Nostalgia for the lovely Sliema of old

When St Anne Square at the Ferries quite rightly returns to its previous elegant state, I will be among those of my age, in our 80s, who will be able to look back and nostalgically think of how Sliema used to look in my childhood and early manhood.

The beautiful houses along the Sliema seafront from Fond Għadir to the Tower, which alas are no more, were the pride of our hometown and the Front.

They put to shame the much trumpeted Nice seafront in France. There are other landmarks that are no more, as Capua Palace which although rebuilt in its previous form, presents a humble replica of what was a real jewel that adorned Victoria Avenue.

Here again, although I have full respect and warm memories of our beloved Prime Minister that brought us independence, yet I still refer to Borg Olivier Street as Victoria Avenue. It cannot be otherwise with so many memories of this particular street. In my opinion the permits issued for the building of high-rise apartments happened to be the ruin of a beautiful town that was the envy of many.

St Anne Square - it is hoped - will not have any eyesores as we have at Fond Għadir and at St Julians Bay. Let us hope that no "modern" architect will have a finger in the embellishment of this square.

Of course it is not possible to turn the clock backwards but before any "embellishment" is made, a good look at old photographs will be in order.