Claudia Calleja
Britons look for brothers they met at palace of light
A British couple, who escorted two Maltese boys into the Valletta luminarium in November are trying to track them down to give them a photo album of the colourful occasion.
“They were not allowed in without adult supervision. But because of their pleasant manners we would like them to have these photos . . . We thought it would bring back memories for them,” the elderly couple said in an attempt to contact the boys to hand over the album.
On November 19, 2011, Sandra and Phil Holden visited the luminarium, an inflatable walk-through palace of light and colour that was set up in St George’s Square.
The luminarium, known as the Miracoco, was a project by Architects of Air and was set up in Malta for a week to mark World Children’s Day.
As the couple were in the queue to get in they noticed two boys, aged about eight and 11, being turned away by a woman who explained to them that they could only get in if they were accompanied by an adult.
“My wife asked the lady what was wrong and when she explained, we offered to supervise the boys and take them in . . . We took them in and they were very well behaved,” Mr Holden recalled.
The visit to the luminarium lasted about 40 minutes and throughout the couple spoke to the boys, who they learnt were brothers, but did not get to know their names. They did not want to make the boys feel uncomfortable by asking too many questions.
“I remember the younger boy was keen on football as he was showing us his football cards,” Mr Holden said.
“Their manners were impeccable, shaking our hands and thanking us. Their parents and teachers should be proud of them,” the couple said.
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JC Sullivan
Jan 18th, 13:12
World Children Day celebrated by refusing entrance to children (without adult accompaniment). Who are the brains behind that idea.
Good luck in finding the kids.
Victor Pulis
Jan 18th, 11:53
I hope these two boys make contact but I'm afraid knowing that one of the boys is a football fan is not much of a lead! Good luck.
john gittos
Jan 18th, 10:54
Times of Malta help this couple find those two boys , what a lovely story especially when the majority of news these days are of gloom and doom , I have to say when I speak to friends here in the UK that have visited Malta the one thing that stands out in their minds is how well Maltese children react towards their elders , they respect them .It is a great compliment to the parents and teachers on that island and makes me proud to have a Maltese mother , long may this continue.