My family and I visited Malta over many decades.

My children, Sally and David, learnt to swim when they were four and five, crossing over the sheltered bay of St George’s. Originally we stayed in the converted barracks of St Andrew’s, renamed Medisles, which had large revolving propeller fans in the ceiling to cool us down, and friendly lizards clinging to the walls. We later stayed in many different hotels and apartment blocks, coming back year after year.

I particularly liked Valletta with its steeply sloping streets and its grand old buildings.

Our favourite beach was Ġnejna, slightly hidden away.

Sometimes, we brought my in-laws with us, Bill and Mary Skinner. Bill had been in the convoys during World War II and enjoyed reminiscing with other sailors and older Maltese people.

Malta will always have a warm place in our memories, almost as warm as the sand in summer.