Heard in the hive

Spiteri and Borg Enterprises Ltd, owners of Antiquites et Beaux Arts of 17, Capuchins Street, Floriana, recently celebrated their first anniversary and also inaugurated the excellently restored annexe.

Fr Martin Micallef, OFM Cap., blessed the premises, after which a reception was held for clients and friends who had supported this venture during the past year.

In his address, director Joseph Francis Spiteri recalled the great strides made in a relatively short time by Antiquites et Beaux Arts, which cater for the fast growing market of antiques, collectables and fine arts.

The opening of the annexe provides more space to display a greater variety of items including 18th and 19th century Maltese, British and continental oil paintings, etchings, engravings, prints, Russian and Greek icons and wall-hanging ornaments.

St Andrew Society hosts annual Burns Supper

The annual Burns Supper organised by the St Andrew Society (Malta) was held recently at the Westin Dragonara Resort. The evening was chaired by the society president, Helen MacLachlan.

Members and guests were welcomed by the skirl of the pipes, played by John van Dyke and by a welcome drink before taking their seats below a screen displaying a virtual Saltire cross which filled the room.

Mrs MacLachlan began with a few words of welcome before her husband Duncan said the Selkirk Grace to begin the celebratory dinner.

Mr van Dyke led the procession of the Great Chieftain followed by the haggis and John Kirkpatrick carried the quaich and the Famous Grouse, sponsored for the evening by Wands Ltd.

John Haddow gave the Address to the Haggis and with a microphone in one hand and dirk in the other did well not to "cut ye up wi' ready static" but certainly had his hands full.

A delicious dinner, accompanied by fine wines sponsored by Delicata, led into the nicht's ongauns where Mrs MacLachlan toasted the President, and society patron Professor J.J. Cremona toasted the Queen.

The Immortal Memory, given by Hugh Brown, focused on Burns' life as a farmer and the works of poetry written at the various stages of his life as a farmer.

Interspersed with well-chosen poems, or stanzas of poems, Mr Brown took the guests through the whole gamut of emotions in his own inimitable style. It was very well presented and equally well received.

John Barr took up the gauntlet to toast the Lassies and his originality and eloquence held the gathering spellbound. He remained the gentleman throughout.

In her reply, Janice Dunn was not so kind, and while sailing close to the wind on many an occasion, was extremely witty but never offensive and went down well with both genders. Her lapses into the vernacular only added to the power of her rhetoric.

Denis Mulholland graced the Society by coming out of forced, early retirement to join Professor Joseph Vella on the piano in a rendition of three of Burns' songs, the little known The Blackbird, John Anderson my Jo and Scots Wha Hae. Her once soprano voice, now nearing basso-profundo, held every note and was the highlight of the evening.

After a few words of thanks to all those who had contributed to such a successful evening, including the sponsors, Wands Ltd and Delicata Fine Wines, Mrs MacLachlan led the assembly in Auld Lang Syne.

Old Boys reunite

Renewing acquaintances is always nice but meeting students some 26 years after they left school is very pleasant and gratifying.

Such was the occasion when some instructors from the Automobile Section of Umberto Calosso Trade School met a group of students who attended this school some 26 years before.

They met over dinner at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, where they reminisced and talked about the good old days.

For the teachers, it was extremely rewarding to see these young men, now nicely settled either running their own business in the motor trade or working as mechanics, technicians or maintenance fitters with reputable firms in Malta.

To a certain extent it was a nostalgic evening for both the students and the instructors. Students related instances and mentioned experiences that with hindsight they realise how valuable and important their training at Umberto Calosso School was in acquiring the skills necessary to enter the working world.

Despite the fact that the job of an instructor is a stressful one due to the inherent risks which are inevitable in jobs where tools and machinery are used, yet all the students look back with great satisfaction and pride at their instructors' input towards the success of these men in the working world.

The group agreed that such a happy occasion should be repeated next year.

Westin Hotels launch signature home fragrance

Consumers don't have to wait for their next travel getaway to elevate their senses and soothe their spirit with the White Tea scent of Westin Hotels and Resorts.

In response to heavy demand for the scent, consumers can now infuse their home with White Tea by Westin - the hotel leader's signature fragrance collection featuring a luxurious 100 per cent soy candle, gentle room oil diffuser and all-natural potpourri. Hundreds of guests asked how to purchase the scent for their home prompting a waiting list for the exclusive collection months before its debut.

Ordering is simple and can be done online by visiting www.westin.com/eustore, the Westin At Home™ virtual store, now available in five main navigation languages: Italian, French, English, German, Spanish. European guests are offered the opportunity of bringing home products the Westin® At Home products products with a simple "click" or a phone call.

White Tea by Westin is a custom-designed scent that evokes the personality of the brand, elevates the senses and transforms any space.

Highlighted with notes of geranium and freesia, the ingredients were carefully chosen because of their relaxing properties and are the result of almost a year of research and testing. The White Tea by Westin was introduced in Westin Hotel lobbies around the world as part of the brand's new welcome programme which is currently rolling out across all hotels worldwide.

"As part of our Westin Welcome programme we designed our White Tea scent to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for our guests and we're thrilled that we made such a strong emotional connection that they want to bring that experience home with them," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels and Resorts."

The White Tea by Westin collection is the latest addition to the brand's successful retail line that includes the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath® products that are available through a branded Website.

Carnival party by HSBC fund

Over 400 children from Church homes or who are in the care of various organisations, enjoyed a great Carnival party at the Dolmen Hotel, organised by the HSBC Cares for Children Fund.

This year's party featured excellent entertainment with clowns, magicians, stilt walkers, and an interactive puppet show.

The children were also treated to colourful dance performances while Christabelle Borg and her team, sang and danced to upbeat songs.

Face painters and other animators were also at hand to keep all the lively children entertained throughout the afternoon.

The children also enjoyed the great party food that was provided, and at the end of the party, each walked away with a small gift, courtesy of HSBC Cares for Children Fund.

"The HCCF Carnival party has now become an annual event that all the children really look forward to. The children's reactions to the show that was put up for them was great.

"Thanks to the great support of HSBC volunteers, the fund has once again been able to put on this large scale popular event. The party was thoroughly enjoyed by all, including the adults accompanying the children," Mrs Gonzi, chairman of the HSBC Cares for Children Fund, said.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Marsascala

The Marsascala council recently celebrated the Chinese New Year with a Chinese dinner at Il-Fanal. The guest of honour was outgoing Chinese Ambassador Liu Zhengxiu.

Marsascala mayor Mario Calleja, who hosted the event, welcomed the ambassador and 200 guests.

In a short speech, he thanked Mr Liu for his unstinting efforts during his tour of duty to promote friendship and co-operation between the two countries.

He thanked the People's Republic of China for its forthcoming financial and technical aid in building a miniature Chinese garden in Marsascala and Reno Calleja, president of the Malta-China Friendship Society, for his help.

The ambassador said he was appreciative of the deep friendship between the two peoples.

The mayor and the ambassador then exchanged gifts to mark the occasion

Knights of St John Yuletide investitur

The annual Yuletide investiture ceremony was recently held by the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, Russian Grand Priory of Malta and Europe, at the World Headquarters in Valletta.

The solemn event was attended by Maltese and foreign officers, dames and knights of the Order and a number of distinguished guests, some of whom travelled to Malta purposely for the occasion.

The ceremony was presided over by the Grand Commander and Grand Prior, Bailiff Paul M. Borg, deputising for Lieutenant Grand Master Victor M. Xuereb, who was indisposed.

In an address of welcome, Chev. Borg made reference to the origins of the Order of the Knights of St John and said that "looking back to the beginning of our heritage in the holy city of Jerusalem when Pope Pascal II affirmed the status of the Order as an Order of the Church, we note that this Order continued its work as a Hospitaller Order, working for those in need in the Holy Land."

Chev. Borg added that, in time, the Order had to turn militant to defend Jerusalem. While always continuing its work as Hospitallers, the Knights became the defenders of Christ and of Christianity. The Order then moved from Jerusalem to Acre, to Cyprus, to Rhodes and to the zenith of its power in Malta, from where it ruled for over a quarter of a millennium.

"While in Malta", Chev. Borg reiterated, "our Order advanced its knowledge of medicine and healing and, up to the present day, continues to make use of this knowledge through the support provided by our priories and commanderies world-wide for hospitals, clinics, orphanages and homes."

Chev. Borg urged all knights and dames of the Order to honour their commitment to continue their invaluable work for the benefit of mankind, and to strive to be exemplary and worthy bearers of the banner of the Order.

Chev. Borg's speech was followed by Mass concelebrated by Fr Alfred Sacco, SDB, and Fr Charles Bugelli, OFM Cap., both prelates of the Order.

The president Grand Commander then invested two new candidates as knights of the Order, Charles Vella Meilaq and Dott. Marino Paulucci from Sicily.

The ceremony was concluded with the presentation of cash donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi; St Patrick's School, Sliema; Suret il-Bniedem, Marsa, Lourdes Home, Gozo; and Fra Diego Home, Hamrun.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements March 5-11

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami will be on a private visit abroad.

Lyceum past students to meet in Toronto

The Council of Administration of the Association of Lyceum Past Students (ALPS) is planning a long-sought reunion with Lyceum past students in Canada between August 28 and September 18.

The reunion will be the focal point of a grand tour of Canada that the association is organising with the help of its Canada branch president, former Maltese consul Milo Vassallo. The get-together will be held in the exclusive Toronto Club on August 31.

The tour has been painstakingly put together. It will include conducted tours of Toronto, Lake Ontario, Niagara, Calgary, the Pacific Coast, Vancouver, British Columbia, a five-day tour of the Rockies and a seven-day cruise in Alaska on the MV Norwegian Sun.

For more details about the tour, contact ALPS secretary-general Alex Borg on 2138-6812 or e-mail alps@global.net.mt.

Gerry Attricks, PHRF present Stepping Out

For the third consecutive year, Gerry Attricks will be presenting the annual show in aid of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund, this year called Stepping Out. The show is a blend of song, dance, and comedy, produced and choreographed by Pat Jones. It is being held on Saturday at the Attard parish hall.

To commemorate this event as well the activities organised by the PHRF on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, a special 32-page publication has been printed. Tickets for show, Lm3 each, can be purchased from PHRF. Contact Helen Sciberras on 2143-6421 or 9984-5600, Pat Jones on 2152-5778 or Jenny Franklin on 2158-3677.

For your diary

A car-boot sale in aid of Home-Start Malta is being held at the Vittoriosa Stars Football Pitch (next to Access Complex) today from 7 a.m. to noon. The aim of Home-Start Malta, part of Home-Start International, is to offer support to families having at least one child under five years of age, who feel stressed because of health problems, multiple births, post-natal depression, or lack of support from family or friends.

An exhibition of crafts is being held at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Hamrun. Ganutell and other crafts made by the elderly residents and other persons who recently attended classes will be on display from Wednesday till Sunday, from 9.30 and 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 and 4.30 p.m. Some of the items will be on sale.

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.

On the occasion of World's Women's Day, the Ghaqda Nisa Giljanizi is organising its 17th annual seminar, at the Hotel Tulip Vivaldi, Paceville, on Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Talks on "The Woman: Yesterday and Today" will be led by Dr Anna Vella, MD, Dr Mario Caruana, LL.D., and Sonia Camilleri.

A missionary bazaar is being held at Kings Shop, Tower Road, Sliema, from Thursday, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. A large variety of clothes and handbags, crockery, books, shoes and toys will be on sale.

A sale of antique and old furniture is being held at St Helen parish church, Birkirkara, on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 7.30 p.m., on Saturday from 9 to noon and 4.30 to 7.30 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Zghazagh Palmisti are organising a 75-hour marathon at St Catherine's band club, Zurrieq, from Thursday at 6 p.m. till Sunday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 7905-6662.

The Malta Floral Club members and their friends will be celebrating Women's Day on Thursday at 11.30 a.m. with Mass at Lourdes Grotto, Floriana, followed by lunch at Lo Squero, Haywharf. The pick-up points will be Gallerija Darmanin, Lija, at 10.30 a.m, and Dingli Circus, Sliema, at 10.45 a.m. For bookings, phone Lily de' Conti Manduca on 2135-4160 or Agnes Mellilo on 2137-8716.

Apart from the treasure hunt being held this afternoon at Luxol Grounds, the St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) is holding a retreat at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday from 9.30 a.m. Two talks will be given by Fr Gordon Refalo, followed by Mass and lunch. For more information phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223, or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 or 7933-2839).