Heard in the Hive

Malta's Ambassador to Germany William C. Spiteri and his wife Doris held their farewell reception on July 28 at the State Representative office of Saarland, with which the Embassy of Malta enjoys a close relationship. Ambassador Spiteri has represented Malta since 1999, first in Bonn, and in Berlin since May 2000.

The evening started with a recital by Maltese pianist Erika Gialanze, who flew to Berlin specially for the occasion on the invitation of the Maltese embassy. Ms Gialanze brilliantly executed pieces by Ravel, Albeniz and Chopin, and received a rapturous applause from the around 300 guests present. Miss Gialanze played with great élan. Her technique and interpretation were of a high order; her rendering of the pieces was exquisite and masterly.

This was the last in a series of artistic and cultural events, which Ambassador Spiteri has organised over the years to promote Maltese talents in Germany. One recalls the concert with violinist Carmine Lauri and soprano Miriam Cauchi organised at the Konzerthaus in Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, in September 2004, together with a three-themed exhibition to celebrate Malta's 40 years of Independence and Malta's accession to the European Union.

Among those present for the farewell reception were a record number of colleague ambassadors, headed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Dr Erwin Josef Ender, Dr and Mrs Hans Ulrich Klose, SPD member of the German Parliament and ex-chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Count and Countess H. von Lambsdorff, ex-German Ambassador to the Czech Republic, a number of state secretaries representing the German Länder, officials from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Wilfried Bolewski from the Protocol Division, consuls and consuls general of Malta in Germany, the chief executive of the Maritim Hotel, Thomas Wachs, the president of the Business Association in Berlin (VBKI), Mr and Mrs Klaus von der Heyde, Dr Jürgen Sudhoff and Mrs Sudhoff, president of the International Club Berlin, and ex-German Ambassador to Paris, and Aage Dünhaupt from Lufthansa Technique.

Other guests included Hermann Leuer, the Embassy's lawyer, members of the Maltese community in Germany, some of whom travelled for the occasion from Frankfurt, Cologne and other towns and cities, representatives from the Malta Tourism Authority, including director Joe Galea and Mrs Galea, and Mr and Mrs Rüdiger Mackeldey, and Mr and Mrs Michael Frendo from Air Malta in Frankfurt.

Also present were high representatives from the Order of the Knights of Malta including Die Malteser and Johanniter, Dr Zsusa Breier, chairperson of the Cultural Organisation The New Ten, thanks to whom the Embassy has been participating in numerous cultural events, and Dr Britta Kaiser-Schuster, chairperson of the KulturStiftung der Laender, who on the initiative of Ambassador Spiteri will be holding an International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Malta in October.

Ambassador Spiteri delivered his farewell speech in German, in which he mentioned that relations between Malta and Germany were further developed and strengthened during the past six years, and highlighted the key moments of this six-year period, including Malta's accession to the European Union, the state visit of President Emeritus Guido de Marco to Germany in 2001, the official visit to Berlin of then Prime Minister Dr Eddie Fenech Adami in March 2001 and the visit of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to Malta in February 2004, as well as increasingly numerous high level official contacts between the two countries.

State Secretary of Saarland, Frau Monika Beck, delivered the valedictory speech, in which she praised Ambassador Spiteri for his forceful drive, his hard work and commitment, defining Mr and Mrs Spiteri as a veritable Berlin institution, being indefatigable in representing Malta with flair, in the process promoting tourism, trade, business relations and investment. She commended Mr and Mrs Spiteri for their pleasing personality, and their easy ability to make friends. She mentioned that Mr and Mrs Spiteri were ever ubiquitous at functions and events, representing Malta with great verve and enthusiasm.

The exchange of speeches, which was well received by the guests, was followed by a buffet reception, during which Maltese wine and pastizzi were served.

On July 22, Ambassador Spiteri made a farewell call on the Federal President, Horst Köhler, at his office, during which the extremely good relations between the two countries, together with prospects of further strengthening these relations were discussed.

Ambassador Spiteri will now be the guest of honour at a farewell lunch scheduled to be hosted by the Federal Foreign Office on Wednesday. Mr and Mrs Spiteri are expected to return to Malta on August 31.

Ambassador Spiteri was concurrently Ambassador of Malta to the Republic of Poland and to the Czech Republic. He has been instrumental in bringing about state visits to and from these two countries. In May 2000 he moved the Embassy of Malta from Bonn to Berlin; he was, thus, the first Ambassador of Malta to Berlin.

Golden anniversary reunion

It was an emotional and memorable golden anniversary for 12 out of 22 former students of the Form VC class at St Theresa Secondary School, Mdina. Some of those present had not met for 50 years.

After attending a thanksgiving Mass at St Dominic's church, Rabat, the group proceeded to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Grotto, recalling the various visits they had made in the past. A lunch followed at Il Veduta Restaurant, giving the opportunity to the former students to talk about the good old days. A poem written for the occasion by Jane Muscat née Camilleri was also read.

Those who could not make it, including two former teachers, Ms C. Portelli and Ms C. Consiglio, sent messages, which were read during the lunch.

Spare Ribs Night at ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija

On July 22, Lions Club Sliema held the tradional Spare Ribs Night at ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija. Besides the proceeds from this popular event, a catering barbecue set was also presented to Bradley Dingli, marketing and events manager at the Razzett, to help in the fund-raising activities.

Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberja was founded in 1989 by Paddy and Janatha Stubbs and provides leisure facilities, rehabilitation and therapeutic services free of charge to over 1,000 disabled persons every year.

The late Paddy Stubbs was a member of Lions Club Sliema and the club has remained very close to ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija. Various numerous fund-raising activities have been held over the years on their behalf.

Successful beer fest

The bands and artists who performed at this year's Farsons Great Beer Festival brought huge success to the event.

Thousands of people gathered at Ta' Qali Park to enjoy the atmosphere offered by live performances of some of the top local artists and bands including Corkskrew, Scream Daisy, Beangrowers, Chiara, Fabrizio Faniello, Hooligan, Ivan Filletti and Ira Losco.

All who attended were also able to enjoy a wide range of local brews and international beers. These included Cisk Lager, Blue Label Smooth 'N' Creamy and the new Hopleaf Extra Smooth 'N' Creamy. International beer brands included Cisk Export, Carlsberg, Skol, Budweiser, Guinness, Kilkenny, John Smith's, Beck's and Corona.

Twenty-five years on

Francis Spiteri, ex-instructor, Umberto Colosso, writes:

Lads yesterday... fully grown men today. Practically all of them are nicely settled down, married with a comfortable home, a loving family and, of course, driving a smart modern car - a far cry from the rather antiquated power units that the auto-workshops at Umberto Colosso were equipped with and on which these men were initiated in the motor mechanics world.

Most of them have done very well since then, some exceptionally well, in fact a few of them are household names in the motor repair and servicing industry. The others are well established with reputable firms either as technicians or maintenance fitters.

It is with nostalgia that I write about these lads. Most of them came from a humble environment with little means, but were highly motivated and resolute to do well in their course at Umberto Colosso.

Although most of them came from remote villages, having to leave home at 6 a.m. to get to school on time, truancy was minimal and when they stayed away, it was with some justification as their help was needed either at home or on the farm. It is more to their credit that although they were brought up in an environment which was not exactly stimulating, probably denied of their reliance on parents for some help when they encountered difficulties with their academic subjects, yet most of them did well even in external exams.

My job was sometimes stressful, like an uphill struggle, but as I saw the lads grow up and do well in their exams, I was satisfied at my input towards their progress and the building of their career.

One should also mention their unassuming parents. The respect and gratitude they showed me for helping their sons mature and find their place in life, was always forthcoming.

You will appreciate it even more when some 25 years later, through their own initiative, they organised a reunion at the Mellieha Holiday Complex, during which they invited me as the main guest.

I have kept contact with some of them. Others I haven't seen at all during these years. What a pleasant surprise to meet them after all this time.

Needless to say we talked shop during the evening although I tried not to let the subject dominate the conversation. Since I retired, I didn't feel the need to keep abreast with the evolution and incredible progress of the modern I.C. engine and its fuel management. On the contrary I realised how aware and well-versed these men are on the modern motorcar. I, for a change was their student as they had a lot to teach me on the subject! What a pleasant, rewarding evening!

Vodafone celebrates 15 years in Malta

Vodafone Malta Ltd has celebrated its 15th anniversary with a party for employees at Le Meridien Phoenicia. Vodafone began operating in Malta as Telecell in July 1990. It was the first overseas subsidiary of Vodafone Group plc, the world's largest mobile community.

Vodafone has long been at the forefront of technical developments in Malta. The company was one of the first mobile providers to use ETACS analogue equipment in Europe. It is now intending to introduce 3G to Malta. Vodafone Malta has a customer base of over 170,000 customers.

The party also gave employees an opportunity to bid farewell to outgoing CEO, Joseph C. Grioli, who announced his retirement some weeks ago. Mr Grioli has been chief executive officer of Vodafone Malta since its formation.

Also attending the party was Hatem Dowidar, Vodafone Malta's new CEO. Mr Dowidar was previously Vodafone Group's director of Voice and Text Propositions, and brings with him considerable experience in the mobile communications market.

The anniversary party culminated with a fireworks show.

Entertainment was provided by J. Anvil, who is also a Vodafone employee, a rock band made up of Vodafone staff, top local band Winter Moods and DJ Carlo Borg Bonaci.

Montaigne Investment signs Miss Ireland as spokesperson

Montaigne Investment Corporation has recently signed a five-figure contract with the current Miss Ireland, Aoife Cogan, to be their worldwide spokesperson. Ms Cogan will travel to charity events sponsored by Montaigne on behalf of the company to raise the profiles of both the charity events and the company.

Montaigne is a boutique investment company that specialises in mergers and acquisitions advisement, with a specialty focus in the areas of deal structuring, fund-raising, debt structuring and venture capital for privately and publicly traded companies within the European Union.

Pat Austin, chief executive officer of Montaigne, said: "We are delighted to have Aoife on board as spokesperson. Her sophistication, professionalism and style will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of any charity events our company is supporting".

As Miss Ireland 2005, Ms Cogan will represent the Emerald Isle in China this December at the Miss World contest.

Yesterday, Ms Cogan attended the prestigious Ball of the August Moon held at Verdala Castle as her first official appearance on behalf of Montaigne. The ball is an annual charity event hosted by President Edward Fenech Adami and is attended by many high profile guests, various foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.

Katie Brock, Montaigne's marketing manager, said: "We are looking forward to working closely with Aoife over the next year to increase the profile of the company while supporting worthwhile charities."

Beauty therapists, students attend course in Germany

Sherwood Trading, agents and distributors of German natural skincare products and spa treatments Annemarie Börlind, recently sponsored a group of beauty therapists and beauty therapy students from the Nefertiti Beauty Acadamy to attend a three-day training seminar in Black Forest, Germany. The seminar was conducted by Patricia Maas, the company's international trainer.

Training covered an in-depth knowledge of the retail products as well as the professional spa treatment products. The group also visited the company's headquarters, laboratories, production facilities and spa. Certificates were presented to the participants at the end of the seminar.

For more information about the next seminar, contact Rachaelle Demicoli at Sherwood Trading on 2148-4381 or 9980-3070.

People

Elizabeth Rose De Gaetano was formally awarded the degree of Master of Science (with Distinction) in Archaeological Computing (Virtual Pasts) at a Congregation at the Turner Sims Concert Hall of the University of Southampton on July 26.

Ms De Gaetano was educated at St Joseph's Convent School, Sliema, at St Aloysius' College Sixth Form, and at the University of Malta, from where she obtained a B.A. (Hons) degree in Archaeology. Her disserta-tion for the M.Sc. was on the analysis of movement within Roman houses using two- and three-dimensional analytical techniques.

Since completing her work at the University of Southampton last October, Ms De Gaetano has been working as an illustrator in the graphics department of Oxford Archaeology, one of Britain's largest independent archaeological practices, with over 200 specialist staff based in Oxford and Lancaster.

Ms De Gaetano is the daughter of Chief Justice and Mrs Marie-Therese De Gaetano.

Broadcaster Charles Xuereb was recently awarded a Master of Science degree in Media Management from the University of Stirling after completing a two-year course and presenting his dissertation on "Financial Sustainability of Television Broadcasting in a Small State like Malta".

The Department of Media and Film Studies in the Scottish University this year celebrated its 25th year of academic activities.

Mr Xuereb has been in media administration since the Eighties, at first in educational broadcasting, having also devised and launched the educational channel for the Ministry of Education in 1996. Four years ago, Mr Xuereb was appointed general manager of Audiovision Productions Ltd, which produces local drama series, educational and cultural programmes and a variety of documentaries and television commercials besides hosting a number of local talk shows.

During his long career in the media, Mr Xuereb has created and is still active in the presentation and production of several successful series both on radio and television.

Miss World - Malta

Ferdine Fava, 18, of St Julians, is this year's Miss World - Malta.

Modelle International, under the direction of Sue Rossi and Claudia Calleja, organised the pageant for the ninth edition. The pageant, which was held on July 23, is the only contest which entitles a Maltese representative to participate in the Miss World International Beauty Pageant.

Miss World will be held on December 10 in China in the Miss World Theatre, a 7,000-seat building which was built in the shape of a crown. Malta will be participating among 110 countries. Around 2.5 billion viewers are expected to be following the contest.

Ms Fava is sponsored by Ray Ashley Fashion Studio, Cut Coiffeur by KMS, Nee make-up, Crystal Clear at Iris Skin Care Centre, Fotoclassic and Directions Travel. The organisers also thank Rachel Vella.

BoV donates books to Marsascala library

Bank of Valletta has donated a collection of books to the Marsascala council. These books will be placed in the Marsascala regional library for the benefit of the people of the community.

George Cassar White, manager of BoV's Marsascala branch, presented the books to Marsascala mayor Carmelo Mifsud in the presence of the staff of the Marsascala council.

Mr Cassar White said: "Bank of Valletta is pleased to assist the local council in its project of setting up a regional library for the benefit of the community. BoV has been active in supporting such initiatives which contribute towards enhancing the knowledge of those who use these resources. In fact, this donation is one in a series of book donations to regional libraries that BoV has presented in its bid to promote reading, particularly in areas related to Maltese arts and culture."

Mr Mifsud thanked Bank of Valletta for the donation. He said: "The timing of this donation is very appropriate considering that the population of Marsascala peaks at around 16,000 in summer and, therefore, there is the possibility for much more people to visit the regional library and make good use of their leisure time.

"The Marsascala community, especially the children who are enjoying their holidays, will welcome this addition to the library," Mr Mifsud concluded.

Jazz concert in aid of James Grech Cancer Fund

La Vita De La Vallette together with Valletta Waterfront are presenting a jazz concert in aid of the James Grech Cancer Fund, featuring the renowned Val Valente Quintet. The event will be held at Valletta Waterfront on Monday August 29 at 8.30 p.m. and the programme will include compositions and hits of George Gershwin, Billy Strayhorn, Harry Warren, Joseph Cosma, Stevie Wonder, Lee Spiteri and Val Valente

"Violinist James Grech, founder and organiser of the Stradivari Season, is currently undergoing treatment for lymphoblastic lymphoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. In recognition of his contribution to cultural life in Malta, fellow-musicians and colleagues have set up the James Grech Cancer Fund to organise events and raise money for James' treatment expenses.

"Thanks to Valletta Water-front and La Vita De La Vallette we have been able to organise this event, together with the James Grech Cancer Fund, to help this young talented musician hopefully on his road to recovery," said Val Valente.

The Val Valente Quintet features Harry Edleston on keyboards, Marvin Gaerty on guitar, Joe 'Bibi' Camilleri on drums, Simon Sammut on bass, and Val Valente on saxophone. A limited number of seats are available at Lm3.50. La Vita de La Vallette is also taking a limited number of reservations for dinner during the concert. Early booking is recommended.

For further information and reservations call 2123-1369, 7944-0807 or 7953-7925 or e-mail to jgcf@global.net.mt .

Proceeds from jazz Tribute CD donated to children's fund

The proceeds generated from the sale of Tribute, an album which features performances from over 70 of Malta's leading musicians, have been presented to the HSBC Cares for Children Fund.

The funds collected since the album's launch were presented by Dominic Galea, who co-ordinated the project, to Josef Camilleri, a member of the fund's committee.

The presentation took place at the launch of Dominic Galea's second tribute CD which features the music and voices of those who, in the past, used to entertain the crowd at Pjazza Regina. This new album, which continues to build an important historical record of the post-war music scene in Malta, is once again being sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta plc. Proceeds from the sale of the album will also be donated to the HSBC Cares for Children Fund.

For your diary

A dinner in aid of the Malta Hospice Movement is being held at Moulin d'Or, Lija, on August 12 at 7.30 p.m. For more information phone 2144-0085/6 or e-mail hospice@onvol.net .

StoPoverty! is organising a barbecue at the Imperial Hotel, Sliema, on September 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost Lm5 for adults and Lm2.50 for children under 10 years. For bookings phone 2134-3183 or e-mail jlbason@kemmunet.net.mt by August 30.