of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business.
GGSB enjoys international recognition and is on the cutting edge of business education in European and international affairs. It brings together three institutions: Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Grenoble, Grenoble Graduate School of Business, and Ecole de Management des Systems d'Information.
The school received the three highest accreditations which distinguish the best business schools in the world: EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and AMBA (Association of MBA's Programme). It works with more than 100 partner universities in 28 countries.
Over the past 26 years, Mr Barbara has had extensive experience in training and training development consultancy. He has already directed other business schools and was responsible for the co-ordination of management, banking, insurance and other related programmes.
His studies have taken him to the United Kingdom (Cranfield and Nottingham universities) and Leuven in Belgium.
He is a chartered fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development and a chartered consultant in Management and Marketing Training.
For your diary
The Malta Historical Society is organising a lecture entitled "Saving Strada San Paolo", by architect Claude Busuttil, on the theme "Rediscovering Valletta", at St Paul's church, Valletta, tomorrow at 6 p.m.
A morning retreat for past pupils of St Joseph, Sliema is being held at Porziuncola House, Bahar ic-Caghaq, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Talks will be delivered by Fr Savio Vella, SDB.
For bookings call Jo Jo Delia on 2137-0666 or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 by Tuesday.
A card party in aid of the Little sisters of the Poor is being held at Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. onwards. For booking phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
The International Wives Association are holding their monthly swop shop at Dar l-Emigrant on Wednesday from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m.
The Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically handicapped at Corradino, Paola, is organising a coffee morning at Attard parish hall on March 17 at 9.30 a.m. Tickets at Lm.1.50 each, may be obtained from the Corradino Centre tel. 2169-3863 or 2143-6421.
Spatone for marathon runners
Spatone is supporting the Malta Marathon and Half-Marathon by donating a sachet of Spatone Iron+, a natural iron supplement, to be included in each runner's goody bag.
Spatone Iron+ is packed in small convenient sachets each of which provides the entire average daily iron requirement. It does not have any negative side effects normally associated with iron pills and may therefore be taken at any time by men and women of any age.
It is found at most leading pharmacies. Serolf Trading Agency are the local agents.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - February 28-March 6
Tomorrow
10.30 a.m. The President receives a group of senior Air Malta pilots who are celebrating their 30th year with Air Malta, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by the board members of Malta Desalination Services.
Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives a group of elderly people from Victoria council, Gozo, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President receives the mayor and councillors of Siggiewi on the occasion of Siggiewi Day.
11 The President presents credentials to Godwin Montanaro, Ambassador-designate of Malta to Saudi Arabia.
Noon The President visits the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in Republic Street, Valletta.
Wednesday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a piano recital by Lucia Micallef at San Anton Palace.
Thursday
9.15 a.m. The President receives the the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
4 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Government Home for the Elderly in Zejtun.
Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee at the Palace, Valletta.
10 The President receives the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 6 p.m. The President presides over the President's Gold Award Ceremony.
Saturday
7 p.m. The President attends the annual concert by St Helen Band Club at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta.