BONNICI. On January 23, at St Luke's Hospital, MARIO (Director, MLM), aged 54, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his great loss his beloved wife Lucienne, née Vella, his daughter Corinne and his son Jean Claude, his brothers and sisters Paul, Marlene, Jane and her husband Joseph Doublesin, Richard and his wife Alice, Anthony and his wife Marlene and Natalie and her husband Charles Pace, his father-in-law Joseph Vella, in-laws, nephews and nieces.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said on Friday at 8 a.m. at St Paul Shipwrecked parish church, Valletta, followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Villa Mgr Gonzi, Siggiewi, will be appreciated.
GAUCI. On January 23, EMANUEL, aged 80, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his sister Rosaria Pace and his brother Carmel (Chuck) and his wife Carmen Gauci of Detroit, US, his sister-in-law Madeline, wife of Joseph Gauci, his nephew Victor and his wife Mary Pace, his niece Nina and her husband John Zarb, nephews, nieces and their families.
The funeral leaves St Vincent de Paul Residence today at 7.15 a.m. for Our Lady of Victory parish church, Naxxar, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 7.45 a.m. followed by interment at Naxxar cemetery.
Obituary - Ray West
Paul Fenech writes:
Ray West was one of the many basketball players I had the privilege to coach. He was unique. His determination to reach the goals of the team, his total physical and mental commitment were assets to any team he played for. His direct approach, tackling problems head on and diving head first into any problem-solving exercise, were his trademark.
Life for him was the same. He considered totally inadequate anything less than total professional commitment. He demonstrated mental resilience and above all a thirst for success.
To say that the news of his premature passing away shocked many is an understatement. The packed Sacro Cuor parish church at his funeral was proof of how loved he was by his family, professional colleagues and numerous friends. The respect he had earned in every group he belonged to is difficult to quantify.
After his funeral Mass and before the hearse left for the last trip, a large group of basketball friends and dignitaries gathered round for the last time-out. A number of photos of the various basketball teams he played for were being shown round and Ray's typical encouraging "Lets Go" game cry could be heard again. He brought us all together for the last time.
Ray always had a great sense of urgency in life. He demanded efficiency and loathed time wasting. I can imagine him outside the doors of heaven urging the angels of the Lord to let him in to get going. I am sure he will ruffle quite a few angels' wing feathers!
Go Ray Go! Watch over your family and loved ones. We will remember your undying desire for the team's success. We will try our best not to let you down.
In Memoriam
ABELA - Lieut. CHARLES ABELA, KOMR. Treasured memories of a dearly loved father. His sons and daughters.
DARMANIN. In loving memory of BERNARDETTE (Benny), née Bajada, today the fourth anniversary of her passing away. Gone but never forgotten, always in our prayers. Her brother Alfred and his wife Julie and their family.
DeBono. In loving memory of Joe, today the 37th anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by his wife Connie and his children Ronald, David, Johanna and Suzanna.
FIORINI - Dr JOSEPH FIORINI, MD. Remembered with love on the 20th anniversary of his death. His wife Mary, his children Aldo, Amanda and Patrick and grandchildren. May he rest in peace.
GALEA. Cherished memories of SALVINO and KATIE on the anniversary of her death. Their daughter, husband, grandson and the Galea family.
GRISCTI - MAY, née Carbone, a beloved sister on her birthday tomorrow. The 9.30 a.m. Mass at Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of her soul.
MANARA - RICHARD (Daddu). Treasured memories of our beloved father who died on January 24, 1952. Liana, Mireille, Victor, Edward, Norman.
MIZZI - LORA. In loving memory of a dear aunt on the 15th anniversary of her demise. Forever in our thoughts and prayers. Charles and Monica.
Gozo Theatre
The Gozo Creative Theatre Club will perform Sue Saunders' In Holland Stands A House at the Astra Theatre in Victoria on February 23 and 24 at 7.30 p.m. The play is based on the real diary of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old Jewish girl who chronicled the lives of two Jewish families hiding from the Nazis. It deals with the issue of racism, as well as ethnic and cultural differences which are still problems faced today. The cast is made up of Margaret Cassar, Julia Camilleri, Marsette Xerri, Marlene Saliba, George Camilleri, Cettina Scicluna, Franco Scicluna, Joshua Grech and Jamie Camilleri.
The public may buy tickets from the Astra Bar and from Xt. Communication, Entertainment and Treats at Tigrija Palazz in Victoria or by calling 2155 5744 and 7930 3101.
As part of this cultural event, a selection of abstract paintings by artist Christopher Saliba will be displayed at the theatre's foyer.
Further information from gozocreative@yahoo.com.
Prayer Meeting
The monthly prayer meeting of the Dun Alfred Prayer Group will be held at All Souls Church in Merchants Street, Valletta on Friday at 10.45 a.m.
Everyone is invited to attend.
Career Prospects In Gozo
The University Gozo Centre is collaborating with the Gozo Council for Education and Vocational Training to organise a Consultation Conference on Career Prospects in Gozo at the Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem, tomorrow at 1.30 p.m.
The conference is a briefing of a report on "Career Prospects in Gozo", drawn up by the Gozo Council for Education and Vocational Training. There will be group discussions on prospects for sixth formers preparing for University, for MCAST students and related vocations, for early school leavers and for those with poor qualifications.
Interested persons are invited to attend free of charge. Further information and the registration forms can be obtained from http://home.um.edu.mt/ugc/careers_january07.doc.
Emergency Response Course
The Malta Red Cross - First Malta Branch will run an Emergency Response Foundation Course over 10 weeks to be held at the branch's disaster response station in Zurrieq and at the lecture centre in Delimara on Saturday afternoons between 2 and 6 p.m. starting on February 17.
The course consists of modules in Basic First Aid, Basic Fire Fighting and Rescue Awareness.
The fee for the course, which will consist of both theory and practice, is Lm20 which will be refunded to those participants who give 40 hours of voluntary service with the branch during this year.
As the number of persons who can take part in the course is limited acceptance is on a first come basis. Applicants must be over 16.
For more information send an e-mail to the branch at mrc1administration@gmail.com or phone on 9922 6010.
Sculptors Symposium
An international sculptors symposium will be held in Woerden, the Netherlands, on the theme of Sitting Art, between May 17 and 28. Applications from interested artists are being accepted by January 31 at 5 p.m.
Three applicants will be chosen and their names passed on to the selection committee.
Every participant will be given a rough block of limestone of approximate size 180 x 100 x 80 centimetres.
First prize is €4,000, second prize €3,000 and €2,000 is the third prize.
The public may send their applications via e-mail at leighanne@maltaculture.com
Band Club CD
The Zejtun band club has issued a new CD with the band's performances.
The compilation includes John Williams' Olympic Fanfare, Johann Strauss' Thunder and Lightning, Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, Frans Von Suppe's Light Cavalry and James Horner's Mask of Zorro as well as Mozart's Adagio in Bb Clarinette with Charles Pace as soloist and Payne's Cool Breeze featuring Emmanuel Fenech as soloist.
The CD was recorded live at the Pandora Theatre during the band's annual concert and can be bought from the club.
Extended Bus Service On Friday
The Public Transport Association said that bus routes 15, 22, 47 and 75 on Friday will operate according to demand in view of the activities in connection with the Episcopal ordination of the new archbishop.
All other routes which normally stop at 9 p.m. will leave Valletta at 10 p.m.
From the outlying towns and villages the service will run as usual.
Safi Band Marches
The St Paul's Band of Safi will perform marches around the streets of Safi tomorrow between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. on the occasion of the feast of the conversion of St Paul.
Local Councils
Today's meeting
5.30 p.m. Pembroke
What's On Today
Concert
12.35 p.m., at the Music Room, St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta, lunchtime concert featuring soprano Rita Dimech accompanied on the piano by Colin Attard.
Exhibitions
At Restorante Cosmana Navarra, St Paul Street, Rabat, The Other Side, paintings by Raymond Borg.
At the Contemporary Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, South Street, Valletta, Pictures In Clay by Antoine Camilleri.
At Heritage Malta head office, Merchants Street, Valletta, paintings and installations by seven artists.
At the Lobby, National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta, a display of archaeological artefacts donated to Heritage Malta.
At the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, a display of paintings entitled Unity by Claire Sammut.
At the Ministry for Gozo, St Francis Square, Victoria, a display of abstract works from the National Collection.