Heard in the Hive

More than 200 athletes, friends and relatives attended the annual presentation organised by the athletic section of Pembroke Athleta. The Paradise Bay Resort Hotel very kindly provided the venue for the occasion.

Distinguished guests for the presentation were Pembroke mayor Joseph Zammit, Alex Calleja, president of Pembroke Athleta Sports Club, as well as representatives of the club's main sponsors - Strand Electronics, Subway, Red Bull Energy Drink, Time International and Match Music Fashion Wear.

In keeping with tradition, every coach presented a token, kindly sponsored by Conimex Trading Agency, to the athletes under his or her charge, together with a certificate of performance. The club's best athletes' performance this season can rightly be considered as excellent, seeing they qualified and did well in most of the international meetings held this year.

In fact, 12 club athletes were chosen for the Games of the Small States of Europe held in Malta this year, while another 13 were chosen for the FISEC Games. Besides their presence for these two major events the athletes were also chosen as Malta's representatives in all the other major competitions which the MAAA was invited to.

These were the World Indoor Championship, the World Youth Championship, the European Junior Championship, the European U/23 Championships, the European Youth Olympic Festival, culminating with the World Athletics Championships, where Darren Gilford recorded the fastest time ever in the 100 m at events of this high calibre.

On behalf of Time International, vouchers worth Lm447 were then distributed to 36 athletes from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections for finishing first or second in MAAA track and field competitions, in the Club's League, Pembroke Race and other pre-selected competitions.

Time International continued with the sponsorship of the Nike kit to the club's best athletes, this year numbering over 30 ladies and men from the intermediate to the senior category.

As in previous years the kits will be worn with pride during training and other local competitions. The club then rewarded athletes who succeeded in establishing new national records during the past season.

This year the club gave out Lm675 to 11 athletes, some of whom broke their own national record more than once during the season. This was the case with Darren Gilford in the 100 m, Rebecca Camilleri in the long jump and Celine Pace in the 200 m.

The highlight of the enjoyable evening came when the president of the MAAA, Anthony Chircop, presented Pembroke Athleta Kyocera with the trophies and shields won by the club in the Club's league. Mr Chircop had words of praise for the club, saying that behind these successes there must be a hardworking committee who had the athletes' best interests at heart.

In the Club's League Pembroke Athleta placed first and second in the women's section and first from third in the men's section to continue where it had left off these last five seasons in a row. This was definitely another excellent season for Pembroke Athleta Kyocera, without doubt the best track and field athletic club in Malta.

HSBC sponsors Sacred Heart centenary activities

The HSBC Cares for Children Fund has sponsored some of the activities marking the centenary of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart Congregation.

The Fund sponsored a two-week summer school organised by the congregation for 150 underprivileged children.

"Our Mother foundress, Maria Teresa Nuzzo, had a great love for children and to mark the centenary of our congregation we wanted to organise an activity that she would have greatly enjoyed. For this reason, together with KDZ, we decided to organise this summer school and thanks to the support of the HSBC Cares for Children Fund, the event proved to be a great success," said Sister Pauline Farrugia

Children aged between five and 12 attended the summer school and enjoyed craft and drawing lessons as well as different games. Apart from the financial support, the HSBC Cares for Children Fund donated a video DVD player and a cd player to help the children further enjoy the school.

"It is clear that all those who attended this special summer school had a great time. The HSBC Cares for Children Fund will do its utmost to continue offering its assistance to the Congregation in the activities which it organises for children," said Josef Camilleri, a member of the HSBC Cares for Children Fund committee.

40th Singers and Artists Festival

The 40th Singers and Artists Festival was recently organised by G.M. Productions at Angelo's II in Bugibba.

Twenty-five artists together with other singers who made their debut, were adjudicated by a panel of foreign judges.

The singers were each presented by a Miss Malta finalist, who paraded down the catwalk.

The festival was won by Sharon Caruana of Msida who was presented with the Mary Spiteri Challenge Cup. Twelve other singers were awarded trophies presented by Kevin Chris Zammit, director of Technocom of Ghaxaq.

School of Natural Beauty graduation dinner

Thirty-eight students of the School of Natural Beauty in Gzira recently celebrated their graduation during a dinner at the Step-In Restaurant in Wied iz-Zurrieq.

The school's principal and tutor Marina Galea, ITEC (Hons), LTBth, together with diet and nutrition tutor Joseph Magri, awarded the successful students who graduated in the various areas of study.

Prizes, sponsored by Helia International and Dake LT, were awarded to the following students who came first in their respective courses: Ritienne Bonnici (aesthetician), Kristine Spiteri (facial electricals), Graziella Saliba (holistic massage), Marika Balzan (aromatherapy), Natasha Bilous (electrology), Anne Marie Debono (diet and nutrition) and Dorianne Baldacchino (body electricals).

Alan Cauchi (holistic massage) was awarded for Best Performance throughout the scholastic year, while Maria Mallia (aesthetician) and Pierre Spiteri (holistic massage) were awarded for Best Effort Overall throughout the year.

ITEC dictinction grades were presented to Xufei Desira and Marika Balzan (aromatherapy), and Graziella Saliba (holistic massage).

Villa Tempra hosts singers, La Valette Rotarians

A memorable night was recently held at Villa Tempra in Mgarr when guests gathered at Dame Françoise Tempra's residence for an evening of songs and nominations.

La Valette Rotary Club's president, broadcasting personality Patricia Salomone, brought some of her members while Dame Françoise, who had just returned from the Malta Biennale in Russia and was about to depart for a Biennale presentation in Italy, was delighted to welcome mezzo-soprano Marie-Therese Vassallo and her husband Charles Asciak together with the Marie-Therese Voice Studio Choir and art and music lovers.

The evening proceeded with the formal nomination of Marie-Therese Vassallo as deputy vice-president of the Malta International Art Biennale with special responsibility for the music section. Mr Asciak was nominated Malta Biennale consultant for his tireless enthusiastic support.

Marie-Therese then performed together with her ensemble: Vanessa Magro, Kevin Caruana, Miriam Camilleri, Ivy Fleri, Michael Camilleri, Judith Mifsud, Cettina Farrugia, Maria Cachia, Dominic Cachia and Sarah Camilleri, and of course Charles Asciak.

The guests and music lovers at Villa Tempra included visitors from Brazil, the Netherlands, Italy and Scotland - Mgarr mayor Paul Vella, his wife Simone and their daughters Solange and Naomi, Mr and Mrs Oscar Zammit; Victor Sammut, Albert Salomone, Diana and Guy Lemesre, Joyce Guillaumier, Brendan Caruana Montaldo and his wife, Eva Kover, Claude and Rita Lemesre, Lilian Avellino, Marie-Angelique Caruana and Adrian Busietta, Anna Grech, Chris Galea and his wife Marianne, Sandra Dingli, Godfrey Swain and his wife Marianne, Sheila Stuart, Antonio Grech, Alex Abela Tranter and his wife Francesca;

Matthew von Brockdorf and his wife Angie, Vincent and Diana Cassar, Catherine Calleja, Andreas W. Gerdes, Antonio Mollicone, Antonio Grech, Johanna van 't Verlaat, Mariella Zarb, and Mina Tempra, Françoise's sister.

Summer party to celebrate Victoria Hotel's anniversary

The management of the Victoria Hotel in Sliema recently hosted its employees and their partners to the traditional annual summer party. The event also coincided with the birthday of AX Holdings chairman, Angelo Xuereb.

Besides providing an opportunity for all Victoria Hotel's employees to meet socially, the event also commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Victoria Hotel and the appointment of Claire Xuereb as the hotel's new acting general manager.

Addressing all the employees, Mr Xuereb expressed his appreciation for their hard work and ongoing efforts that contributed towards the provision of an exceptional service to all the hotel's guests.

Mr Xuereb also took the opportunity to thank former general manager George Schembri for his valuable contribution towards the success of the hotel during the past five years prior to his appointment to chief executive of the Sol Suncrest Hotel in Qawra.

Miss Maltese Islands for Miss World winner

Rachel Xuereb, 22, of Guardamangia, was crowned Miss Maltese Islands, during a beauty pageant at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 13.

The contest, now in its seventh year, was organised by Modelle International under the direction of Sue Rossi and Claudia Calleja.

Rachel will be representing Malta in the Miss World contest which will be held on December 6 in China in the new 7,000-seat Miss World Theatre which will open in November. The theatre, which is being built in the shape of a crown, will host participants from 110 other countries. Approximately 2.5 billion televiewers are expected to view the aired avent.

Second place in the Miss Maltese Islands final was won by 22-year-old Fiona Cassar, of Attard, followed by Gabriella Azzopardi, 19, of Siggiewi. Rachel won various gifts, trophies and other vouchers. She also became the proud bearer of a prestigious Miluna crown and sceptre sponsored by Classic Jewellers. All gifts will be presented to the winners during a farewell party at Palazzo Nobile before Rachel leaves for China.

Other titles presented during the final night were: Miss Beautiful Hair, also won by Rachel; Miss Top Promising Talent and Miss Miluna, won by Antonella Vella; Best Photogenic Looks, won by Lacey Dimech; Miss Remarkable Friendship and Miss Modelle X Televoting, won by Desirée Saliba; and Best Dress Design won by Fiona Cassar.

During the event, the 31 contestants from 22 localities, including two from Gozo, took part in fashion show of exclusive evening wear and swimwear provided by Agua Esmeralda of Lady's Secrets. The girls were judged by well-known personalities together with judges from Italy.

The show was compèred by Charles Saliba and Mireille Bonello; entertainment was provided by Aceline Dance Company together with Manuel, while DJ Steve Caesar provided live music throughout the show.

The audience was also treated to fashion shows by different houses including Ray Ashley fashion studio, Options Gas, Dor Boutique, Nemo by Caprio and a hairshow presented by the top hairstylist Anteo Geminiani.

Special thanks go to the main sponsors: Classic Jewellers, promoting Miluna, Delicata Winemaker, Paolo Bonnici Ltd, Directions Travel and Rocs Services, Fotoclassic, Ray Ashley fashion studio, Options, Dor Boutique, Lady's Secrets, Busy Bee Caterers Ltd, St James Hospital, Agua Esmeralda, DJS Trading, Matrix hair products, Stytling Station, 6ixty 8ight Lingerie, Woltz make-up, Kim Critien nail stylists, Carmelo Abela Ltd, Prinz Ltd and Mims.

The show will be aired on Net TV in the coming days. Meanwhile, applications for the Miss Maltese Islands for Miss World 2004 contest are now open. For more information phone 2132-4611 or 2131-6304.

For your diary

The 1st Hamrun Scout Group will be celebrating its 90th anniversary with an old Scouts reunion. Persons interested in participating are requested to write to the 1st Hamrun Scout Group, Old Railway Station, Hamrun (tel. 2122-3762), by Wednesday.

The International Wives Association is organising its monthly swop shop at Dar l-Emigrant, Valletta, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The Convent of the Sacred Heart is organising a past pupils centenary celebration followed by a reception at the new school's auditorium, on Friday at 6.30 p.m. For bookings call Yvonne on 2131-3095 or Claudia Taylor-East 9947-8880 by Tuesday.

The Former Students Association (FSA) of the De La Salle College, Birgu, is organising an end-of-season barbecue for former students and their families, at the college grounds on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. For tickets, at Lm6.50 for adults and Lm2 for children, phone Charles Decelis on 2157-5351 or 9988-5078 (e-mail: decelisc@maltanet.net) or James Sant Fournier on 2137-0243, 2135-1548 or 7925-4755 (e-mail: jsantfournier@onvol.net), by Tuesday.

The FSA is also holding an extraordinary general meeting with a seminar entitled "Lasallian with a Commitment", at the college, on October 12 at 9.30 a.m. Those interested in contesting the new committee election should contact the secretary on 2138-7430 or 9940-8071 (e-mail: carlogalea@onvol.net) by Sunday.

The Malta Catholic Action is organising a lunch at the Les Lapins Hotel, Ta' Xbiex, on Sunday. from 12.30 for 1 p.m. For bookings phone 2122-2239.

Caritas co-operators are organising a day of activities at the Victoria Hotel, Borg Olivier Street, Sliema, on October 8. There will be a welcoming coffee at 10.30 a.m., followed by a talk by Lucienne Pace on nutrition and healthy eating, Mass at noon and lunch at 1 p.m.

For more information and bookings phone Marilouise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Mary Darmanin Demajo on 2131-3486, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016 or Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910.

An autumn pilgrimage for St Pius of Pietralcina at San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, is being organised by the Padre Pio Information Centre from October 18-22. The group will also attend the beatification ceremony of Mother Theresa of Calcutta at the Vatican. For more information phone 2123-1446.

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements September 29-October 5

Tomorrow
4 p.m. The President arrives at Malta International Airport from Milan.

7.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by Mr Liu Zheng Xiu, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, and Mrs Chang Shuying on the occasion of China's National Day at the Embassy in St Julian's.

Tuesday
11 a.m. The President receives Dr Frans Agius, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Social Policy, at the Palace, Valletta.

5.30 p.m. Mrs de Marco presides over a fund-raising activity at San Anton Palace.

6.30 The President and Mrs de Marco preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting.

8 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Libya and Mrs Nagem on the occasion of 34th anniversary of the Great El-Fateh Revolution at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St Julian's.

Wednesday
9 a.m. The President inaugurates the conference entitled "Caring for people with cancer - the current situation in Malta" organised by the Council of Management of the Malta Hospice Movement at the SAS Radisson Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.

10.30 The President attends the opening of the new forensic year at the Law Courts, Valletta.

12.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco welcome the President of Estonia and Mrs Arnold Rüütel at the official arrival ceremony at Malta International Airport.

4.45 The President and Mrs de Marco receive President and Mrs Rüütel at the Palace, Valletta.

5.10 Official talks between the President of Malta and the President of Estonia.

5.10 Mrs de Marco hosts Mrs Rüütel to tea at the Palace, Valletta.

7 The President and Mrs de Marco host a state concert in honour of President and Mrs Rüütel.

8.15 The President and Mrs de Marco host a state dinner in honour of the President of Estonia and Mrs Rüütel.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President attends the tree-planting ceremony by the President of Estonia at San Anton Palace.

10.45 The President receives Italian Ambassador Dr Alvise Memmo and Italian Cultural Institute director Dott.ssa Rosanna Cravenna, at the Palace, Valletta.

11.30 The President receives the secretary of the Commission for the Administration of Justic, Dr Deborah Farrugia.

7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception in their honour hosted by the President of Estonia and Mrs Rüütel at Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana.

Friday
10.15 a.m. The President receives EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries Franz Fischler, at the Palace, Valletta.

6.15 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco bid farewell to the President of Estonia and Mrs Rüütel at the official departure ceremony at Malta International Airport.

7.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by the German Ambassador and Mrs Georg Merten on the occasion of the National Day of Germany at their residence in Lija.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a choral concert by the Men's Choral Society RMK 1921 of The Netherlands at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.

People

Paulette Warrington, daughter of Mr and Mrs George Warrington, who reside in Sussex, UK, has completed the legal practice course with distinction at the College of Law in London.

Paulette graduated Bachelor of Law from the University of London last year and will be pursuing a career as a solicitor.