Heard in the Hive

The annual celebration in Malta of France's National Day, marking the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789, is a festive affair hosted by the French Ambassador, in recent years at the Residence de France, his residence and sprawling gardens in Zebbug, and attended by several hundred guests.

This year's celebration had all the usual ingredients, but was also tinged with a note of sadness in that it marked the last official engagement of the très amiable Ambassador Patrick Chrismant, who is shortly leaving Malta to take up a tough diplomatic challenge as the new French Ambassador to Mongolia.

M. Chrismant, in the few years he has been here, has won the Maltese people's hearts not only because of his genial and warm-hearted character, but also through his near-perfect command of Maltese, which actually is but one of the ten or so languages he has mastered.

In fact, M. Chrismant had an advantage when it comes to speaking Maltese over other foreign diplomats stationed here who also know the language (among them British High Commissioner Vincent Fean, for example) - as a toddler in Morocco, he was brought up by a Maltese nanny.

So it was no surprise for the hundreds of guests, led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami, who turned up at the Quatorze Juillet reception last Thursday week, to hear Ambassador Chrismant make his speech in impeccable Maltese, French, and English.

M. Chrismant began by joking that he would not be making the usual panegyric extolling the state of Franco-Maltese relations, but he would just concentrate on three aspects of those relations which were in excellent shape.

The first was the political aspect: Malta recently hosted the new French Foreign Minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy, who was the first French Foreign Minister to visit the island since its independence in 1964. He said, rather intriguingly, that this would be followed up by a visit from a "much higher-ranking" French personality.

The second was the economic aspect of Franco-Maltese relations. France maintained its position as Malta's leading trade partner, and two-way trade this year was already 30 per cent up over last year. In fact total two-way trade topped the €1 billion mark, he said.

The third aspect was the cultural and educational one. He referred to the biography of the French Grand Master Cardinal Hugues Loubens de Verdalle, published by his friend Professor Alain Blondy, which was appropriately launched recently at Verdala Palace in the presence of President Fenech Adami, and to the fact that the Alliance Francaise de Malte had over a thousand students attending French language courses, including Maltese civil servants working in Brussels.

So he was satisfied that much had been achieved to strengthen Franco-Maltese relations in the three years he has been here.

Actually, M. Chrismant said, he wished to remain here until his retirement - that is, for another seven years - but reluctantly he had to leave for his new assignment. However, he said he will always nurture love and respect for Malta, which he first visited in 1969, and has visited 16 times since, before becoming ambassador three years ago.

M. Chrismant said he was struck by the cordiality and accessibility of different personalities in Malta. His job was made easier thanks to the excellent collaboration he found from his staff at the Embassy, both French and Maltese.

Speaking in Maltese, the Ambassador said he could not but mention the warm welcome and hospitality he found from the people of Zebbug, to whom he was close in moments of joy and moments of sadness, such as the current one, when the town was mourning the loss of two of its residents, who had died in the explosion which destroyed the fireworks factory in Wied Qirda. He had taken pictures with the two men, and with those who were seriously injured in the blast. The latter were constantly in his thoughts, and he wished them a speedy recovery.

M. Chrismant said that, as was usual on Bastille Day, he was pleased that the French government had decided to honour Maltese personalities for their contribution to Franco-Maltese relations. This year three Maltese were being honoured.

The first was Judge Maurice Caruana Curran, who deserved the honour not only for his academic and professional achievements but also for his dedication to the safeguarding of Malta's heritage as the founder of Din l-Art Helwa, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Judge Caruana Curran, who had just received the Europa Nostra award in Norway, was appointed Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic.

The second Maltese personality to be honoured was Dr Marc Bonello, chairman of the Malta Maritime Authority. Following a period of tension between Malta and France (over the Erika disaster), Dr Bonello had made strenuous efforts to improve the security of Malta's shipping fleet and, thanks to these efforts, the International Maritime Organisation had removed Malta from its blacklist. Dr Bonello has been made Knight of Maritime Merit of the French Republic.

Finally, Dr Anthony Aquilina, who for 30 years had taught French language and culture to generations of Maltese students at the Junior College and elsewhere, becomes a Knight of the Academic Palms of the French Republic. Dr Aquilina is also a journalist, radio amateur and talented essayist.

Following the pinning of decorations on the three Maltese personalities, Ambassador Chrismant proposed a toast to the President and Mrs Fenech Adami and to the three awardees.

President Fenech Adami, in reply, said that it was quite evident that Ambassador Chrismant loves Malta and its people. Not only did he speak Maltese "magnificently and perfectly" but he had also contributed greatly to strengthen Franco-Maltese relations in the three areas he highlighted - political, economic, and educational/cultural.

These three years have shown that this relationship has grown and that M. Chrismant has really understood what the aspirations of the Maltese people are.

President Fenech Adami said he was deeply moved to see M. Chrismant at the funeral of the two Zebbugin, whose coffins he accompanied to the cemetery. This showed that he had become part of the people of Zebbug.

Although M. Chrismant was now going to leave Malta for Mongolia, he could always return one day. He would be very welcome indeed, and who knows he might follow the example of other former ambassadors and buy a property here or live here.

During M. Chrismant's tenure, he could say that relations between France and Malta had been strengthened in all spheres. Dr Fenech Adami said that Malta had just welcomed the first French Foreign Minister to visit the island since independence; in the not too distant future we will be welcoming other very important French personalities, he said.

The President thanked the French government for the honours it had just bestowed to three Maltese citizens, and he expressed his regret at M. Chrismant's depature. He then proposed a toast to the President and people of France and to Franco-Maltese relations.

The speeches were followed by the playing of the Maltese and French national anthems, after which guests could continue to enjoy the extensive gardens and partake of the delicious French wines, sausages and cheeses-and for those who stayed till the end - also French chocolates.

The President, Mrs Fenech Adami launch Moon Ball

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami presided over the launching of the Ball of the August Moon, at San Anton Palace, which will be held on August 6 at Verdala Castle in Buskett, in the presence of the organising committee of the ball, which is this year being chaired by Dr Michael Grech. As usual, all proceeds from this annual event will be in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Patrons of the ball will be treated to a gala dinner, prepared and served by Island Caterers, with live entertainment by Val Valente, the Police Musical Group and the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta. Floral arrangements will be designed and prepared by Mrs Therese Sullivan and her team of floral artists.

The committee is particularly grateful to Marsovin, the main sponsor of this event, and also to Enemalta as well as a number of other sponsors.

Tickets for the ball, at Lm20, may be obtained from the office of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta (tel: 2124-0568 or 2124-0784).

Leading Australian wine launched

Hardys range of premium wines from Australia was recently launched on the local market by Anthony Cassar & Son during an al fresco presentation held at the Bayview Pool Deck of the Westin Dragonara Resort.

Guests were treated to a pre-launch Hardys wine tasting after a thorough presentation of these renowned, fine Australian wines by one of the company directors, Bill Hardy.

Hardys have been producing wine for over 150 years and have successfully served wine connoisseurs in more than 50 countries, now also including Malta.

Hardys wines are internationally recognised and are considered to be one of the top 10 wine brands in the world.

Thomas Hardy arrived in South Australia in 1850 and after three years he established a company with the aim of creating wines that would have been prized throughout the world. He was the first Australian to export wine in 1857.

Today, Hardys premium vineyards stretch across southern Australia from the Swan Valley near Perth to the Hunter Valley in the proximity of Sydney.

"In 2006, we are targeting a massive market of 11.6 million nine-litre cases with a growth potential of 23 per cent over the current year," Mr Hardy said during the presentation. Exports are doing well, with the UK leading with just over a quarter of a million litres followed by the United States with 187 million litres of wine.

The Hardy Wine Company from the humble beginnings in 1853, has grown to produce Australia's most popular wines.

Sandro Bianco, general manager of Anthony Cassar & Son, said: "The ambition of the company's founder is still the guiding principle at the heart of every Hardys wine and we are making sure that the Hardys wine experience is also shared in Malta thanks to our capillary distribution among the best food and drink outlets in Malta and Gozo."

The long-term objective of Anthony Cassar & Son Ltd is to consolidate and increase its constant growth to become a major player among the import companies in Malta by providing a vast array of products over various sectors, while striving to keep standards at the highest levels and obtain for their portfolio the major brands on the market.

The company is already importing and handling a wide range of products and given the various commercial interests and markets being serviced, to fulfil its obligations towards the customer, the company has been structured along the beverages division, retail operations, and fresh and frozen products division.

HSBC Naxxar customer wins trip to Paris

Nicole Marie Scerri of Naxxar, one of the many new customers opening accounts at HSBC Bank's Naxxar branch, has won a weekend break for two persons to Paris. Since opening in April, HSBC's Naxxar branch has been organising a series of incentives to reward all those who open new accounts. In May, a trip to Paris was also won by Allan Grech.

HSBC's opening of the new Naxxar branch is another affirmation of the bank's intention to get closer to its customers, particularly in important towns such as Naxxar, to constantly improve its service proposition to its customers.

For more information on other current initiatives that are on offer for new customers, call at the HSBC Naxxar branch.

Kinnie consumer wins exotic Emirates flight

Joseph Micallef of Siggiewi is the proud winner of the first Kinnie summer promotion, held in collaboration with Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline. The promotion ran during the Malta International Trade Fair earlier this month.

Mr Micallef won a return air ticket with Emirates to one of the exotic destinations of his choice, which includes the spectacular islands of the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

With every purchase of Kinnie or Diet Kinnie from the Farsons bar at the Trade Fair, consumers were given a lottery ticket to deposit at the Kinnie stand.

Lara Micallef, Kinnie brand executive, said: "Kinnie consumers still have a chance to win one of 50 free flights on Emirates airline. This initiative by Kinnie and Emirates is already attracting a huge number of participants, all eager to visit Dubai or one of the hotspots of Emirates' destinations."

Kinnie and Emirates are currently running a national promotion. With just six Kinnie or Diet Kinnie litre bottle caps, consumers have the great chance to win one of the 50 free Emirates flights. Winners can choose from a range of nine cities such as Dubai, Larnaca, Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Participants can send their entries together with their name and address to Kinnie Emirates Summer Promotion, PO Box 97, Birkirkara. Alternatively, consumers can exchange the Kinnie caps with lottery tickets at the Farsons Gift Shop, Freedom Square, Valletta (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon). The draws will be held on Friday and on September 30.

The Kinnie Emirates summer promotion is also extended for patrons visiting the 25th edition of the Farsons Great Beer Festival, which is being held till next Sunday at Ta' Qali. Consumers who buy a large bottle of Kinnie or Diet Kinnie will receive a lottery ticket to participate in a draw to win a flight to an exotic destination. The winner will be announced at the end of the festival.

The magic of the sea

Oltre Mare is Ed's (Edward Schembri) new exhibition at Cleland & Souchet. Depicting the sea, the exhibition looks at a world inhabited with wonderful creatures, adding life to this magical and mysterious world.

Ed portrays his inspiration using different media that bring about not just paintings, but windows letting out a different light on this water world we know so little about. An alien world that doesn't belong to us but mirrors our lives so faithfully. Rough at times, calm and precise in other instances. Sometimes deep and dark, at other times brighter than the sun shining in summertime.

Ed's work is full of energy and his main aim is to pass on to the viewer a particular strong vibe full of emotions that are open to a myriad of interpretations. Although he has treated a variety of subjects over the past years, his self-taught style is in the way he treats colour and the use of different media.

His primary objective is "to funnel life, with its dreams and realities, through my artistic representations".

Ed's works may be viewed at the Cleland & Souchet lifestyle store in Portomaso till the end of the month, Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 4.30 to 8.30 p.m.

Book on Luqa band launched

The committee of the Union Band Club, presided over by Dr Noel Camilleri, recently held the official launching of Hal Luqa u l-Banda Taghha L-Unjoni, a thoroughly-researched and mammoth work by Francis Galea about one of Malta's most prominent bands.

The launch, held in the main hall of the club, introduced the book to a packed hall. Dr Camilleri introduced the other members presiding: President Emeritus Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, the author, Dr André Camilleri and Alfred Palma.

Two winners a day with BoV at Trade Fair

Pio Tabone was one of many winners on Bank of Valletta's stand at this year's Trade Fair in Naxxar. Mr Tabone in fact was one of the competition winners who managed to come closest to guessing the number of piggy banks in the perspex box on Bank of Valletta's stand.

Mr Tabone was presented with a DVD player by Cliff Pace, head Marketing Integration at Bank of Valletta.

As the number of piggy banks in the box was changed every day, two winners were each day awarded a brand new DVD player after guessing or coming closest to guess the amount of piggy banks in the huge perspex box. A total of 22 DVD players were awarded throughout the whole duration of this year's Trade Fair.

Bis-Slama ya Tunis!

Bis-Slama, au revoir, good-bye... These were the phrases heard at the reception given by Ambassador Ives De Barro and his wife Anna Maria to bid farewell to their many friends and acquaintances in Tunis. The Ambassador and Mrs De Barro were joined by their son Yves who flew  to Tunis for the occasion.

Tunisian and Maltese diplomats, Tunisian government officials and many other friends and acquaintances gathered on the lovely lawn at the Ambassador's residence in the exclusive Gammarth Supérieur area of Tunis for farewell drinks and to bid au revoir to the De Barro family.

Ambassador Ives De Barro terminates his office in Tunis at the end of August after almost 35 years service as a career diplomat in the Maltese Foreign Service, having previously served in Tripoli, Rome, Paris, Cairo and Canberra, before moving to Tunis.

Barbecue with Tourism Minister

Over 300 people recently turned up for a barbecue, organised by the campaign team of Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech. The event was held at the Hilton.

During the event, the music group Spectrum from Gozo as well as Chiara offered the guests present live entertainment. Towards the end of the function, Dr Zammit Dimech thanked all the people present, pointing out that keeping in touch with friends and grass roots within the two districts that he contests and represents in Parliament have always been and will remain the highlight of his political mission.

He also referred to the satisfaction experienced through the completion of the St George's Bay project that has already been enjoyed by no fewer than 100,000 people last year and is attracting even larger crowds this year. Apart from the beach replenishment, the project has been enhanced with a promenade and new amenities.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements July 25-31

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives Dr Michael Refalo, High Commissioner of Malta to the UK at the Palace, Valletta.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives the chairman and executive committee of the Malta Playing Fields Association at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with a copy of the book Patri Felician Bilocca - Hajtu u Zminijietu 1914 - 1987 by Mr G.V. Bilocca and Mr Sergio Grech.
11 The President is interviewed by David Seale and Martha Tellez of Business Outlook for Time Magazine at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by The Commander Japan Training Squadron on board Training Ship Kashima at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.

Thursday
10.30 a.m. The President receives Principal Permanent Secretary Godwin Grima, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President receives the Permanent Representative of Malta to the International Maritime Organisation, Lino Vassallo and Maritime attaché Anne Marie Sciberras.
Noon The President presents letters of credence to Dr Noel Buttigieg Scicluna, Ambassador Designate of Malta to Denmark.

Friday
Noon The President receives Mr Speaker at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual anniversary reunion dinner organised by Din L-Art Helwa at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President receives the president and committee members of the King's Own Band Club on the feast of St Dominic at the Palace, Valletta.

Sunday
11.25 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the unveiling of the statue of St Andrew the Appostle, patron of the St Andrew Society in Lija.
9 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the St Cajetan Band Club on the feast of St Cajetan at the band club premises, Hamrun.

A new generation of bottles and teats

Impex Limited, of Mosta, representatives of NUK Baby Products, recently launched the NUK First Choice bottles and teats during a seminar at the Hilton.

Special guest Ms H. Borg, a breastfeeding specialist and midwife by profession, presided over a talk on breastfeeding and the working mother. This was then followed by an informative talk on the advantages of First Choice by NUK export manager Mr C. Moye. Several professionals including paediatricians, pharmacists, midwives and nurses attended.

The First Choice bottles and teats are a new generation of feeding bottles that were developed on the suggestion of many mothers. NUK commissioned an independent market research institute to undertake a survey among mothers in five countries to establish the ideal feeding bottle.

The results were carefully analysed and diligently put into practice. The new bottle and teat system comes even closer to the natural breastfeeding process. Furthermore, the system is leak-proof, offers improved stability and is easy to handle and clean.

After the development phase of the new bottle and teat system, NUK added a test phase - mothers were able to try out the bottles in the comfort of their homes. At the same time midwives and paediatricians were also asked to try them out. Test results were extremely positive.

The orthodontically-shaped teat has a new extra wide lip support. The renowned NUK air system, with the valve on the upper side of the teat, helps prevent a strong vacuum from forming while the baby is feeding, thus minimising the amount of air swallowed. This combination ensures a natural feeding process, making the baby feel secure, similar to being breastfed. This means that mothers can easily use the product both during and after the nursing period.

It also has several additional advantages, such as a protective, hygienic cap, with an audible click when inserted in its place, ensuring that bottle is appropriately sealed, and a redesigned sealing disc and screw ring for leak-free transport. An extra wide bottle neck enhances ease of use and an extra wide base ensures that the bottle stands flat.

Teats for these bottles are available in latex or silicone and in two sizes. The hole sizes are easily recognisable on the edge of the teat, offering a clear distinction between teats for specific feeds and drinks.

NUK First Choice is available in pharmacies and leading baby shops. For more information contact Impex on 2141-1355, or send an e-mail to impexltd@keyworld.net .

For your diary

A Maltese folk night is being organised by the Marija Bambina parish, Naxxar, at the Oratory Courtyard, on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Special guests include J. Anvil, John Muscat, Benny and Tonia, Clifford Galea, Isabelle Zammit, Nikola Said, L-Avukat Gawdenz Bilocca, Il-Majsi, Karmenu l-Awstraljan, Is-Sunshine, Joe Borg, Bronk Dancers, Rodianne Coleiro and Vanessa Gatt. There will also be stage 'Sketches' and traditional Maltese food. Entrance is free. For more information phone 9949-0710.

A dinner in aid of the Malta Hospice Movement is being held at the Moulin d'Or, Lija, on August 12 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost Lm3.50 for adults and Lm2 for children under 12 years. For bookings, by not later than August 5, phone 2144-0085/6 or send an e-mail to hospice@ onvol.net.

People

Dr Nicky Pace, MB, Ch.B., FRCA, MRCP (UK), M.Phil., FRCP (Glas.), consultant anaesthetist, has recently been awarded a Ph.D. in Medical Law and Ethics by the Faculty of Law at Glasgow University following the submission of the thesis 'The Regulation of Innovation in Medicine'.

He is currently the chairman of the Anaesthetic Department at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. He is married to Jacqui née MacGregor and has a son Jamie. His parents are Louise and Alex Pace of Sliema.

Charlene Cohen, B.Comm-unications (Hons) of Kalkara, recently attended the 2005 Academy of Marketing Science - World Marketing Congress in Muenster, Germany.

Ms Cohen was invited to present a paper which she co-authored with Professor Albert Caruana of the University of Malta, and Professor Kathleen A. Krentler of San Diego State University, USA, on corporate reputation.

In this paper, corporate reputation was looked at from a new perspective, and was conceptualised as an attitude.

The paper, complemented by a powerpoint presentation, was well received and highly praised by the members of the audience.

Ms Cohen now plans to continue with her studies and read for an MA in Integrated Marketing Communications.

Farewell party for Miss Malta

A farewell reception was recently organised prior to Miss Malta LindseyAnn Galea's departure to China, where she will compete for the Miss Intercontinental title.

The final night will take place at the municipal stadium in Huangshan, where LindseyAnn will be one of 60 participants. The pageant is organised by UNESCO and will be aired on the German television station RTL.

The reception, hosted by Tony Coleiro, general manager of Alexandra Palace Hotel, was attended by Swieqi mayor Alfred Curmi, George Vella, chairman of the Miss Malta competition, Denize Huizer, Malta delegate for Miss Europe in Paris, and Anthea Caruana of Birzebbuga, representative for Model of the World Awards in Martinique.

Patrick Padovani and Kenneth Borg Caruana, retail operations manager and sales and marketing manager of Miracle Foods, presented a cheque to George Gatt Mangion of GM Productions, organiser of the annual Miss Malta pageant. Mr Gatt Mangion expressed appreciation for their encouragement and support in the international participation.

GTI GROUP dresses up Miss Malta

GTI GROUP, operators of Kenjo Studio Boutique and Kyoto Boutiques of Valletta, have once again been given the task to dress the current Miss Malta.

Splendid Miss Lyndsey Galea, who earlier this year won the Miss Malta title, was at Kenjo and Kyoto to select dresses she will wear when she participates in the Miss Intercontinental title, to be held in Shanghai, China, on Saturday.

This is not the first time that GTI Group have been given such a task. Many past winners and important personalities have entrusted the company with a similar task in the past.

"Choosing the right items for such an occasion needs a special eye and years of experience," Mario Genovese said during the final tryouts. "You cannot always go by taste or colour but a general outlook on backdrops and the total visual environment of the occasion is needed blending in with the personality."