No, it’s not the start of a questionable joke, but your chance to learn all about the valiant St George while also enjoying a charity lunch within the usually members-only surroundings of the Casino Maltese. Jo Caruana asks author Michael Collins what we should expect ahead of his upcoming talk.

It’s hard not to be fascinated by the life and work of St George – the patron saint of England and Catalonia who is also known for his connections to so many other interesting topics and moments in history. As a result there have been countless stories written about him, as well as documentaries made.

Among them is a recent book by Malta-based British author Michael Collins, who penned the book St George and the Dragons. Collins will be giving a talk about his experience as part of a lunchtime event at Casino Maltese on November 27, and all proceeds will go toward the Save Valletta Skyline appeal.

“I was first attracted to St George as a member of the Royal Society of St George, which exists to promote a love of English culture,” Michael explains.

“As a historian I was asked to provide information to members about who he was, how he became England’s patron saint, and his relevance today.”

Through his research, Michael says he discovered St George has wide appeal – to all sorts of people interested in history, cultural traditions and symbols of human values. “St George really did exist and is not just a Sunday School tale about killing a dragon,” he continues. “He symbolises resistance to oppression and the defence of those affected by war, and those who are forced to become refugees or even slaves.”

The author certainly has a lot of background when it comes to the topic, and it is this that will doubtlessly be of interest to those who come to his talk. He read Modern History (as opposed to Ancient) at Oxford, and continued into the field of research. Then, at university in Beijing years later, he was asked to broaden his horizons and to teach Western Civilisation. “Then, with some time on my hands, I decided to write up what I had found out about St George, because there was so little up-to-date information out there for general readers,” he says.

The resulting manuscript – which has a forward by Professor Emeritus Dan Brown, is as thought-provoking celebration of English culture, and shows how St George can be reinterpreted for our times. It questions whether St George is relevant for today’s secular, multicultural England – and beyond, and explains how the saint is a multicultural figure who symbolises universal values.

So, Michael is looking forward to bringing those themes to life at Casino Maltese, in an after-lunch talk in the Princess Room – a space usually only reserved for members. He will be introduced by fellow author Karen Steed.

“Casino Maltese is a wonderful venue and I am thrilled to be presenting there,” he continues.

“The renovation of this beautiful building marks a chapter in the ongoing story of Malta’s commitment to restoring its heritage. It has to be seen inside, as well as out, to be fully appreciated.”

His talk, meanwhile, will briefly outline the main traditions of St George, aside from the military ones. “For example, he is linked to agriculture and has been proposed as patron saint of ecology,” Michael explains. “The military traditions still have something to say to us as we debate the use of force to promote human rights and protect the peace. Those civil and military traditions should work hand-in-hand to create a modern patriotism.”

So, aside from listening to interesting facts and figures about the universal figure that is St George, this event provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a three-course lunch within the historic Casino Maltese for just €25 – while also helping to raise funds for a very valuable cause. 

“Saving Valletta’s skyline is so important,” the writer continues. “The buildings are beautiful and impressive. They leave unforgettable memories of these fascinating and historic islands. Unless the skyline is restored, parts of it may have to be closed. The sight of these iconic buildings permanently abandoned to scaffolding would be a disaster for Malta’s image worldwide. We must act, and act now, to save them for the future,” he adds.

The Lunchtime Talk by author Michael Collins at the Casino Maltese will be held on November 27 at 12.30pm. Tickets are available by sending an e-mail to petragd@guisthall.com.

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