Heard in the Hive

On September 30 the Chinese Ambassador of China, Liu Zhengxiu, and Mrs Chang Shuying, hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in St Julian's to mark the 55th anniversary of proclamation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

Hundreds of guests, led by the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, attended the reception, enjoying the marvellous Chinese hospitality and a sumptuous buffet of Chinese food.

In a short speech, Ambassador Liu spoke of China's amazing economic progress - resulting in a 9.9 per cent growth in GDP in the first six months of this year - and of his country's excellent relations with Malta. Since diplomatic relations were established in 1972, contacts had been increasing in various fields, and should continue to grow now that Malta has joined the European Union. He then proposed a toast to the 55th anniversary of the People's Republic and to the friendship between Malta and China.

President Fenech Adami expressed his admiration for the progress being made by China, which was extraordinary but not really a surprise. He had been to China three times since 1978, he said, and each time he noticed its amazing rate of progress.

He was glad to see that relations between Malta and China had grown considerably, with Maltese exports to that country reaching some Lm30 million last year, which was a substantial amount.

President Fenech Adami also referred to the Chinese Garden at Sta Lucija, which has now been handed over to the local council, and which, he said, was a part of China in Malta.

Chinese ships were making more frequent use of the Freeport and more Chinese were visiting Malta for educational or touristic purposes than ever before. Malta and China stood united in the fight against international terrorism, the President said, before proposing a toast to the continued friendship beteween the two countries and to the health of President Jin Tao.

The toasts were followed by the playing of the two countries' national anthems.

German Unity Day

The 14th anniversary of the reunification of Germany was celebrated in Malta with a reception hosted by the German Ambassador and Mrs Georg Merten at their residence in Lija last Sunday.

A large number of guests, led by the President, Dr Fenech Adami, and the Prime Minister and Mrs Lawrence Gonzi, turned up for the reception marking Germany's National Day.

The Speaker, Anton Tabone, and the Chief Justice, Dr Vincent Degaetano, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MPs, former Presidents Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Guido de Marco, ambassadors, members of the German community, the president of the German-Maltese Circle and Mrs Albert Friggieri, teachers of German, and prominent personalities in the business, education, cultural and professional sector were among the guests.

Ambassador Merten humorously said that while Germany was celebrating only its 14th anniversary as a reunited country, Malta had already celebrated its 40th anniversary as an independent state, which made Malta much older than Germany!

However both countries now belonged to the EU family; although Germany is the largest and Malta the smallest, size was not important. What counts is the determination of each country to work together. He referred to the signing in Rome, later this month, of the EU's Constitutional Treaty binding 450 million people in 25 states.

Referring to German-Maltese relations, Mr Merten said he would only repeat what Chancellor Schröder had said at his meeting with then Prime Minister Dr Fenech Adami last February, namely that they were excellent.

He then proposed a toast to German-Maltese relations, and ended by thanking the guests in Maltese for attending the reception. In his reply, President Fenech Adami recalled his visit to Bonn, then still the German capital, in November 1989, and was invited to go to Berlin and walk across the infamous Wall, which had just been pulled down. He did, and thus became the first foreign head of government to cross into East Berlin after the fall of the Wall.

Dr Fenech Adami said very few had foreseen the reunification of Germany in so short a time. This was an event of great historical significance not only to Germany but to the whole of Europe. The President said he was proud to have been a protagonist in Malta's joining the European Union where, he said, "we do not look up on you (Germany) as big brother but we say we are 'equals', certainly on various issues", such as the debate on the Constitutional Treaty.

The President ended by proposing a toast to friendship and co-operation between Malta and Germany, saying that the relationship had proved to be very fruitful, with considerable German investment in the island, and Germany being one of Malta's leading export markets.

The two national anthems were then played.

World Tourism Day celebrated at The Malta Experience

The Malta Experience hosted a number of activities to mark World Tourism Day on September 27.

Tourists visiting the attraction on this day were welcomed by live folk music, a spread of typical Maltese nibbles for tasting and In Guardia guards parading in their colourful costumes. Guests were delighted with the reception provided.

The event also coincided with the presentation of the annual sponsorship towards projects relating to conservation and preservation of Malta's history and culture.

This year's contribution was earned by the Valletta Rehabilitation Project (VRP) headed by Ray Bondin, who received the sponsorship fee.

This year's contribution will go towards a publication on the restoration project of the bronze sculpture of Christ the Saviour by Alessandro Algardi.

Previous years' sponsorships helped with the restoration of the arched doorway leading to the Presidential Palace in Merchants Street and archaeological works carried out at the Chapel of Bones in Valletta.

Mr Bondin expressed his committee's appreciation and stated that there is much work to be done in this sector and private funding needs to be strengthened. "Your support is very encouraging," he concluded.

Suncrest Hotel gift for frequent guest

Mary Abela, a frequent guest at the Suncrest Hotel, was recently presented with a bouquet of flowers on one of her visits while celebrating her birthday.

Mrs Abela is a loyalty card frequency holder and benefits from a number of advantageous offers. Shaun Muscat, Suncrest junior manager, thanked Mrs Abela for her loyalty towards the Suncrest Hotel and augured her a happy birthday on behalf of all the management and staff.

BoV sponsors first Malta Historic Cities Festival

Bank of Valletta is the sole sponsor of the first edition of the Malta Historic Cities Festival being organised by the Malta Tourism Authority. This festival is being held till Sunday.

The bank's sponsorship was presented by BoV CEO Tonio Depasquale MTA chairman Chris Grech.

Presenting the sponsorship, Mr Depasquale said: "BoV is delighted to be associated, as the sole sponsor, with this first edition of the Malta Historic Cities Festival. As a bank that is close to the communities in which it operates, BoV is keen to play an active role by supporting initiatives which add value to Malta's cultural and social life".

Mr Depasquale congratulated the MTA for the programme of events it has put together which should make the festival a success and help to upgrade Malta's tourism product. "Our sponsorship of this first edition of the Malta Historic Cities Festival also underlines the support that BoV provides to the tourism sector, being one of the most important pillars of the Maltese economy," concluded Mr Depasquale.

Thanking BoV for its support of the festival, Mr Grech stated that this festival is an intensive programme of events that will highlight the history and heritage of the historic towns and cities of Valletta, Mdina, the Cottonera area and Victoria in Gozo.

"The primary objective of the MTA in putting together this event is to enhance the tourist experience by giving life to the Maltese Islands' historical architecture and its heritage. This we aim to accomplish by presenting the unique assets of our historical towns in the most imaginative way possible," added Mr Grech.

Mr Grech announced that the first edition of the Valletta Military Tattoo will form part of this festival. The Valletta Military Tattoo will be held on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 6.30 p.m., and will mark the close of the Malta Historic Cities Festival. The tattoo will host two foreign military bands, namely the Wessex Military Band and Greece's Hellenic Armed Forces Band. These will be accompanied by Malta's own Armed Forces Band and the Police Band. The tattoo will include pageantry and military drill by various re-enactment groups.

One of the highlights of the programme will undoubtedly be the Malta Police Precision Drill display.

More information on the Malta Historic Cities Festival, as well the full programme, may be obtained from the MTA's events Website www.maltafestivals.com, e-mail: events@visitmalta.com or phone 2138-1392.

Italian President honours Mgr Vella

The Italian Ambassador, Dr Alvise Memmo, recently presented Mgr Charles G. Vella, on behalf of the President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, with the decoration of Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana per la Solidarietà.

For the last 30 years Mgr Vella - who is the founder of the Cana Movement - has given civic and pastoral service in Italy, particularly in the field of family social and bioethical work and the sick at the Istituto Scientifico Ospedale Universitario San Raffaele in Milan.

The ceremony was held at the Italian Ambassador's residence at Ta' Xbiex, and was attended by distinguished personalities led by the Minister of Education and Employment, Dr Louis Galea. Before presenting the distinguished award, Ambassador Memmo referred to the various achievements of the work of Mgr Vella in Italy, and particularly within San Raffaele which has become the most advanced and renowned hospital for care and research.

Dr Galea spoke on the pioneering work of Mgr Vella in Malta for the family and for the social and health care promotion in these islands. He said that the award was also an honour for Maltia.

In thanking the President of Italy, Mgr Vella said he considered the honour beyond personal merits, but one bestowed on the Cana Movement and San Raffaele Hospital which he had sought to bring to Malta. "Though the dream has not been realised, the beginnings of the new hospital are sown in my heart", he added.

Those present included members of Mgr Vella's family, Dr Philip Farrugia Randon, president of the Cana Movement, and his wife Helen, Edgar Galea Curmi, PA to the Prime Minister, and Professor Richard England.

Best MSV Life producer

Mario Grima, executive head of BoV's Bancassurance Office, was awarded with the Best Middlesea Valletta Life Producer.

The award was presented by Mario C. Grech, deputy chairman and CEO of Middlesea Valletta Life during a reception held at the Hilton Malta celebrating Middlesea Valletta Life's 10th anniversary. BoV won this award for the level of professionalism and volume of business. The award, a glass statuette representing MSV Life's corporate logo, was a token of MSV Life's appreciation for having supported the company throughout these past ten years.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - October 12-17

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives the Francis Agius, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and is presented with a copy of the European Cookery Book at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President receives the committee members of the Spina Bifida Association.

11.30 The President is presented with a copy of the commemorative booklet entitled A Brief Historical Guide to the city of Birgu by Lorenzo Zahra.

12.15 p.m. The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Constitutional Procedure relative to Fundamental Rights and Freedoms by Chief Justice Emeritus Professor Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici.

5.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting at San Anton Palace.

7.15 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Spanish Ambassador Maria Rosa Boceta Ostos, on the occasion of the National Day of Spain, at her residence in Balzan.

8.15 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of St Edward's College at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives Mexican Ambassador Tovar y de Teresa on a courtesy visit at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President attends Mass and unveils a commemorative plaque on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of St Edward's College in Vittoriosa.

Thursday
8 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Felix del Blanco Prieto on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope John Paul II at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives the committee members of the Breast Care Support Group at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President receives a group of Chinese officials from the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau.

11 The President is presented with a copy of the publication by Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, president of the Malta Olypmic Committee, entitled Minn Ateni ghal Ateni by Lewis Portelli.

7 p.m. The President hosts a musico-literary evening on the occasion of the Mikiel Anton Vassalli Conference 2004 organised the Ghaqda tal-Malti (Università) at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a performance of Verdi's opera Nabucco at the Aurora Theatre, Victoria, Gozo.

Sunday
10 a.m. The President pays an official visit to Mqabba.

For your diary

The Anglican Chaplaincy is celebrating the Festival of Harvest, a tradition in the Anglican communion, today. Services will be held at Holy Trinity, Rudolph Street, Sliema, at 9.45 a.m., led by Fr Peter Wolfenden, and at the Cathedral in Valletta at 10.45 a.m. led by Fr Tom Mendel. Coffee and wine will be served after.

A bazaar in aid of the Missions is being held at King's Shop, Tower Road, Sliema, till October 30, from 9.30 a.m. till 1 p.m. Big bargains on crockery, books, ornaments, clothes, carpets and toys.

The International Wives' Association is organising the monthly swap shop at Dar l-Emigrant, Castille Place, Valletta, on Wednesday from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m.

Caritas Co-operators are organising a day at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort on Wednesday. Coffee at 10.30 a.m., a talk by gardening expert 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.

The Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Handicapped at Corradino, Paola, is organising a coffee morning/tombola at the Sunny Coast Leisure Club, Qawra, on Thursday at 9.30 a.m.

For tickets, at Lm1.50, phone the centre on 2169-3863 or 2143-6421.

YTC is organising a pasta night at the Coastline Hotel, St Paul's Bay on Friday. 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. All those attending will participate in a grand lottery. Prizes are a trip to Tuscany and another to Livigno. Air tickets of both trips are sponsored by Air Malta.

For 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.

The Singles' Social Club is organising a wine and pizza evening at La Riviera, Xemxija, on Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets costs Lm3.50. For bookings phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181 by Wednesday.

YMCA is organising a fund-raising Sixties Night with the participation of The Quacks, at the Marsa Sports Club, on Saturday 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.