Heard in the Hive

Bank of Valletta has sponsored Festa Naxxar. The Bank's sponsorship was presented by Godwin Mamo, manager of BoV's Naxxar branch to Naxxar mayor Dr Maria F. Deguara.

Godwin Mamo said that apart from being the main provider of financial services in Naxxar, with a presence of over 30 years of service to the Naxxar community, BoV also plays an active role within the social and cultural life of this community. "BoV's support of Festa Naxxar shows our support for local cultural activities," Mr Mamo said.

Charity dinner in London

The Malta Charities Association, which is organising a dinner-dance at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone Road, London on Friday, is grateful to their sponsors and donors: The Landmark Hotel, Malta Direct Travel, Baring Asset Management, Farsons, Nick and Alexia Bell, Lord Dalmeny of Sotheby's, Alan Lewis, sculptor Joe Xuereb, sculptor Robert Hornyold-Strickland, Andrew Diacono, Amelia Troubridge, Zoe Chamorat, Andrew Micallef, Mary de Piro, Kenneth Zammit Tabona;

Peter Heywood, Pippa Toledo, John Borg Manduca, Gabriel Caruana, Stephen and Jacqui Vassallo, Antoine Xuereb, Martin Wonfor, The Corinthia Group, Ta' Cenc Hotel, Xara Palace Hotel, The Westin Malta, Quirinale Hotel, Rome, The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, K-West Hotel in London, Allied Newspapers, The Malta Independent, Malta Today, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd., Michael Mangion of WebSphere Ltd, George Grech of Square Deal, the 151 Club, Percius Car Hire, and Dolce Vita, La Terrazza and Peppino restaurants.

Spiteri - Magri

The marriage was recently celebrated at Tal-Mirakli Chapel in Lija between Rita Spiteri, daughter of Lorenza Spiteri and the late Gerald Spiteri of Birkirkara, and Patrick Magri, son of the late Frederick and Rita Magri of Lija.

Mass was celebrated by Lija parish priest Rev. David Zammit. Paul Magri, the groom's brother, and John Spiteri, the bride's brother, witnessed the ceremony, while Joseph Spiteri carried out the duties of best man.

The bride, who wore an off-the-shoulder dress with a georgette skirt and a sash of fabric on the skirt and top, was attended by Anabelle Bonnici, the groom's cousin, and Josienne Magri, the groom's sister. Analise Magri, the groom's niece, and Michela Spiteri, the bride's niece, were flower-girls.

A reception was held at the Riviera Hotel. The couple spent their honeymoon in Cyprus.

Bridal fashion trends

IndivIdualistic designs characterise this season's biggest fashion trend. To select a style that complements your own uniqueness, whether it is a classic simple dress or a vintage-inspired wedding gown, then your wish is this season's command.

This welcome trend in wedding style is for the bride to seek a look that reflects and express her special personality. The future bride has to keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to walk down the aisle wearing that dream wedding gown she has always imagined.

The artistic expressions of designers for this season evoke a more romantic feel than previous years; lady-like silhouettes that are both classic and dreamy are definitely back in style. One of the emerging trends is to shift away from the more elaborate style to a more refined, eloquent look.

Prominent features are the square necklines, sweetheart-shape décolleté and updated halternecks, strapless gowns and corset style bodes continue to be among the favourites.

The A-line shapes which complement just about every body shape are a perennial favourite. In keeping with the romantic trend are the popular ballgowns and the sheath-style dresses.

The side-drape dress is extremely figure-flattering, because it looks graceful, while hiding any figure flaws. Trust your bridal consultant suggestions to help you choose the appropriate style. Favourite fabrics are still in classic satin, Indian and Thai silk. Lace, with the addition of chiffon and sheer fabrics, are ideal, if you will opt for the light and breezy appearance.

I foresee more various kind of lace to be used this year, like the intricately embroidered tulle lace/French lace, in line with the persistent "vintage" inspiration of overlay.

One of my favourite colour combinations is an overlay of the beautiful Maltese cream lace over a pale pink satin. This will achieve a soft, feminine look and create a subtle variation for the bride who wishes to have a striking and original design.

Traditional decorative elements which embellish the bridal gowns this season include lace and pearl appliqués. Hand beading adorns most dresses. The softer look creation is reflected in the gentler drape veils this season. The trend of embellishment is also seen in headpieces and veils which are bejewelled with crystals, gold thread and freshwater pearls.

One of my favourite distinctive features is using Swarovski crystals as accessories, whether they are used on the wedding dress or separate from the gown - such as hairpieces. These crystals will lend an unmatched brilliance and class to the designs.

According to leading florists, three new interpretations are emerging for bridal bouquets - royal garden, romantic sophistications and contemporary chic.

Gloves and gauntlets of various lengths are making a comeback this year; this will keep with the romantic direction of bridal fashion.

by Mary J. Jones Dress designer

Appreciation James Grech

Mr Philip Lingard writes:

James Grech was a man of enormous strength and courage. He was not just physically strong - the way he fought the exceptionally aggressive form of a very rare cancer and survived numerous crises while on life support was testimony to that - but James had the fortitude to strike out boldly in the directions he believed in and to follow through regardless of obstacles or setbacks.

I first met James handing out leaflets outside Café Cordina for a Manoel Theatre concert. He immediately convinced me to travel with him to Gozo to help with the project and I was stunned by his enthusiasm, clarity of thought, and knowledge and all-consuming love of music and musicianship.

That James had enormous leadership qualities was apparent to all who met him. The extraordinary achievement of organising three celebrity concerts with orchestra in Australia this July after undergoing six cycles of high dosage chemotherapy and suffering the first cancer recurrence was testimony to his energising presence.

He knew nobody except his sister Miriam when he arrived for treatment in Brisbane, yet his funeral there was packed with friends and supporters and many were visibly distressed by his passing.

His own playing took a back seat in recent years but it is hard to forget what an outstanding violinist James was. Muscular yes, stage presence in abundance, yet his extraordinary dexterity, finesse, sensitivity and musicianship also shone through. The look of awe on the face of the visiting Vladimir Ponkin, chief conductor of the Moscow Philharmonic Society, when James casually picked up his violin and played the famous Paginini variations in exhilarating style, is a lasting personal memory of the impact James' playing was capable of.

It is for his concert organising and the Stradivari Season that James will be best remembered. He had a passion to share his love of music and to bring great performance to Malta on a consistent basis. In this he not only organised over 50 concerts in a remarkably short time but he also revived the Malta International Summer Festival which the MCCA and Euro Academy of Music continued and broadened this summer.

Never afraid to innovate, he took classical concerts to many of the beautiful venues across the island leaving those fortunate enough to attend with indelible memories of exceptional evenings. His vision was for world class performance to complement and support the unique and abundant architectural heritage of Malta creating a fusion of excellence shining as a beacon at the heart of the Mediterranean, lighting a path for tourists and Maltese.

James' legacy will live on in numerous ways. So many people came new to particular pieces or to music through his endeavours and the Brisbane performances were recorded on DVD and CD.

James was a great son of Malta who in his short life reached out and profoundly touched people within and beyond these islands. It was a pleasure and a deep honour to have known him and to have been counted among his friends.

Malta will have the opportunity of paying tribute and respects at the James Grech Concert at the Manoel Theatre on Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. when many Maltese musicians will be honouring him. His Mass is being held at the new parish church, St Venera, on Thursday at 7.30 p.m.

For your diary

A bargain sale in aid of the Salesians of Don Bosco is being held at St Patrick's School, Sliema, till Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The King's Own Band of Valletta will give its annual classical music concert at the Catholic Institute, Floriana, on Saturday. Tickets, free of charge, can be obtained from the club in Republic Street.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements October 31-November 6

Tomorrow
11 a.m. The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) by Skola Sajf 2005 at the Palace, Valletta.
6 p.m. The President is presented with the Budget Speech by the Prime Minister.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Austrian Ambassador Dr Elisabeth Kehrer on the National Day of Austria at the Austrian Embassy at Whitehall Mansions in Ta' Xbiex.

Tuesday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the L-Istrina 2005 meeting at Verdala Castle.
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over an MCCF board meeting at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives Saudi Arabian Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf Al-Saud on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President meets the business delegation accompanying him on his official visit to Spain.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with the letters of commission by Bangladesh High Commissioner Jamilud Din Ashan at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with credentials by Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Nam.
1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited high commissioner and ambassador at Verdala Castle.
7 The President attends the 9th annual St Augustine's lecture entitled "Augustine's City of God - Background and Importance for Christianity in Postmodern Europe" by Professor Johannes Von Oort from the Catholic University of Nijmegen in Holland, at Erin Serracino Inglott Hall, University of Malta.

Friday
9 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami receives Alfred J. Chetcuti and Anton Miceli from the National Commission for Folklore at San Anton Palace.
10 The President receives the chairman accompanied by the senior management of ETC on its 15th anniversary at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 Mrs Fenech Adami receives the members of the Eden Foundation and the Down Syndrome Association at San Anton Palace.
11 The President receives Dr Joanna Drake, head of the EU Representation in Malta, at the Palace, Valletta.

Saturday
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a symphony concert by the King's Own Band at the Catholic Institute in Floriana.
8 The President attends the launching of the book by Professor J. Rizzo Naudi entitled Brucellosis, The Malta Experience - a celebration 1905-2005 and inaugurates the exhibition on Sir Temi Zammit at the Health Ministry in Valletta.