Heard in the Hive

The Malta edition of the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix, organised by Wands Limited, importers of Bac-ardi in Malta, and P. Cutajar & Co. Ltd, importers of Martini, in collaboration with the Maltese Bartenders Guild (MBG), was held last month at the Portomaso Suite at the Hilton, St Julian's.

Damien Curmi, bar manager at the Barcelò Riviera Resort, Marfa, who won the Paissà Junior Category was awarded the best junior bartender in Malta's most prestigious cocktail competition, organised annually for the international Bacardi Martini Grand Prix.

Second placed was Elizabeth Vella of the Bugibba Holiday Complex and third place went to Stefano Zerafa of Le Méridien St Julian's.

Damien will represent Malta at the 2006 Bacardi Martini Grand Prix World Finals in Turin, Italy, next month.

The event is the ideal opportunity for young professional bar staff to present their ideas and creations. Participants are judged on their cocktail, preparation skills, as well as their general knowledge to assess their ability to relate to customers professionally on the job.

Bacardi Martini has always maintained a special relationship with bar people and the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix was the ideal occasion for members of the bar trade to get together and discuss their experience and the trade.

Bacardi and Martini products are among the world's most prestigious brands of spirits and are renowned for their quality. With a blend of the finest Bacardi Rum, tropical fruit juices, exotic flavours and pure sparkling water, the original Bacardi Breezer is once again set to become a favourite refreshing drink for beachgoers and clubbers this summer.

Martini is available in Bianco, Rosso and Dry. For the exclusive drinker, Martini is also available in a sparkling wine Brut and Asti versions.

Bailey's Woman of the Year presents cash prize to charities

The Jesuit Refugee Service and Id-Dar tal-Providenza are the recipients of the cash prize won by Dr Giannella Caruana Curran as winner of the third edition of the Bailey's Woman of the Year Award in 2005.

For the past three years, M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Ltd, through Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur, have organised this annual event aimed at honouring that Maltese woman who, in the public's and judges opinion, best represents the Bailey's core essence values of conviviality, sensuality and indulgence.

The Bailey's Woman of the Year, receives a unique trophy together with a Lm500 cash gift to be donated to the philanthropic organisation of her choice.

Dr Caruana Curran chose to divide her prize between the Jesuit Refugee Service and Id-Dar tal-Providenza, both of which she deemed to be particularly deserving causes.

The cash donations were recently presented by Dr Caruana Curran together with Martin Borg from M. Demajo, (Wines and Spirits) Ltd to representatives of the Jesuit Refugee Service and Id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a short ceremony at Demajo House in Valletta.

Cercle Vassalli's courtesy call on French Ambassador

Joseph and Joyce Camilleri, respectively treasurer and assistant secretary-general of the Cercle Vassalli in France, recently paid a courtesy visit on French Ambassador Jean-Marc Rives at the embassy in Valletta.

The Ambassador welcomed the activities of the Cercle Vassalli, which promotes good relations between France and Malta, and encouraged the representatives of the Cercle to maintain and possibly extend the contacts which have been established between Maltese persons and those of Maltese origin in France, as well as with the appropriate diplomatic representations in both countries.

Founded in Paris in 1999, this association, currently under the chairmanship of Patrice Sanguy of the Université Paris Dauphine, seeks to bring together all those persons living in France, whether of Maltese origin or not, who are interested in Malta and the Maltese, and who, by their work, professional activity, studies or research, contribute towards a better knowledge and understanding of Malta and the links existing between Malta and France. The ultimate aim is to encourage and always improve relations between the two countries, both in the cultural and in the economic spheres.

The Cercle Vassalli also encourages and supports studies and research on the situation of Maltese communities in France as well as on the history and culture of Maltese communities in the old French territories, organising meetings, conferences and discussions.

The name of the Cercle Vassalli was chosen in homage to Mikiel Anton Vassalli, considered to be the father of the Maltese language, who was also a friend of France, a thinker, a writer and a linguist, and who spent a good number of years in exile in France during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Cercle can be contacted at cercle.vassalli@laposte.net

Flowers from around the world in Washington

On the initiative of Mrs Marie-Therese Lowell, wife of Malta's Ambassador to the United States, John Lowell, the Malta Floral Club was invited to participate in 'Flower Mart - Flowers from around the world' at the National Cathedral in Washington DC earlier this month.

This was a first for the cathedral, with eight countries being represented. The Floral Club was represented by Mrs Lily de' Conti Manduca and Mrs Monica Chetcuti. Their beautiful creation was unique and exquisite, and praised by all who viewed it.

The other countries taking part were The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, South Africa, Jamaica and Ukraine. The event attracted some 15,000 people over two days.

Not only was the show a success but Mrs Lowell said that Bishop Chane of Washington and Dean Lloyd, dean of the cathedral, were overwhelmed to have the exquisite Malta exhibit at the cathedral.

During their stay in Washington the Floral Club members were guests at the Maltese Ambassador's residence.

Commonwealth Women's Association international food fair

The Commonwealth Women's Association, which is made up of women diplomats and wives of diplomats of Commonwealth countries in Washhington, DC, recently held its annual fund-raising event for charities, the International Food Fair, at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, DC.

In this association, Malta is represented by Mrs Marie-Therese Lowell, wife of Ambassador John Lowell, and Mrs Eva Farrugia, wife of former Deputy Chief of Mission Alfred Farrugia.

Each embassy of the Commonwealth states had a table with foods from their own country. Malta offered ricotta, pea pastizzi and qaghaq tal-gunglien. Malta's table also had cubes depicting scenes of Malta provided by the Malta Tourism Authority. Each embassy also provided an international basket.

Another feature of this fair was the silent auction which was run by Mrs Farrugia. Embassies donated gifts which were used at the silent auction to raise money.

The Maltese Embassy donated a beautiful framed print of a limited edition painting by Doris Micallef.

Mr Farrugia helped the association by procuring two vouchers, one for a three-day stay with breakfast for two at the SAS Radisson Bay Point Resort, St Julian's, and a week's stay for two including breakfast at the Suncrest Hotel, Qawra, which were kindly donated by their respective managements.

Numerous foreign diplomats with their families and other American families visited the fair. All the money raised will be distributed among the organisations Smile Train, which carries out operations on children born with cleft lip, and Fido, which sponsors the training of dogs for blind persons.

The remainder of the funds will go towards shelters for homeless women and children in the Washington metropolitan area.

NCW visits shelter homes

On the occasion of Mother's Day, members of the Social Issues Committee of the National Council of Women, led by their co-ordinator Rita Camilleri, visited three shelter homes for women, Dar Merhba Bik, Dar Qalb ta' Gesu and Dar Tereza Spinelli.

The aim of this visit was to show solidarity with some 32 mothers with children and single women who are passing through a difficult period. The occasion was also an opportunity to learn from the women concerned about their plight and to talk to the social workers who run the homes.

The NCW delegation presented the residents with a hamper full of toiletries, biscuits, snacks, sweets and other gifts, which were donated by various sponsors.

Best Mum Competition held at Bay Street

The Best Mum Competition was held at the Bay Street Complex last Sunday, on Mother's Day.

Both mothers and their children were invited to participate in this competition. Photographs of them together were taken while the children were invited to fill in a form describing why they believed their mother to be the best mum.

Photos of the 11 finalists in the Best Mum Competition with the children's comments may be viewed on the Website at www.baystreet.com.mt Voting may be done by SMS on 5061-6117. Each SMS costs 50c.

Prizes for the children are kindly supplied by Pedigree. Voting will also give the voters the possibility of winning a weekend break at the Bay Street Hotel.

Le Méridien St Julian's has new general manager

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has just announced Michael Shannon as general manager at Le Méridien St Julian's, Malta, the latest hotel opened by Le Méridien worldwide, and the first since the brand was acquired by Starwood earlier this year.

Throughout his extensive career with Starwood, Mr Shannon held various positions in Germany, The Netherlands, Croatia and Russia.

He was also manager at the Sheraton Belgravia Hotel, a deluxe boutique hotel in London, serving four years and distinguishing himself in the role. After spending some time in New York, at the hub and heart of the W brand, he moved to W in Sydney, Australia, his most recent post.

Mr Shannon has just arrived in Malta earlier this month. He is thrilled with his re-location back to Europe and is looking forward to taking on the challenge of a new brand within the Starwood portfolio. Mr Shannon is slowly settling in and beginning to acclimatise to the Mediterranean lifestyle and Maltese culture.

He is very much looking forward to working with Deputy GM Peter Losch. He plans to continue building on the successes accomplished by the whole team at Le Méridien St Julian's in setting the high standards and the contemporary chic image that is the trademark of the Le Méridien brand.

Mr Shannon is married to Christina and they have two children, Maja, six, and Liam, four. He is Canadian, from Victoria, British Columbia.

Lions Club welcomes new members

The Lions Club Malta (Host) annual gala night, during which new members are officially introduced to the club, was recently held at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, St Julian's.

The three new Lions Club members are George Cassar, John Dem-anuele and Frank Farrugia.

Attending the event were Lions Club members and their guests, as well as the club's partners from Lions Club Augusta (Host) and Lions Club Taormina (Host) who were hosted to a gala dinner. The presidents of both clubs delivered speeches welcoming the new Lion members.

During the dinner, the club also celebrated the new partnership with Lions Club Augusta (Host). These twinning partnerships, one of which is with Lions Club Taormina (host) which has been ongoing for over 35 years, serve as a means of exchanging ideas and friendships with other Lions Clubs, and of making their work as efficient, creative and profitable as possible.

Belgian girl crowned Miss European Union

Stephanie Degelin, from Belgium, was recently crowned Miss European Union by Alta Care Laboratoires during a beauty contest held at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome. The contest was produced by Bruno Bevilacqua and conducted by Fabio Canino, with Victoria Silvstedt and Giulia Olivetti.

The Alta Care Laboratoires sash was presented to the winner by Ronn Moss and Victoria Silvstedt. Following this triumph, Ms Degelin will be part of the cast in the next film directed by Nick Raymonds, in which Victoria Silvstedt, Giulia Olivetti and Silvia Dimitrova will also be taking part.

A total of 50 girls took part in the contest, two from each EU member state. Malta was represented by Viktoria Schembri and Andrea Osvart from Alta Care Laboratoires. The beauty contest was also attended by Max Parodi, Ronn Moss (who sang his last hit It's all about you), Silvia Rocca, Surama and the pop group Paps'n'Skar (already famous for the summer hit Vieni con me).

Order of Merit conferred on Norwegian consul-general in Malta

The Norwegian consul-general in Malta, Anthony Zammit Cutajar, has recently been conferred with the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in the rank of Commander.

The Order of Merit is conferred by King Harald V on foreign nationals as a reward for outstanding service in the interests of Norway.

Mr Zammit Cutajar has been serving as honorary consul for Norway in Malta since 1984 and consul-general since 1990.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements May 22-28

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives Andrew Psaila, chief executive officer of PBS, at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President receives Mgr Philip Calleja and Fr Paul Pace.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Tuesday
9.30 a.m. The President receives Attard's mayor and councillors at San Anton Palace, Attard.
11 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami present financial aids and items of special equipment on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) to various associations and institutes at the Palace, Valletta.
4.30 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presents gifts to patients at Wonderland (St Luke's Hospital) at San Anton Palace.
6.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over the MCCF board meeting.

Wednesday
Noon The President is presented with a commemorative medal by Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Mezghani on behalf of the President of Tunisia, at the Palace, Valletta.
4.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are interviewed by Josephine Zammit Cordina for the television programme Waltzing Matilda at San Anton Palace.
8 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a recital by Erika Gialanzè, Fiona Giambra and Mario Buhagiar.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Spanish Ambassador Marta Vilardell Coma at the Palace, Valletta.
11.15 The President is presented with credentials by Ukrainian Ambassador Georgii Chernyavsky.
1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors of Spain and Ukraine at San Anton Palace.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives a group from Valenciana, Spain, accompanied by Minister Louis Galea and Ambassador Gaetan Naudi at the Palace, Valletta.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the MCCF working committee meeting.
Noon The President inaugurates the new Forni Cruise Terminal at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.

Sunday
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Rita at San Anton Chapel, Verdala Palace.

For your diary

A bridge and card party, in aid of the Gift of Life foundation, is being held at Villa Marchese in Attard on Tuesday. For tickets phone 9922-4043 or 7931-8961.

YMCA (Malta) is organising high tea at the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday at 4.30 p.m. For tickets, at Lm2, phone 2158-0982.

A bazaar in aid of the missions is being held at "Kings", Tower Road, Sliema, till Saturday, from 9.30 a.m. Big bargains on clothes, toys, white elephant gifts and books.

The Malta Historical Society is organising a lecture on "Silver Treasures at St Paul's Collegiate church in Rabat", delivered in Maltese by Fr Louis Suban, at St Publius' church, Floriana, tomorrow week at 6.30 p.m.

The St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) invites all past students to attend the ceremony of the crowning of Our Lady on May 31. Mass will be held in the school chapel at 7.30 p.m. Phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223, or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 or 7933-2839 by Saturday.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on May 31 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387

The Maltese Lace Club, in collaboration with Vittoriosa council, is organising Lace in the Street Day in the Collaccio Area, Majjistral Street, on June 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bobbin lace workers who would like to join in can call on 2145-9057, by the end of May, to book a chair.

School get-togethers

Stella Maris College is organising a 25th anniversary get-together for school-leavers of 1981.

Old boys who were in Forms VS, VA or VB are encouraged to send an e-mail to the organising committee members: Massimo Borg Millo on maxborgmillo@synapse.net.mt, Malcolm Scerri on malcolm.scerri@st.com, David Abela on maltawide@mail.com or Ray Pace on rbpace@gmail.com.

A reunion is being organised for all De La Salle College Sixth Form students who attended the college between October 1987 and May 1992.

The reunion will be held on June 2 at the college in Cottonera. For further details contact Maria Angela Stivala (maria_angelas@hotmail.com) or Christine Griscti (cgriscti@yahoo.com).

Xfm listener wins Lm1000 Fino voucher

Arlette Stafrace of St Venera is the winner of Fino Living Solutions' Lm1,000 voucher on Nescafé Big Breakfast, Carlo Borg Bonaci's morning show on Xfm.

Listeners who registered for the competition through Xfm's Website were then asked to call in. The first caller became a finalist and questions relating to Fino Living Solutions were asked. Ms Stafrace answered all questions correctly and won the prize.

Annual sports day at PHRF

The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Centre at Corradino is organising its annual sports day on Saturday at 10 a.m.

There will be shot, javelin, discus, and tetra class competitions in the morning, followed by wheelchair races and the traditional basketball exhibition by PHRF members in the afternoon. The presentation of prizes, assisted by Eurosport, will follow.

The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund is this year commemorating its 60th anniversary. The fund was established in 1946 and over the years it had contributed towards offering opportunities and facilities for the physically disabled. One of these is the organisation of an ongoing sports programme under the guidance of Mike Pace, who has given his service on voluntary basis for over 30 years.

The programme consists of weekly sports training and activities held at the centre, organised by Joe Cardona, PHRF council member and chairman of the sports section.

The PHRF has always given importance to participation by its members in sport, and since 1957, athlete members of the fund have participated in international events, including the International Stoke Mandeville Games and the Olympic Paralympics, winning six gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze medals.

Regrettably, due to financial setbacks, foreign participation was stopped in 1995.