Heard in the Hive

An exhibition of some 100 works by ceramic artist Victor Sammut was inaugurated by President Fenech Adami yesterday week at the Corte Capitanale, premises of Mdina council, in the presence of numerous guests.

The Sunday Times art critic Emmanuel Fiorentino started by giving a brief account of the artist's biography, Victor Sammut - 25 years of Ceramic Sculpture 1979-2004, which was being launched at the exhibition. The book carries a foreword by Laurence Grech, editor of The Sunday Times, and Mr Sammut's cousin.

Mr Fiorentino emphasised the humanity of the artist keeping in mind the essential element behind the artist, his moods and what inspired him to create his works.

Mr Sammut first thanked the Mdina council for allowing him to hold a second exhibition (his first was held there in 1999) now on much bigger scale as it occupies the whole palace. He also paid tribute and thanked his mentor, ceramic artist Gabriel Caruana, to whom he wished a long life. He also thanked fellow artists Neville Ferry, Tony Briffa and especially Paul Haber for their great help and encouragement.

Mr Sammut said that the proceeds from the sale of his biography will go towards the missions in Romania and Algeria where two of his cousins, both named Sister Carmen Sammut, are doing missionary work, and to Brazil where Fr Anton Sammut, Victor's youngest brother, died tragically in 1977, aged 27.

BoV supports MCCF

President Eddie Fenech Adami was recently presented with a donation of Lm27,413 in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF). The donation was presented by Joseph F.X. Zahra, chairman of Bank of Valletta, at the Palace, Valletta.

The President expressed his gratitude towards BoV and stated that the MCCF can only help those who seek its assistance through such donations.

Mr Zahra said that the donation to the MCCF was the result of the generosity of BoV's customers. He said: "It is encouraging to see how the cents donated by customers through collection boxes at BoV branches add up to a considerable donation which the MCCF can use to help those who are most in need."

Mr Zahra also made special reference to the Cents for Charity Scheme which the bank operates. Through this scheme, customers agree to have the cents in their account balance automatically transferred to the MCCF's account at the end of the year. Mr Zahra said that BoV again appeals to its customers to participate in 'Cents for Charity', making a donation for a maximum of 99 cents, once a year, in aid of the MCCF.

The donation presented was provided through funds collected from collection boxes at the BoV branches in aid of the fund, since the last presentation in the year 2002. It includes a donation of Lm2,000 representing funds collected through the 'Cents for Charity' scheme as well as a further donation made by BoV.

Middlesea Valletta Life celebrates tenth anniversary

Middlesea Valletta Life, Malta's leading specialist life assurance company, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reception held at the Hilton Malta.

The reception, held on September 24, was attended by Middlesea Valletta Life employees, executives, management and Middlesea Group's directors.

The guests were addressed by Middlesea Valletta Life chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra, Middlesea Valletta deputy chairman and CEO Mario C. Grech and Dr Jur. Michael Sparberg from Munich Re.

Mr Zahra highlighted the important role the company has played in the local economic and financial sectors. He added that Middlesea Valletta Life will shortly be applying for a licence to enter the Italian life insurance market by opening a branch in Italy. Mr Grech outlined Middlesea Valletta Life's success and growth throughout the past ten years and thanked all the management, employees, intermediaries and all policyholders for believing in the company and for sharing in its success.

In recognition of their commitment and performance, a number of intermediaries and employees were presented with a commemorative glass statuette commissioned for the occasion. A donation was also given to Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech.

August Ferrari/Olympus lottery winners

Ms M. Micallef of Naxxar and Mr C. Scerri of Gozo are the lucky winners of the August Ferrari/Olympus Lottery organised by Attard & Co. Ltd.

Six more participants will have a chance of winning this exclusive Ferrari/Olympus camera with two winners drawn at the end of each month up to the end of November.

The Ferrari Digital Model 2003 is a special limited-edition model developed and introduced to celebrate Olympus's sponsorship of the Ferrari Formula 1 Team. It is the first and only digital camera in the world currently sanctioned by Ferrari S.p.A.

Only 10,000 units will be produced worldwide. The Ferrari Digital Model 2003 is based on the all-weather Olympus Mju 400 Digital. It is designed to reflect the beauty and quality that are hallmarks of Ferrari craftsmanship.

St Venera wedding

The marriage took place recently at the old St Venera parish church between Lawrence Zammit son of Margherita Zammit and the late Spiridione Zammit, and Joanne Zammit, daughter of Josephine Zammit and the late Joseph Zammit. The couple are both from St Venera.

Nuptial Mass was celerbated by Fr Joe Vella, O.Carm. The ceremony was witnessed by David Zammit and Bernadette Farrugia.

The bride was attended by Charlotte Hatfield as maid of honour as well as Daniela Bezzina, Theresian Pisani and Marlis Zammit as bridesmaids. Jucas Bezzina acted as ring-bearer. Raymond Pisani and Dedrick Zammit carried out the duties of best man.

A reception was later held at Villa Oriana, Buskett.

Miss Malta celebrates with jewellery

Miss Malta, Dana Ben Moussa, was recently presented with a valuable necklace by Louis Carabott of Louis Jewellery in Marsa, for her achievements locally and abroad during the past year.

Dana's dedication and commitment have made her Malta's special ambassador, a title she has earned during her unforgettable experiences this year.

Mr Carabott also presented George Gatt Mangion, director of GM Productions, organisers of the annual Miss Malta pageant, with tokens to be given to the 20 finalists who will compete for this year's Miss Malta title.

The 41st Miss Malta contest will be held at Sir Temi Zammit Hall of the University of Malta, Msida, on November 6.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements

October 4-12

Tomorrow
9.20 a.m. The President attends the tree planting ceremony by Romanian President Ion Iliescu, at San Anton Palace.
4.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception in their honour hosted by the Romanian President at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard.
5.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami bid farewell to the Romanian President at the official departure ceremony at Malta International Airport.

Wednesday
11 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are presented with the proceeds from the programme L-Istrina 2003 at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
9.15 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President receives the National Team of Chefs on a courtesy call.
11 The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Arkadja by the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin.

Friday
9.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Voices Choir concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

Saturday
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual concert organised by the King's Own Band Club at the Catholic Institute, Floriana.

Blood donation mobile unit's October schedule

The blood donation UNIT will be available this month at the following locations from 8.30 a.m. till 1.30 p.m.:

Today at Zurrieq, near the parish church; on Tuesday at Marsa Garage MSD; on Thursday at Maltanet, Birkirkara; on Saturday at Qrendi, near the parish church; and on Sunday at Qormi St Sebastian.

On October 16 and 17 at Birzebbuga, near the parish church; on the 19th at the Menrad factory, San Gwann; on the 23rd at Kirkop, near the parish church, on the 24th at L-Iklin; on the 28th at Go Mobile, Marsa, on the 30th at Fgura, near the parish church, and on the 31st at Luqa, near the parish church.

For your diary

Caritas Co-operators are organising a day at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort on October 13. Coffee at 10.30 a.m., a talk by Alan Zammit at 11, Mass at noon, Lunch at 1 p.m. and tea at 4 p.m.

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

YTC is organising a pasta night at the Coastline Hotel, St Paul's Bay, on October 15. Special guests are YTC skiing instructor Mariano Galas and Livigno deputy mayor Narcisio Zini. Tickets cost Lm5.50 for adults and Lm3.50 for children. A grand lottery will be held. Prizes awarded are a trip to Tuscany and another to Livigno. Air tickets are sponsored by Air Malta.

For any further information contact Stellina Galea at YTC on 2141-4811, 2141-4340, or 9942-0377, e-mail stellina@ytctravel.org, or visit the Website www.ytctravel.org

YMCA is organising a fund-raising Sixties' Night with the participation of The Quacks, at the Marsa Sports Club, on October 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets, at Lm6.50, include a selection of pasta, glass of wine, dessert and coffee. For reservations contact Joe on 7961-8595, Doris on 9949-7514, or Edgar on 9949-9618.