Social and Personal

BALDACCHINO. On March 8, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Giselle née Farrugia and Brian, God's precious gift of a son - JULIAN JAMES, a most welcome brother to Andrew George. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Denise Ciappara and all the caring staff at the ante-natal and post-natal wards.

CAMILLERI. On February 13, at St Philip's Hospital, to Yolanda née Azzopardi and Antonio, God's precious gift of a second-born son - ANDREA ANTONIO, a welcome brother to Gianluca. Thanks to all the maternity staff at St Philip's Hospital.

DIMECH. On March 13, at St Philip's Hospital, to Claudine née Bezzina and Josef, God's precious gift of a first-born son. Thanks to the gynaecologist, anaesthetist, paediatrician and all the maternity staff. Special thanks to Carmen Cannataci.

GATT. On February 28, in Canberra, Australia, to Stacey and Mark, God's precious gift of a daughter - LAILA.

MIFSUD. On March 11, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Elaine Micallef and Andrew, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - ELLA. Thanks to midwife Lilian Azzopardi and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

MUSCAT. On March 10, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Tiziana née Attard and Andre, God's precious gift of a son - YANI. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Anna Croucher and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

PACE. On March 10, at St Philip's Hospital, to Sandra née Sammut Alessi and Rosman, God's precious gift of a first-born son - NEIL. Thanks to the gynaecologist, paediatrician, anaesthetist, all the staff at the maternity unit, relatives and friends.

SUDA. On March 13, to Natasha and Ottavio, God's precious gift of a second-born son - LUCA. Praise and thanks be to God.

SULTANA. On March 6, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Maria née Micallef and Michael, God's precious gift of a daughter - RIHANA. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwives Anna Calleja and Mariella Abela Camilleri, and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

SULTANA. On March 10, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Phyllis née Sciberras and Joseph, God's precious gift of a daughter - CHIARA. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Anna Calleja and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

VELLA. On March 10, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Romina née Mizzi and Darren, God's precious gift of a daughter - GIULIA, a most welcome sister to Marea. Special thanks to Dr Helga Consiglio and all the dedicated maternity staff for their care.

VELLA. On March 11, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Charlotte née Grech Cumbo and Nicholas, God's precious gift of a daughter - MEGAN JOY, a most welcome sister to Maxine Dawn. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Anna Croucher and to all the maternity staff at the hospital.

VUKOVIC. On March 8, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Corinne née Portelli and Bane, God's precious gift of a second daughter - LARA NICOLE, a welcome sister to Hannah Kate. Deo gratias et Mariae.

Obituary

ZAMMIT LEWIS. On March 13, in the United Kingdom, JOE, aged 75 (originally from Msida), passed away after a long illness, in New Malden, Surrey, England. He leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife Pat, his children Debbie, Joe, and David, and their respective families, his brothers Vincent and Paul, his sister Ethel, family members and friends and former colleagues of the Malta Badminton Association. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.
A Mass for the repose of his soul will be held at St Francis Chapel, Msida Circus, today at 10 a.m.

Requiem Masses

Tomorrow's 10 a.m. Mass at St John of the Cross parish church, Ta' Xbiex, will be offered for the repose of the souls of ANTONIO and ANNA PACE.

Appreciation - Major Albert E. Abela, MBE, F.R.Hist.S.

John A. Mzzi writes:

"Albert was a true gentleman in the full sense of the term, modest and unassuming, always guided by a sense of honour and loyalty, abiding by a professional code of conduct which was part and parcel of his military training and career."

This most deserved tribute was paid by the editor of The Sunday Times a fortnight ago, a few days after Albert E. Abela died at the age of 74. He had been able to integrate his many talents in a life fruitfully spent within a family he loved and who loved him, among a wide circle of friends who highly respected and admired his rare and often unique gifts as a writer and researcher, a dedicated historian who contributed much to the study of Malta and its people during the prolific years of British rule - his books on those years will not only stand the test of time but will stand out as milestones in the record of a period in Maltese history that the future has yet to place in its proper context.

Albert was born on October 13, 1932, the son of Joseph V. Abela, a man of action who played a leading role in may organisations ranging from the Army, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, in the Civil Defence Organisation which he set up after his military service, in the Scout Movement of which he was one of the first members, rising to Island Commissioner, of the St John Ambulance Brigade which he led for 15 years, and of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and the Playing Fields Association both of which he initiated and which flourished under his very knowledgeable leadership. He had married Evelyn Sceberras-Trigona.

It was natural that Albert would acquire his father's sense of service and dedication and this he showed early in life, in his devotion to his school, St Edward's College, where he started to contribute to the school's magazine and which he supported in its many functions in later years. He achieved his ambition to join the Army early, starting when he had just turned 19 by joining the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in 1951 to be commissioned a second lieutenant in the Royal Malta Artillery in 1953.

Albert retired from the Army after 27 years in the rank of major in 1980, having served as signals instructor, battery commander and adjutant, and also as a British Army staff officer at Malta Troop Headquarters at Castille, for which services he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1970. He was treasurer of the Royal Malta Artillery Association when the regimental memorial to those who had died during the Second World War was erected at Floriana.

During this period he wrote a regular column on motoring in the Times of Malta under the pen-name "Roadster", remarking in the opening sentence in his first article in June 1966: "The surprising thing in Malta is not that there are so many traffic accidents, rather it is that there are not more." Forty years on, things have not changed much! He expanded his contributions to a series on "Motoring Abroad", which were concluded in 1968.

Albert wrote on many subjects, meticulously researched, and he originated features which much looked forward to by the readers who never knew who was writing them as he never signed them, considering his contributions would stand on their own merits. His weekly "Fifty Years Ago" in The Sunday Times and the weekly "Half a Century Ago" in The Times, which he compiled until a few years ago when he was incapacitated by his illness, entailed regular visits, at great personal sacrifice, to the public libraries in Valletta and Victoria and the national archives at Rabat, searching through newspapers and documents. He revived many aspects on a variety of subjects that formed part of Maltese history which he incorporated in his books and writings.

For over 30 years the Nativity paintings feature in the Christmas Supplement of The Sunday Times was researched and written by him, and he also wrote about many Maltese and foreign artists as well as on subjects that revived aspects of Malta's history that had been forgotten.

Albert's first book was The Order of St Michael and St George (Progress Press, 1988) which became the definite record on this order of knighthood created in 1818 to honour Maltese and Ionian citizens and is today still a major British order of knighthood of the British Realm, although not conferred on any Maltese since 1960. This book also gave detailed accounts of other British orders of chivalry which were given to Maltese personalities.

The biographies were highly researched and the illustrations superb. A moment of pride for him was to give a public lecture in a packed Hall of St Michael and St George in the Palace, the former Supreme Council Chamber of the Order of St John, renamed later as the seat of this British order, his sense of history was particularly tickled!

He followed this book with Malta's George Cross and War Gallantry Awards in 1989, where he was able to interview many of the relatives of the awardees and, in many cases, the recipients themselves - a tribute to those in Malta whose deeds are often forgotten by their countrymen.

Albert's third book, Governors of Malta, in 1991 recounted the lives, careers and times of 34 British governors, 25 chief secretaries and lieutenant-governors. A rich publication notable for its illustrations, mostly in colour, of the governors and of the events they presided over.

This book was followed by two others on people, places and events in Malta - A Nation's Praise (1994) and Grace and Glory (1997), again revealing facets of the island's history that only a few remembered or even knew.

His English was impeccable, and his style smooth and easy-going, as befitted a member of the Queen's English Society.

Albert served for a brief period at the Cathedral Museum at Mdina and was a valued member of Malta National Archives Advisory Committee. He was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. What he never publicised, in keeping with his reserved character, was his being made a citizen of London in 1989 by the Mayor, Sir Christopher Collett, who granted him the Freedom of the City.

One mourns with his family, his loving wife Mariella, née Refalo, his daughters Jocelyne and her husband Charles Hennen, and Caroline and her husband Andrew Magri-Overend, his grandson Michael and his granddaughters Nadine, Amanda, Fiona and Lisa. They and those who knew him will remember him for his gracious character, his modesty and his gentility.

In Memoriam

CATANIA. In loving memory of our dearest CHARLES.
He lived for those he loved
And those he loved remember.
Marlene, Suzanne and Angela.

FALZON - FRANCIS ANTHONY. In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, today the first anniversary of his death. Never forgotten by his wife Esther and his children Michael, George, John, Marisa, Alex and Martin. May God grant him eternal rest.

GERADA. In loving memory of our sweet and precious daughter KAREN.
A Mass for the repose of her soul will be said on March 23 at 6 p.m. at the old St Venera parish church. Relatives and friends are welcome.

LAURI - JOHN. In loving memory of our dearest father, tomorrow the 26th anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his sons, daughters, in-laws and family.

MARICH - LINA. Cherished memories of our dear mother on the 13th anniversary of her death. Sadly missed by her daughters Doreen, Caroline and Louise, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

MEILAK - Dr JOSEPH MEILAK, 18.3.80. Remembering our dearest Joe with so much love. Now as always so close to our hearts. Cettina, Stefan and Lucienne, Erika and Ivan and grand-children.

MEILAK - Dr JOSEPH MEILAK, 18.3.80. Always so very lovingly remembered. His mother-in-law Helen Psaila and all his in-laws.

PULIS. In loving memory of our dearest JOSEPH, a beloved husband, father and grandfather who went to meet the Risen Lord seven years ago today. Forever in the hearts and prayers of his family. To live on in the hearts of those we love is never to die. Dear Lord, grant him eternal rest.

REIMER. Unfading memories of my dearest daughter NADYA on the fifth anniversary of her death. Forever in my heart and prayers. Merciful Lord, grant her eternal rest. Her mother.

SACCO. In loving memory of MAURICE, today being the 40th anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Josephine and children.

SCERRI. Remembering a dearest father and grandfather, CRISTINO, with much love, respect and gratitude, today the 29th anniversary of his demise. Loving memories. His family.

Personal

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the whole wide world forever and ever. Amen. N.S.

Pharmacies open today

9 a.m.-noon
St Publius Pharmacy, 48, Triq il-Miratur, Floriana;
International Pharmacy, 650, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun;
Pinto Pharmacy, 43, St Sebastien Street, Qormi;
St Bartholomew Pharmacy, 230, Fleur-De-Lys Road, St Venera;
D'Argens Pharmacy, 330, Rue D'Argens, Gzira;
Melita Pharmacy, 127, St George's Road, St Julian's;
Rudolph Pharmacy, 133, Rudolph Street, Sliema;
St Michael Pharmacy, Transfiguration Square, Lija;
Tat-Targa Pharmacy, Plot No. 2, Constitution Street, Mosta;
St Paul's Bay Pharmacy, 504, Main Street, St Paul's Bay;
Tarxien Pharmacy, 59, Tarxien Road, Tarxien;
Alpha Pharmacy, 'Maria Immaculata', Cospicua Road c/w Cottoner Avenue, Fgura;
Felice Pharmacy, 95, Sanctuary Street, Zabbar;
Green Cross Pharmacy, 31, Gregorio Bonnici Square, Zejtun;
Qrendi Pharmacy, 6, Main Street, Qrendi;
De Rohan Pharmacy, 24, St Anthony Street, Zebbug;
Healthwise Pharmacy, 36, Francesco Zammit Street, Dingli;
Batu Pharmacy, 38, Palm Street, Victoria, GOZO;
Pisani Pharmacy, New Building, Sannat Road, Sannat.