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Announcements

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:02:00 +0200

BUGEJA. On May 19, Agnes née Cachia of Rabat, residing at Paceville, aged 81, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children Lily and her husband Tonio Fenech, Charles and his wife Josette, her grandchildren Lara, Creta, Rebecca Theresa and Kurt, their fiances, relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Mtarfa Home tomorrow at 8am for St Paul’s collegiate church, Rabat where a Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.30am followed by interment at Santa Margerita Cemetary, Rabat. No flowers by request but donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi will be appreciated. Lord, grant her eternal rest In Memoriam AZZOPARDI. Fond memories of DENIS, a loving husband, father and grandfather, today the fourth anniversary of his call to eternal life. Always loved, always missed. Marion, Noelle, Claire, Alison, in-laws and grandchildren. Mass for the repose of his soul will be said today at 6pm at the Ursuline Crèche chapel, Sliema. DESIRA – ANTHONY. In loving memory of a dear husband and father. Twenty-one years have passed since you left us. In our hearts you will always live, your love, your voice and your smile are forever...

What’s on today

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:01:00 +0200

At Lily Agius Gallery, Sliema, The Spring Art Collection: Celia Borg Cardona, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Joan Zammit Cutajar and Kenneth Zammit Tabona exhibit their latest collections of watercolour and oil paintings. At St James Cavalier, Valletta, WW, an exhibition of war-related paintings by Tonio Mallia. At St James Cavalier, Valletta, The Spirit of Piano, an exhibition by Ljupco Samardziski. At the Radisson Blu, St Julian’s, Natively Raw, an exhibition by Denis Calleja. At Palazzo de Piro, Mdina, French Touch, an exhibition by Véronique Volle. At the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce, Valletta, Fire Inside, an exhibition of ceramics by Anthony Lucian Cauchi. At Christine X Art (Artitude) Gallery, Tignè Street, Sliema, Tiers of Truth, artworks by Rupert Cefai. At the Casino Maltese, Republic Street, Valletta, Vanity, Profanity & Worship, an exhibition of jewellery from the Maltese islands. At Art... e Gallery, Library Street, Victoria, imaGO Dwin, an exhibition by Godwin Cutajar. At Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta, Paintings 2013, by Alfred Chircop. At Damiano’s Pizza and Pasta, St Paul’s Bay, watercolour paintings by John Caruana.

From the President’s diary

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:35:00 +0200

Max&Co. store opening

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:34:00 +0200

Yvonne Desira Buttigieg, Mariella Erdogan, Giselle Camilleri and Bernice Micallef at the opening of the Max&Co. Sliema store.

Malta Fashion Awards

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:33:00 +0200

Vodafone Malta CEO Balesh Sharma, Archana Sharma, Adrian Mizzi, John Bundy, the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat, Irish Ambassador Jim Hennessy and Irish fashion stylist Sonja Mohlich at the Malta Fashion Awards last week.

Red Cross Day celebrated

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:32:00 +0200

The Malta Red Cross recently celebrated Red Cross Day with live demonstrations at Pjazza Tigné. “There is much more to the Red Cross than people are aware of,” said Malta Red Cross director general Paulette Fenech. For generations, the Red Cross symbol has been a beacon of trust, help and hope across the globe. The Malta Red Cross has been offering a service and support to the local community since 1991. “The aim of this event was to generate awareness among the Maltese about the Red Cross, and from what I saw, we are getting there.” Celebrations ranged from live sea and land rescue demos as well as first aid demos, live music and a children’s corner with a zip line and face painting. The Red Cross also used the occasion as a soft launch for its mobile clinic. Going by the name Ċetta, the decommissioned bus, donated by Trans-port Malta, will be converted into a fully-fledged mobile clinic and communication control centre. For more information, visit www.redcross.org.mt.

Fundraising through Camino de Santiago Challenge

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:31:00 +0200

Inspire will be organising another Camino de Santiago trip, leaving on July 2 and returning on July 9. Pilgrims will be walking approximately 21 to 25 kilometres every day, carrying their belongings in a backpack from one location to another. In the evening, they will be sleeping in hostels. Participants are encouraged to walk in groups, but the choice is entirely up to each individual. Some people prefer walking on their own. There is no hard and fast rule, as long as they are safe and happy to do so. The group will be accompanied by a qualified guide. The main aim of this event is to raise much-needed funds for Inspire, which offers educational, therapeutic and leisure services to over 1,000 children and adults. Inspire is organising a meeting for prospective participants on June 1 at 10.30am at its premises in Marsascala.

Initial vowel ‘i’ in Maltese words of Romance origin

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:30:00 +0200

The Akkademja tal-Malti, together with the Curriculum Management and eLearning Department, is organising a talk on Maltese orthography. The subject of the talk is the initial vowel ‘i’ in Maltese words of Romance origin. The talk, to be held on Tuesday between 5 and 6pm at the National Curriculum Centre in Ħamrun, will be delivered by Reno Fenech. Mr Fenech is a Maltese language researcher. His first degree dissertation was Damma ta’ Kliem Malti Mxerred f’Dokumenti Qosra (A Collection of Maltese Words found in Short Documents) and for his MA, he presented the thesis Prietki Qodma bil-Malti (Old Sermons in Maltese). He is also a member of the Akkademja’s council and editor of various publications in Maltese. Additional information can be found at http://malti.skola.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vokali-i_taghrifa.pdf .

Marsascala delegation in Bellagio

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:29:00 +0200

A delegation from the Marsascala local council, composed of mayor Mario Calleja and councillors Charlot Mifsud and Sandro Gatt, attended the annual general meeting of the Douzelage Twinning Association in Bellagio, Italy, between May 9 and 12. Several key issues and points regarding the EU, its obstacles and its future were raised during the meeting. A very important issue was the large number of student exchanges and the decision regarding the presidency of the organisation in the coming three years. Two students from Marsascala, who also formed part of the delegation, participated in separate educational programmes. Chloe Crossley formed part of a group of students who, under the guidance of an Italian chef, cooked typical Italian cuisine, while Matthew Zammit participated in the composition of a multilingual rap song with other students. The association consists of 27 towns, representing the EU’s 27 members. Malta is represented by Marsascala, which has occupied the post of vice-presidency for the past three years. The other vice-presidency was Sherborne of UK, while the Polish town of Chojna occupied the presidency. Since the delegates were satisfied with the performance of...

International scouting events in Malta

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:28:00 +0200

Malta recently hosted the European scouting community with four international events being hosted here for the first time, with over 60 participants from 19 countries. Two of the events, Rover Net and Venture Net, which were officially opened by the Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Malta , Leslie Bonnici, focused on the Rover (18- 26 age group) and Venture (16-18) Scout Sections. Their aims and objectives were to offer an opportunity for exchanges and sharing of inspiring practices for national commissioners. The event offered the opportunity to explore the potential support initiatives by the European Scout Region in further developing the programme of these sections, to get updates on recent developments within the World Organisation of the Scout Movement on issues pertaining to the informal education for adolescents and post-adolescents and to facilitate contact and partnerships between other European scout associations on issues of common interest. Concurrently, two internal meetings of the European Scout Region also took place – a meeting of the Regional Steering Group and a meeting of the Organisational Development Core Group. Both meetings focused on the work...

Catholic Action commemorates death of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:27:00 +0200

The 26th anniversary of the death of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, founder and first director of Dar tal-Providenza, was commemorated in the home’s chapel with a Eucharistic celebration attended by Catholic Action members, residents and friends of the home. Dun Mikiel, as he was popularly referred to, was born in Valletta on February 10, 1910, and died on May 13, 1987. This Catholic Action initiative started four years ago and became an annual event. The celebration was led by Fr Paul Chetcuti, SJ, ecclesiastical assistant of the Catholic Action, helped by Fr Martin Micallef, director of the home. At the end of the celebration, short speeches were delivered by Fr Micallef who spoke about how precious every human being is in God’s eyes. He referred to Dun Mikiel’s unstinted love and dedication towards people with disability, for whom he founded Id-Dar tal-Providenza and whom he wanted equal opportunities to be given to. Newly elected president Dennis Buttigieg said the Catholic Action did not just want to look back at Dun Mikiel’s achievement but wanted to be supportive and part of the Siġġiewi home. Those present then gathered around the grave of Mgr Azzopardi together with Fr Micallef...

Clubclass celebrates 15 years

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:26:00 +0200

Clubclass English Language Schools is celebrating its 15th year of operations this year. “The authorities and the country as a whole need to appreciate the ever-increasing importance our English language teaching to foreign students industry offers to Malta’s overall tourism product,” said Clubclass English Language Schools managing director and founder Joe Aquilina. Founded in January 1999, Clubclass English Language Schools has, to date, taught English as a foreign language to over 25,000 students from over 50 countries. In 2009, Clubclass acquired East Finchley School of English, which was rebranded as Clubclass London when it moved to new premises in Bloomsbury in June 2012. “Ours is a healthy sector. In fact, around 85,000 people are choosing Malta as their preferred destination for EFL. However, as prominent players in this sector, we still feel that there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed if the country wants to keep strengthening this industry,” Mr Aquilina said. “Many countries have now invested in teaching basic English skills and therefore, our product needs to be more targeted and specific, with ESP (English for Specific Purposes) packages and the...

New equipment for Dar Arka

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:25:00 +0200

The Vodafone Malta Foundation recently worked with the Arka Foundation by sponsoring new medical equipment for residents and clients. This equipment will help residents live a better life and will financially relieve the foundation. “The project is yet another initiative by the Vodafone Malta Foundation, whose main aim is to support the community in which we work,” said Ġemma Mifsud Bonnici, chairwoman of the Vodafone Foundation. “The foundation is proud to be intrumental in the realisation of this project, always seeking to give something back to the community and making people’s lives just that little bit better.” The Arka Foundation in Gozo has been caring for people with special needs for the past 12 years. It has provided various services to a large number of disabled people and their families. Originally, when Dar Arka was inaugurated, the main purpose was to deliver a respite service. With huge investment, through several projects sponsored by the Vodafone Malta Foundation, Arka now offers other therapeutic facilities not just for those living at Dar Arka, but even for those who need to make use of specialised equipment, such as the multi-sensor studio, the gym, the...

Funds for Society of Arts’ Projects Programme

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:24:00 +0200

The annual fundraising dinner by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar, was a huge success. This event is held to raise funds for the Special Projects Programme, an initiative intended to help promising art, crafts and music students of the society. Last year, 22 students attending courses organised by the society benefitted from this programme by being awarded a three-month scholarship in their respective area of interest. Another group of students will also be granted scholarships at the society’s educational facilities at the end of this scholastic year. Society president Judge Joseph Filletti thanked all those present, the sponsors and others whose contribution made possible the success of this event in raising the necessary funds.

Trophy for floral art

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:23:00 +0200

President George Abela awarding artists Mariuccia Micallef-Grimaud and her daughters Nadine, left, and Glorian with the Daily Mail Trophy for their floral art display at the Malta Horticultural Society’s Spring Show at San Anton Gardens, Attard.

Corporate table tennis

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:22:00 +0200

Table Tennis Nursery (TTN) Malta recently hosted employees of Ganado Advocates to a table tennis tournament. Twenty employees enjoyed challenging each other in a well-organised table tennis environment. Utilising the 10 tables available, a round robin league format ensured that all competitors were continuously engaged in playing different partners while socialising with each other at the same time. Awards were presented to Robert Mizzi, who placed first, David Galea, who came second, and Patrick White, who placed third. The Most Promising Player award went to Louis Cassar Pullicino. TTN Malta head coach David Pace said besides specialising in coaching and training services, the organisation provided tailor-made tournaments for groups of employees to promote table tennis, fun and fitness through the workplace.

Turkish hammam at the Suncrest’s Seashells Resort

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:21:00 +0200

Seashells Resort at the Suncrest Hotel, Qawra, recently added a new Turkish hammam section to its spa. The Turkish hammam enhances the assortment of treatments managed by the Carisma spa, including massages, hairdressing services, saunas and salt baths. This experience combines the classic, ancient bathing ritual with a unique ambience in an impressive room tiled with antibacterial,intricately crafted marble, and featuring a large dome, several basins and a heated marble platform at the centre. “This is not just a place of cleansing but a tranquil space where one enjoys quality time with loved ones, in a serene atmosphere, while allowing daily stress to simply melt away. “A visit to the hammam is always a feast for the senses,” Seashells Resort general manager Joseph Vella said. Carisma Spa has other Wellness and Thalasso centres within hotels along the Aegean and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and Malta. The spa has been offering a superior service in five-star hotels and holiday villages since 1990.

Mother’s Day at Nicolò Isouard

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:20:00 +0200

The Nicolò Isouard band club in Mosta organised a special morning event to celebrate Mother’s Day. One of the teachers at the band club, Michael Pirotta, took the initiative to invite some of the Junior College orchestra members to join some of the band club’s members to form one ensemble under the baton of his brother, Mro Manoel Pirotta. Michael Pirotta is a well-established clarinet player and has been working with the Education Department as a supply teacher for the past 15 years. The Junior College orchestra gave an entertaining performance and has been invited to give other concerts abroad later this year.

Ramblers clean up cemetery

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:19:00 +0200

Ta’ Braxia cemetery was recently given a clean-up by the Ramblers Association, in line with its policy to lend a helping hand to the environment at least once every walking season. Some 25 members spent the morning sweeping the walkways from fallen leaves, removing weeds growing around the tombstones and monuments, pruning the side hedges and depositing waste into skips. The idea sprang up last February when the association was allowed to hold its AGM at the cemetery’s chapel. The members noted with concern that weeds were sprouting from every nook and cranny, sometimes aggravating damage to the stonework. The intervention was meant to weed out as much of the overgrowth as possible, and have the cemetery brought to shape in time for visitors to the cemetery on Mother’s Day. Through such seasonal good turns, the Ramblers show their gratitude towards nature for the delight and joy they experience along their walks.

Curator tours of Mattia Preti exhibition

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:18:00 +0200

Special behind-the-scenes curator tours of the international exhibition Mattia Preti Faith and Humanity, introducing participants to the masterpieces on display, including details of how these were brought over to Malta, the selection process and other details that go into the making of a major exhibition, will be held on June 13 and July 4. Tickets, on a first-come, first-served basis, are on sale from all Heritage Malta sites and museums.