The annual Burns' Supper hosted by the St Andrew Society (Malta) was held recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sliema.

Members and guests were welcomed with a drink and the sound of the pipes played by John Van Dyke before gathering in the hall for the nicht's ongauns.

Piper Mario Farrugia piped his way round the hall to officially set the night in motion, while society president Helen MacLachlan delivered a short welcome.

The dinner began with the Selkirk Grace, delivered by the Rev. Colin Westmarland, and a traditional Scottish meal followed.

Piper Farrugia then led the procession for the Great Chieftain where the haggis was carried in by the executive chef followed by Mr Van Dyke carrying the quach and the Famous Grouse, sponsored for the evening by Wands Ltd. Bill Hunter then addressed the haggis. His animated rendition was well received.

Following the meal, which was accompanied by fine wines sponsored by Emmanuel Delicata, the toasts began. Mrs MacLachlan proposed the toast to the President, while society patron Professor J.J. Cremona toasted the Queen.

The evening's entertainment, dedicated to Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns, was organised by Wylie Cunningham who delivered a spirited Immortal Memory focusing on the more political side of the poet's life and times.

The undoubted highlight of the evening was Hugh Brown's performance of the Bard's Holy Willie's Prayer, a satirical piece lambasting religious bigotry and delivered in a fashion that Burns himself would have cherished witnessing.

The toast to the lassies took the form of two poems (chosen by Mr Cunningham), one from the early years of Burns' writings and the second, the lovely Oh Wert Though in the Cauld Blast, a much later piece, possibly the poet's last.

John Lejman (no stranger to participating at Burns functions) gave his usual sound performance but found Mr Brown a hard act to follow.

In her reply, Mrs Isabel Kirkpatrick gave a heartfelt rendition of a piece written by Burns in defence of women and the ladies gave Mrs Kirkpatrick a worthy ovation.

The evening's entertainment was interspersed with the songs of Burns, sung by Mrs Margot Cunningham, and the choice of songs ably complemented the speeches. Mrs Cunningham chose to sing unaccompanied and this enriched the renditions.

Mrs MacLachlan then thanked all those involved, including the staff of the Crowne Plaza and the evening's sponsors, Wands and Delicata Wines.

The night was brought to a close when Mrs Cunningham, accompanied by Mro Joseph Vella on the piano, led the assembled company in Auld Lang Syne.

Furniture and Interiors Fair

Householders, proud of their home, can do nothing better over the coming four days than visit the Furniture and Interiors Fair which the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation is holding at the trade fair grounds in Naxxar.

The fair, now in its 25th edition, opened on Wednesday and has goods on display from 73 exhibitors. There will probably not be another such concentration of goods for the home in Malta this year. Whether it is art, decorative accessories, doors, clocks, carpets or air conditioners, you will find them at Naxxar.

Other items include chandeliers, books, insurance services, curtains, crystalware, reproduction furniture, water dispensers, stained glass, bamboo furniture and soffitt ceilings.

Opening times are 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and from 3 to 9 p.m.

Go Mobile sponsors Marsa Sports Club

On Thursday, Go Mobile signed a sponsorship deal with the Marsa Sports Club, an agreement that consolidates Go Mobile's commitment in various sporting disciplines.

The sponsorship agreement was signed by Marsa Sports Club chairman Tony Cilia Pisani, secretary Albert Bonello, and by Peter Gauci, Go Mobile sales and marketing senior executive.

This agreement will give Go Mobile exposure within the club's premises, as well as the facility to use the venue for its own activities. Moreover, Go Mobile will be the main sponsor of the one-day American tennis tournaments held throughout the year.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Mr Gauci said: "We are committed towards sport, and throughout the years we have supported various sporting initiatives. Through the association with the Marsa Sports Club, we are reaffirming our intention of promoting a sporting culture in Malta."

Mr Cilia Pisani thanked Go Mobile for its support: "We are proud to be sponsored by a high-profile company like Go Mobile that realises the potential of our club, which is over 100 years old and enjoys a high level of prestige."

BoV donates book collection to new Kirkop school

Bank of Valletta donated a collection of books to St Benedict's College Boys' Secondary School in Kirkop. The presentation was made by Anna Depasquale Schranz, manager of BoV's branch at Malta International Airport, to Mr J. Micallef, head of school. The school opened its doors for the first time last September.

"Bank of Valletta is delighted to be among the first organisations to present the school with these books that will help enhance the collection of the reference books available to the students who use the college's library", said Ms Depasquale Schranz.

"Education forms an important pillar of Bank of Valletta's Community Programme as can be seen from the numerous initiatives that the bank is taking in this area. We regularly donate books to libraries to enrich the knowledge resources available to the communities in which we operate," she concluded.

Thanking Bank of Valletta for the books, Mr Micallef said: "Our library is very much in demand and many students are showing a keen interest in our growing collection of books for research purposes. We are very glad that Bank of Valletta has agreed to support our library and we are sure that this new set of publications will contribute towards enhancing the knowledge of all the students who use these resources."

Unique alternative fashion at Xen

XEN, of Bay Street, has introduced the more discerning in Malta to some of the most unique and exclusive European clothes and craft. Of these, Cyberdog is the most exclusive and biggest selling club and street gear in Europe and Japan. Their exceptional collection is to be found in all the alternative and club fashion shows in UK, Ibiza and Tokyo. In Malta it is only available from Xen at Bay Street.

One well-known brand is Spiral Direct, the biggest name in T-shirts, hoodies and work-shirts. Nomads is yet another of their UK brands of top quality offering hand-made Gothic and ethnic collections. Shoppers will find many other quality brands and the most original crafts and gifts on the Island.

Xen is one of Malta's most popular haunts for foreigners who seek out this outlet for its original collections that are so far removed from mass-produced clothes and crafts. To better serve their present and future clients Xen will be launching its Website www.xenmalta.com this month.

Gold medal for J.F.X. Zahra

"A WORTHY choice indeed", is how Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech described the decision by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, to award its prestigious Gold Medal for 2005 to Joseph F.X. Zahra.

Dr Zammit Dimech said this at the end of his speech at the presentation ceremony held at Palazzo de La Salle, the society's premises in Valletta, held last Monday in the presence of President and Mrs Fenech Adami, members of Mr Zahra's family and distinguished guests, including President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and his wife Gemma.

In a clearly heart-felt tribute to a long-standing friend and old schoolmate, Dr Zammit Dimech dwelt at length on Mr Zahra's many attributes and achievements not only in the fields of marketing, business, management and economics - and his numerous public appointments - for which he is better known, but also as a poet and author, and lover and promoter of culture and the arts.

Dr Zammit Dimech said he has known Mr Zahra since they were students at St Aloysius College. He quoted from an introduction he had written to Jien, a collection of Zahra's poems, some 30-odd years ago, where he said his outstanding characteristics were his individuality and creativity. Joe also wrote two plays, in which he himself had taken part, Dr Zammit Dimech recalled, adding that Joe's writings reflect "a genuine search for the true meaning of life".

Dr Zammit Dimech then traced Mr Zahra's brilliant career: he graduated MA in Economics in 1979 and four years later co-founded Market Intelligence Services Co (MISCO) Ltd, which among other things provides training courses for managers and executives and carries out opinion polls. He also set up MISCO International Ltd and Impetus Europe Consulting Ltd.

For ten years Mr Zahra has been visiting lecturer in Economics at the University of Malta, and since 2000 has been giving lectures in managerial economics at the University of Messina. He is also regularly invited to address conferences and seminars on economics, management and finance in Europe, the United States and North Africa.

Dr Zammit Dimech then went through the numerous high-profile public positions which Mr Zahra has held. Between 1992 and 1996 he was a director of the Central Bank of Malta, and from 1995 to 1996 served on the board of the Malta Development Corporation.

From 1998 to 2004 Mr Zahra was chairman of Bank of Valletta, at a time when the economic and financial sectors were undergoing great changes. He also set up the Mediterranean bank network, involving Malta and nine other Euro-Med states. But he also ensured that Bank of Valletta gave a major contribution to the support and promotion of the arts in Malta. Indeed, he was chosen as the first chairman of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts when this was set up in 2002 and, Dr Zammit Dimech revealed, Mr Zahra had recently accepted his invitation to co-ordinate the necessary work for the setting up of an Academy of Music.

In 2003 Mr Zahra served as chairman of Maltacom, and his latest public appointment was that of chairman of the National Euro Changeover Committee - Dr Zammit Dimech said he was sure people would now refer to him as Malta's "Mr Euro"!

Earlier in the evening, which was compered by Rita Chircop, the society's president, Paul Asciak, said that the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, which was set up 153 years ago, in 1865 decided to award gold, silver and bronze medals in recognition of outstanding achievement in various fields.

Since 1987, however, it has awarded only gold medals, and the one being given to Mr Zahra was the 58th gold medal it had awarded so far. Mr Zahra thus joins a long list of distinguished Maltese artists, businessmen, professionals and achievers, Mr Asciak said.

Dr Zammit Dimech's address was followed by a short piano recital by Cynthia Turner, who played an Arabesque by Debussy and three pieces by Chopin.

President Fenech Adami was then invited to present the gold medal to Mr Zahra. In a brief address, the President said he had occasion, as prime minister, to make use of Mr Zahra's attributes - among them intelligence, ability and sincerity - by giving him various appointments. Another characteristic he appreciated was that Mr Zahra always gave his well-considered advice, the President said, thanking him for the great contribution he had given to the nation.

Mr Zahra said he was flattered by so much praise, but he felt he had to dedicate this award to his family - his parents, his wife and children - who had given him unfailing support in all his endeavours.

SlimmingUK annual dinner

SlimmingUK, run by Valerie Portelli, held its annual dinner for members and their guests, at the Coastline Hotel, Salina, to mark the end of another successful year of weight loss.

Ms Portelli is now running into her 12th year as SlimmingUK consultant, holding her classes in St Julians and Mosta. The club has been a great success throughout these years, its motto being "Eat more and lose weight the healthy way!"

An enjoyable evening was had by all, thanks to the excellent food and service provided by the staff and management of the Coastline Hotel.

A special thanks goes to all members who contributed towards the very appreciable gift presented to Ms Portelli, and to all the sponsors who helped to make the event possible and a huge success - Nestlé, Vascas of Naxxar, Crown Cold Stores for John West products, Attard & Co. for Vega vitamins, Farsons for Diet Kinnie, Dake Ltd for Guam, and Alfred Gera & Sons for perfumes.

Aspiring supermodel of Maltese origin

What started as a joke earlier this year could prove to be a dream-come-true for teenager Danielle Zarb-Cousin after she was named as one of the six finalists in a top modelling competition in the UK.

"Make me a supermodel" is a competition organised by Sugar fashion magazine and Rimmel cosmetics. The winning girl will be featured on the cover of the magazine and will be offered a modelling contract with ICM models, an agency representing some of the most famous models in the world, such as Claudia Schiffer.

Born in England, Danielle, 14, is the daughter of Maltese parents Mark and Debbie née Cauchi who live in Southend. Together with a few friends of hers, earlier this year Danielle decided to apply for the competition more as a joke rather than anything else, waiting in a queue for more than an hour to get her name down on the entrants list. Now she has been named as one of the six finalists.

"I'd love to model clothes like Gwen Stefani does", Danielle was quoted as saying in the latest edition of Sugar magazine, which features Paris Hilton on its cover. This edition in fact features all six finalists.

According to Sugar magazine the organisers of the competition said it was tough to "whittle" the 11,000 model entrants to six since they were all "bloomin' beautiful".

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Danielle's grandmother Yvonne Zarb-Cousin of Paceville said that the whole family was excited for her and they wish her luck. Danielle's mother was "so thrilled for her".

All the six finalists are aged between 14 and 16. Sugar magazine readers will now vote for whom they think will be the next supermodel. To vote for Danielle, British residents may text 87103 or call 090189-27894. The closing date is Tuesday.

US embassy closed

The American embassy will be closed tomorrow for President's Day, an American national holiday. The US embassy will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.

Privitera - Di Battista

The marriage took place recently at the Transfiguration parish church, Lija, between Herma Privitera, daughter of Edward Privitera and Mary Privitera née Brightwell, of Sliema, and Elvio Di Battista, son of Anthony and Amy Di Battista of Hamrun.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Ray Francalanza. The ceremony was witnessed by Denise Micallef and George Spiteri, while the duties of best man were carried out by George Micallef. Roberta Tabone was matron of honour.

The bride's nieces, Nikki Micallef and Martina Camilleri, acted as bridesmaids, while Zak Micallef was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at the Westin Dragonara Resort. The couple spent their honeymoon in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand.

For your diary

A coffee morning in aid of the Salesians in being held at the Salesians Youth in Sliema, on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The Malta Adlerian Psychology Association is holding its monthly meeting at the Curia in Floriana on Wednesday at 6.15 p.m. The topic will be "Adler and other Schools" led by council member Kirsten Calleja.

The Mission Fund is organising a tea tombola in aid of Maltese missionaries working in Third World countries at the Pembroke parish hall on Sunday at 3.30 p.m. Tickets can be obtained from the Mission Fund in Mosta (tel. 2141-3664), or Connie Azzopardi (tel. 2133-1151).

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel Sliema on March 8 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

Carnival celebrations

Lions Club Mdina is organising a Carnival celebration at the Radisson SAS, St Julian's, on Saturday. For more information and bookings phone Isabelle Coppini on 2137- 4291 or Maria de Conti Manduca on 2143-5388 by Thursday.

A Grand Carnival Ball in Period Costume is being organised by the Casino Maltese, YMCA and Y's Friends at the Casino Maltese on Saturday.

This activity is being held in aid of Dar Niki Cassar, the YMCA Homeless Shelter in Valletta. For more information and bookings phone 9949-7514 or 2133-3277 or send an e-mail to Doris Cusens on cusensdoris@hotmail..com.

The Paola Feast Committee is organising Carnival activities next week. A coffee morning at the parish hall on Friday at 9 a.m., a wine and pizza party on Saturday at 7 p.m., a costume défilé on Paola square on Sunday at 10.30 p.m., and a costume competition at the parish hall on Monday week at 6 p.m. Tickets for the competition are available from the parish hall.

People

Rev. Dr Mark Monte-bello, OP, S.Th.B.&L., Ph.Lic.&D., recently graduated M.Sc. (Jus. Crim.) from the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester.

The dissertation submitted by Dr Montebello centred on the right of information to victims of crime in Malta. The findings will soon be published during a public seminar organised by Victim Support Malta.

Grand Charity Ball in aid of MCCF

The Malta Community Chest Fund is organising a Grand Charity Ball on Saturday at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Hotel under the patronage of the President and Mrs Fenech Adami.

The event, which is being sponsored by the Island Hotels Group, will be held on Saturday and all proceeds are to go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund in an effort to collect funds to help all those in need.

Tickets, at Lm20 each, are available from the Malta Community Chest Fund's office at the Palace, Valletta (tel. 2124-0568 or 9949-3110).

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements February 20-26

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami present a number of photocopiers to various societies on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President is presented with a donation in aid of MCCF by Ivan Micallef, CPO head of Novartis Malta.
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over an MCCF board meeting at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
4.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to the Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja Institute in St Venera.
6.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception organised by the Scout Association Malta on the occasion of Founder's Day at Island Headquarters in Floriana.

Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Slovenian Ambassador Andrej Capuder at the Palace, Valletta.
10.15 The President is presented with credentials by Syrian Ambassador Samir Al-Kassir.
11 The President is presented with credentials by Azerbaijan Ambassador Emil Karimov.
11.45 The President is presented with credentials by Croatian Ambassador Tomislav Vidosevic.
1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors at San Anton Palace.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an MCCF working committee at the Palace, Valletta.

Saturday
11.15 a.m. The President receives members of the Bank of Valletta Pensioners Association at San Anton Palace.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host the MCCF Annual Ball at the Golden Sands Hotel in Golden Bay.