Heard in the hive
St John's Day investiture
To commemorate the feast of its patron saint, the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, Russian Grand Priory of Malta and Europe, recently held an investiture ceremony in the Christ the King Chapel of the convent of the Sacred Heart, Mriehel.
The event, during which 11 new aspirants were invested as knights, was attended by a large number of Maltese, Italian and American knights and dames of all ranks of the Order, as well as distinguished local and foreign guests.
The impressive two-hour ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Grand Master, Bailiff Victor M. Xuereb, NN, GCSC.
Mass was concelebrated by Fr Alfred Sacco, SDB, and Fr Charles Bugelli, OFM Cap, both prelates of the Order of St. John.
In a brief address, the Grand Commander and Grand Prior of Malta and Europe, Paul M. Borg, welcomed the new aspirants and the other members of the congregation, and expressed the council's appreciation to Bailiff Joyce Piersanti, Prior Josephine Dixon Hall and Bailiff Salvatore Fincato for having brought delegations to participate in the investiture ceremony.
Following the blessing of mantles and insignias, the 11 aspirants took the oath of allegiance to the Order, and were then invested as honorary knights of the Order by Lt Grand Master Victor M Xuereb.
These aspirants, coming from Palermo, Catania and Salerno, were Gaetano Cascino, Dr Giuseppe Provenzano, Dr Massimiliano Lo Verde, Dr Salvatore di Gregorio, Dr Francesco Picciotto, Dr Giovanni Nocera, Paolo Russo, Dr Giuseppe Rallo, Dr Mario Rizzo, Raffaele Russo and Barone Luigi Malatesta.
The Lieutenant Grand Master then carried out the dubbing ceremony of six invested dames of the Order from the Priory of Eastern United States of America, OSJ (Malta).
These were Bailiff Joyce Piersanti, Cmdr of Justice, Georgia Dempster, Dame Dyanne Toisi, Dame Margaret Donavan, Dame Terry O'Connor and Dame Isabelle Paul.
Daniel Kevin Borg was admitted as Squire of the OSJ after taking the oath of allegiance to the Order, while Cmdr Sebastiano Nirta was promoted to Knight of Justice, and Cmdr Nicola di Filippo received the highest promotion of the
Order as Knight Grand Cross of Justice.
The presiding Lt Grand Master then proceeded with the installation of Bailiff Salvatore Fincato de Armanno as Ambassador of the Russian Grand Priory of Malta and Europe for Italy, and Knight of Justice, and Dr Salvatore Ruta as the Prior of Sicily.
All diplomas were distributed by Bailiff Xuereb.
The ceremony was concluded with the presentation of cheques to Id-Dar tal-Providenza of Siggiewi, St Patrick School, Salesians of Don Bosco, Sliema, Mother Teresa Sisters of Charity, Cospicua, Lourdes Home of Ghajnsielem, Gozo, Suret-il-Bniedem, Gzira, and YMCA, Valletta.
The next OSJ investiture ceremony will be held in December.
Go supports Malta Hospice
Go recently supported a fund-raising activity organised by the Malta Hospice Movement. The initiative is in line with the company's long-standing tradition of supporting the philanthropic organisation, which aims to offer a better quality of life for patients with serious medical problems.
The Malta Hospice Movement offers an exclusive holistic support which its team of dedicated members offer on a voluntary basis to cancer and motor neuron disease patients and their families. The movement looks at patients as human beings and focuses on their physical, emotional, social and spiritual problems, implementing an individual care plan for each patient.
Go, formerly Maltacom, has always offered the Hospice Movement its ongoing support, ranging from financial assistance to sponsorships in the form of communication services and products. Earlier this year, the company provided the movement with a year's supply of Easyline cards, as it has done for several years, for use by patients who need to travel abroad for medical treatment.
"We are proud to team up with the Malta Hospice Movement once again and back its sterling work of improving the standard of life for terminally ill persons. Our company prides itself on a long-standing relationship with the Hospice Movement and has again responded to the philanthropic organisation's appeal for assistance," Maria Jourdan, Go's manager for sponsorships and corporate social responsibilities, said.
"Sponsoring philanthropic initiatives with a strong social implication, such as the Malta Hospice Movement cause, turns the spotlight on Go's corporate social responsibility and its strong social conscience," she stressed.
During the presentation, held at Go's head offices in Marsa, Dominic Attard, the Malta Hospice Movement representative, thanked the company for its ongoing support over the years. He stressed that the organisation relied on the support of caring companies like Go to reach its goal.
Go Mobile subscriber wins trip for two to Monza GP
Go Mobile subscriber James Mangion, of Madliena, will be enjoying the Monza Grand Prix at close quarters next month after winning a trip for two to watch the Formula 1 race.
Mr Mangion was one of the many Formula 1 fans who subscribed to the F1 SMS Update service that was offered by Go Mobile throughout this racing season.
All those who subscribed took part in the competition, with the chance of winning an unforgettable trip for two to watch the races in Monza, courtesy of Britannia Tours.
"We know that many F1 fans rely on this service offered by Go Mobile and this year we wanted to thank them with this special prize. Mr Mangion and his guest will be leaving for Monza on September 6," John Farrugia, Go Mobile's business development manager, said.
The prize included two return flights, accommodation in a four-star hotel in Lecco, all transfers and taxes and, of course, entry to the Monza GP. Mr Mangion could not believe it when he was told he was the winner and it took him a couple of minutes before the news sank in.
"When I realised that I would soon be on my way to the Monza GP, I couldn't believe my good luck. Although I'm a big fan of Formula 1 races, this will be the first time I will be watching the Grand Prix live. I thank Go Mobile and Britannia Tours for making this possible," Mr Mangion said.
People
Alan Tabone, B.Eng. (Hons), has completed his four-year course in Electronic and Communications Engineering at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK.
Mr Tabone graduated with a first class honours degree conferred on July 11 at a Congregation at Canterbury Cathedral.
His final project was the design and production of a Multiple Distributed Picaxe Hexapod Robot which was awarded the university prize for outstanding achievement and inspirational application of technology.
Mr Tabone, the son of Tancred and Karla Tabone of Sliema, was educated at St Edward's College, Cottonera.
Professor Simon Attard Montalto, MB.ChB, MD (Liverpool), FRCP, FRCPCH, DCH, was recently appointed associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
Professor Attard Montalto graduated MB.ChB from Liverpool University in 1985, and was awarded a higher doctorate from the same university in 1998, following his research on children undergoing intensive therapy for malignant disease.
Professor Attard Montalto trained in paediatrics, initially at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, and later at Great Ormond Street, Guy's and St Bartholomew's Hospitals, London. He returned to Malta in 1996 as chairman of the Clinical Department of Paediatrics and was also appointed head of the Academic Department of Paediatrics at the Medical School in 1998.
He has a particular interest in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and is a European Paediatric Resuscitation Council instructor. He has published widely on various topics concerning child health and has co-authored five books for postgraduate and undergraduate training in paediatrics. The second edition of his paediatric text for undergraduates has been translated into two additional languages. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London.
Professor Attard Montalto is the son of Mr and Mrs Paul Attard Montalto of Sliema, is married to Jane née Berry of West Sussex, UK, and has two sons, Edward and Nicholas.
Jesmond Attard, B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. OT, was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy for research carried out in the Directorate of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK.
His thesis, entitled "Physiological and biomechanical effects of Lycra garments on children with cerebral palsy", focuses on his work in measuring the interface pressure applied by the garments on the skin, as well as changes in skin temperature, humidity and blood flow as a result of wearing dynamic Lycra orthoses.
He has presented his work on the subject in international conferences in the UK and published in international scientific journals.
Dr Attard was educated at St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara; he then qualified as an occupational therapist from the School of Occupational Therapy, St Luke's Hospital in 1987. In 1996, he graduated with a first class Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Salford.
Dr Attard is currently residing in Buckinghamshire, UK, and working as a senior orthotist at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, where his special interests are orthotic management of cerebral palsy and foot and ankle orthotics. He also performs the role of training officer, specialist guest lecturer and examiner at the University of Salford.
He is married to Marguerite, née Spiteri, and has two children, Kirstie and Michael.
Jeannot Attard graduated with BA (Hons) Languages and Tourism Management on July 18 from Napier University Business School, Edinburgh.
British award for young accordionist
Mariel Agius, 16, of Rabat, was awarded the Sir James Anderton Musical Excellence Award after achieving distinction marks in both her theory and practical Grade 6 examinations, thus placing first in Europe.
The award was presented by Raymond Bodell, executive director of the British College of Accordionists, during his recent visit.
The Sir James Anderton Award, specifically designed for Grade 6 candidates, was established in 2003 by Sir James Anderton himself who was the first-ever elected chairman of the governing council of the college.
The main aim of the award is to encourage accordionists to keep climbing the ladder which will take them to the final stages of their studies. Although the award has already visited another three destinations before coming to Malta, this is the first time it has travelled beyond British shores.
Ms Agius has been studying the accordion for the past eight years, under the direction of Antoinette Borg, ABCA (TD) (Hons), LBCA (Hons). This is not the first time she has stood on the European podium.
Ms Agius has always passed all her theory and practical exams with either a high merit or a distinction. For the past four years, Ms Agius has formed part of the Santa Maria Accordion Band, the only accordion band in Malta. It is composed of 15 members, under the direction of Marthese Busuttil Cassar.
Ms Agius has also performed on many other public events.
Miss Maltese Beauty, Mr Maltese Elegance pageants
The 22nd Miss Maltese Beauty and Mr Maltese Elegance pageants, organised by Modelle International under the direction of Sue Rossi, will this year be held at Castello Zammitello, Mgarr.
Fifty female and male models will be competing for the two titles.
The female models will be parading in casual, smart and evening wear presented by Model Elegance Boutique, while the male models will be modelling in elegant suits provided by Cefai Formal Wear of Gozo.
All contestants have already attended for photo-shoots, by Fotoclassic, on different beaches.
Cut Coiffeur will be responsible for the hairstyles of the contestants, while Complexions Beauty Salon by Claire will be responsible for the make-up using Pupa cosmetics. The event will be aired on Net TV.
The contestants will be competing for other titles, including awards for photogenic, personality and appearance.
Charles Grech Ltd will offer a Southern Comfort welcome drink to all the guest and also gifts to the winners.
Busy times for young harpist
Albert-G. Storace, writes:
Recently on holiday in Malta, young Anglo-Maltese harpist Cecilia Sultana de Maria enthused about upcoming and very important concerts in which she will be taking part.
Now 18 years old, Ms Sultana de Maria was born in the UK of Maltese parents and has lived there all her life. She is quite well-known in local music circles especially since she has been taking part in various concerts and recitals from a tender age. These include acclaimed performances at the MCI, the Sala Isouard, at the Manoel during the CHOGM two years ago, and at the Presidential Palace at San Anton.
On September 25, Ms Sultana de Maria will be taking part in a concert at the Barbican during which she will perform, for the first time, a work for harp and orchestra. This is Debussy's Danse Sacrée et Profane, with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra.
Every year, the LSSO presents a series of three concerts at the Barbican to which professional singers and instrumentalists are invited to perform with top young musicians from various schools of music. This month the LSSO is touring Scotland and the last concert will be held at St Mary's cathedral, Edinburgh.
Another important date for Ms Sultana de Maria is September 15, where she will make her first appearance as a soloist in a concert presented by her school, the equally highly prestigious Purcell School of Music, at London's famous Wigmore Hall. Some time ago Cecilia appeared on that august stage but as member of a small chamber ensemble.
In the last few months Cecilia took part in various concerts such as that at the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in the presence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Another venue she performed at was the British Academy of Arts and she was also chosen to perform during the inaugural concert at the Purcell School of Music's state-of-the-art Music Centre.
Adding a feather in her cap was her winning of the Louis Watt Competition which was held at Morley College, London. This was for musicians of the London centre for Young Musicians, which incorporates the LSSO and other orchestras.
She was chosen as Head Girl for 2007-8 by the staff and students of the Purcell School of Music.
Miss World Malta to compete for Miss World title
Stephanie Zammit, the reigning Miss World Malta, will soon be representing Malta in the Miss World beauty pageant.
Ms Zammit has just prepared her portfolio which will be uploaded on the official Website. All photo shoots were in the hands of Robert Camilleri of Fotoclassic. Lufthansa Airlines will be sponsoring Ms Zammit's visit to China.
The Miss World finals will be held in Sanya on November 30. A total of 120 finalists will compete for the Miss World title.
The contestants will participate in TV interviews, photo shoots and other activities, and will compete for other titles, including Beach Babe of the Miss World, Best Talent and Best Designed Dress.
Baileys Woman of the Year
This year's Baileys Woman of the Year event was a truly enjoyable evening. The event this year was held in the spectacular Upper Barracca Gardens. The award, organised annually by M. Demajo (Wines and Spirits) Ltd, went to international soprano Lydia Caruana.
Ms Caruana, together with this year's nominees, Angela Galea, Moira Delia and Mariella Scerri, mingled charmingly with the guests who greatly commended the choice of location. The event was hosted by Charles Saliba. The guests were entertained by William Mangion.
The award was presented by Anthony Miceli Demajo, managing director of M. Demajo (Wines and Spirits) Ltd, who thanked all those who were involved in the preparations for their meticulous work.
Former apprentices celebrate 60 years settling in UK
Three ex-electrical fitters, Robert Bertuello, 79, Francis Mifsud, 78, and Salvu Mallia, 79, recently met to celebrate 60 years since they left Malta and settled in England.
The three men were the first apprentices who were selected to go to UK dockyards in 1947 under a new Equal Opportunities Scheme. Electrical apprentices went to Chatham Dockyard, mechanical apprentices went to Devonport Dockyard, and constructive apprentices went to Portsmouth Dockyard.
Last Friday week, the three apprentices together with their wives Anne, Brenda and Audrey, met at a pub for a meal, a drink and a nostalgic chat to celebrate the anniversary.
Mr Bertuello and Mr Mifsud retired in 1989 as senior draughtsmen (senior production and technology officers), and Mr Mallia retired as SPTO on the overseeing side of the Admiralty.
Throughout the years, the three couples travelled extensively: the Bertuello couple, who have a motor-home, in Europe, the Mifsud couple to Singapore and Australia, and the Mallia couple as far as Peru.
Aldox Ltd sponsors AAAC
A new sponsorship agreement between the Allcomers Aloysians Athletic Club (AAAC) and Aldox Ltd was unveiled at a recent dinner-party at the Melita complex in Attard.
The club's coaches and a large number of the club's athletes, including those featured in recent national selections, were present for the occasion together with Aldox Ltd representatives.
Apart from the financial backing that is to be provided to the club, the importance of good vitamin and mineral intake in sports was highlighted during this event, courtesy of Pharmaton capsules - a multivitamin and mineral supplement, augmented with standardised Korean ginseng, that may be used to counter tiredness and fatigue.
Present for the event was Aldox managing director Peter Seychell, who presented AAAC senior coach Zejlko Aras with a cheque, setting the sponsorship deal in motion.
Speaking about the agreement, Mr Seychell expressed hope and confidence that such an association would prove beneficial to both parties, and wished all the athletes success in their training and upcoming competitions.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - August 30-September 2
Thursday
10 a.m. The President presents credentials to Dr Richard Vella Laurenti, ambassador-designate of Malta to Greece, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.45 The President receives the members of the Mqabba Fireworks Society, winners of the international fireworks festival held in Rome recently.
Friday
11 a.m. The President presides over a Drug Forum Meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
Saturday
8 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Libyan Ambassador and Mrs Sherski on the occasion of the National Day of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya at the Corinthia San Gorg, St Julian's.
Sunday
9.30 a.m. The President attends a reception on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Victories and is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, at the Peace Band Club, Naxxar.
7.30 p.m. The President accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an instrumental and vocal concert by La Vittoria Band on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, on the parish square, Mellieha.
For your diary
A day's outing in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Cavalieri Hotel on Wednesday from 10 a.m. For bookings, and more information, phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Ward U Zghar is organising a picnic and kite-flying activity on Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. For more information phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745 or Maris on 9947-9246.
The St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) is holding a dinner themed 'Dine and Relax by the Sea' at the Cavalieri Hotel, St Julian's, on Friday at 7.30 p.m. Funds are in aid of charity. Phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223, or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 or 7933-2839 by Tuesday.
A fund-raising barbecue is being organised by the Funny Farm Horse Rescue Association in Bidnija on Friday at 8 p.m. A vegetarian menu will also be available.
Entrance ticket costs 50c (€1.16); barbecue ticket costs Lm3 (€7). For bookings call Sue on 9948-7915 or Mich on 9980-8986.
The Singles Social Club is organising a get-together at Fra Ben, Qawra, on Friday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.
The Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonika Sagra Familja of Kalkara is organising a Lejla Sajfija on Friday and Saturday. There will be a song, dance and music festival, games, a barbecue on Friday and a pasta night on Saturday. A sale of house items and toys, in aid of the feast, will be held. The DVD of this year's feast will also be shown.
For more information, visit www.sagrafamilja.org.
Richmond Foundation's self-help group will be meeting on Wednesday, September 5, at 5.30 p.m. at 16, Antonio Agius Street, Floriana. The session will be conducted in Maltese.
Every month self-help group meetings for those persons who are experiencing mental health difficulties are being held. The aim is for these people to support and encourage each other on their road to recovery. For further information contact Richmond Foundation on 2148-2336, 2144-0324 or e-mail: info@richmond.org.mt.
The SPCA is organising an end-of-summer barbecue at Buskett Roadhouse on September 14 at 8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Country Brothers and music from the Sixties by the resident DJ. A raffle will also be held.
Tickets cost Lm6.50 (€15.14) for adults and Lm3.25 (€7.57) for children up to 12 years. For bookings, contact the SPCA at St Francis Ravelin Street, Floriana FRN 1231, or e-mail info@spcamalta.org. Payment can either be sent by post by September 10, or at the door. Book ahead for a table.