| Despite dodgy weather (worst February in 40
years according to the locals!), our intrepid group of 18 bods and bodesses,
enjoyed a nostalgic 2 weeks in sunny (sometimes) and windy Malta. But the
comradeship was always sunny.
The first week was spent visiting former RN establishments accompanied by
our excellent guide Christina Buggia. Sadly, most of these are neglected
these days, although Whitehall Mansions (minus its big front terrace) now
houses the British High Commission, Fort Ricasoli is used by a film company
and Fort Manoel is being restored by a development company for the tourist
trade. This company is also building apartments on Tigne Point - a very
ambitious project of which they showed us a film and models at their offices
in the old garrison chapel of St Luke whilst plying us with champagne and
canapés! Apparently, the first phase of apartments was sold within 3 weeks
of going on the market - nice going if you have 2 or 300 thousand Maltese
Lire to spare!
The Lascaris offices are now occupied by the Department of Statistics, we
were warmly received by the staff and Director General who were interested
to hear how things were - especially when Terry started rebuilding walls in
one room! They would be delighted to receive any personal memories, photos,
memorabilia etc. as they are trying to put together a history of the
building especially of the time it was used during the British occupation!
A trip to Malta would not be complete without a visit to Farsons Brewery
(yes they still brew Blue Label and Hopleaf) a very forward looking company.
Again we were given a warm welcome, a tour of the plant and beer and
sandwiches to round off the visit.
Some of us spent a day on Gozo and a visit was made, at the invitation of
Walter Ahar (Deputy Mayor) to see the council offices and meet the Mayor of
Senglea. They also showed us their plans for restoring Fort St Michael to
accommodate concerts and functions.
It wasn't all sightseeing. We dined out as a group on a couple of evenings,
dinner on board The Black Pearl, a schooner once owned by Errol Flynn. A
Maltese Evening of traditional folk dancing and music followed by a modem
duo to entertain.
We also visited the home of Mr and Mrs Victor Wickham. A remarkable man, who
had spent a great many years collecting Royal and Merchant Navy memorabilia
which now occupies 4 rooms of his house.
All in all a delightful trip thanks to the organizational skills of Terry
and Ann Parker, not forgetting our mine of information, Christina.
Development on Malta is ongoing - some good, some not so good - particular
eyesores are the Hilton Tower in Sliema and an (to us!) entirely out of
place ultramodern, glass surrounded, staircase added the Palace on Siege
Square.
One thing that doesn't change on Malta is the friendliness of its people.
Everywhere we went we were made most welcome, but for us the real pleasure
was chatting to locals on buses, in the street and in shops. We now eagerly
look forward to the next time The Lascaris Association has a run ashore on
Malta.
Rosa & Jeanette
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