Heard in the hive
Lions Club Mdina visits European Parliament
A group of committee members of Lions Club Mdina has recently returned from an interesting visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.
The visit was organised by Lion president Isabelle Coppini and secretary Judith Debono through the Directorate General for Information at the European Parliament. The visit served to highlight existing awareness of the European Union and its role in the institutional framework. A number of meetings and seminars were organised for the group, including a meeting with John Fordham, who accompanied the group around the parliament buildings, while explaining the process of how important decisions were taken by member states, as well as a meeting with MEP Dr Simon Busuttil, who also briefed the group about his responsibilities as MEP.
Another day was dedicated to very informative seminars addressed by Yvette Azzopardi from the European Economic and Social Committee and Paulo Rocha Trindade from the Committee of the Regions. The tour was concluded by a brief visit to Dar Malta, where group members were addressed by Karsten Xuereb.
Annual summer party for JCI Malta members
The social gathering for JCI Malta started off with water sports followed by a barbecue at Armier Bay.
The party was an enjoyable evening, which helped JCI members and friends get to know each other better, chill out and discover the fun of establishing new social networks.
Junior Chamber is an international organisation for young leaders and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 40. It provides young people with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship. All events are open to JCI Malta members and friends.
More information on other events may be obtained via e-mail on events@jci.org.mt.
Feast of St John celebrated
Newly appointed Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Umberto Di Capua and his wife Marina recently hosted the annual reception to mark the feast of the patron saint of the Order of St John the Baptist.
The reception was held, as is customary, on the terrace of St John's Cavalier in Valletta, which this year was further enhanced by the beautiful fireworks from a neighbouring town and a lively jazz band in attendance.
Among the distinguished guests, welcomed by the Ambassador and his wife together with the Counsellor of the Embassy, Dr Claudio Rovai, was President Eddie Fenech Adami, Archbishop Paul Cremona and Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, Presidents Emeritus Dr Censu Tabone and Professor Guido de Marco and their spouses, various heads of resident diplomatic missions, and members of the Bench.
The Knight Resident at Fort St Angelo, Fra John Critien, also attended, as did members of the Maltese association of SMOM, led by their president Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia.
Guests attended Mass concelebrated by the archbishop together with the Cathedral Chapter at St John's Co-Cathedral, held the morning following the traditional procession through the streets of Valletta.
BoV extends strategic alliances in medical sector
Bank of Valletta has extended its support to associations in the medical sector through the signing of agreements with the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) and the Association of Private Family Doctors (APFD). Through these agreements, Bank of Valletta has been appointed the official bank of these two organisations.
The agreements were signed by Igino Xuereb, chief officer, operations, at Bank of Valletta. Paul Pace signed the agreement on behalf of the MUMN, while Dr Anthony P. Azzopardi signed on behalf of the Association of Private Family Doctors.
"These agreements continue to widen Bank of Valletta's network of business strategic alliances, thereby consolidating our position as an active partner of business and professional associations within our community," Mr Xuereb said, who explained that such support constituted an important pillar of Bank of Valletta's community programme.
Every year, Bank of Valletta extends its support towards a wide range of projects and initiatives undertaken by business and professional associations. "Organisations such as the MUMN and the APFD work incessantly to ensure the collective benefit of their members. As your official bank, our goal is to help you in your endeavours to work towards the success of your members," Mr Xuereb concluded.
Diet Coke winners claim prizes
The lucky finalists of the grand Diet Coke Applause competition claimed their prizes during a presentation at Le Meridien hotel in St Julian's. Gift vouchers and merchandise amounting to Lm6,000 were presented to the winners.
This extensive campaign, hosted by popular local radio Xfm, started off on April 16. Those interested could participate by sending a text message or applying over the Internet. Registered participants were then chosen randomly by Jay and Crew, hosts of the Go Live Big Drive Home on Xfm, and those who answered their phone "An Applause To... their name" were asked to answer a music-related quiz to enter a chance to win the grand prize.
Diane Vella was the lucky winner of the final prize, which included a holiday package for two at the newly refurbished Le Meridien Spa in Croatia, as well as a variety of vouchers from co-sponsors for a value of Lm3,000. The runners-up were also rewarded with vouchers ranging from Lm200 to Lm500. Other participants did not go home empty-handed either, as they bagged a Nike "Plus" accessory and a limited edition Diet Coke T-shirt.
Martin Agius, sales and marketing manager for General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, gave a short speech during the awards ceremony. He said: "More people recognise Diet Coke as a choice product in its own right, and not as an alternative to regular Coca-Cola. The Diet Coke consumer knows exactly what he/she wants, and we're glad to oblige."
The Diet Coke competition was organised in association with Xfm, Le Meridien St Julian's, Estetika, Remington, Urban Jungle, Women's Secret, the Malta Fashion Awards and MEI Woman's Clothing.
Quatorze Juillet à Malte
The University Junior College Orchestra, conducted by Mro Manuel Pirotta, added an unusual Maltese touch to the Quatorze Juillet celebration hosted by the Ambassador of France, Jean-Marc Rives, and Mme Rives, at the InterContinental Hotel in St Julian's yesterday week.
The venue was decorated with red, white and blue, the colours of the glorious French tricolore, and a myriad of fairy lights.
Ambassador and Mme Rives, together with Mme Anne-Louise Debeusscher, director of the Alliance Francaise de Malte, and officials of the Embassy, greeted the guests who were led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami, and the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi.
Among the large number of guests present were Cabinet ministers, the Chief Justice and Mrs DeGaetano, the president of the Alliance Francaise de Malte, Mr Justice Joseph Filletti, and Mrs Filletti, members of the French community in Malta, and lecturers and teachers of French.
The Junior College orchestra preceded the formal speeches by playing the European anthem, Beethoven's setting of Schiller's Ode to Joy.
Ambassador Rives, addressing the gathering in French (with his wife providing an English translation), said this year they were celebrating July 14, commemorating the fall of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution of 1789, from a European perspective.
As the nation provided a dream of a shared future, so did the European Union provide a dream of a shared future for the nations of the continent.
He said the French electorate had rejected the EU Constitutional Treaty two years ago because they wanted a stronger Europe, one closer and more responsive to its citizens. He was pleased to see that, with strong support from the new French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, the German Presidency of the EU had managed to give Europe a fresh start.
Nations can only face today's challenges if they stood together, he said.
Switching to Maltese, Ambassador Rives said he was very satisified at the progress made in Franco-Maltese relations in the two years he has been here. Unfortunately, he said, he could not continue in Maltese since he could not compete with his British colleague (High Commissioner Nick Archer).
Mr Rives said the new French President had chosen to spend a few days resting in Malta before his official swearing-in. He thanked the Maltese authorities, and especially the Prime Minister, for the co-operation they extended during Mr Sarkozy's unannounced visit.
Mr Rives said he was pleased to see that Franco-Maltese co-operation had resulted in an agreement between the Central Bank of Malta and the Monnaie de Paris for the minting of Maltese euro coins in France.
He was also pleased to announce that more scholarships were being offered to Maltese students in France, particularly engineers, who had the opportunity of training there.
Scholarships were also being offered by French companies in Malta to Maltese citizens eager to carry out research in France.
Mr Rives was also pleased to see that Malta had joined in the celebration of the Fête de la Musique on June 21, marking the beginning of summer, a tradition started in France 25 years ago. He also remarked on the growing co-operation between Malta's Armed Forces and those of France in maritime co-operation and in manning the EU's Frontex patrols to combat illegal immigration.
He was also pleased to state that a contingent of the AFM had taken part in the Bastille Day parade in Paris that morning, along with representatives of the armed forces of all 26 other EU states (see following story).
Mr Rives expressed his regrets at the death of the five men killed in the fireworks factory explosion in Gharghur, whose funeral was held that morning.
The Ambassador finally encouraged all French citizens present that evening to strengthen relations between Malta and France at all levels. Vive la République! Vive la France! Vive l'amitié franco-maltais were his closing words before he invited all present to drink a champagne toast to Franco-Maltese relations and to the future.
President Fenech Adami, in reply, said he appreciated the Ambassador's reference to President Sarkozy's visit to Malta, whom he praised for giving a lead "to what we expect in Europe".
For centuries, France has been a key player in European affairs, the President continued, and its vision and leadership on where we are going was highly appreciated. "The EU now needs this type of leadership."
The President recalled that a number of illustrious Frenchmen were associated with Malta's history, singling out Jean Parisot de la Vallette, the hero of the Great Siege of 1565 and the builder of the island's capital which bears his name.
As EU members, all 27 countries had a role to play, Dr Fenech Adami said.
He appreciated the French government's decision to invite military contingents from all 27 EU states to take part in the Bastille Day parade.
Everyone in Europe was proud to belong to a nation-state, but everyone too was realising that we cannot do it alone.
President Fenech Adami expressed his appreciation to France for the help it has given Malta, especially in dealing with illegal immigration. He then proposed a toast to President Sarkozy and to Franco-Maltese friendship.
The Junior College orchestra then played the two national anthems, after which the guests could enjoy, among other things, a sumptuous buffet of French cheeses and sweets, including a large tricolore celebration cake cut by the French Ambassador and Mme Rives.
AFM at Bastille Day military parade
The Armed Forces of Malta yesterday week participated in the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris. The event has been held every July 14 morning since 1880.
Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The storming of the Bastille was considered a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution.
An AFM detachment composed of Lieutenant Jonathan Borg, warrant officers Nicholas Camilleri and Mark Chircop, and led by Lieutenant Jonathan Cutajar, arrived at the Satory Barracks in Versailles on July 4. During their two-week stay they undertook several rehearsal sessions accompanied by the other EU contingents to the tune of French battle marches.
The parade proceeded down the Champs-Elysées from l'Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde where the President, members of government and ambassadors stand. This is the oldest and largest regular military parade in the world.
This year, President Nicolas Sarkozy invited 26 EU member states to join the parade. Troops from other countries have taken part in previous march-pasts, but never before has there been foreign troop participation on this scale.
On Bastille Day, Champs-Elysées saw some 200,000 people eagerly awaiting the inspection of all troops by the President, the parading of dismounted troops and mounted troops, the fly-past of the French military aircraft, and the motorised troops parade. This event was co-ordinated to perfection by the French defence ministry, which also endeavoured to organise a pleasant and cultural stay in the French capital.
The Maltese detachment returned to Malta last Tuesday.
Toyota launch new showroom
The new Toyota showroom of Michael Debono Ltd, Zebbug, which has been open since March, was officially inaugurated on Friday week by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Toyota GB chairman Shimpei Kobayashi.
Some 250 guests from the local business community were hosted at this gala event by the Debono family and directors of Toyota who had flown in for the evening.
Geoffrey Debono, director of Michael Debono Ltd, welcomed everyone to the new showroom complex which had taken two years to build, including the provision of a large underground car park and landscaping of the surrounding areas. He explained the long history of the company and how it started back in 1960 with his grandfather, Michael Debono, importing the first Toyota car to Malta.
Miguel Fonseca, managing director of Toyota GB, confirmed that this is recorded as the very first Toyota sold in Europe and the company was therefore extremely proud of their long and successful relationship with the Debono family.
He was convinced that the showroom was the most impressive he had seen among the many already built in the UK and it was a credit to everyone who had been involved. He went on to confirm that Toyota was now firmly established as the world's leading manufacturer of motor vehicles. It is estimated that the company will sell over one million new cars in Europe this year. He finally congratulated everyone for helping to make Toyota the most popular car here in Malta.
A brass commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Prime Minister and Mr Kobayashi, and the new showroom was blessed by Fr Daniel Cardona, archpriest of Zebbug.
Reza Deghati photo-exhibition at MCC
The 80 exhibits by world-renowned photo-journalist Reza Deghati, which recently adorned the Sliema promenade for ten days, have been moved to the Mediterranean Conference Centre till the end of the month. The indoor exhibition is free of charge and open to the public daily.
Keith Marshall, who co-organised the event, was highly satisfied with the outcome: "The most important factor related to the setting up of this exhibition was the public's reaction - and this was incredibly encouraging.
"We are hugely delighted with the feedback we received as well as with Reza's outlook. He was highly impressed by the natural beauty of our islands, especially Gozo, and with the rich culture and history that Malta affords. We are quite positive that Reza and his family will be great ambassadors to Malta.
"We must also thank the public for being so responsible with their civic duties and for having respected the outdoor display. We also thank our sponsors for having made the whole set-up possible - the MTA, Vodafone and Chemimart - as well as those with whom we worked closely and who served the cause so well - Island Caterers, Intervisions, KSU, the US Embassy, BIG, Philip Caruana and photographer Ramon Sammut."
All exhibits at the MCC are being sold at Lm200, with most of the proceeds being donated to various charities. For further information, call Mr Marshall on 9947-1813.
Casinò di Venezia hosts Orietta Berti
Casinò di Venezia in Vittoriosa recently hosted the popular Italian singer Orietta Berti, who gave a performance at the Argotti Gardens in Floriana.
She received a warm welcome not only from the management and staff of the Casino but also from fans who came down to Vittoriosa just to see and chat with their favourite singer.
Being a special guest at the Venezia Restaurant, she and her team were the first to taste the new Casinò di Venezia Spumante, a new sparkling wine to be launched in the coming weeks.
Casinò di Venezia assistant director Francesca Orlandi commented: "The event turned out to be successful and was well received by Ms Berti as well as her staff and team. She also mentioned the Casinò di Venezia during her concert which also was a great one. We appreciated her visit."
Information on Orietta Berti and her visit to the Casino together with other events can be found on www.casinodivenezia.com.mt
Qormi wedding
The wedding recently took place at St Sebastian parish church, Qormi, between Architect Daniela Carla Agius, BE&A (Hons), daughter of Paul and Grace Agius, of Qormi, and Charlot Agius, B.Sc.IT, M.Sc. (Informatics), son of Saviour and Doris Agius of Qormi.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Charles Cordina. Jurgen Paul Agius, B.Sc (Business and Computing), brother of the bride, and George Briffa, the groom's uncle, witnessed the ceremony, while Natalino Agius was best man.
The bride, who wore an embroidered corset and a tiered skirt and a train made of toulle, was assisted by Antonella Agius, the groom's sister, and her cousin Rebekah Giorgia Scicluna. Her cousin, Laura Scicluna was flower-girl, while Josef Spiteri, cousin of the groom, was pageboy.
A reception was then held at Torre Paolina, Madliena. The couple spent their honeymoon in New York and Orlando, US.
Rapinett - Cachia
The marriage took place on June 23 at St Aloysius' Chapel, Birkirkara, between Maria Odette Rapinett, daughter of Mr and Mrs Victor Rapinett of Fleur-de-Lys, and Frank Cachia, son of Mr and Mrs Edward Cachia of Zurrieq.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Maurizio Mizzi, O.Carm, assisted by Fr Lino Azzopardi. The ceremony was witnessed by Kevin Rapinett, the bride's brother, and Josef Cachia, the groom's brother. Enzo Porretta, the bride's brother-in-law, carried out the duties of best man.
The bride was attended by her sister Diana Rapinett as maid of honour. Sara Porretta, the bride's niece, was flower-girl, while Aiden Cachia, the groom's nephew, was pageboy. Neil Rapinett, the bride's nephew, was ring bearer.
A reception was later held at Villa Maria in Zurrieq. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Bali.
Postgraduate History of Art student on scholarship at Florence University
Charlene Vella successfully attended the IV corso della Scuola di alti studi dottorali on "La civiltà comunale italiana" focusing on the 12th century.
This took place from June 25-30 in the beautifully-preserved medieval Tuscan city of San Gimignano. The 11 borsisti deriving from different disciplines of various European universities had to speak of their research and also attended several lectures by medieval scholars from the Universities of Florence, Milan and Perugia.
The youngest and only foreign researcher attending, Ms Vella gave a presentation regarding her current research on the Malta-centered MA thesis, after which a discussion was held among the attending scholars.
Her research on "Malta as an artistic frontier region between the Western World and North Africa in the Late Medieval and Early Renaissance periods" engrossed those present, who were mainly researchers and scholars who focus on the central and northern regions of Italy.
The course was organised by the Centro di Studi sulla Civiltà Comunale of Florence University, directed by Professor Giovanni Cherubini, and organised jointly by Professor Giuliano Pinto and Professor Andrea Zorzi with the help of Dott. Guido Tinacci from the Ufficio Relazioni Pubbliche del Comune di San Gimignano.
Singers and Artists Festival
GM Productions, exclusive organisers of Miss Malta, is again organising the annual Singers and Artists Festival, at Angelo II Garden Restaurant on Saturday.
The event will also see the participation of Miss Malta 2007 participants. The trophy, sponsored by Paul Target Ltd, will be presented to the winning singer by the She2s girls.
GM Productions, run by George Gatt Mangion, is accepting applications, free of charge. Interested singers are requested to phone Margaret on 2144-0393 or 9946-9438 by Wednesday.
Last year's winner was Dereck Schembri of Marsa, who was awarded the Mary Spiteri Challenge Trophy for his interpretation of You Raised Me Up by Westlife.
Capital Radio's birthday bash
Marika Azzopardi, writes:
Retro music fans had a ball at Capital Radio's birthday bash held at Buskett Roadhouse on July 14.
The star attraction of the evening was the presence of the famous Eighties duo Bad Boys Blue - Carlos Ferreira and John McCinery - whose first visit to Malta impressed them immensely. They were especially thrilled to have the audience sing along through the lyrics of the popular ballad You're a Woman unaided.
Over 2,000 people flocked to the party, 300 of whom arrived purposely from Gozo to share the fun. Programme director Renald Bugeja and station director John Mallia commented: "It was a highly successful event and we are very happy the public was visibly enjoying it to the last minute. People didn't want to leave. Come 4 a.m. in the morning, we had to put the lights out to convince everybody that it was time to pack up!"
Capital Radio is in fact highly popular for the wide and varied selection of Eighties music that entertains its followers, placing it high on the listenership list. This was the radio station's ninth birthday celebration, which has kept up the tradition of treating party-goers to choice international stars, live entertainment, clean fun and a memorable night out.
Maltese Augustinian priest decorated PEP by Pope Benedict XVI
Rev. Patrick Mallia, OSA, JUD, was awarded the insigna of Pro Ecclesia Et Pontefice (PEP) by Pope Benedict XVI on June 15.
The award was consigned to Fr Mallia by Cardinal Frank Rodé, prefect of the Holy See's Congregation for Religious Institutes and Consecrated and Apostolic Life, to which Fr Mallia dedicated over 33 years of service.
Fr Patrick hails from Senglea, and was born on December 19, 1932. He was received into the Maltese Augustinian Province as a novice in 1950 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1957. In 1961, he received his JUD in Canonical and Civil Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
For over 20 years, Fr Mallia taught Canon Law at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, a university affiliated to the Pontifical Lateran University.
In 1971, Fr Mallia began his service in the Holy See's Congregations for Religious Institutes of Consecrated and Apostolic Life, in which he was also responsible for the formulation, approval and/or renewal of the Constitutions of the same. In 1995, Pope John Paul II appointed Fr Mallia head of the same Office of the Holy See.
Though Fr Mallia retired to Malta two years ago, he still assists various institutes of religious and Consecrated Life as counsellor especially with regards to the legal interpretation of matters or problems arising in the constitutions regulating this life.
Layers at Gallery G
Julian Calabrese, whose exhibition entitled Layers is on display at Gallery G until August 31, has a mix of Celtic and Italian roots. The artist was born in the UK but spent many years in Malta.
To say that living in various countries and absorbing different cultures has influenced him and his work would be an understatement. Situations that take place in widely differing places lead to unexpected twists and turns of fate, emotions, experiences and style. In turn, this has affected his individual expression and relationship with the canvas. This can all be seen clearly as a first layer in the development of his art over the past 11 years.
Calabrese's use of colour and technique represent the fact that nothing is constant, nothing but change. His preferred media is acrylic paint. He often uses mixed media and textures, materials that appeal to him and fit into the right place, making things happen at the right time, working harmoniously together.
Layers is sponsored by Attard & Co. with VoloRosso Wines, BoV, Café Café - Gozo and Gozo Express Services Ltd. Gallery G's exhibition halls and Gallery shop (No 4, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Lija; tel: 2142-1984; e-mail: grimand@medzone.com.mt) are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - July 23-29
Tomorrow
6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a committee meeting of the Ball of the August Moon at Verdala Palace.
6.30 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at the Palace, Valletta.
Tuesday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Karim M. Soliman and Mrs Soliman on the occasion of the National Day of Egypt, at their residence in Kappara.
Thursday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Russian Ambassador to mark the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, at his residence in San Gwann.
Friday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass followed by a reception on the occasion of 100th birthday of Mary Gili at St Vincent de Paul Residence, Luqa.
8.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual dinner of Din l-Art Helwa at San Anton public gardens.
Saturday
9.30 a.m. The President views a band display and is accorded the National Anthem by the King's Own Band Club on the feast of St Dominic, at the Palace, Valletta.
The Archbishop's engagements - July 23-29
Tuesday
10 a.m. Archbishop Paul Cremona returns from Lourdes.
4.30 p.m. The Archbishop meets the Poor Clares Sisters at their Monastery in St Julian's.
Wednesday
4.30 p.m. The Archbishop attends the Poor Clares' Chapter at their Monastery in St Julian's.
8.30 The Archbishop meets young priests at the Saghjtar Pastoral Centre to welcome the newly ordained priests.
Thursday
11 a.m. The Archbishop meets the Diocesan Commission for Mental Health.
Friday
9 a.m. The Archbishop presides a meeting for the presentation of the aggregated accounts of the Archdiocese for 2006, at the Seminary, Tal-Virtù.
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass for children at the Birzebbuga parish church. After Mass, the Archbishop will be visiting the local band clubs.
Saturday
11.30 a.m. The Archbishop visits the office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Valletta. The new Website of the missionaries' office will be launched.
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at St Paul's Bay's parish church on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Sunday
9.15 a.m. The Archbishop presides over a pontifical Mass on the feast of St Dominic at the Dominican parish church, Valletta.
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at San Gwann parish church on the investiture of altar helpers.
For your diary
The group Tibqax Wahdek, for single and widowed persons, meets at Despott Hall, Floriana every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. The group is organising a barbecue on Saturday at St Thomas Bay. For more information call Franz on 9947-6761 or 2169-4203.
Ward u Zghar is organising a get-together at the Social Welfare Centre, St Venera on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The group will also be meeting for a "disco ravjulata" at Bob's Caravan in Bahar ic-Caghaq on Saturday at 7 p.m. For more information phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745 or Maris on 9947-9246.
You Are Not Alone (YANA) is organising a birthday party for some of its members on Wednesday. The group is also meeting at Tigné on Sunday at 6 p.m. For more information call Rita on 7944-5675, Austin on 9944-6627 or Stella on 7926-7701.
The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims (SICEC) is organising a talk on "The Tomb of Jesus", led by Emanuel Psaila, at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 6.45 p.m.
Din l-Art Helwa will be holding its 42nd anniversary reunion dinner at San Anton Gardens on Friday at 8.30 p.m. The dinner is being held under the patronage of President and Mrs Fenech Adami.
A gourmet and lavish menu will be provided by Osborne Caterers, and the popular group 'The Quacks', composed of Malcolm Crockford, Anthony Bernard, Antonella Bernard, James Degaetano, Mario Mifsud and Adrian Curmi Dimech will entertain guests throughout the evening.
Tickets including dinner and pre-dinner drinks are Lm13.50 per person inclusive of wine. Dress code is lounge suit or smart casual (shirt and tie). Proceeds from the evening will be dedicated to Din l-Art Helwa's restoration projects.
For reservations call 2122-0358 or 2122-5952 or call at the offices of Din l-Art Helwa at 133, Melita Street, Valletta.
The Singles Social Club is organising a social evening at the Velvet Lounge in Bugibba on Friday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.
A day's outing in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel, Ghajn Tuffieha on August 1 at 10 a.m. Transport will be available. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
The Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor are holding their annual midsummer's evening cruise on board the mv Fernandez on Thursday, August 9, the eve of the feast of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa.
Departure is at 8 p.m. sharp from The Strand (opposite Pebbles Bar). For tickets at Lm15 per head (including buffet dinner and wine) contact Christine Debono on tel. 7944-4135 (cmdebono@hotmail.com) or Madeleine deDomenico on 7926-0965/2133-5334. Cheques are to be made payable to Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor and mailed to 50, Windsor Terrace, Sliema SLM 1850.
The Malta branch of the International Al Jolson Society, as part of the 80th anniversary of the making of the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, is organising a barbecue/buffet in a four-star Gzira hotel on August 11 at 8 p.m.
Tickets at Lm6.50 include a welcome drink, glass of wine or soft drink and mineral water. For more information phone 2189-6936 or 9988-0489.