Heard in the Hive

The first Italian National Day reception in Malta to be hosted by the new Ambassador of Italy, Dr Paolo Andrea Trabalza, could not have been grander. After all, this year's National Day carried a special significance, since it marked the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic on June 2, 1946, and came a couple of weeks after the Italian Parliament elected a new President, Giorgio Napolitano, to succeed Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.

For the occasion, last Friday week, some 2,000 guests packed the long hall of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, bedecked with the Italian tricolore, to celebrate the birth of the Italian Republic. They included hundreds of members of the Italian community in Malta, including members of the military mission and their spouses.

Leading the guests were President Eddie Fenech Adami and his wife Mary, and also present were Cabinet ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, and leading representatives of every sector of Maltese life.

In a speech which he delivered in Italian, English and reasonably good Maltese (this practice has become almost de rigueur for certain foreign ambassadors in Malta, particularly those of Italy and Britain), Ambassador Trabalza read a message to Italian citizens from President Napolitano, in which he recalled his own experience of the proclamation of the Republic 60 years ago in his native Naples.

The proclamation of the republic, the President in his message, led to the formation of a constituent assembly and the drawing up of the Italian Constitution, and to decades of peace and economic progress and to Italy playing a leading role in Europe.

President Napolitano paid tribute to the members of the Italian Armed Forces, particularly those on peace-keeping missions in various parts of the world.

Ambassador Trabalza said that in his first public address in Malta he wanted to thank the members of the Italian embassy and diplomatic staff for helping him and his wife to settle down in Malta, and also the Maltese staff, singling out Simone Debrincat and Raymond Farrugia.

He stressed that Italy enjoys a special relationship with Malta, and shared with it a strong commitment to he European cause and to its constitutional progress, leading to a common European foreign policy.

Relations between the two countries were excellent and co-operation between the two countries extended to practically every sphere - from road-building to air quality, from the presence of the Italian military mission since 1973, to cultural projects, to the archaeological missions at Tas-Silg and San Pawl Milqi, which have been ongoing for 40 years, Dr Trabalza said, ending with Viva Malta, Viva l-Italja u Viva l-Ewropa! to shouts of 'bravo' from his audience.

He then proposed a toast to continued excellent relations between Italy and Malta.

Speaking in English and Italian, President Fenech Adami said that Malta shared the principles and values enshrined in the Italian Constitution, and has followed the course of Italian history and learned a lot from the application of those principles.

Malta and Italy had co-operated very closely over the year, and the two countries enjoyed excellent relations, especially the commitment to Europe, as the Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, who was President of the European Commission, was well aware.

President Fenech Adami said Malta was deeply grateful for all the help it received from Italy over the years in so many sectors. He then proposed a toast to the President of Italy and to friendship between the two peoples.

The European anthem, Beethoven's setting of Schiller's Ode to Joy, was then played, followed by soprano Lydia Caruana singing the Italian and Maltese national anthems.

Guests at the reception could sample a delicious new line of Italian chocolates - Ferrero Garden.

Luciano at the NEC in Canberra

Artist Luciano Micallef believes that the best investment an artist can make for his or her art is travel to various destinations and thus understand better the international art scene and consequently update himself or herself.

Exploring the art scene of the southern hemisphere is no easy task because of the distance and the vastness of the territories involved. Luciano recently travelled to Australia with his latest collection of paintings and during his stay as an artist-in-residence at the Australian National University in Canberra he also had the opportunity to exhibit his works at the National Europe Centre (NEC).

The NEC was founded during the 2001 Centenary of Federation in Australia which provided an ideal opportunity for the European Commission to join with the Australian National University.

The centre's pivotal national role in extending and fostering a relationship between Australia and Europe has been achieved by supporting European studies in Australian universities, fostering and promoting a greater understanding of Europe and the European Union in public and private institutions and allowing scholars the chance to research and explore new facets of Australian and European knowledge.

The NEC's vision is to promote sophisticated dialogue across disciplines of European study, as well as borders. The centre seeks to enhance understanding between Europe, the EU and Australia around the principal areas of research, education and outreach.

Thus the NEC provided the ideal venue for a European artist from Malta, considering our ties with Australia. The event was inaugurated by Professor Malcolm Gillies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, who gave a detailed account of Luciano's versatility in painting.

Bruno Julien, head of the European Commission's Delegation in Australia outlined the importance of close relations between Europe and Australia. Professor Simon Bronitt, director of the National Europe Centre concluded that art is the universal language that binds all nations irrespective of language or cultural differences.

In Australia it is very common for artists to give what they call "floor talks" during an exhibition. This encourages people to have a better understanding of the works on show while providing direct access to the artist. Luciano gave two lectures regarding his work at the NEC, one to the students of the school of art and another one to the public.

The exhibition was organised by the Malta High Commission in Australia with the support of the representative office of the Bank of Valletta and the Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce.

Schminke celebrations in Düsseldorf

Schminke, manufacturers of top quality artists' colours, recently celebrated their 125th anniversary in Düsseldorf. Schminke are renowned worldwide for the high pigment concentration in their paints.

For this special occasion Schminke organised a very interesting social programme in Düsseldorf for their main distributors, including a guided sightseeing tour, visits to typical regional restaurants and a visit to the factory.

Sistina Art Ltd of The Strand, Gzira, represented by Louise La Rosa and her husband Stephen, were among the international guests at the celebrations. Schminke recently invested in new machinery in their factory in Erkrath, and are proud to stress that unlike many other manufacturers they will not be moving their production and factories to the Far East.

All Schminke art materials are, and will remain 100 per cent manufactured in Germany and the company motto "Meliora Cognito!" (I strive for the best) is the insurance for artists that quality is never compromised. True to a long-standing tradition this firm guarantees German thoroughness.

Celebrations ended with a lavish anniversary party attended by all Schmincke employees and representatives.

Malta launch of Twin Rocks

It-Torri Ta' Lanzun, in Mensija, was the unusual venue for the launch of David Arrigo's third and latest book: Twin Rocks - The Malta-Gibraltar Connection. For many of the invited quests it was the first visit to the 15th century fortified tower overlooking St Julian's Valley, leading to Spinola Bay.

Once occupied by a Vicenzo Lanzun, who left the Three Cities for fear of the plague, only to be subjected to frequent attack from pirates landing in Spinola Bay, during World War II It-Torri was used as an observation post and received a direct hit from enemy aircraft. Today It-Torri enjoys peace and harmony as the world headquarters of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus.

The Knights' Hall and chapel made a spectacular backdrop for a collection of blow-ups of rare 19th century photographs of both Malta and Gibraltar, some of which were featured in Twin Rocks. The 23 photographs of Malta scenes were taken by Micallef & Borg between 1850-1870 and are a unique collection of salt prints belonging to Mr Arrigo. Orders for copies of these rare sepia photographs are being taken on a strictly limited edition basis. The collection of Gibraltar photographs were discovered and acquired by Mr Arrigo on one of his many visits to Gibraltar while writing and researching the book.

Geoffrey Aquilina Ross, an accomplished journalist and author of several books on Malta, gave an amusing address praising Twin Rocks and the different approach made to a part of Malta's history and heritage. Mr Arrigo added a few words and spent the rest of the evening signing copies of the book. Signed copies are available from the author at davidarrigo@waldonet.net.mt or by calling 2141-9567.

Twin Rocks, apart from making fascinating reading, is the first book to focus on the Maltese element that is so strong in Gibraltar. It is also a most useful and important reference book and is a 'must have' for embassies, collectors of Melitensia, and those interested in Maltese migration and social history.

Mr Arrigo took the opportunity to promote his two previous books, Daughter of an Empire and The Inguanez Cadillac by parking his 102-year-old Cadillac outside the Torri and offering the three books as a limited edition collector's item of matching numbered sets in a hand-made case.

Twin Rocks was first launched recently at the Garrison Library in Gibraltar by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Peter Caruana QC, whose grandfather had migrated to Gibraltar over 100 years ago. There will be a London launch and photographic exhibition in the autumn.

Twin Rocks carries on where Allister Macmillan's 1915 publication Malta & Gibraltar Illustrated left off. It identifies all the surnames of families who migrated to Gibraltar from Malta and identifies in great detail the families remained and survived on the Rock. It also identifies the few families who came from Gibraltar settling in Malta and features many Maltese and Gibraltarians connected with postal and communications history, Barclays Bank, Cable & Wireless, Saccone & Speed, the karrozzini, 100-ton guns and many other shared interests and activities.

Readers interested in visiting Gibraltar should know that Air Malta are providing a week's package to Gibraltar between July 18 and 15 with a rare direct flight.

Dermatologist elected to American association

Dr Joseph L. Pace, MD, FRCP (Edin.), FRCP (Lond.), FAAD, F.Coll.Phys. (Phila.), KM, has been elected International Honorary Fellow of the American Dermatological Association.

The ADA was founded in 1876 and its members have been leaders in the development of the specialty ever since.

According to its bye laws, international honorary membership is reserved for individuals of distinction residing outside the US and Canada who are individuals of exceptional stature in their own country and in international dermatology. International Honorary Fellows currently number 100.

Dr Pace is secretary-general of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and president of the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology. He was the first recipient of the Award for Excellence of the World Committee for Dermatology and is a past president of the World Medical Association and of the Medical Association of Malta.

He has been Visiting Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, since 1995, senior lecturer in Medicine at the University of Malta Medical School and was also the first chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Boffa Hospital.

Dr Pace is a distinguished honorary member of a number of national dermatological societies.

Dr Pace was proposed for this singular honour by Dr Jeffrey Bernard, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at University of Massachusetts Medical School, and editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Maltese wins Kent Photography competition

The inaugural winner of a UK county-wide competition to find the Kent Amateur Photographer of the Year 2006 is a Maltese national.

Andrew Diedo from Dartford, Kent, came first and third in the competition organised by EPIC Photographic Society and sponsored by Kent Life magazine, which attracted over 300 entries.

Andrew's prize was a luxury spa hotel break for two at Brands Hatch and having his winning picture of Gravesend Pier at sunset featured on the front cover of the South London June issue of Kent Life. In January he came first in another photographic competition, winning a Canon SLR 350D camera.

Andrew, who taught Art and Drama at St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara, and Drama at the Manuel Theatre Academy of Dramatic Art in the 1970s, is a former winner of the Malta Photographic Society Annual National Competition, coming first and second in Advanced Colour Portraiture and first and second in Advanced Monochrome Portraiture, in 1974.

He first developed his interest in creative photography as a pupil, setting up a darkroom at his school, later focusing his interest further as a Foundation student at Croydon School of Art. At St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, where he trained as a teacher, he was taught photography by a past president and a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society.

A retired teacher, Andrew is married to Monica from Hamrun and they have three children.

Anyone wishing to renew old friendships can e-mail him at: andrewdiedo@hotmail.com.

MCIA celebrates fifth anniversary

The Malta Cochlear Implant Association has celebrated its fifth anniversary. To commemorate this event, Mass was celebrated by Fr K. Farrugia, followed by a finger buffet at the Centru Pastorali Sghajtar in Naxxar.

The event was well attended by members of the association and turned out to be a joyful evening. The committee members thank all those who helped to make the event successful and those who helped organise various functions over the past years.

For more information, write to P.O. Box 56, Valletta.

Charity Ride in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

Over 300 bikers gathered at the Luxol Grounds in St Andrews recently before heading off for the 11th Charity Ride organised every year by the Rebel Riders Brotherhood.

Hailed as the largest motorbike ride event on the Maltese Islands, this ride is open to all motorbike enthusiasts and it has now established itself as one of the yearly highlights in their calendar of events. This year it was the turn of Id-Dar tal-Providenza to benefit from the money collected during the charity ride.

Over Lm600 collected from the participants and a number of sponsors was presented to Anton Vella, administrator at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a short presentation ceremony held at a bar in Bugibba.

Mr Vella thanked the Rebel Riders Brotherhood for organising this fund-raising event, as well as all the many participants and sponsors who made this year's event such a huge success.

Grenoble graduates

A group of nine students have obtained their MBA degree with distinction from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business which is locally represented by e-Foundation for business education.

The ceremony was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre and was attended by Allison Vodden, director of Studies of Grenoble Graduate School of Business.

In her address, Ms Vodden said that as in previous years, the high level reached by Maltese students is commendable. She added that the Grenoble Graduate School of Business looks at this partnership in education with e-foundation as a very positive step and augurs well for the future.

Martin Galea, vice-president of the Malta Federation of Industry stated that in view of the school's high reputation, the FOI had made special arrangements for its members last year.

The ceremony was also addressed by Godwin C. Micallef, chairman of the foundation, who said that the MBA is a powerful tool to help one take charge of one's career.

The students are Per Christensen, Peter Kristensen, Marvic Attard, Pierre Dalmas and Jason Zammit, who specialised in management consulting, and Henry Gauci, Michael Schembri, Daniel Magrin and Joseph Muscat, who specialised in eBusiness.

For more details, contact Sarah or Melanie on 2133-7225 or 2133-6930, e-mail info@ebizfoundation.org or visit www.ebizfoundation.org.

For your diary

To celebrate the 230th anniversary of the United States' Independence, the Maltese-American Association is organising a buffet lunch at the Seabank Hotel, Mellieha, today at 12.30 p.m. For tickets phone Dar l-Emigrant on 2122-2644, 2123-2545 or 2124-0255.

Caritas co-operators are organising a day-trip to Gozo on Wednesday. Coaches leave Valletta Terminus and Sliema Ferries at 8 a.m. for Cirkewwa.

There will be free time for shopping in Victoria, Mass at San Gorg parish church at noon, lunch at the Cornucopia Hotel at 1 p.m. and tea at 4 p.m. The group will leave Gozo at 6 p.m.

For more information and bookings contact Marie Louise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016, or Evelyn Zammit on 2132-2466.

The inYgo fund-raising committee is organising a wine and pizza party at Cosmana Navarra Restaurant, Rabat, on Friday at 8.30 p.m. The funds raised will go towards the poor and the sick of Algeria, Bari, Cottolengo (Turin), Egypt and Ethiopia.

Fundraising luncheon for ShareMalta Animal Welfare Charity

A fundraising luncheon is being held at the University of Malta on Saturday at 12.30 p.m. to launch Sharemalta Foundation, a British-Maltese charity.

Through research and structured support for animal welfare organisations, education for the younger generations, and the provision of NVQ training and employment and volunteer opportunities, ShareMalta aims to act as an umbrella organisation for all animal welfare sanctuaries operating on the island.

One of ShareMalta's objectives is to raise funds for the different sanctuaries, identifying their specific requirements, prioritising those charities, whose needs are most pressing. Other directives include the setting up a volunteer database, the establishment of an animal hospital, and animal welfare education projects in the national curriculum.

The price of the meal is Lm5.50 for adults and Lm2.75 for children. For bookings phone Brenda Swift on 2157-4625 or 9921-9815 or send a cheque, including telephone number, to P.O. Box 10, St Paul's Bay, by Tuesday.

All proceeds will go to Les Morgans, an animal sanctuary in Birzebbuga. Volunteers have already built an enclosed cattery and are conducting a neutering and vaccination programme for cats and dogs out of their own personal expense. This particular sanctuary has already come a long way from the pitiful state it was found in.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements: June 12-18

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President meets the the Maltese Cross Corps president and committee members at the Palace, Valletta.

Tuesday
9.30 a.m. The President attends the laying of the foundation stone of the new Tal-Handaq College.

Noon The President receives James Alfini, dean of the South Texas College of Law, at the Palace, Valletta.

6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over an MCCF board meeting at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
9.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami attends Mass followed by a visit to San Anton Palace by the Philadelphia Group of Mosta.

11 The President presides over the award-giving ceremony Papa Gwanni XXIII - Premju ghat-Tjubija at the Palace, Valletta.

12.30 p.m. The President receives the members of the accompanying and business delegation participating in his state visit to Latvia.

Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Finnish Ambassador Pauli Antero Makela at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President is presented with credentials by Bosnian Ambassador Midhat Haracic.

11.30 The President is presented with credentials by Yemeni Ambassador Dr Hussein Ali Hassan.

1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors at San Anton Palace.

6.30 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an MCCF working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.

11.30 The President meets pupils from Garendon School of Zebbug at Verdala Palace.

Sunday
2.50 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami leave Malta for Latvia on a state visit.