Heard in the hive
Go Malta Television Awards launched
Mermaid Media Entertainment Ltd has just launched the second edition of the Malta Television Awards, which will this year be known as the Go Malta Television Awards.
Nove Wine and Beer Bar in St Julian's hosted the launch on September 22. Those present were offered a welcome drink by Campari. Finger food and Palatino Wines were provided by Nove Wine and Beer Bar and Mastergroup respectively.
The launch was under the patronage of Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, who praised Mermaid Media Entertainment Ltd for organising the second edition of the awards. He emphasised that an initiative "honouring a year of excellence in the local television industry" is to be lauded and supported by all those involved.
The many guests were addressed by Noelene Miggiani, director of Mermaid Media Entertainment Ltd, who explained the changes that have taken place since last year's awards. She explained that the changes were a direct result of the experience gained from last year's event.
This year, the three main television stations will have a representative on the organising committee. Louiselle Vassallo will be representing Net TV, Ruth Vella will represent One TV and Simon Lumsdon will represent TVM.
One of the major changes is the introduction of two new awards - Best Cameraman and Best TV Set Design. Ms Miggiani said that a cameraman is the right-hand man of the director because of the invaluable contribution to the visual presentation of the programmes.
Another change, Ms Miggiani explained, was the definition of "original script". For this year's awards, the script is being limited to drama and comedy.
The Best Animation Award has been replaced with the Best Digital Effects Award to widen the spectrum of technical and creative artists participating.
Ms Miggiani also announced that, thanks to sponsorships by Go and Vascas Jewellers, there will be two People's Choice Awards, one for Favourite TV Personality and another award for Favourite TV Programme.
Awards consultant Tonio Farrugia explained the changes and improvements to the rules and regulations governing the awards. Among other things, he explained that the period being covered in this year's awards is July 1, 2006 to September 20, 2007.
As from next year, the period covered will be a 'television year' - from October 1 to September 30.
Mr Farrugia explained the method of submission of entries. He said that if there are less than three submissions in any one category, the submissions will be shifted to a category acceptable to whoever submits the entry. If there is no agreement, the awards will not be given.
A major change from last year's awards is the restriction on submissions: a programme can only be submitted in one category. The promoters explained that each programme has its special characteristic and therefore should not be submitted in multiple categories.
Franco Aloisio, head, corporate communications and public affairs of Go, title sponsors of this year's awards, said: "Go is proud to support the Malta Television Awards, an event that promotes and rewards the local television scene which over the past years has increased in quality and viewership. With the entry into the television market, Go is very keen to support initiatives that push forward local productions. We augur success to all nominees and to the organisers of the Go Malta Television Awards."
Vascas Jewellers, represented by Mark Vassallo, has this year increased its support. This year's trophy, which the promoters have not yet unveiled, is a work-of-art made of silver. Mr Vassallo expressed his satisfaction for his company's contribution towards a worthwhile initiative.
Silvio Scerri, managing director of Nexos Lighting, said that his company was involved in most television productions throughout the past year, so it was only natural for it to be part of the Go Malta Television Awards that recognise and honour these same productions. Mr Scerri promised that the awards night, to be held on November 24, would provide Nexos with an opportunity to put on an unforgettable show.
EIB Group gets taste of Malta's rich culture
It was not only business talk for the high-profile delegates who were in Malta last month for annual meeting of the Financial Institutions Shareholders Group of the European Investment Fund.
Bank of Valletta made sure the meeting was a memorable one for all the delegates by hosting them to an interesting cultural programme of events that included a number of visits to Malta's top historic landmarks.
Following a welcome dinner hosted by BOV chairman Roderick Chalmers at the Upper Barracca Gardens, the officials from the EIB as well as the representatives of the financial institutions shareholders in the EIF programme were treated to a programme of cultural visits to St John's Co-Cathedral, Neolithic Tarxien Temples and Palazzo Falson in Mdina.
Delegates were visibly impressed by the historic and cultural legacy and took an active interest in getting to know more about the local history.
Refer a Friend competition winner
The first winner to clinch the La Redoute 'Refer a Friend' prize is Mariella Azzopardi, of Marsascala.
She was awarded a Lm25 voucher to spend at La Redoute after having introduced a new customer to the French fashion catalogue.
La Redoute is randomly selecting customers who refer one friend who is not a member of the customer's immediate family, nor sharing domicile, and who places and confirms an order along with the customer.
This automatically makes the customer eligible to participate in this monthly competition with the opportunity of winning a Lm25 (€58.23) gift voucher.
For further details call order line 2148-4700, e-mail redoute@tccmalta.com or visit www.redoutemalta.com. La Redoute is exclusively represented in Malta by the Catalogue Company of Mriehel.
The Fashion House opens
A new outlet - The Fashion House - opened its doors for business last week.
This contemporary-designed 100 square metres outlet, with stark white walls and contrasting finishing touches, is situated in Zabbar Road, Fgura (next door to @240).
The new store will be launching the latest autumn/winter collections from the best fashion houses in Milan and Copenhagen, including Pois and CCDK. The concept will provide feminine, sensual and quality styles with delicate details, ideal for the cosmopolitan woman, oozing intellect and artistic spirit. These very latest collections may also be viewed online on www.pois.it and www.ccdk.com. For more information phone 2769-2448.
Celebrating China's National Day
The Chinese Ambassador, Chai Xi, and his wife Zhang Rufen, last Friday week hosted a reception at the Westin Dragonara to mark the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Hundreds of guests, led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami, attended the open-air reception. Red lanterns and an ensemble playing traditional music on Chinese instruments - not to mention the food - helped to create a "Chinese" atmosphere.
In his address, Ambassador Chai, who has been in Malta since April, said that tremendous changes were taking place both in China and Malta.
Last year, China's economy continued to maintain its spectacular performance with 10.7 per cent growth. With its GDP standing at $2.7 trillion and foreign trade at $1.76 trillion by the end of 2006, China was the world's fourth largest economy and the third largest trading country. By mid-2007, China's foreign reserves still topped the list by reaching $1.33 trillion. Double-digit growth is again expected this year.
At the same time, China has taken various actions and measures to save energy, protect the environment, improve product quality and food safety.
However, Ambassador Xi continued, though China is making remarkable economic progress, it is still a developing country and will remain so for a long time to come. Of its 1.3 billion people, 21 million still live in poverty. Given the huge population denominator, China's per capita GDP was only $2,042, ranking 112th in the world.
"This means we still have a very long way to go and various problems to sort out before we turn our country into a modern country with a prosperous standard of living, a well-protected environment, an advanced culture, and a truly harmonious society," he added. "This is why we are following a people-oriented approach and pursuing a scientific outlook on development. China will stick to the reform and opening up policy while bearing the need for efficient social and economic development in mind."
Speaking on Sino-Maltese relations, the Ambassador said that high-level exchange of visits has continued, and the two countries have been supporting each other in major international affairs. "China highly appreciates the Maltese government for its consistent adherence to One China policy," he stressed.
He was pleased to say that total bilateral trade reached $830 million last year. "The China-Malta relationship is a model of friendly relations between countries of a different size and social system".
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and the People's Republic of China. With the co-operation of the Maltese Foreign Ministry, the Chinese Embassy co-hosted a commemorative concert and a seminar to mark the event.
Ambassador Xi recalled Foreign Minister Michael Frendo's visit to China last May, during which two agreements were signed. Dr Frendo led a 39-strong Maltese business delegation, the largest ever in the history of Sino-Maltese relations.
As a result of that visit, high-tech companies and food and beverage companies from both countries have started to exploit areas of co-operation and investment, Mr Xi said. Moreover, 11 Maltese government officials have participated in various seminars and human recourses training programmes in China, mostly on business and management. Besides, more and more Maltese are travelling to China.
An outstanding feature of cultural co-operation between the two countries this year was the Silent Warriors - Chinese Terracotta Soldiers Exhibition at the National Museum. He also referred to the 2007 Valletta Chinese Spring Festival, and many other exhibitions and concerts.
Ambassador Xi said he was confident that a Confucius Institute will be set up at the University of Malta in near future, in partnership with Xiamen University in China.
The Chinese government has sent a new medical team to the Mediterranean Clinic Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine and some doctors will work in Mater Dei Hospital from December.
A 52-member Maltese delegation, including 19 athletes, is now in Shanghai participating in the 12th Summer Special Olympics. The Ambassador wished them a pleasant stay in China and every success. "I also wish Maltese athletes could make history in the Beijing Olympics in 2008", he added.
He then proposed a toast to the prosperity and happiness of the Chinese people, to closer co-operation and friendship between Malta and China, to President Hu Jintao and President Fenech Adami and to the health of all present.
President Fenech Adami, in his reply, said Malta, and indeed the world, were "overwhelmed" by China's spectacular economic progress in the past few years. The figures quoted by Ambassador Xi were indeed "mind-boggling", he said. However, as the Chinese Ambassador said, China still had some way to go.
Malta too, the President continued, had to adapt to its new status as a member of the European Union. The island had moved forward also thanks to the co-operation of countries like China, which had provided help to Malta in difficult times.
Relations between the two countries had grown stronger over the years in all respects. The volume of bilateral trade was quite impressive, and cultural co-operation was strong. The Silent Warriors exhibition was the most successful in Malta's history, having been visited by some 80,000 people.
President Fenech Adami also welcomed the news of co-operation between the University of Malta and a Chinese university.
He ended by proposing a toast to relations between Malta and China, to the health and prosperity of the President of China and of the two peoples.
The speeches were followed by the playing of the Chinese and Maltese national anthems.
People
Chris J. Delicata, 34, of St Julian's, was recently appointed vice-president of the International Diabetes Federation - European Region (IDF-Europe) during a board meeting held in Dublin, Ireland.
Mr Delicata has been actively involved as a board member of IDF Europe since 2003. In February 2006, he was appointed treasurer of the European region.
Mr Delicata is the youngest member of the European Region board and the first Maltese to occupy a high position within the hierarchy of IDF-Europe.
During the same meeting, Professor Eberhard Standl from Munich took over as president following the resignation of Dr Tony O'Sullivan.
Mary Rose Baldacchino was recently conferred the title of Certified Play Therapist by the Canterbury Christ Church University after following a postgraduate diploma in practice-based play therapy through Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK).
Ms Baldacchino was educated at Maria Assumpta Secondary Technical School, Hamrun, and at Mater Admirabilis Teachers' Training College.
During her teaching career, she was taught Personal and Social Development (PSD) for a number of years. Later, she moved on to guidance and counselling in government schools.
Currently, Ms Baldacchino is serving as a counsellor in government primary schools where she practises play therapy.
While working with schoolchildren through PSD lessons, she furthered her skills to be able to help children with their difficulties, achieving a Diploma in Counselling from the University of Malta. She also further enhanced her counselling skills through an advanced course in Family Therapy/Systemic Practice which was run locally by SWDP (today known as Appogg) in conjunction with the Tavistock Clinic in London.
Furthermore, she obtained an MA in Education from Loughborough University in England. Her dissertation made use of creative art activities in devising a diagnostic tool for possible pupils at risk to be used during PSD lessons with Year 5 and 6 pupils.
Throughout her study career, Ms Baldacchino followed Adlerian Psychology courses both locally and abroad. These and the ever-increasing demand for help from children at younger ages instilled in her the wish to become a play therapist. Ms Baldacchino is also trained as a play therapy supervisor.
Currently, she has also started studying filial therapy in the US. This is a new concept of play therapy whereby parents who are experiencing difficulty in their relationship with their children are taught how to respond therapeutically as they follow their child's play.
Joseph Godwin Agius, M.Sc. (Dublin), was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Education from the University of Sheffield, UK.
His thesis, entitled "Uncemented words - School-Age children who stutter: Feelings and attitudes following a thinking skills programme, focused on practical strategies for helping children who stutter improve their attitudes and feelings towards communication. He has presented his research and clinical experience in international conferences in Munich, Dublin and Croatia.
Dr Agius is a registered speech language pathologist with special interest in fluency disorders. He is principal speech language pathologist with the Health Division and lectures at the University of Malta on fluency disorders and language and psychiatry.
On behalf of the University of Malta, he collaborates with European University partners on the development and harmonisation of the European Clinical Specialisation Course in Fluency Disorders.
Dr Agius is a member on the Council for Professions Complementary to Medicine.
Ronald Aquilina has just been appointed vice-principal of academic affairs within St Martin's Institute of Information Technology.
Mr Aquilina brings with him extensive academic and managerial expertise, which will be of great benefit in his new role as leader of the 25 members of the lecturing faculty for the programmes led through its lead colleges, Goldsmiths and London School of Economics and Political Science, both of the University of London.
Mr Aquilina's experience dates back to 1979 when he started his IT career as a software developer with Dowty (Malta) Ltd. Following gradual promotions, he left Dowty (Malta) Ltd as systems manager and joined Marsovin in 1987, where he worked as IT manager until 2006.
He is a specialist in information systems design, testing and implementation. His experience relates to information systems and database development, information systems infrastructure, Y2K, economic resource planning systems and BPR. He has also several years' experience in Oracle, dBase, Cobol, UNIX Operating Systems and Microsoft applications.
He moves on to St Martin's from Atlas Technology Group where he worked as support manager, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the support team and for ensuring that customer issues are resolved in accordance with service level agreements.
Mr Aquilina has complemented his practical experience with sound academic knowledge. He obtained his BA (Hons) in Economics in 1974. Between 1998 and 2001, he read business and management at the University of Malta, obtaining his Master's in Business Administration (MBA). He has been a member of the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (UK) since 1986.
Apart from lecturing business and management and information systems to undergraduates reading for their BA in Information Systems and Management at St Martin's Institute of IT, Mr Aquilina tutors on economic resource planning, assisting B.Sc. students in e-commerce dissertations and projects. Mr Aquilina is a regular contributor to local and international journals.
Entertainment at Q Bar
Many artists will start performing at Q Bar, the lounge bar which has recently opened at the Valletta Waterfront.
On Wednesday, Q Bar will host Carrie on the piano, while William Mangion will be performing on Fridays. His performances, both as a solo artist and with his vibrant backing band, have made him one of the island's best live entertainers, enjoying popularity even abroad.
Q bar is a new venture between the M. Demajo Group and John Tanti, owner of Places in Paceville. Q Bar is situated in Vault One at the elegant Valletta Waterfront and is open every evening, seven days a week. Phone 2122-3018 or e-mail info@qbar.com.mt.
Maria Stella Leisure Club project inaugurated in Bulgaria
In a setting of water expanse and blue sky similar to what surrounds our island, the Maltese, EU and Bulgarian flags flew on the banks of lake Batak, which lies in between Sofia and Plovdiv, in Bulgaria.
On September 15, the initial stage of the Maria Stella Leisure Club project, funded by a Maltese venture, was inaugurated in this holiday paradise situated 1,200 metres above sea level.
The commemorative plaque and the foundation stone were blessed by Fr Dimitrov in the presence of the owner Emanuel Cassar, company executives Stefan and Sylvia Spasov, associates and friends, including other Maltese and Bulgarian property entrepreneurs.
The project, scheduled to be completed in 20 months, will comprise of villas and villa-styled apartments designed for an all-year-round complex specialising in summer and winter sport.
Batak Lake, which is approximately the size of Malta, is serviced by a circular 35 km road built by European funds to exploit this unique Bulgarian gem. Visit www.emkaltd.com.
Middlesea Group's summer event
Middlesea Group employees recently got together for an afternoon of adventure at Armier beach.
Members of management and staff warmed up with a few games of aqua beach volley until the real challenge began. Divided into teams per department, participants were set to sweat, with some 10 team-building games, ranging from a mind-boggling puzzle and a body-twisting web-crawler to a show of strength by means of a tug of war.
The Middlesea Group General Business Underwriting Department and the Internal Audit Department were the winners and were presented with medals and gift vouchers during a barbecue for family and friends which followed the games.
This event was organised by the Middlesea Group Social Club and supported by Middlesea Insurance plc, Middlesea Valletta Life Assurance Co Ltd, International Insurance Management Services Ltd, Vascas, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, Embassy Cinemas, Charles Vassallo and JP Advertising.
Go Mobile offers for students
With Go Mobile, students need not spend a lot of money to stay in touch with friends.
This year's students' offer comes with highly advantageous rates, freebies and other benefits - no contract is necessary and no minimum spending is required.
"Upon subscribing to the Go Mobile Students' Offer, students will receive 500 free SMSs. Subscribers will also benefit from a call rate of 3c/€0.07 per minute and an SMS rate of 1c/€0.02 to all Go Mobile numbers.
In addition, they will also receive a free myGO Box subscription," Sandro Gauci, Go Mobile sales manager, said.
Those who are subscribed to the Auto Top-Up service will also receive an extra five per cent free talk-time every time they are automatically topped up while still on this tariff.
Moreover, Go Mobile is offering a selection of cool freebies consisting of a range of mobile phone accessories to those who switch to Go Mobile - if you're already subscribed to Go Mobile, introduce a friend and you will both be eligible for these freebies.
To subscribe, students simply send an SMS containing their 16-digit smart card number to 5070-5570. Registration is open until December 31. All valid smart card users are eligible.
Go Mobile is also offering students an exclusive deal on the Sagem My700X.
This phone comes with MP3 player, free stereo Bluetooth headphones and a free 1 GB mini SD card, and is being offered at the price of Lm60/€139.76 instead of Lm75/€174.70.
For more information, terms and conditions call 146 (free) from your Go Mobile, 7922-2146 from other networks, or visit www.go.com.mt.
Special offers on Malta Music Festival tickets to Go clients
GO clients who are keen on attending the Legends Italy vs England football match, the post-match gala dinner or the Simply Red concert - all of which form part of the Malta Music Festival - are in for a treat as Go is offering 25 per cent discounts on the ticket prices. The events will take place on November 1 and 2.
The first offer applies to all Go Mobile clients: these can buy discounted VIP tickets to the most awaited football match of the year for the price of Lm15/€34.94 per ticket instead of Lm20/€46.95. Go Mobile is also offering a limited number of gala dinner VIP tickets selling at Lm37.50/€87.35 instead of Lm50/€116.47. If you'd like to meet the players after the match, reserve your gala dinner tickets now. Every Go Mobile client is entitled to buy a maximum of two VIP tickets.
Music fans will also be happy to know that tickets to the Simply Red concert are being offered at Lm22.50/€52.41 instead of Lm30/€69.88. Both existing clients and new ones who join Go Mobile now are eligible for these discounts.
Also, if you are already a Go Mobile client and you introduce a friend to Go Mobile, you will both receive Lm5/€11.65 free talk-time as an added bonus.
The offer is valid until October 31 and until tickets last. Discounted tickets are available from all Go Mobile customer contact centres or the Go outlet in Birkirkara.
Meanwhile, all Go Plus customers who had taken up one of the bundled offers launched during the Malta International Trade Fair last summer will be receiving a letter informing them that they can also benefit from 25 per cent discount on their tickets for the legends match and the simply Red concert.
Twistees Lite launched
To keep in line with the ever-growing local as well as global concern for health and healthy eating, Darrell Lea Foods Ltd, manufacturers of Twistees, have come up with a new product: Low Fat - Low Salt Twistees.
Launched last week, the product guarantees that schoolchildren and adults alike would be able to enjoy their favourite snack in a healthier version. While being based on the original recipe, Twistees Lite contains a lower amount of sodium and fat, while maintaining the very agreeable cheesy taste and crunchy features.
Twistees Lite complies with the health guidelines set by the Health Department and is available from all supermarkets, confectioneries and other leading outlets. The packet of the new Lite Twistees is highlighted by the words 'Lite' and 'Lower in fat and Salt' on the packet.
The original Twistees is still available.
Ambassador to Montenegro presents credentials
The new Ambassador of Malta to Montenegro, Frank Galea, presented his credentials to President Filip Vujanovic in Podgorica on September 17.
In a private meeting immediately after the presentation of credentials, the Montenegrin President congratulated Ambassador Galea on his appointment and expressed his sentiments of respect and friendship on his own behalf and on behalf of the people of Montenegro to the President and people of Malta.
Ambassador Galea reciprocated the President's warm greetings and said he was confident of good progress in relations between Malta and Montenegro, particularly in view of several possible fields of inter-governmental and commercial co-operation. Discussions are under way on double taxation, investment promotion and technical training.
Ambassador Galea also conveyed Malta's support for Montenegro's aspirations to join the European Union, based on its strategic location in the Western Balkan region, which is the next area expected to be included in a future enlargement of the EU.
President Vujanovic was accompanied by the Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Milan Rocen, with whom Mr Galea had a separate meeting. Other meetings were also held with the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development and with senior officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Maritime Affairs. The Maltese Ambassador also met the chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Montenegrin parliament.
Ambassador Galea was accompanied by Joanne Mercieca, counsellor in the European Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta.
This is the first ever appointment of a Maltese Ambassador to Montenegro, which gained independence in June last year. Malta recognised Montenegro on June 12, 2006 and established diplomatic relations five weeks later.
Second World Heart Day seminar
Flora holds its second World Heart Day Seminar at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija Park of Friendship in Marasacala tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.
The third seminar will be held at Hotel Ta' Cenc in Sannat on October 22. The seminar will start at 10.30 a.m. Registrations close on October 15.
Places may be reserved by calling M&Z (Marketing) Ltd on tel: 2124-6527.
Long-service awards for AX Group employees
AX Holdings has presented Long-Service Awards to 24 group employees. The event was held at the Suncrest Hotel in Qawra and consisted of an award ceremony followed by a reception.
This annual event is held in recognition of the long service given by various company employees. The employees that were eligible for the award this year are employed with AX Holdings, Suncrest Hotel, The Victoria Hotel, Sunny Coast Resort Club, Management in Construction and Hardrocks. Their employment history ranges from five to 20 years. To date a total of 788 employees were presented with this award by the group.
During a short speech at the reception, AX Holdings chairman Anglu Xuereb thanked all the employees for their hard, dedicated work and loyalty towards the group while wishing them long years of fruitful employment. He then presented them with a certificate as well as a personalised souvenir marking the special occasion.
Baldacchino - Gauci
The marriage took place on September 22 at St Anne's Church, in Zebbiegh, between Dr Mariana Baldacchino, MD, ALCM, ATCL, LTCL, daughter of Mr and Mrs Peter J. Baldacchino, of Birkirkara, and Ing. Henry Gauci, B.Eng. (Hons), MBA (Grenoble), son of Mr and Mrs Guido Gauci, of Mgarr.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Vince Magri, SJ, assisted by Fr Roy Galdes. The ceremony was witnessed by James Baldacchino, the bride's brother, and Dr Anne Marie Busuttil, the groom's cousin. Dr Jurgen Gerada carried out the duties of best man.
The bride was attended by the groom's sister Dr Bernice Gauci, and by her friend Sonia Camilleri.
A reception was later held at Villa Maria in Rabat. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Paris and the Mauritius.
Zammit - Sammut
The marriage took place recently at St John of the Cross Chapel, Ta' Xbiex, between Doreen Zammit, daughter of Carmel and Maryanne Zammit, of Cospicua, and James Sammut, son of Joseph and Evelyn Sammut, of Sta Lucija.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Charles Cordina, assisted by Fr Ivan Scicluna, parish priest of Sta Lucija, and Br Jesmond Ciantar, a relative of the bride's.
The ceremony was witnessed by Paul Sammut, the groom's brother, and John Zammit, the bride's brother.
The bride was attended by her relative Dorianne Giordano. Pippa Sammut was flower-girl. Alexander Mallia carried out the duties of best man.
A reception was later held at Villa Mdina, Naxxar. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Europe.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - October 8-14
Tuesday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the chargé d'affaires of Poland, Wojciech Ponikiewski, on the National Day of Poland at the SAS Radisson Bay Point Resort.
Wednesday
9 a.m. The President visits schools in St Paul's Bay.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Franciscan Sisters.
11 Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Day Centre.
1 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a luncheon on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day at Mount Carmel Hospital, Attard.
7 The President meets NGOs at the parish hall, Qawra.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Iranian Ambassador Abolfozi Zohrevand at the Palace, Valletta.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee.
11 The President is presented with letters of commission by Douglas Frederick Lawrence Markes, High Commissioner of New Zealand.
1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited high commissioner and ambassador of New Zealand and Iran at San Anton Palace.
7 The President inaugurates an exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary from the arrival of Caravaggio in Malta, entitled Caravaggio 400, at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.
7 Mrs Fenech Adami attends the Annual Hilda Schembri Memorial at Le Meridien Phoenicia, Floriana.
Friday
9.45 a.m. The President receives Marcos Kyprianou, EU Commissioner for Health, at the Palace, Valletta.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami attends the Autumn Fair at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar.
11 The President receives Ingrid Kossler, president of the Europa Donna (European Coalition for Breast Cancer), at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Spanish Ambassador Marta Vilardell Coma on the occasion of the National Day of Spain at the Intercontinental Hotel, St Julian's.
Saturday
9 a.m. The President inaugurates the symposium 'Caravaggio and Paintings of Realism in Malta' at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President, accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami, presides over a presentation of the opera La Forza del Destino organised by the Leone Band Club at the Aurora Theatre, Victoria, Gozo.
Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to St Paul's Bay.
The Archbishop's engagements - October 8-14
Tomorrow
2.30 p.m. The Archbishop returns from Portugal, where he took part in the Plenary Assembly of the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe (CCEE).
6 The Archbishop presides over a pontifical concelebration at Mdina Cathedral, on the occasion of the consecration of the Cathedral.
Tuesday
4.30 p.m. The Archbishop presides over a Seminary board meeting at Tal-Virtù.
7.30 The Archbishop presides over a soirée at Mdina Cathedral on the occasion of the restoration of 15 old silver statues, known as the Apostolato, and of an old Cathedral organ.
Wednesday
10 a.m. The Archbishop meets the College of Parish Priests at Id-Dar tal-Kleru, Birkirkara.
1 p.m. The Archbishop has lunch with residents at Mount Carmel Hospital on the occasion of Mental Health Day.
4 The Archbishop is interviewed by Josephine Zammit Cordina for SBS Radio, Australia.
6 The Archbishop meets parishes of unit five at Dingli parish church. The meeting starts with Mass.
Unit five comprises the parishes of Dingli, Mdina, Mtarfa and Rabat.
Thursday
5 p.m. The Archbishop participates in a live programme on Radju Marija.
6.30 The Archbishop meets young people who took part in a missionery experience in summer at the University chapel.
Friday
10 a.m. The Archbishop attends a konvivenza of the Neocatechumenal Way at the Coastline Hotel.
4.30 p.m. The Archbishop presides over a meeting of the Diocesan Financial Council.
7 The Archbishop celebrates Mass for Hamrun Lyceum past students at the same premises. Mass will be followed by a get-together.
Saturday
9.30 a.m. The Archbishop attends a seminar at Dar l-Emigrant, Valletta, on marriages between Maltese and foreigners, organised by the Secretariat for Emigration and Tourism.
6.30 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at Qrendi parish church on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of the consecration of the same church.
Sunday
9 a.m. The Archbishop attends the Catholic Action General Assembly at St Monica School, Birkirkara.
5.30 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at Balzan parish church on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the presence of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Malta.
For your diary
Ward U Zghar is organising a picnic in Cottonera today at 3 p.m. The group will meet near HSBC in Fgura.
On Wednesday, the group will be meeting for a get-together at the Centru Hidma Socjali, St Venera, at 6.30 p.m.
For more information phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Maris on 9947-9246, Peter on 7904-8745 or Timmy on 2142-3143.
A bazaar in aid of the parish feast is being organised at Christ the King parish hall, Church Avenue, Paola, until Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon, and 4.30 to 8 p.m. There will be books, plants, clothes and household items at reduced prices.
The Malta Hospice Movement is organising a bazaar at what was previously known as the Be Young Shop in Zabbar Road, Fgura. All items are brand new. Proceeds will go towards the free-of-charge palliative care services to cancer patients and their families. The bazaar will be held from Tuesday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 to 9 p.m.
Companies wishing to donate items towards the bazaar are to phone 2144-0085-6.
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Richmond Foundation is organising a seminar on the connection between physical and mental health. The Wellness Programme, which emphasises a holistic lifestyle management approach, will also be launched, in collaboration with Eli Lily.
The seminar will be held at Le Meridien Phoenicia on Wednesday from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The price is Lm5, which includes coffee, or Lm10, which includes coffee and lunch. For bookings phone 2122-4580 or 2148-2336.
Caritas co-operators are organising a day at The Palace Hotel, High Street, Sliema, on Wednesday with the following programme: welcome coffee at 10.30 a.m., a talk on the art of entertaining in the home, by Grace Cilia Vincenti at 11 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m., while games may be played in the afternoon.
For bookings contact Marie-Louise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016 or Olga Muscat 2133-0132.
The Praise the Name of Jesus Prayer Group is organising a one-day retreat at Attard parish centre on Thursday from 9.30 a.m. The theme is 'Here is the bridegroom, come out and meet Him', inspired from the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt 25:6. Archbishop Paul Cremona will deliver the first talk, while spiritual director Fr Mario Jaccarini, SJ, will celebrate Mass. Lunch will be served at 1.15 p.m.
To join, call Angie DeMicoli on 2137-6528 or 9988-3765, or Christiane Wirth on 2133-3218 or 7933-3218, or send a cheque payable to Simone Pace a/c Praise the Name of Jesus Prayer Group, or to Christiane Wirth, 7, Paradiso Court, Natalie Poutiatine Tabone Street, Sliema. The price is Lm5, including lunch, or Lm2.50 excluding lunch.
The Dorothean ex-Alumnae Association is organising a seminar on relations within the family, at St Dorothy's Senior School, on Friday. The seminar will be preceded by Mass at 6 p.m., and will be conducted by Fr Joseph Mizzi, director of Cana Movement. Participation is free of charge and ex-alumnae may be accompanied by relatives and/or friends. For more information, contact the secretary on 2137-1024.
The Autumn Boat Jumble is being held next Saturday on board the Black Pearl. There will be all sorts of marine-related used and second-hand items for sale. To book a space or tables, phone 2134-3970 or 7949-8142.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the talkies, the International Al Jolson Society will be showing The Jazz Singer on a big screen at Christ the King parish hall, Church Avenue, Paola, on Sunday at 4.30 p.m. Documentaries will be screened. Entrance is free. For more information, phone 2189-6936 or 9988-0489.
The Sisters of Charity of Gudja are organising a bazaar in aid of their Missions in Pakistan, from tomorrow week to October 18, from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. There will be books, plants, clothes, household items, and much more, at reduced prices.
An event is being organised for all past pupils and friends of the Sacred Heart Convent at the school chapel on October 16 at 7.45 p.m.
The programme will consist of short reflections on the life of St Madeleine Sophie. Soprano Gillian Zammit, accompanied by Rosetta Debattista will sing some classical arias. Entrance is free.
A school reunion for former St Dorothy students of class 1982 is being organised on October 19.
Mass will be held at St Dorothy's School, Mdina at 7 p.m., followed by a reception at Fontanella, Mdina.
Tickets are available at Lm10 per person. Further information may be obtained from Nathalia Preca on 2122-1165 or 9987-3789.