Heard in the Hive

Some 25 dinner guests at Villa Tempra in Mgarr were looking forward to an impromptu recital by Cecilia Bohorquez, a friend of Jacqueline Laferla from Peru, who received her formal musical education and training in the United States.

Cecilia's musical interests range from classical singing (she performs with the Michigan Opera Theatre), to Latin American folk music (either as soloist or with a group), Argentine tango - in particular the music of Astor Piazzolla - and other international music including her interpretation of the works of the Greek composers Theodorakis and Hadjiadakis.

However, only Cecilia's CD was played at Villa Tempra that night, as the performer had a delay and only landed in Malta the next day.

However, before lunch she regaled the hostess, Dame Françoise Tempra, and Jacqueline Laferla to an enchanting performance.

Ms Laferla is preparing for the next Tempra Academy event at Villa Tempra on Sunday at 11.30 a.m. - her art presentation and lecture on "Peru: pre-Colombian and Contemporary Artistic Traditions" (which is open to the public).

Cecilia was taken by Dame Françoise to the home of mezzo-soprano Marie Thérèse Vassallo. Ms Vassallo, who is the director of the Malta Cultural Institute, was preparing for her recital at Villa Tempra last Sunday, and her MCI concert on Tuesday at the Casino Maltese in Valletta, as well as her teaching and didactic musical activities and performances.

Before her departure, Cecilia enjoyed meeting at Villa Tempra Mro Alan Chircop, principal of the Euro Academy of Music and Arts, whose music courses for children are starting now at St Aloysius College, Birkirkara.

Cecilia Bohorquez and other musical performers will come from the USA to perform for the 2007 Malta International Art Biennale opening at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on May 19.

At the dinner at Villa Tempra, Dame Françoise announced the other Tempra Academy events: a Mediterranean cruise (October 6-13) and a "Pictorial, Sculptural and Musical Homage from the USA," with Ronald Burns, Michael Korber, and Pamela Hoiles on Sunday, October 22, at 11.30 a.m. at Villa Tempra (the general public is invited).

She also introduced the new director of the Tempra Academy and the 2007 Malta Interna-tional Art Biennale secretariat - Lina Caruana, a former headmistress and an art and music lover as well as a poet and writer on social issues.

(For all enquiries about the 2007 Biennale, call Ms Caruana on 2166-2792 or 7929-6118, e-mail: carnil@ onvol.net or damefrancoisetempra@onvol.net)

Get your ideas from Design and Decor

Ever tried redesigning or improving your house, your bedroom or your outdoor areas? Although the thought could sound exciting, it could also turn to be a daunting task especially when you run out of ideas.

Then your next best step is to go through specialised magazines and see what other designers have come up with, what innovative products are on the market and how you can go about creating a practical yet appealing design for your house.

One such magazine is Design and Decor, edited by Eve Arnett of Eve Publications Ltd, who has bags of experience. Besides, you get seasoned writers Marika Azzopardi, Olivia-Ann Calleja, Deana Luchia, Kenneth Tanti, Pippa Mattei, Louena Aquilina and others contributing their expertise to the magazine.

Whether it is a practical design for your bedroom, new lighting for your house, a contemporary house design, what carpets or rugs to use, how to convert your recently bought farmhouse, wood furnishings, current design trends, pictures to hang or simply what to cook tonight, Design and Decor has it all.

There is also an article dedicated to motoring and many other promotional features and adverts full of product information.

The autumn issue of the magazine, printed by Progress Press Co. Ltd, is available from all leading newsagents at Lm1.85.

UHM's 40th birthday

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) on September 29 celebrated its 40th anniversary with a number of activities. The UHM originally started in 1966 as the Malta Government Clerical Union, representing clerical grades in the civil service. Later it opened its membership to all grades in Government service, which brought about a change of name to Malta Government Employees Union.

In 1978 it was decided to turn the union into a general union, adopting the name Union Haddiema Maghqudin, which today boasts no fewer than 26,000 members.

To mark the anniversary, UHM president Gejtu Tanti and secretary-general Gejtu Vella hosted a large reception at the Le Meridien Phoenicia, which was attended by union officials and members as well as a number of distinguished guests, led by President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami and the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi. Also present was the Minister of Education and Employment, Dr Louis Galea, and Mrs Galea.

In the morning, the UHM held a colloquium for section secretaries, shop stewards and delegates at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall of the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Those present were addressed by Mr Tanti and Mr Vella, by union officials, as well as by guest spakers who included Dr John C. Grech, economic consultant, leading entrepreneur Albert Mizzi, and Laurence Grech, editor of The Sunday Times.

Delegates were also addressed by Pierre-Jean Coulon, confederal secretary of the French trade union confederation, Conféderation Francaise de Travailleurs Chrétiennes (CFTC).

10th anniversary of Equestrian Order in Malta

On the occasion of this year's feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem celebrated the 10th anniversary of its official presence in Malta with a series of events which were based at the Franciscan church of St Mary of Jesus (Ta' Giezu) in Valletta. The celebrations were spread over three days.

On September 15. a vigil service was held, followed by lunch at the Castille Hotel. The next day an investiture of two new knights, Roberto Buontempo and Raymond Cassar - May Vassallo, who was due to be invested as dame, could not be present - was presided over by Rev. Knight Grand Officer Mgr Francis D. Kelly, master of ceremonies of the Grand Magisterium, who was the delegate of Carlo Cardinal Furno, Grand Master of the Order.

Throughout the event, the delegate of the Grand Magisterium was Comm. Adolfo Rinaldi. Mass was celebrated by Archiboshop Emmanuel Gerada, Grand Prior of the Maltese lieutenancy.

Following the investiture, a reception was held at the cloister of the Franciscan Friars Minor.

On Sunday, a procession was held, followed by lunch for local members of the Order and the foreign invited guests at St James Cavalier in Valletta.

Ambassador hails growing China-Malta relations

The 57th anniversary of the proclamation of the People's Republic of China was celebrated with the traditional large reception last Friday week hosted by the Chinese Ambassador, Liu Zhengxiu, and Mrs Chang Shuying at the Chinese Embassy in St Julian's.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami headed the list of guests, who included Cabinet ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps and a wide cross-section of Maltese society.

In his speech, Ambassador Liu said that over the past 57 years the Chinese people have been working very hard and have made remarkable achievements in building the nation. "Great changes have taken place at a breathtaking speed, and the ancient Chinese civilisation bloomed again with vigour and vitality."

After 1978, under the guidance of the reform and opening-up policy, China entered a new historical stage of development; it has since become more open to the outside world, its economy has maintained a sustained and steady growth, while the political, democratic process and rule of law forge ahead steadily and international co-operation keeps broadening.

Giving some statistics, the Ambassador said that by the end of 2005, China's GDP ranked sixth in the world and China became the fourth largest trading country. Living standards have improved greatly, and those living below the poverty line had gone down from 250 million to 26 million. "Not only had the 1.3 billion Chinese solved the problem of food and clothing, they are, on the whole, leading a relatively well-off life," Mr Liu said.

In the first half of this year, China's economy continued to maintain its rapid growth, with its GDP rising by 10.9 per cent over the same period last year, while trade increased more than 20 per cent.

Yet China remains a developing country with a huge population, weak economic foundation and uneven development. GDP per capita still ranks behind the 100th position in world economies and the country faces many problems and challenges in its development endeavour.

This is why China needs a peaceful and stable international environment as well as the understanding and support from peoples all over the world.

Ambassador Liu said that the Chinese people cherish the value of peace. Therefore, China will uphold an independent foreign policy of peace and actively promote friendly co-operation with all countries.

Over the past year, he continued, China and Malta have been enjoying a sound and steady development of bilateral relations, with more frequent exchanges not only at government or party levels but also in the fields of culture, education, health and civil affairs. In addition, economic co-operation and trade have been growing by leaps and bounds.

In the first eight months of this year alone, bilateral trade volume reached $560 million, rising by 77 per cent over the same period last year. "All these interactions strengthened bilateral co-operation in various fields and furthered the development of friendly relations between China and Malta," he remarked.

Malta's EU accession gives the island greater opportunities and a stronger voice on regional and international affairs, the Ambassador said, expressing the wish that China and Malta could make greater headway in bilateral relations in the coming years.

He then proposed a toast to the 57th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, to stronger Sino-Maltese relations and to the President and Mrs Adami, and all the guests present.

President Fenech Adami, replying to the toast, praised China's enormous progress in all fields, its important role in world affairs, and the growth of Sino-Maltese relations, evident in the increasing contacts between the two peoples.

He then proposed a toast to the President and people of China and to Sino-Maltese friendship.

After the playing of the two national anthems, guests could partake of a lavish Chinese buffet.

German Unity Day reception

The new German Ambassador to Malta, Karl Andreas Freiherr von Stenglin, and his wife Amelie Sophie von Stenglin, last Tuesday hosted his first reception here marking German Unity Day.

It was held at the Rotunda Garden Entrance of Le Meridien Phoenicia in Floriana - unlike previous years, when it was held at the Ambassador's residence in Lija.

This meant that a larger number of guests could be accommodated. They included the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg and Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, representatives of the Maltese business community, members of the diplomatic corps, senior public officers, members of the German community in Malta and guests from various sectors of Maltese life.

Ambassador von Stenglin dwelt on the historical, social and political significance of German reunification 16 years ago, saying it also meant in practice, the unification of Europe since it opened the way for European Union membership to all the states of Eastern and Central Europe formerly under Communist rule. As of next year, in fact, the EU will have 27 member states.

The Ambassador said that Germany, as president of the EU for the six months starting in January, was determined to encourage the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty, which Malta and many member states had already done, to usher in an era of continuity and reliability.

The twin rallying cry of "Never again" and "Never alone" guided German foreign policy, as it should guide Europe's, the Ambassador said, before proposing a toast to President and Mrs Fenech Adami, and to a bright future for Germany and Malta in the EU.

In his reply, President Fenech Adami said that German reunification was important not just for Germany and for Europe, but also for the rest of the world, because it showed that unity is the way forward also in Europe.

After long years suffering under brutal dictatorships, Europe had embarked on a long and difficult process of integration. This was why he "Never again" (war) and "Never alone" was the process which led to the founding and consolidation of the EU, of which that great German, Konrad Adenauer, was a Founding Father.

Very few had foreseen the enormous changes which took place in Europe in 1989 and 1990. Dr Fenech Adami recalled that in November 1989 he was on an official visit to Germany, as prime minister, and his programme included a visit to Berlin.

He was there soon after the fall of the Wall, and was later told that he was the first foreign head of government to walk through the breach...

Malta had also given its contribution to the Helsinki Final Act, where at its insistence, the Mediterranean was mentioned as crucial to peace and stability in Europe. Unfortunately, the problems in the Mediterranean region had not yet been resolved.

Malta had hosted the superpower summit between George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev in December 1989, which brought an end to the Cold War.

To this process, and to the German reunification, another great German, Willy Brandt, had contributed through his Ostpolitik.

President Fenech Adami said he was pleased to hear that the German EU Presidency will make the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty for Europe one of its priorities.

He then proposed a toast to the President of Germany and to the friendship between the Maltese and German peoples.

After the speeches, the two national anthems and the European anthem, Beethoven's setting of Schiller's Ode to Joy, were played.

For your diary

Marriage preparation courses for English-speaking Catholics, modelled on Cana courses, are being held at the Milllennium Chapel (WOW) in Paceville. The course starts tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. and are being held every Monday for eight weeks. For more information phone Fr Charles Carabott on 2165-1057 or 7971-2001.

Caritas co-operators are holding a day at the Corinthia Marina Hotel, St George's Bay, on Wednesday. Mass at Our Lady of Good Council church will be held at 11 a.m. The group meets at the hotel for a welcome drink at noon, followed by lunch at 1 p.m. and tea at 4 p.m. For bookings phone Marie Louise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016 or Evelyn Zammit on 2132-2466.

Ward u Zghar is organising a day trip to Gozo on Sunday. The group will meet in Cirkewwa at 7 a.m. and will tour Gozo with jeeps. For more information phone 9947-2868, 7953-9234 or 7904-8745.

The Malta branch of the International Al Johnson Society is holding the ninth annual meeting at Christ the King parish church, Paola, on Sunday at 4.30 p.m. Documentaries about Al Jolson and the film The Jolson Story will be shown on big screen. For more information phone 2189-6936 or 9988-0489.

A bazaar in aid of the Sisters of Charity's missions in Pakistan is being held at St Joan Antide School in Gudja, from Monday week till October 19, from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m, and from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. Plants, toys, household goods, bric-a-brac and more items will be on sale.

The Paola parish committee is organising a jumble sale in aid of the parish at the parish hall, Church Avenue, on October 18-23, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 to 8 p.m. Clothes, books, plants and other items at reduced prices will be on sale.

The Lions Club La Valletta is organising an Autumn Night get- together at Cosmana Navarra Restaurant in Rabat on October 21 at 8 p.m. Proceeds will go towards the project Sight First 2. For more information phone 2133-4806 or 9943-4806.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements: October 9-15

Tuesday
9.45 a.m. The President receives Kercem mayor Joe Grima and members of the Kercem community on the occasion of Kercem Day at the Palace, Valletta.
10.15 The President receives Portuguese President Emeritus Mario Soares and former Minister for Foreign Affairs Professor Amrio Ruivo.
11 The President attends the first sitting of Justice Abigail Lofaro at the Courts of Justice.

Wednesday
Noon The President presides over the launching of a book entitled Melchiore Cafà, Maltese Genius of the Roman Baroque at the University of Malta, Msida.

Thursday
9 a.m. The President visits schools in Sta Lucija.
6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the organising committee of the performance of Puccini's Madama Butterfly at San Anton Palace.
7 The President meets NGOs in Sta Lucija at the local council premises.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Spanish Ambassador Marta Vilardell Coma on the occasion of Spain's National Day, at the Intercontinental Hotel, St Julian's.

Friday
10 The President receives the executive directors of Lufthansa Technik, Dr Thomas Steuger and Dr Peter Jansen, accompanied by Louis Giordimaina, CEO Lufthansa Technik Malta, on a courtesy call at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a piano recital by Stefan Cassar and Célimène Daudet at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
6.30 p.m. The President inaugurates a monument dedicated to Pope John Paul II in Victoria, Gozo.

Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to Sta Lucija.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Voices concert entitled Voices One Family at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.