Vittoriosa celebrates ageing population

Vittoriosa local council recently organised a special evening for residents featured in Survivors - The Ageing population of Birgu, by Joe Smith.

The council invited all those featured in the book, or their immediate families, and presented them with a copy of the book, thanking them for their important role.

The event provided the photographer Joe Smith with the opportunity to meet people who, between 2003 and 2006, had welcomed him into their homes, sharing their life experiences.

After short introductory speeches by Mr Smith and historian Lino Bugeja, Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall thanked everyone for their cooperation. He praised the author who gave birth to the idea and persevered to finalise the project in spite of various difficulties along the way.

Mr Boxall described this ageing generation as the real treasure of Vittoriosa, saying "it was fitting that their legacies have now been preserved in a book that will inspire and provide a good example to future generations".

The first person to receive a copy from the mayor was 104-year old Peppi Gellel, the oldest citizen featured in the book.

In spite of his venerable age, Mr Gellel is still active in the community and is an inspiration to fellow citizens.

A reception was later held where the protagonists could reminisce about the last six years, have pictures taken with the author and have their books signed. Asked how he feels now that his six-year old dream has materialised, Mr Smith said the response was overwhelming.

"There were some bumps along the way but I had to give these extraordinary people something back, so I plodded on. It was emotional to see the relatives of those who have since passed away shed a tear or two when they saw the photographs of their loved ones," he added.