Heard in the Hive

Openings is the new exhibition by Peter Heywood, at Cleland & Souchet, Portomaso, which depicts Malta in a distinctive way.

Mr Heywood was born in Yorkshire in 1944 where he taught Physics and Maths. In 1995 he was voted Britain's Best Teacher. Shortly after receiving this award, he made a major decision to become a full time painter. This was further reinforced by the success of his first exhibition at Savile Row in London.

That same year Mr Heywood moved to Cape Town where he found the landscape inspiring. Successful exhibitions were held in Johannesburg and in Cape Town. This was followed by a two-year stay in Venice where the architectural magnificence proved equally inspiring. The work Mr Heywood produced in Venice was exhibited at the Holly Snap Gallery and at the Century Gallery at Henley on Thames, near London.

Recently Mr Heywood made Malta his home. Here he is enjoying painting the aspects of the island which he finds visually exciting and unique to Malta. He has already had two successful exhibitions at Cleland and Souchet and this third promises the same.

From his travels, Mr Heywood has captured the aspects of the new environment in to his work in an original and distinctive interpretation. He has identified a unique quality in Malta which has permeated his Maltese work over the last two years.

Following his successful exhibitions Middle Sea Racing and Memories of Venice at Cleland & Souchet, Mr Heywood has concentrated on the architecture of Malta and the light projection on the stone. His current exhibition Openings is on during June. In addition he is exhibiting a number of still life paintings which he normally paints in the winter months. His works may be viewed at the Cleland & Souchet lifestyle store in Portomaso throughout June, Monday to Friday between 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday between 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Launching of instrumental CD by Denis Calleja

The tranquil courtyard of the Medina Restaurant, in Mdina, was the perfect setting for the launch, on May 27, of an instrumental CD of relaxing music composed by Denis Calleja.

The CD, Resting Fields, consists of six pieces, five of them originally composed as background music for an art exhibition. These pieces vary in length from 10 to 15 minutes.

The sixth piece, Old Temple Street, is dedicated to PC Mark Farrugia, a long-time friend of the composer, who was killed in cold blood on his own doorstep in this Tarxien street. The composition, orchestration and mastering of the CD is all done by computer.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD, available from local record shops, will be in aid of the Foundation for Respite Care Services, Dar il-Kaptan.

Among the sponsors who attended the launching were Pierre Aquilina from MIA, Joe Attard from Delta Malta Ltd and representatives of Medavia.

Antonella Agius Micallef, from Dar il-Kaptan, addressed those present, who included friends, members of the press and the parents of Mark Farrugia.

Denis Calleja, who is also an artist and a poet, is seeking help to market this CD abroad. He may be contacted at denis@deniscalleja.com and more information may be obtained from his Website www.deniscalleja.com.

Order of St Lazarus supports Ivory Coast disease clinic

The Commandery of the Castello - Malta of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem presented Lm1,000 to Spanish Ambassador Dona Maria Rosa Boceta to forward them to a clinic in the Ivory Coast that is taking care of persons afflicted by the Buruli disease. The Buruli ulcer is a disease caused by a bacterium related to those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.

The Spanish Ambassador's previous diplomatic appointment was in the Ivory Coast. There she discovered that what is known as the Buruli ulcer is a largely neglected disease. Its most commonly affects impoverished inhabitants in remote and isolated rural areas with limited access to health care, frequently occurring in close proximity to stagnant water.

All age groups, but particularly children under 15 years, are affected. Transmission is not fully understood but the organism probably enters the body through small breaks in the skin from contaminated soil, water or vegetation carried by aquatic bugs.

Buruli ulcer starts as a painless, often itchy swelling on the skin which is often ignored at first. If left untreated, it leads to massive skin lesions, followed by debilitating complications that may include contractual deformities, amputation of limbs, loss of organs such as eyes, breast and genitalia.

The Deputy Commander of the Castello, Chevalier Geoff Fosberry, presented the cheque to the Spanish Ambassador in the presence of the members of the Commandery at the restored Knights Hall at Torri Lanzun in San Gwann.

Chev. Fosberry said: "As the mission of the Order of St Lazarus since its foundation has been specifically the assistance and cure of persons afflicted by leprosy, the Spanish Ambassador had approached our Order with a request for assistance. The Buruli photos show that no part of the body is safe from its devastating effects."

The Commandery holds events an a regular basis at its quarters at Torri Lanzun in San Gwann to raise funds for the charitable work of the Order. These events are attended by the members of the Commandery and the funds raised are distributed to charities in Malta and abroad.

Czech consulate's 10th anniversary

The celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the honorary consulate of the Czech Republic in Malta came to an end with a piano recital by Lukas Vondracek at the Ballroom of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort and a reception hosted at honorary consul Tonio Casapinta's residence in Naxxar.

Ms Vondracek gave a resounding performance amazing the 500 guests who packed the Radisson's Ballroom to capacity.

The concert, held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, ended with a symbolic presentation made by Libor Secka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Malta, of a cheque for Lm1,300 collected during the evening.

The concert ended with a reception on the Ballroom Terrace, where Monte Kristo Wines were served to guests with the compliments of Polidano Group.

The event was made possible through the support received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Rome, the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Malta, Air Malta plc, Malta International Airport plc, Corinthia Hotels International, Island Hotels Group and Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, Casapinta Design Group Ltd, Gasan Mamo Insurance, Go Mobile, HSBC Bank Malta, Malta Tourism Authority, Maltese-Czech Society, Middle Sea Insurance plc., Monte Kristo Wines, Olimpus Music, Paola Bonnici Ltd, Polidano Group, Studio Seven Ltd, Tug Malta and United Insurance Brokers Ltd.

At a reception held last Saturday, Ambassador Secka, in the presence of President Eddie Fenech Adami, presented Mr Casapinta with a letter, sent for the occasion of the anniversary, by Dr Cyril Svoboda, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, congratulating Mr Casapinta.

In his letter, the minister referred to the long-lasting and selfless efforts made by Mr Casapinta to build the image of the Czech Republic in Malta and referred to the many high-standard cultural events organised during these years and the excellent results being achieved in the field of economy and tourism.

Finally, the minister referred to the state visit of President Fenech Adami to Prague last January, saying that "this was one of the highest points in our bilateral relations".

Melita Cable customers win digital TV connections

Last month marked the launch of the new Melita Cable Guide. As part of this inauguration, the company held an SMS-based competition giving out three Melita Digital connections inclusive of three months' Melita World - the ultimate TV package with 77 top quality TV channels and 50 digital radio channels.

Three Melita customers, Mr Piccinino, Mr Gerardi and Mr Vella, will get the chance to experience the benefits of digital TV and view compelling programming from Melita's vast selection of channels.

Together with their Melita Digital prize, the winners were each given a Melita Digital goody-bag which included a History Channel photo album, National Geographic silver key-chain, ESPN Classic Sport T-shirt, Melita Movies DVDs and other items.

Other prizes were awarded to another 60 winners through separate competitions organised in conjunction with Days of Our Lives, NBA and ESPN Classic Sport.

Exclusive memorabilia from Days of Our Lives exclusives, NBA PS2 and X-Box video games and ESPN Classic Sport merchandise were awarded to the winners.

In the coming months, Melita Cable customers will get the chance to win more handsome prizes with CNN as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Vodafone, G7 launch MMS competition

Vodafone Malta and G7, Malta's leading entertainment promoter, have joined forces to offer their customers a great competition. Every month this summer, a Vodafone live! mobile phone will be given to the person who takes the best MMS photo at any G7 event.

The G7 Summer Tour 2005 started last Friday at Gianpula and continues throughout the summer months with regular nights organised at Zinc and at the Bedouin Bar. Vodafone customers who take an MMS photo at any one of these parties, or any other event organised by G7, can send these photos by e-mail on G7.mt@vodafone.com.

At the end of each month until September, the best photo will be selected and the winner presented with a Vodafone live! mobile phone.

"Summer is here once again and G7 will be back at the forefront of Malta's entertainment scene providing Maltese and tourists alike with great entertainment in different locations. This year's G7 Summer Tour is being sponsored by Vodafone and throughout the summer our customers have the opportunity not only to enjoy some great parties but also to send in their MMS photos and win a Vodafone live! mobile phone," said Vodafone's brand manager, Alison Bezzina.

Official G7 photos taken at these events will also be available on the Website www.vodafone.com.mt. Further information can also be obtained by calling Customer Service on 247 from a Vodafone connection or on 2148-2820 from any other number.

Abela - Sciberras

The marriage took place recently at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha, between Dr Marique Abela, MD, daughter of Manoel Abela, BA, MBA, and Helen Abela, of Tarxien, and Mr John Sciberras, MD, FRCS Edin. son of Saviour and Anne Sciberras of Mellieha.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Frans Abela Giusti, OFM, Cap. The ceremony was witnessed by Dr Françoise Camilleri, BA., LL.D., and Architect Charles Sciberras, BE&A (Hons), A&CE.

Dr Daniel Farrugia, MD, DEAA, carried out the duties of best man while Dr Duncan Aquilina, MD, and Dr Nikolai Attard, B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., were groomsmen. Daniela Abela was maid of honour, while Hannah and Luisa Gonzi were flower-girls.

A reception was later held at Torri Paulina, Madliena. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Central and Eastern Europe.

Domancich - Debono

The marriage took place recently at St Joseph Church, Xemxija, between Ruth Domancich, B.Accty (Hons), MIA, CPA, daughter of Lawrence and Maria Dolores Domancich, of Birguma, and Manuel Debono, FIA, CPA, son of Joseph and Carmen Debono, of Qormi.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Fr Raymond Francalanza, OSA. Josephine Zammit, the bride's aunt, and Lorita Debono, the groom's sister, witnessed the ceremony.

Johan Debattista carried out the duties of best man. Heidi Domancich, B.Ed. (Hons), the bride's sister, was maid of honour, while Amanda Debono, the groom's sister, was bridesmaid.

A reception was later held at Castello dei Baroni, Wardija. The couple spent their honeymoon in Mauritius and Dubai.

Gatt - Mifsud

The marriage between Ilona Gatt, daughter of Philip and Rosette Gatt, of Fgura, and Ishmael Mifsud, son of Carmel and Grace Mifsud, of Msida, was recently celebrated at St Philip parish church, Zebbug.

The wedding was officiated by Fr Adrian Cassar and Fr Paul Gatt, OP. Laura Mercieca, the bride's aunt, and Neville Mifsud, the groom's brother, witnessed the ceremony. Joseph Vitale, the bride's uncle, acted as best man.

The bride wore a two-piece dress - an ivory coloured skirt and a bodice covered with gold thread embroidered flowers with matching amber stones and pearls tiara - and carried a fresh bouquet of ivory and orange coloured roses. She was attended by her aunt Lilliana Cuschieri, while Tiziana Gatt, the bride's sister, was bridesmaid.

A reception was later held at Moulin d'Or, Lija. The couple spent their honeymoon in Paris.

Spiteri - Pace

St Sebastian parish church, Qormi, was recently the venue of the wedding between Charmaine Spiteri, daughter of George and Mary Spiteri of Qormi, and Herbert Pace, son of John J. and Grace Pace of Zabbar.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Bellizzi. The witnesses were Sandro Spiteri, the bride's brother, and Ian Pace, the groom's brother. Victor Abela acted as best man.

The bride, who wore a pearl satin dress under a lace coat with poet sleeves, was given away by her parents. Mari, the bride's sister, acting as bridesmaid, was escorted by Timothy Pace, the groom's nephew, while Sarah and Martha Chetcuti, cousins of the bride, also acting as bridesmaids, were escorted by Alistair Chetcuti and Philip Camilleri, also cousins of the bride. Francesco Chetcuti was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at Villa Sant'Anna in Marsascala.

Help Amanda Smile

The Association of Lyceum Past Students (ALPS) and the Friends of the Manoel Theatre have joined forces to "Help Amanda Smile".

Amanda was born seven years ago suffering from Moebius Syndrome, a rare medical condition causing facial muscle paralysis on both sides, resulting in feeding, swallowing and speech problems. However, Amanda can undergo a facial reanimation operation in Canada, which costs Lm40,000.

Alps and the Friends are organising a fund-raising activity at the Coastline Hotel, Salina Bay on June 24 at 8 p.m., consisting of a one-hour concert of popular classical music followed by a sumptuous barbecue at the Coastline Suite. Amanda's mother, well-known soprano Karen Camilleri, will be taking part in the concert with other singers.

Prices are Lml0 per person; a block booking for 10 guests costs Lm90. Tickets are available from United Travel, Bisazza Street, Sliema (2133-7251); Studio Moda, Naxxar Road, San Gwann (2138-6812); Godfrey Muscat (2144-0256); Alfred G. Formosa (2138-3486); and Joe Fenech (2141-0632).

People

Brian Decelis has been appointed marketing and sales manager at St Martin's Institute of Information Technology and its sister company ExecuTrain.

Mr Decelis brings with him the experience as chief executive of the Institute of Financial Services (also known as the Chartered Institute of Bankers) that he has occupied for the past three years.

Mr Decelis has been working in the financial services sector for the past 18 years, having joined Mid-Med Bank (now HSBC) in 1987. He then proceeded to obtain his Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Public Policy) followed by a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Business Management (Marketing) from the University of Malta. He also studied at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, USA.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements June 6-12

Tomorrow
10.15 a.m. The President receives delegates of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference led by executive vice-chairman Wang Zhangyu at the Palace, Valletta.

10.15 Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a committee meeting of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

7.40 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert by the La Valette and King's Own Bands on the occasion of the Sette Giugno commemoration organised by the Valletta council on Great Siege Square, Valletta.

Tuesday
8.30 p.m. The President attends the sixth annual Chamber of Engineers concert at the Dominican Convent, Rabat.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives the executive board of the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisation Malta (FELTOM) at the Palace, Valletta.

7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert hosted by the honorary consul of Austria in honour of the newly accredited Austrian Ambassador, Dr Elisabeth Kehrer, at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

Thursday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Mtarfa Home for the Elderly.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs Vlasova on the occasion of Russia's National Day at their residence in San Gwann.

Friday
10 a.m. The President presents credentials to Tonio Ganado, Ambassador-designate of Malta to the Holy See, at the Palace, Valletta.

10.45 The President presents the credentials to Dr George G. Buttigieg, Ambassador-designate of Malta to the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner and Mrs Fean on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's birthday at their residence in San Pawl tat-Targa.

9.25 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Korean Ambassador and Mrs Cho Young-jai and the Korean consul-general and Mrs Sullivan on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malta and Korea at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

Saturday
7.45 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musico-literary evening organised by the Victoria (Gozo) council on Jum il-Belt Victoria at it-Tokk, Victoria.

For your diary

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

Klabb tal-Bizzilla Maltija will be holding its monthly meeting on Wednesday at 5.30 p.m. at Lecture Room 1, 3rd Floor of the Catholic Institute, Floriana. For more information phone Marika on 2145-9057.

A bazaar is being held at Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, from Friday to June 14 from 9.30 a.m.

Ward u Zghar is organising a karaoke night at the Double Deuce Night Club, Carolina Hotel, Bugibba, on Friday at 8.30 p.m.

For more information phone 9947-2868.