Heard in the Hive
Russian National Day reception
Russia's National Day was celebrated in Malta last Tuesday with a reception hosted by the Russian Ambassador, Andrey Granovsky, and his wife Tatjana in the gardens of their residence in Kappara, adjoining the Embassy.
Greeted with the strains of a string trio, the hundreds of guests present were led by the Acting President and Mrs George Hyzler. They included members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of various sectors of Maltese society, members of the Russian community in Malta and distinguished guests, among them former Presidents Censu Tabone, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Guido de Marco.
In his speech, Ambassador Granovsky dealt mainly with Russia's foreign policy objectives. He said that since the declaration of state sovereignty on June 12, 1990, Russia has made tremendous progress along the path of genuine democracy and key market reforms which have raised the Russian people's standard of living and quality of life. In international affairs it has adopted a policy of pragmatism coupled with a firm but non-confrontational upholding of national interests. Competition, in the broadest sense of the word, is not equivalent to confrontation, Mr Granovsky said.
Russia is against attempts to divide the world into the so-called "civilised mankind" and all the others, he continued, and it was confident that its stand, together with states with a long history of civilisation, such as India and China, in favour of a unifying policy, will be the main factor in preventing the world from dividing along civilisational lines.
The Ambassador referred to what Pope Benedict, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, had said in January 2004, namely that the human rights concept must be supplemented with teaching about man's duties and possibilities. This would make it possible to restore the common moral denominator of the main world religions. "The harmonious development of mankind is impossible without this," the Ambassador said.
"We advocate a comprehensive approach to solving problems within the Euro-Atlantic region which may involve interaction in a trilateral format - among Russia, the European Union and the United States. These types of frameworks for co-operation exist already - in the UN Security Council, the G8, the Middle East Quartet of international mediators, and the group of six countries dealing with Iran's nuclear programme.
If the trilateral format is given the nature of a comprehensive, true partnership, it would remove unnecessary suspicions regarding what is happening between two other members of the 'triangle', Ambassador Granovsky argued.
Russia appreciates its relationship with a neutral, prosperous Malta, which is playing an important role in the international arena and especially in Europe, where it generates major initiatives for the Mediterranean.
On various issues, the positions of Malta and Russia coincide or are very close, he went on, adding that Russia intends to continue to develop a trade, economic and investment partnership with the island, and to further promote ties in tourism, culture and art.
Ambassador Granovsky then proposed a champagne toast to Acting President and Mrs Hyzler, and to the strengthening of Russo-Maltese relations and the progress and prosperity of Malta and its people.
Dr Hyzler, in his reply, recalled that Malta and the then Soviet Union had established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, in 1967. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, relations with the Russian Federation were established in 1991.
As Parliamentary Secretary for Health, he had led a delegation to Russia in January 1989 to discuss a health agreement. This resulted in a number of Russian medical professionals visiting the island to carry out research on diabetes.
In a personal capacity, Dr Hyzler said, in 1988 he had brought over to Malta a number of children from the Chernobyl area, which had been struck by a nuclear disaster in 1986. The children were offered hospitality by Maltese families, and he had found support from various companies and individuals. He brought over a group of children from Chernobyl every year, until two years ago. The children enjoyed their Malta experience immensely.
Dr Hyzler praised the role played by the Russian Centre for Culture and Science which opened its offices in Valletta in 1990. Its various activities of a cultural and scientific nature had done much to bring the two peoples closer together, particularly through Russian language courses, exchange visits, exhibitions and seminars.
Dr Hyzler then proposed a toast to the President and people of Russia.
After the playing of the two national anthems, the director of the Russian Centre, Sergei Medvedev, said this year had been declared by President Putin as Russian Language Year. An activity to mark this will be held on July 6 in the presence of President Fenech Adami.
Mr Medvedev then announced that Reuben Gauci had won a Russian essay competition on relations between Malta and Russia, and that his essay will now take part in an international competition whose winner will be announced in Moscow in August.
Various activities will be held later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Mr Medvedev said.
Certificates of appreciation were then presented to Alice Horne and Marie-Therese Vassallo for organising musical activities at the centre, and a special posthumous certificate was awarded to Capt. Wilfred Attard, for his major contribution to promoting cultural relations between Malta and Russia. The award was received by Capt. Attard's daughter, May Bonello.
Ambassador Granovsky announced that another reception will be held on July 27 to mark the 40 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Russia. He also had a surprise for the guests: his wife, Tatiana Granovskaya, and the First Secretary at the Embassy, Vladimir Komarov, would sing the popular song, Midnight in Moscow.
Guests were then invited to a buffet dinner of Russian food specialities.
Archbishop, Bishop of Gozo hosted by Catenians
Members of the Malta and Gozo area of the Catenian Association, an international organisation of Catholic business and professional people that has been in existence in Malta and Gozo for the past 26 years, last weekend hosted Archbishop Paul Cremona and Bishop Mario Grech, as well as a number of other members of the clergy at their annual Clergy Nights respectively.
Since the aims of the Catenian Association is to strengthen family life through friendship and faith, the scope of these traditional annual events serve to show the local association's gratitude and support for the work of the clergy in the two local dioceses.
In fact, Mgr Cremona was hosted at the Corinthia Palace, Attard, during a dinner attended by some 166 members and wives of Mensija and Valletta Circles as well as of the newly set up St Julian's Group, all of which are from the Archbishop's diocese. There were also 44 clergy guests.
The Bishop of Gozo, on the other hand, was hosted at the Calypso Hotel in Gozo by the Victoria-Gozo Circle, the third circle that makes up the local Catenian area, and the only one from the bishop's diocese.
During both evenings, the bishops both spoke very favourably of the principles that animate this association through which the Catenians are able to work in the community for the betterment of society.
In fact, during the Gozo evening, Fr George Grima was presented with a cheque for Lm300 from immediate past president Alan Buttigieg as the Victoria-Gozo Circle's support for his Gesu fil-Proxxmu project, which helps the needy in African and other Third World countries. The money had been raised in Mr Buttigieg's year as Circle president.
Morgan's shopping party
On Wednesday May 30, an exclusive Morgan shopping party was held at the Sliema outlet in Bisazza Street.
Guests were given the opportunity to be the first to view the new summer collection in the latest styles and trends. A number of stunning models were also present on the night modelling the new collection. These fresh young faces were done up using Max Factor cosmetics.
The lucky ladies made the most of their mid-week break by shopping the night away while sipping Sottovoce wines and munch Pringles. Pink magazine also sponsored this event.
Holidays in Ibiza, Croatia with Bay Street's Shop & Win competition
Bay Street is once again launching its Shop & Win competition with an exclusive holiday to win each month.
Every month until August, Bay Street shoppers spending Lm5 and over from any outlet in the complex have the possibility of winning a holiday abroad. All customers have to do is write their name and telephone number on their receipts and deposit them in the Shop & Win Box situated in Bay Street's Rotunda.
The first draw will be held on June 30 with the lucky winner winning a one-week package holiday to Ibiza between July 8 and 15. The draw for July will take place on July 21 and will win lucky shoppers flights to Croatia between August 4 and 11. The last draw will be held on August 18 and the winners will win a week's holiday to Ibiza between September 1 and 8.
These prizes are being offered courtesy of EC Travel Services Ltd, Enrico Travel Ltd, and Arrigo Group.
Spring barbecue at the Funny Farm
The day chosen was perfect for the first fund-raising barbecue of the year to enable the Horse Rescue Association to continue looking after the 15 horses and two ponies that are currently stabled following either traumatic injury or simple rescue from the butcher's shop.
On average, it costs Lm500 to purchase and keep a horse from the slaughterer's knife, and Lm100 has to be found every week to keep the horses and ponies fed and brought back to health. Fund-raising activities are essential and sponsors of one sort or another are also essential if these animals are to be kept alive and well.
A hundred people turned up to enjoy the sunshine and food. Vegetarian delicacies and rice were kindly provided by Good Earth while Pedro Griscti, a family member of Blue Dragon, kindly donated his time and a delectable number of different barbecue sauces and mustards.
Claire Grima of YTC Embroidery donated Funny Farm T-shirts and hats. Tamara Cefai served drinks, and an ever-smiling Caroline Polidano was in charge of tickets at the entrance gate. Well-known local artist Nikki Arnett kindly drew all signs and cartoons.
Tables, essential for laying out food for large numbers came from Paul Degiorgio, owner of Poxx Bar in Paceville. James Cachia lent Mr Griscti a hand in producing all the hot barbecue offerings. Mr Griscti also looked after sound equipment donated by the Sound System.
Apart from enjoying getting up close to most of the horses and ponies, who obviously enjoyed all the human attention as well, visitors who wanted to try their hand at riding, were safely led round the training enclosure by Claire, Michelle and Wendy.
A large number of regular animal lovers enjoyed their day and were joined by 15 members of the increasingly popular All Wheel Drive Club, with wives and children who brought their prized vehicles along and mingled with the same interest around the original means of transport, long before the internal combustion engine was invented.
Any association of this nature has a committee and this one was well represented by the incredibly enthusiastic Sr Magdalene, along with Sandra Zammit, Michelle Cachia Arnett, and the guiding light behind the whole idea, Sue Arnett.
Lack of funds is always a problem, and there is a constant plea to for any horse lovers to donate a few liri a month in return for the fun of being able to groom and ride a horse on a regular basis.
This form of sponsorship is incredibly worthwhile for any parent whose children would love to get to know more about the animals in the clean air of Bidnija, a village only a phone call away on 9948-7915 or 9980-8986. It's also a simple way of ensuring the survival of lovely, affectionate and intelligent horses so that they can see out their last years in happy retirement, safe from the butcher's knife.
Bajada - Grech
The marriage took place on June 1 at Our Saviour parish church, Lija, between Ritienne Bajada, daughter of Raymond and Antoina Bajada, of Lija, and Marco Grech, son of Mary and the late Vincent Grech of Iklin.
Mass was celebrated by Mgr Alfred Xuereb. The marriage was witnessed by the groom's brother, Sergio Grech, and the bride's brother, Francois Bajada. The duties of best man were carried out by the bride's uncle Emanuel Azzopardi.
The bride was attended by her cousins Beverley Fenech and Svetlana Azzopardi as bridesmaids. Maria Pia Caruana was flower-girl. Jean-Paul Grech, the groom's nephew, was page-boy.
A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - June 18-24
Tomorrow
11 a.m. The President receives a group of refugees accompanied by Mgr Philip Calleja and Fr Alfred Vella at the Palace Valletta, on World Refugee Day.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President is presented with proceeds collected during the International Operatic Concert, organised by the Tucker Foundation, New York, in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, by John Lowell at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the board members of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aged (IAHSA).
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at Hastings Gardens, Valletta.
Wednesday
9.35 a.m. The President visits schools in Kercem, Gozo.
11.35 The President visits Mr and Mrs Grech, parents of Gozo Bishop Mgr Mario Grech.
6.15 p.m. The President attends Mass at the St Lucia Church, Kercem, Gozo, followed by a meeting with NGOs at the parish hall.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives the new members of the Council of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Portuguese Ambassador and Mrs Dias on the National Day of Portugal, at their residence in Bahar ic-Caghaq.
Friday
4.30 p.m. The President, accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami, inaugurates Dar Pirotta, Birkirkara, the residential home for persons with disability, run by the Pastoral Council for Disabled Persons.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a piano recital by Stefan Cassar in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, at Verdala Palace.
Saturday
11 a.m. The President receives the members of the committee of Fra Antoine De Paule Band Club at San Anton Palace, Attard.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musical concert followed by the presentation of Gieh in Naxxar at Naxxarfest 2007, on Main Square, Naxxar.
Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to Kercem.
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception on the feast of St John the Baptist at St John's Cavalier in Valletta.
For your diary
A mega book sale is being held in aid of missionary work in Albania at the Deporres Hall, Sliema (next to Burger King), today between 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. The event is being held in collaboration with Merlin Library.
A bazaar is being held at Stella Maris parish centre at 50, Cathedral Street, Sliema, between Tuesday and June 26 from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Magnificat, the ministry for Catholic women, is holding its annual dinner at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard, on Thursday. Fr Martin Cilia will celebrate Mass at 7.30 p.m. and Dr Carol Razza, MS Couns., BS Psy., will give a talk. Dr Razza is a psychotherapist in mental health counselling and counsels candidates for priesthood. For reservations call 9942-0846 or 9944-2601.
You Are Not Alone is holding a birthday celebration for members whose birthday is this month at Despott Hall, Floriana, on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. Entrance fee for members is Lm1.
Ward u ZgHar is organising a picnic near the Millenium Ground, Ta' Qali, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information call 7953-9234, 7904-8745, 9947-9246 or 7905-3558.
The Mount Carmel band club, in collaboration with the Gzira council, is organising a Lejla Gzirjana at the Council of Europe Gardens in Gzira on Friday (feast of St Peter and St Paul) from 7.30 p.m. onwards. There will be food and drink stands, and entertainment by various singers, including Helen Micallef, J. Anvil, Klinsmann and 'id-Dulli and Veronica', with the participation of the Mount Carmel Children's Choir.
The Single Social Circle is holding a get-together for members and a guest at Velvet Lounge, Bugibba, on Friday at 9 p.m. Bookings are to be made by Wednesday. Call 2142-1337 between 6.30 and 9.30 p.m. or 9947-7181.
The feast decorations and fireworks sub-committees of St Catherine's band club of Zurrieq is organising a barbecue at the Garden of Eden, Zurrieq, on Saturday from 8 p.m. Entertainers for the night will include Marisa d'Amato singing country music and DJ Zepp. Tickets are available from the respective sub-committees and from the band club bar in Zurrieq.