'Military Mtarfa' last Sunday was an enjoyable treat for those who appreciate Malta's military history. There were two exhibitions: one of painstakingly assembled models of aircraft, battleships, vintage cars, etc., and the other of weapons and military uniforms, many of them collectors' items.

Besides, we were entertained to re-enactments of Roman, medieval, 16th-century and World War II combat, abseiling, and other attractions.

However, the enjoyable experience all but evaporated at the end, when we had to wait for well over an hour for the 'park and ride' minibus to take us back to Ta' Qali, where we had boarded it for the 10-minute trip to Mtarfa, paying one euro for the return trip.

This 'shuttle' service was a good idea on paper, since all roads leading to Mtarfa centre were closed, even to route buses, but it was certainly no shuttle. Only two minibuses were available and they were not functioning on a relay basis, probably because the drivers were reluctant to leave Ta' Qali with only a few or no passengers as the afternoon wore on. Traffic congestion caused by the Qormi-Valletta football match at the National Stadium did not help matters.

When we protested with two passing traffic wardens about the long wait by the Mtarfa clock-tower, they simply shrugged us off, saying they had nothing to do with the shuttle service since it was a matter for the council. And we could not even call someone to pick us up, or even hail a taxi, as all roads were closed.

So, for the next edition of Military Mtarfa, the local council should ensure a proper shuttle service running regularly, since I am sure visitors would not relish being stranded there again for over an hour.