April 30 was a memorable day for the Portelli family, not only because it was the 100th anniversary of the founding of V&F Portelli & Sons Ltd, but also because it was an appropriate occasion for the family's four generations to get together.
V&F Portelli was founded in April 1906 by two brothers, Vincent and Frank. Currently, the company is run by six directors, grandchilden of the founding brothers.
The board of directors felt that the best way to celebrate this event was a family reunion, which incidentally never took place for a good number of decades. In fact, Peter Paul Portelli, one of the company's directors, was entrusted with the organisation of the whole event.
Around 170 family members attended together with office employees. The evening started off with thanksgiving Mass at Lapsi church, St Julian's, celebrated by Fr Claude Portelli, the son of one Peter Paul Portelli, and Fr Anton Portelli, the grandson of one of the founding brothers of the same company.
Mass was animated by members of the family who grouped up for the occasion and made the celebration of Mass even more special. The choir and band consisted of Patrick Wirth and Mariella Wirth née Portelli together with their son Karl, Andre and Pierre Portelli, Mario Portelli and his daughter Gillian, and Andre's girlfriend Alexia Curmi. A message which was sent by Fr Charles Borg, a cousin working in Brazil, was read by his sister Bella Vella Haber. The chapel and the hall were beautifully decorated with fresh floral arrangements by Sue Portelli.
After Mass all the guests walked to Villa Anna Teresa where a reception was held. It was an amazing experience in itself as many family members, especially those from the younger generation, had the opportunity to meet "new" cousins whom they had never met. The atmosphere was one of great joy, especially when the younger generation were exchanging e-mail addresses and decided to hold a reunion of their generation in the coming summer months.
A marble plaque commemorating the event was unveiled by two sons of the founding brothers, Frans Portelli, the only living son of Vincent Portelli, and Anthony Portelli, son of Frank Portelli. The plaque is to be hung up in the premises in Mriehel. Family group photos followed which will be surely treasured by all present.
The board of directors then presented Mgr Lawrence Gatt, director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, who was also present, with a donation. A special cake decorated with a special anniversary logo was prepared by Osborne Caterers, who were also entrusted with the catering. The cake was later cut by the members of the board of directors, who are all cousins, amidst the clapping and singing of those present.
A special souvenir was also distributed to all the female guests, while pens with the anniversary logo were distributed to the male guests.
All the guests left the venue with a sense of great satisfaction, not only because it was a very well organised event, but also because it was a memorable one which will surely be remembered for many years to come.
Round Table Malta 2 donation to Lifecycle
This year's Lifecycle has received a Lm250 donation from Round Table Malta 2.
RT2 chairman Chris Vassallo Cesareo presented the donation to Michael Schembri on May 17.
Commenting on the donation, Mr Vassallo Cesareo said: "We encourage the initiative of this volunteers, who like us raise money for charitable causes."
Suncrest Hotel awards Employee of the Month
Miriam Borg, a long-serving employee who joined the company in 1994, has received the Suncrest Hotel's Employee of the Month Award.
Ms Borg, a room attendant in the Rooms Division Department, is known for her diligence and the professionalism with which she carries out her daily duties.
The presentation was made by Norbert Grixti, on behalf of the Suncrest Hotel. Mr Grixti said that this award acknowledges Ms Borg's positive attitude and professionalism. He said: "she has been a loyal and trustworthy employee who has always done her utmost and who has striven to promote the hotel with all those she encounters."
Mother's Day exhibits at Horticultural Spring Show
For the second consecutive year, Maria Cordina was recently awarded the prestigious Professor John Borg Trophy by President Eddie Fenech Adami for the second meritorious exhibits during the Malta Horticultural Spring Show, held recently at San Anton Gardens.
The theme chosen by Ms Cordina was "For Mother's Day". The numerous visitors praised the exhibits for their originality and the students for their very high standard.
One of the sections, entitled "For Your Garden" consisted of a flower pot, decorated as if it were a face with a flower arrangement to complement this face, as if it were a hairstyle. These pots depicted different characters and were enhanced by colourful floral designs. These exhibits were very appealing for their originality and charm.
The other theme was "To Mother with Love", which gave the flower arranger the opportunity to create a decorative cake for Mother's Day, made entirely of dry plant material which could be coloured. These "cakes" attracted visitors' attention because they were so realistic.
Ms Cordina teaches flower arranging lessons with the Department of Further Studies and Adult Education. She also coaches her students to participate in the Annual Spring Floral Show, held annually at San Anton Gardens, Attard.
Ms Cordina said she is grateful to Dr Joe Borg who gives his utmost for the success of this exhibition, the Malta Horticultural Society and the Department of Education for their sponsorship, and the judges, Carmen George and Tania Camilleri Fava, who had great praise for her students' exhibits.
Ms Cordina recently wrote an article in Maltese, "L-Origini ta' Jum l-Omm u l-Qronfol" which can be found in the booklet of the show.
Irish President visits Embassy of Malta in Dublin
Irish President Mary McAleese, accompanied by Dr Martin McAleese, paid an official visit to the Embassy of Malta on May 10. The visit is part of the President's plan to meet representatives of the communities of the ten new member states of the EU who reside in Ireland, on the second anniversary of the biggest enlargement of the EU.
Ambassador Richard Muscat and his wife Joyce welcomed the President and Dr McAleese at the ambassador's office where the President signed the visitors' book. She was presented with a nicely decorated bouquet of flowers by eight-year-old Lisa Laspina. The President talked to all those present at the embassy, and the 60 Maltese gave her a warm welcome.
The President and Dr Martin McAleese were entertained by popular Maltese chef Michael Cauchi, of the Westin Dragonara Hotel, who was brought over for the occasion. They sampled Maltese food and Marsovin and Monte Kristo wines.
Ambassador Muscat delivered a speech in which, after introductory comments in Maltese, went on to express sentiments of gratitude and honour for the historic President's visit to the Embassy of Malta, and concluded with a brief description of the Maltese community in Ireland as small in number but very well integrated in Irish society.
"The latest arrivals from Malta represent a movement of workers who chose Ireland's Celtic Tiger fame as a favourite destination where they could share skills and work experiences," Mr Muscat concluded.
The President spoke about her relationship with Mr and Mrs Muscat, which over time has become a very strong friendship. Mrs McAleese appreciated the ambassador's comments in Maltese, saying that both Irish and Maltese are official languages of the EU and this gives Malta and Ireland strong distinctive voices in the EU community.
She also remarked on several similarities between Ireland and Malta like being both islands, having both a long history of occupation, and both being small states: "Membership gave a big voice to small states, and we should continue to strive to maintain the equality of rights and voices in our Union," the President remarked.
The President spoke of her strong hope of Ireland as a welcoming place to the Maltese who are coming to live and work here. She was impressed with the number of marriages between Maltese and Irish, commenting that "this shows that there is a strong feeling between the two communities. The children of these marriages are lucky that they get the chance to belong to both Ireland and Malta."
The President concluded her speech to the Maltese residing in Ireland by saying that she was looking forward to the state visit to Malta later on this year.
A surprise birthday party
April 30 had a delightful surprise in store for Maria Caruana, wife of Gordon, director of Hompesch Radio, when at the Ramla Hall in Zejtun she was given an effusive welcome by her husband, relatives, members of the radio staff and a host of friends.
Mrs Caruana was then treated to a lovely surprise birthday party planned by Gordon with utmost secrecy. Maria's birthday coincided with the fourth anniversary of the setting up of Radio Hompesch (90 FM) at 46, St Mary Street, Zabbar, in 2002.
Visibly moved, Maria was feted by all those present, who showered her with gifts and good wishes, which also went to Gordon for the success employed by his popular radio. Catering exclusively for the south of Malta, 90 FM boasts a wide range of radio programmes, which appeal to all tastes and listeners.
At the end of the party, a radiantly happy Maria cut her birthday cake to a round of applause by all those present, whom she thanked heartily for such a wonderful surprise.
Malta Society of Arts' annual dinner
For the fifth consecutive year, the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce held its annual fund-raising dinner in aid of the Special Projects Programme.
The dinner, held at Villa Arrigo, was attended by 126 people. President Emeritus Censu Tabone and Mrs Tabone, Austrian Ambassador Elizabeth Kehrer, Australian High Commissioner Richard Palk, Judge Maurice Caruana Curran and Mrs Caruana Curran were among the guests.
Paul Asicak, the president of the society, announced that this year the council will award the funds collected from the event to 17 students who obtain the highest marks during the exams of the various courses in arts, crafts and music organised by the Society at Palazzo De La Salle during this year.
Unique concert by Fabrizio Faniello and Keith Camilleri
Fabrizio Faniello and Keith Camilleri will be singing together for the first time since yesterday week's Eurovision Song Festival, at the Bay Street Complex today.
Other big names who have also participated in past editions of the Eurovision Song Contest, and who will be joining Fabrizio and Keith today, include Ira Losco, Miriam Christine Borg, Renato, Debbie Scerri, Mike Spiteri, Lynn Chircop, Claudette Pace and Helen Micallef.
Bay Street's marketing and events manager, Martin Sapiano, said that the complex always seeks to be at the forefront of the local scene, and today's event is one such example.
"Bay Street has always supported both Fabrizio and Keith very early in their career. In fact they both performed regularly and with great success at our complex. Now we are bringing together these two Maltese singers fresh from the Eurovision Song Contest in our arena which is open freely to all. In this way the general public and their many fans will be able to show their appreciation of both these young and popular singers."
Both singers will be chauffered to and from the complex in a luxury limousine courtesy of John's Garage.
The concert takes place at the Bay Street Complex today at 5 p.m.
Catenian association in Malta celebrates 300th meeting
Mensija Circle, the 294th Circle of the Catenian Association, an international association of Catholic men, has just celebrated its 300th meeting since inception, a milestone in the history of the circle which was founded in May 1981 and was the first in Malta.
Catenianism has since flourished in Malta and Gozo with the subsequent setting up of two other circles and the consolidation of all three as an area of this international organisation. All three circles joined in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the Catenian Association to our islands through the foundation of the Mensija Circle, and a thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Tal-Minsija in San Gwann, from which the circle derived its name. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled at the sanctuary.
A cocktail party attended by a large group of members from the three circles and their wives was held at the nearby historic Torri Lanzon by kind permission of the Knights of St Lazarus. The Grand President of the Catenian Association and his wife as well as other Grand Council directors flew in from the United Kingdom for this auspicious occasion.
100th Advantest logic handler
On May 11, Advantest (Europe) GmbH and its customer STMicroelectronics celebrated the delivery of the 100th Advantest logic handler to the STM Malta factory. More than 20 STM employees participated in this celebration which took place at the Hilton Hotel.
After welcoming all guests, Josef Schraetzenstaller, managing director of Advantest (Europe) GmbH, highlighted the milestones in the partnership between STMicroelectronics and Advantest during these past 14 years.
Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt and Gene Gretchen, vice-president and managing director of STMicroelectronics, also delivered speeches, after which, Minister Gatt, Eugenio Re, executive vice-president of STMicroelectronics, Mr Gretchen and Mr Schraetzenstaller unveiled the 100th Advantest logic handler to the audience.
The celebration ended with a martial arts demonstration of the Malta Samurai Federation which is actively supported and sponsored by Advantest (Europe) GmbH.
Mission accomplished for Kilimanjaro Challenge team
After a challenging 12 months, the Kilimanjaro Challenge II group recently brought their financial challenge to end by collecting a total of Lm38,000.
Maltese-Canadian singer and song writer Dave Ellul opened the show with some sweet and slick songs, juxtapositioning the lot with a few wise and witty sayings in his own inimitable way.
This heralded the way for celebrity presenter and violinist Dr Joe Chetcuti whose cameo appearance had everyone on their feet clapping away.
"I felt that it was only proper that I be here with these guys today, knowing that what they have all done has been for the benefit of under-privileged children in Africa. Fr George Grima's superlative efforts overseas have captured many a heart - including mine," Keith Marshall, Reaching Out co-ordinator, said.
Mr Marshall and his team presented the cheque to Dun Gorg, who spoke about his recent trip to Kenya. Its was mission accomplished for the group would could now lie back and relax. The funds will go towards the construction of a convent in the Ethiopian village of Bulbula.
Ira Losco, a long-time supporter of Reaching Out, then took to the stage, amid applause, and ran through hits from her latest album, 'Someone Else'. Ivan Filletti, accompanied on guitar by Kevin, also entertained the guests. Carrie & Band, Malta's up and coming sensation, brought a fabulous evening to an end with some catchy numbers.
Fabulous prizes were up for grabs too - many a punter went potty purchasing tickets by the handful, hopeful of landing one of the lucrative stashes on display. The lotteries ended up twisting the whole affair the contingent's way, raking in a whopping Lm1,000.
To a still burgeoning crowd, Keith Marshall took the opportunity to thank everyone associated with the event - the sponsors, team members and everyone present on the night for such a noble cause.
New maintenance manager for Victoria Hotel
The Victoria Hotel has appointed Joseph Bugeja maintenance manager.
After finishing his studies at the Technical Institute, where he obtained local and foreign qualifications, Mr Bugeja, worked overseas for several years in the maintenance department of an American company. During his work overseas he furthered his studies in refrigeration and air-conditioning.
Mr Bugeja has been working in Malta since 1987 and has held positions in the engineering and contracting departments of some of the most renowned contracting companies in the building industry. His responsibilities have also included co-ordination, estimation and implementation of several electrical and mechanical projects, of industrial and commercial nature.
Mr Bugeja is married with three children. Since 1997, he has also been involved in voluntary work with Maltese missionaries in Africa.
Victoria Hotel supports philanthropic organisations
The Victoria Hotel recently presented donations to various charitable and philanthropic organisations. The sum was the result of a collection made by all management and staff during Lent.
Donations were presented to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the Hospice Movement, the Ursoline Crèche, the Little Sisters of the Poor, Fra Diego Home, Marilyn Debono, the Kenya Volunteer Workers and the Puttinu Cares Fund.
The presentation was held at the Victoria Hotel, following Mass to mark the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The donations were presented by Claire Xuereb, general manager, and Gaetano Cristina, assistant general manager, in the presence of Mrs J. Xuereb, chairman of the recently-launched AX Foundation.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements: May 29-June 4
Tomorrow
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami receives parishioners of St Catherine parish church, Zurrieq, at San Anton Palace.
11 The President meets pupils from St Anne Primary School of Marsascala at Verdala Palace.
Tuesday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a celebration concert organised by the National Orchestra to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Maltese composer Paolino Vassallo, at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.
Wednesday
11 a.m. The President presents credentials to Salv Stellini, Ambassador designate of Malta to Portugal, at the Palace, Valletta.
Thursday
9.45 a.m. The President visits St Francis School in Xaghra, Gozo.
9.45 Mrs Fenech Adami visits the elderly at the Day Centre in Xaghra.
10.45 The President visits Xaghra Primary School.
11.45 The President visits MCAST in Triq it-Tigrija, Xaghra.
7.30 p.m. The President meets Xaghra NGOs at the Xaghra Youth Centre.
Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Italian Ambassador and Mrs Paolo Andrea Trabalza on the occasion of the National Day of Italy at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
8 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the inaugural concert of the Unum Deum sacred music festival by the Voices Choeur International at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.
Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to Xaghra.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert organised by Vassallo Builders Group Ltd on the occasion of their 60th anniversary at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.
People
Rachaelle Demicoli has successfully passed her ITEC Post-Graduate Spa Therapy Diploma examination, and is the first Maltese to have been awarded this qualification. This makes her professionally qualified to run a spa as well as to perform various spa treatments.
Ms Demicoli graduated from the University of Malta in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. She went on to study beauty therapy and successfully achieved several ITEC diplomas and certificates in beauty specialist, make-up, electrology, slimming, diet and nutrition, manicure and pedicure, aromatherapy and massage. To further her knowledge and experience, Ms Demicoli has also attended, as well as organised, various seminars in Malta and abroad.
In 1996, she set up her own beauty salon in Birkirkara. She is currently due to open her new premises Vanita Beauty and Wellness Spa in Ganu Street, Birkirkara, which includes a fully equipped spa.
Fr Raymond Zammit was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology (SThD) in moral theology with a specialisation in bioethics from the Academia Alfonsiana (Lateran University).
Doctoral studies were pursued at the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome and at Georgetown University (Washington, DC) and the doctoral thesis on "Children's Rights to Participate in Medical Decision-Making" was defended summa cum laude.
Claiming that children want, and indeed are able, to participate in decisions affecting their medical well-being, the thesis discusses the matter in the light of the UN Convention on Children's Rights (1989) which sanctions children's rights to participate in all matters of concern to them, according to their "evolving capacities" and under the "appropriate direction and guidance" of their parents.
The issue is discussed from a historical, sociological, psychological, theological and jurisprudential point of view (US, UK and Italy). The resulting synthesis allows children's participation rights in health care to be examined both from a bioethical and biolaw perspective and allows for a legal proposal on how children's evolving capacities may be respected not only morally but also legally.
Fr Zammit also holds a Master in Sacred Theology from the University of Malta (pastoral, with a dissertation on the relation between physics, philosophy and theology, entitled "Divine Action in a Human World") and another Master in Sacred Theology (moral, with a dissertation in bioethics, entitled "Eugenics. Past, Present and Future") from the Academia Alfonsiana.
Dr David V. Coppini, MD (Lond.) FRCP, has been appointed honorary senior lecturer at the University of Southampton.
He is a consultant diabetologist/endocrinologist at Poole Hospital, UK and has a special clinical and research interest in diabetic foot disorders. He is also undergraduate tutor responsible for Southampton University medical students attached to Poole Hospital. His research team have recently been awarded a 'Lilly' contribution award in recognition of their contribution to the study of neuropathy in diabetes.
Dr Coppini, son of Albert and Victoria Coppini of Sliema, lives in Bournemouth with his wife Janine and their children, Amy and Jean-Jacques.
US Embassy opening hours
The American Embassy will be closed tomorrow for Memorial Day, an American national holiday. The Consular Section will also be closed on Wednesday.
This week's opening hours at the US Embassy's Consular Section will be from 8 to 11 a.m. It will resume regular opening hours next week. For more information, visit http://valletta.usembassy.gov or phone the information line on 2561-4115.
Farrugia - Giordmaina
The marriage took place recently at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, between Alessandra Ramona Farrugia, B.Pharm. (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Vincent Farrugia of Qormi, and Mark Anthony Giordmaina, B.Eng. (Hons), MBA (Maastricht), son of the later Mr Carmel Giordmaina and Mrs Mary Rose Giordmaina of Attard.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Alfred Xuereb. The ceremony was witnessed by the bride's aunt, Mrs Venera Busuttil, and by the groom's uncle, Ing. Saviour Mamo, Dipl.Ing. EUR.Ing. Mr Charles Busuttil, the bride's uncle, carried out the duties of best man.
The bride was attended by her sister Mrs Ruth Galea, Cert. CIB (Malta), and Ms Anita Cardona, B.Sc., B.Com. (Hons) as bridesmaids, and young Julia Galea as flower-girl.
A reception was later held at Palazzo Promontorio, Wardija. The couple are spending their honeymoon in London, Paris, the US, and cruising the Hawaiian islands.
Sammut - Gatt
The marriage took place recently at St Catherine's parish church, Zurrieq, between Anna Maria Sammut, B.Ed. (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Louis Sammut, of Zurrieq, and Keith Gatt, B.Ed. (Hons), son of Mr and Mrs Anthony Gatt of Tarxien.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr François Mifsud, OP. Elaine Gerada, the groom's sister, and Dr Catherine Formosa, LL.D., the bride's sister, witnessed the ceremony. Ivan Gerada and Raymond Muscat carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore an ivory dress with ten tulle skirts and carried a bouquet of fresh orchids, was attended by her cousin, Gabriella Cauchi, and Rebecca Marie Muscat, the groom's cousin, as bridesmaids. Luca Formosa, the bride's nephew, was pageboy, while Hannah and Martha Bugeja, the bride's cousins, were flower-girls.
A reception was later held at Palazzo Promontorio, Wardija.
The couple will be spending their honeymoon in New Zealand and Australia.
Polish bride
Ta' Mlit church, in Mosta, was recently the wedding venue of Ania Slota, daughter of Marian and Izabella Slota, of Wroclaw, Poland, and Jeremy Dingli, son of Francis George and Mary Grace Dingli of Mosta.
Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Fr Peter Baldacchino, Fr Samuel Chetcuti, Fr Gerard Micallef and Fr Guzepp Camilleri.
The bride's sister, Ewa, and the groom's brother, Luke, witnessed the ceremony. Matthew Degiorgio carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore an ivory satin dress with embroidered top and carried a bouquet of white roses, was attended by Rachel Dingli, the groom's sister, and Ewa Slota, the bride's sister, as bridesmaids. The groom's sister Francesca and the bride's sister Natalia were flower-girls.
A reception was later held at the Coral Room of the Radisson Golden Sands, Ghajn Tuffieha. The couple spent their honeymoon in Poland.
Azzopardi - Mallia Milanes
The Chapel of St Paul Shipwrecked in St Paul's Bay was recently the wedding venue for Lisa-Ann Azzopardi, daughter of Louis Paul and Monica Azzopardi, and Kenneth Mallia Milanes, son of Victor and Mary Mallia Milanes.
Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Fr Edgar Attard and Fr Michael Agius. The ceremony was witnessed by Pauline Theaker for the bride and Keith Mallia Milanes for the groom. Noel Agius carried out the duties of best man.
The bride was attended by Karen-Lee Azzopardi and Lara-Jayne Azzopardi as bridesmaids, and Amber Mallia Milanes and Emma Polidano as flower-girls. Theresa Calleja was maid of honour. Kieran Mallia Milanes and Andreas Vella were pageboys.
A reception was later held at Le Meridien St Julian's.
Calleja Urry - Dingli
The Annunciation Church, Tarxien, was recently the venue for the wedding of Davinia Calleja Urry, daughter of Mr and Mrs David Calleja Urry of Marsascala, and Bradley Dingli, son of Mr and Mrs E. Dingli of Tarxien.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr George Spiteri. The bride's uncle, Simon Calleja Urry, and the groom's twin brother, Karl, witnessed the ceremony. Gaetano Briffa carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore an ivory silk tulle dress and train with pearl embroidery and wore her grandmother's pearls, was attended by Helena Ebejer and her cousin Maxene Calleja Urry and the groom's cousin, Clare Dingli, as bridesmaids.
Ryan Calleja Urry, the bride's cousin, was pageboy.
A reception was later held the Portomaso Suite, Hilton Malta. The couple spent their honeymoon in Ireland, Scotland and France.
For your diary
The Malta Historical Society is organising a lecture on the Silver Treasures at St Paul's collegiate in Rabat, delivered in Maltese by Fr Louis Suban, at St Publius' church, Rabat, tomorrow at 6.30 p.m.
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Visit the annual bazaar organised by the Dominican Sisters at 49, Main Street, Naxxar (next to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception), from Saturday to June 11, Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to noon, and from 4.30 to 7.30 p.m.
The Maltese Lace Club and the Vittoriosa council are organising Lace in the Street Day in the Collachio area, Majjistral Street, Vittoriosa, on Sunday, 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 this month, to book a chair.
The Malta Floral Club is organising its annual hat luncheon at Le Meridien, St Julian's, on June 6 at 12.30 p.m. For bookings phone Agnes Melillo on 2137-8716.
The Malta Eczema Society is organising a talk by consultant dermatologist Dr Michael Boffa and is launching a patient information leaflet on eczema at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana, on June 6 at 6.30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Entrance is free.
The inYgo fund-raising committee is organising a wine and pizza party at Cosmana Navarra Restaurant (facing St Paul's church), Rabat, on June 16 at 8.30 p.m. The funds raised will go towards the poor and sick of Algiers, Bari, Cottolengo, Egypt and Ethiopia. For bookings call Alan (7906-8601) or Maria (7944-2424).