Three lucky winners drawn from the Ribena special lottery received their handsome prize - a summer break at Città del Mare in Sicily. Each winner received a free four-night holiday on full-board accommodation for four persons.
Sarah Galea of Dingli, Gilbert Camilleri of Zejtun and Carmen Tabone of Iklin were presented with their prizes at the Farsons Brewery in Mriehel. Together with their families and friends they travelled to Città del Mare to enjoy a fantastic holiday.
The Ribena summer promotion attracted a large number of entries. Consumers were asked to mail six flaps of Ribena ready-to-drink packs and the winners drawn were asked a question related to Ribena in order to qualify for the prize.
Containing three times as much vitamin C as oranges, Ribena is a delicious blackcurrant juice drink. It provides an instant healthy drink and is ideal for children.
Gasan Group launches Employee Privilege Card at summer barbecue
The annual Gasan Group Summer staff barbecue held at Paradise Bay marked the launch of the Gasan Employee Privilege Card.
The event was hosted by Mr Joseph A. Gasan, who treated all Group employees to a barbecue, featuring top local talent, as well as talent from within the Group itself!
This annual event serves as a gesture of appreciation to the staff for all the hard work put into each company. In his customary speech, Mr Gasan thanked all employees for their effort and strong commitment to the success of the Gasan Group.
The Gasan Employee Privilege Card was offered to all employees as a sign of appreciation for the loyalty and hard work that each staff member has shown towards the Group throughout its many years of success.
This service, a privilege and discount card, will allow all the Gasan Group staff to purchase goods and services offered by the various Group companies at extremely favourable rates, as well as to enjoy a range of discounts at various leading retail outlets, hotels and companies from the service industry.
As master of ceremonies, DJ Planet Dave led those who attended through an evening of fun featuring Malta's top local talents, Fabrizio Faniello and Ira Losco. The Gasan Group boasted its own inside talent too, with two engineers from Mekanika Ltd performing a breakdance routine and a live rendition of an Indian song.
Female shopper wins holiday to Spain at Bay Street
Helen Borg of San Gwann is the lucky winner of a holiday for four in Spain's Costabrava sponsored by Buontempo Tours and a Lm25 gift voucher from Travelex money worldwide, following her participation in the Bay Street Shop and Win campaign.
Second prize went to Manwel Amaira of Sliema, who won a weekend break at the Bay Street Hotel and five vouchers worth Lm10 each from Singular Man, Hard Rock Café, Croc Café, Body Studio, Street Craft and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream sponsored by Demajo Wines and Spirits Ltd.
Over the forthcoming months, other consolation prizes will be drawn leading up to the grand prizes consisting of a Daewoo Matiz II car, a Piaggio motorcycle, and a one-week Mediterranean cruise for two on Royal Olympic Cruises.
Participating in the campaign is easy. All one has to do is spend Lm5 or over from any Bay Street outlet and answer four simple questions on the back of the voucher one is given with every purchase.
Participants can submit as many entries as they wish.
MMDNA member retires
The council of the MMDNA recently held farewell drinks on the occasion of the retirement of Mrs Claire Arrigo as member of the council.
Its chairman, former Chief Justice Professor J.J. Cremona, presented Mrs Arrigo with a token of appreciation for the 41 years she had been a member.
In replying to the kind words expressed by Professor Cremona, Mrs Arrigo recollected the times when the MMDNA had difficulty in meeting the salaries of its staff, the payment of which depended on fund-raising.
She was happy to see MMDNA now providing nursing services to the whole community in Malta and Gozo, thus fulfilling the aims of the founder, Captain Robert Ingham.
Zebbug wedding
Married recently at the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zebbug, were Sandy-Marie Borg, daughter of Mr and Mrs Carmelo Borg of Siggiewi, and Michael Farrugia, son of Mr Gaetano Farrugia and the late Licia Farrugia, also of Siggiewi.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Luciano Borg, OSA, the bride's uncle. Michelle Borg, the bride's sister, and Patricia McEvoy, the groom's sister, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mario Muscat was best man.
The bride, who wore an embroidered ivory satin dress, was attended by her best friend, Jessica Magri, as bridesmaid, and Monique Borg, her sister, as matron of honour. Thomas Magri was pageboy. Shanon McEvoy, the bride's niece, and Alexia Curmi were flower-girls.
A reception was later held at the Karanne Aparthotel, St Paul's Bay.
The couple are spending their honeymoon in Europe.
Micallef - Gauci
The marriage took place recently at St Philip parish church, Zebbug, between Shirley-Ann Micallef, B.Ed (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Gaetano Micallef of Zebbug, and Gordon Gauci, son of Mr and Mrs Paul Gauci of Paola.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Alfred Agius. Mrs Marie Louise Galea, CPA, the bride's sister, and Miss Carmen Gauci, the groom's aunt, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Emmanuel Valletta was best man.
The bride, who wore an ivory and silver French lace wedding dress, was attended by Angele Spiteri, her cousin, as bridesmaid.
A reception was later held at Palazzo Nobile, Naxxar.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and cruising the Mexican Riviera.
Maltese missionary priest receives award
The highest award of the State of Meghalaya, India, was recently conferred on Fr Joseph Cilia, a Salesian missionary priest working in India since 1956, in recognition of valuable services rendered to the state in the field of social services for the less privileged classes.
The award was conferred on August 14, the eve of India's Independence Day, by the governor of Meghalaya at his residence, in the presence of the Chief Minister of the State and other state dignitaries.
The award consists of a citation relating to the social services rendered by Fr Cilia, a certificate signed by the Chief Minister of the State and a cash prize.
Fr Cilia is responsible for the construction of a high school and a clinic in a remote rural area of the state and the present spacious Don Bosco Youth Centre, where various scholastic and formative programmes of youth interest are conducted on a regular basis.
Fr Cilia has also authored booklets on relevant youth topics and brings out a bi-monthly handout Teen Talk on subjects of youth interest.
Barbecue at Reef Club for gym members
A barbecue was held recently at the Westin Dragonara Reef Club Resort for members of the gymnasium. Over 300 members turned up for the event.
The night was entertainment-packed and prizes were also given out. Joe Galea, Westin's gym manager, said: "This has become an annual event and is held as an appreciation towards our members for their support throughout the year."
The night was sponsored by Heineken and members decided to forget the healthy side of life and indulge in wine and great food.
Round Table (Malta) 1 presents donation to Maltese Diabetes Association
Round Table (Malta 1) and Ladies' Circle (Malta) have recently organised a fund-raising activity and have generously donated part of the proceeds to the Maltese Diabetes Association, a voluntary non-government organisation aimed at educating its members and the general public on this condition.
Peter Paul Bonnici, chairman of Round Table (Malta) 1 and Rhona Sammut Tagliaferro, chairperson of the Ladies' Circle Malta, recently presented a cheque of Lm500 to Chris J. Delicata, fund-raising officer of the Maltese Diabetes Association.
In a short message after the presentation, Mr Delicata thanked the two organisations for their financial help and praised them for their initiative and excellent work. Mr Delicata advised that these initiatives were essential in view that the association's fnds were totally dependent on the membership fees of its members which currently stands at 1,000.
"Unfortunately these funds are not sufficient and we are therefore extremely grateful for the financial support we receive from such organisations," Mr Delicata said.
"This will definitely assist us in our numerous activities and initiatives such as the publication of promotional and educational leaflets, a magazine for its members issued on a quarterly basis and the organisation of seminars and a summer camp for juvenile members," he added.
Mr Delicata also said that in order to keep abreast with development and progress on this condition, the Maltese Diabetes Association participates in overseas seminars and conferences.
"This is the right opportunity to meet your counterparts from all over the world, share experiences and update yourself on the various developments on this condition. Had it not been for the financial help we receive, this would not be possible," Mr Delicata concluded.
People
GRAZIELLA KIRTLAND GRECH received her B.Sc in Physics and Computer Sicence in 1992 and M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics in 1994, both from the University of Malta. For three years she worked as a geophysicist at the Government of Malta's Oil Exploration Department (OED) before starting a Ph.D. course at the University of Calgary, Canada.
She graduated with a Ph.D. in Exploration Geophysics last June and is now working as a research geophysicist for Veritas DGC, Inc. in Calgary.
She has received best student paper awards for her work by both Canadian and international geophysical societies.
Dr Kirtland Grech is the daughter of Mr and Mrs J.C. Grech of Zabbar and wife of Mr Mark Kirtland of Oxford.
India: Kingdom of the Tiger premiere
On Friday, September 13, the IMAX Vodafone Theatre at the Eden Century complex in St George's Bay held the world's first screening of India: Kingdom of the Tiger - the official world launch was held the day after.
The premiere was attended by a capacity audience made up of readers of The Sunday Times who had each won two admission tickets in a competition held in collaboration with IMAX.
After a short introduction by Mr Tikamdas Bharwani, president of the Indian community in Malta, guests enjoyed a film rich in breathtaking landscapes and colourful culture where the audience saw the country through the eyes of legendary hunter and conservationist Edward James (Jim) Corbett, as he treks around in search of the revered Bengal tiger - now among the list of threatened species roaming the planet.
After the film, an Indian dance was performed by two younger members of the community and spicy Indian food was served by the Emperor of India Restaurant of St Jullian's in the IMAX lobby.
The Indian music, dancing, food and décor in the lobby all contributed to a truly Indian evening where many of the guests were Indian in their national dress. That, coupled with the beautiful film, made it a spectacular evening.
All this can be experienced for just Lm1.90 at the IMAX Vodafone Theatre. India: Kingdom of the Tiger will be available for public viewing from today to Sunday, as it is in Malta for a test screening period.
This 40-minute Primesco production is a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) presentation and part of the latter's mission is to protect the endangered Bengal tiger, of which only 4,000 remain worldwide, with those found in India being threatened by the encroachment of the ever-growing Indian population.
For your diary
A Coffee Morning in aid of the Salesians will be held on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. at the Salesian Oratory. Tickets are available from Fr Forte or Mrs Yvonne Camilleri on 2133-1447 Or 2133-4253.
Lions Club La Valletta is holding a Maltese Night in aid of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, on Friday at 8 for 8.30 p.m. Children under 10 pay Lm3.50; members of youth organisations Lm5; adults Lm7.50. Entertainment will be provided. For more information, phone Noel Vella on 2132-3513; Joseph Hersey (2133-4806); Odile Attard (2141-5311); Adrian Genovese (9942-9293); George Coppini (2133-0597) and Razzett tal-Hbiberija (2163-6526).
The Singles Social Circle is holding its last get-together this month on Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Beachaven, Xemxija. One guest, who must be booked, can be brought along by each member. Bookings by Thursday.
The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements: September 23-29
Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives Professor Jarlath Ronayne, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Melbourne, accompanied by Professor Ron Adams and Mr Clement Zammit, Malta's consul-general in Victoria, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the president and committee members of the Kumitat Zghazagh Guzeppini Rabtin and is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
5 p.m. The President delivers the keynote address during the conference organised by Pulse entitled "Contact 2002 - A conflict; A solution" at Bay Street's Conference Room, St Julian's.
Tuesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a message from Chinese President, Jiang Zemin, on behalf of Chinese Ambassador, Mr Yang Guirong, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the president and committee members of the University Students Council (KSU).
7.30 p.m. The President inaugurates a photographic exhibition of Maltese personalities entitled "The Maltese" by Mr Tony Mangion at the Palace.
Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives Dr Deborah Farrugia, secretary of the Commission for the Administration of Justice, at the Palace, Valletta.
12.30 p.m. The President receives Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Policy, at the Palace, Valletta.
6.15 The President visits the premises of the Malta Aviation Society and meets the committee members and volunteers participating in the Malta Airshow in Safi.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund from proceeds collected during the Emmanuel Delicata Wine Festival at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President receives Mr Anthony Diacono, chairman of the Malta Export and Trade Corporation.
7 p.m. The President inaugurates the new premises of MUMN in Birkirkara.
7.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by the Chinese Ambassador and Madame Li Wencai on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic China, in St Julian's.
Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Sergey S. Zotov, Russian Ambassador, on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.
10.50 The President receives Dr Janez Potocnik, Minister for European Affairs and head of the EU membership negotiating team of Slovenia.
11.15 The President receives the president and committee members of the Ghaqda tal-Genituri ta' Tfal fl-Iskejjel tal-Knisja.
Noon The President receives Mr David Begg, secretary general of the Ireland Council of Trade Unions, accompanied by the president and secretary general of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin.
1.15 p.m. The President receives Yang Xiaodu, vice-mayor of Shanghai and special envoy of the Chinese Government.
6 The President and Mrs de Marco view the re-enactment of the arrival of the Santa Marija Convoy, organised by the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Harbour, Valletta.
Saturday
3 p.m. The President views an air display hosted by the organising committee of the Malta International Airshow at Malta International Airport.
6.30 The President attends the Premju Anzjan tas-Sena ceremony, organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat in the Ministry for Social Policy, at Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University.
8 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a performance of Lehar's operetta The Merry Widow at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.