August2015 by IMPACT PR

CY CMY

PAGE06NEW.pdf

25/04/2014

13:20

3600 BC

750 BC

The Temple Builders Die Tempelbauer Les constructeurs des temples I costruttori di Templi

218 BC The Romans Römer Les Romains I Romani

The Phoenicians Die Phönizier Les Phéniciens I Fenici

CMY

MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE

60 AD

870 AD

Christianity Christentum Le Christianisme Il Cristianesimo

1090 AD

The Arabs Die Araber Les Arabes Gli Arabi

The Norman Conquest Die normannische Eroberung La conquête normande La Conquista normanna

1565 AD

1530 AD

1798 AD

The Great Siege Die Große Belagerung Le Grand Siège Il Grande Assedio

The Knights of St. John Die Johanniterritter Les Chevaliers de St. Jean I Cavalieri di San Giovanni

1800 AD

1974 AD

Republic Republik La république La Repubblica

* Image:Heritage Malta • Bild: Heritage Malta • Image:Heritage Malta • Foto:Heritage Malta

The French period Die französische Periode La période française Il periodo francese

Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi

1940 AD

World War II Zweiter Weltkrieg La deuxième guerre mondiale La Seconda Guerra Mondiale

2004 AD

EU Accession EU-Mitgliedschaft L’accès à l’UE L’accesso all’UE

1964 AD

Independence Unabhängigkeit L’indépendance L’Indipendenza

CY CMY

Fort St. Angelo Heritage Experience

Image: Painting of Fort St. Angelo in 1565 © Heritage Malta

The tip of the Vittoriosa peninsula has been fortified since at least the 13th century, and before that it was reputedly the site of a Roman temple. The Knights of St John took over the medieval fort in 1530, making it their headquarters and the official residence of the Grand Master. The Fort was modernised to bring it in line with the use of gunpowder by rebuilding its medieval walls. The rejuvenated sentinel of the Grand Harbour played a determining role during the Great Siege of 1565. It coordinated the day to day defensive and offensive strategies, housed the main provisions’ depot, inflicted havoc in the Ottoman’s makeshift batteries at Dragut Point, Mount Sciberras and San Salvatore Hill, and spoiled the besiegers astute plan to take the defenders by surprise on 15th July. Further defences were added in the late 17th century by Grunenberg, an accomplished Flemish military engineer, whose coat-of-arms may still be seen above the main gate into the Fort.

Image: 1950s photo of Fort St. Angelo © Heritage Malta

12 l 13

Image: 18th century painting of Fort St. Angelo © Heritage Malta

The British Forces took over the Fort in the 19th century, and from 1912 until 1979 it served as the headquarters of the Mediterranean Fleet, first as HMS Egmont, and from 1933 as HMS St Angelo. The upper part of the Fort, including the Magisterial Palace and the 15th-century Chapel of St Anne, is now occupied once again by the present-day successors of the Knights of St John, known today as the Sovereign Order of Malta, while some of the lower levels are leased to the Cottonera Waterfront Group. In 2007, Heritage Malta was entrusted with the publicly accessible parts of the Fort, which are being restored to create an unparalleled heritage experience. It will enable visitors to engage with the Fort’s crucial role through the ages in the defence of the Grand Harbour and the Maltese Islands. Scheduled to receive visitors from 2016, the St Angelo Heritage Experience will offer heritage trails, astounding vistas of the Grand Harbour, and an interactive educational experience for the whole family.

Image: 1860s photo of Fort St. Angelo © Heritage Malta

Key Points for Expats - UK Budget July 2015 As expected the Chancellor announced an additional inheritance tax nil rate band (NRB) for main residences of £100,000 for 2017/18, increasing to £175,000 in 2020/21. This will apply from 6 April 2017. This new NRB will be transferable between spouses or civil partners and will only apply to transfers to direct descendants. There will be a tapered withdrawal of the NRB for estates with a net value of more than £2 million. A new restriction on pensions tax relief for individuals with incomes above £150,000 (including pension contributions) will apply from 6 April 2016. This new restriction will taper the annual allowance for these individuals to a minimum of £10,000. The government will also consult on undertaking a wider reform of the tax regime for pensions. A surprise announcement was the abolition of the dividend tax credit coupled with the introduction of a £5,000 tax free allowance for dividend income. The change will take effect from April 2016. Thereafter, tax will be levied on dividends received in excess of £5,000 at rates of 7.5%, 32.5% or 38.1% depending on the taxpayers marginal rate. Relief will be restricted on finance costs for landlords that let residential property. The relief is currently at their marginal rate of tax but this will be reduced to the basic rate, phased in over four years starting from April 2017. The existing wear and tear allowance for furnished let property is also to be replaced from April 2016 with relief based on actual costs. All expats with property, pensions or investments in the UK will be affected by the budget. If you are in this position it is important you review your finances. Please do not hesitate to contact me for independent advice.

For Advice About Your Circumstances: Call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com

Michael Lavin Expat Financial Expert

Hollingsworth International Financial Services Ltd is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide investment services under the Investment Services Act, 1994. Enrolled Insurance Broker under article 13 of the Insurance Intermediaries Act, (Cap. 487). Registration Number C32457

14 l 15

Santa Marija 15th August

If there is one day when Malta holds its breath and shares a distant memory of victory over suffering, then it is on the 15th day of August. For one thing, the day is usually characterised by stifling heat which is typical of the period. For another, it is the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, a predominant feast in Malta which is celebrated in seven different localities simultaneously on the day, which also happens to be a national holiday, so it’s festa time all round. The locations are Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Gudja, Attard,G˙axaq in Malta, and Victoria in Gozo. The Maltese way of celebrating a summer festa is with marching bands, food, firework displays, religious processions and ceremonies. Yet, the 15th of August is a day that has specific meanings beyond the merry-making of festa time. It is also a day of remembrance, of religious connections and of national pride. Malta’s experience of World War II included massive and constant air raids, which regularly blocked food and medical supplies from reaching the Islands. At one point, the inhabitants of the Islands were almost on the brink of starvation. After several unsuccessful and oftentimes tragic attempts during summer of 1942, the 15th day of August saw one part of a convoy called ‘Operation Pedestal’, chugging its way slowly into Malta, albeit severely badly damaged with its vital supplies aboard practically intact. What had been a long and worrisome siege lifted and the Maltese could hope for better days. As it so happened, this timely arrival coincided with the feast day of Santa Marija - a double cause for celebration for the Maltese populace. If you are in Malta during this period, be sure to be in one of the localities where the “Festa” is being celebrated to experience the Maltese “Festa” first hand. In one particular location, the rural village of G˙axaq, one can hear the sounding of a war-time siren – its sounding is a reminder of the suffering of our ancestors in war and of the courageous valiancy with which the convoy’s personnel arrived in the Grand Harbour of Valletta, at their own risk and peril and amidst enemy attack. The second siege of Malta is what it is all about.

Images © IMPACT PR

Image: Richard Bona

The Island Of Comino

Sailing between Malta and Gozo, one passes by the smaller island of Comino. This tiny island is a paradise for snorkelers, divers, windsurfers and ramblers. Comino was inhabited in the Roman period, but it did not have much significance until the Knights of St. John came to Malta. At that time it had a dual role - hunting grounds and a staging post in the defence of the Maltese Islands against the Ottoman Turks. The island had proved a useful base for pirates operating in the central Mediterranean and, though stark and barren today, it was home to wild boar and hares when the Knights arrived in 1530. The Grandmasters went to great lengths to ensure that their game on Comino was protected. Anyone found breaking the embargo on hunting could expect to serve three years rowing on a galley. Grandmaster Wignacourt ordered the imposing St. Mary's tower built in 1618, designed by Maltese architect Vittorio Cassar. One finds also the small chapel dedicated to the return of Our Lady from Egypt, which was first built also in 1618. Comino, although just 3.5 square kilometres in size is a destination which offers a lot of things to do. The scenic bays with its crystal clear blue seas provide one of the most spectacular sights of the Maltese Islands. There are beaches like the famous Blue Lagoon and the tranquil Santa Marija Bay, away from the crowds. After World War 2, Comino remained a backwater, until its fortunes revived with tourism in the mid-1960s and this has been increasing ever since. So once you are here why not take a boat trip to this tiny paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean?

16 l 17

Image: Santa Marija Bay © Ali Bosios

Image: St. Mary’s tower © www.viewingmalta.com

PAGE04.pdf

CMY

11/06/2015

14:04

CY CMY

Local Councils Events in August

Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 1st – 2nd August Mellie˙a nights 2015 - In aid of Malta community chest fund Mellie˙a Main Squares The eighth edition of the Mellie˙a Nights, organized by the Mellie˙a Local Council, will be taking place from the 30th July 2015 till the 2nd August 2015. This activity has become a much sought after event, which attracts thousands of people to Mellie˙a, where locals and tourists alike enjoy the best elements of the Mellie˙a community. This event has its place set in the Maltese cultural calendar, and it being supported by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government. During these evenings a varied programme of events will be taking place in Mellie˙a, varying from arts, music, culture, sports and food. Other attractions include top local artists and musicians, as well as kids’ animations, all of which will be spread on three different stages, which will be set up along the Mellie˙a streets. The Mellie˙a restaurants will also be offering a unique gastronomic experience by preparing various menus especially for this occasion. The main roads will be set up with tables and chairs al fresco for their patrons to enjoy these lovely nights without missing on the entertainment which will be offered. Everyone is invited to attend for this annual event in Mellie˙a during these four nights. These are four nights, which will be transformed into one big celebration for all the family, where Mellie˙a will showcase its best elements for one and all.

22nd – 23rd August Malta Summer Carnival 2015 From 19:00 onwards, Bu©ibba Square The San Pawl il-Ba˙ar Local Council in collaboration with The Malta Council for Culture & the Arts (MCCA) is planning to organise an event by the name Summer Carnival on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2015 from 07.00p.m. onwards. This is the 5th consecutive year that the Summer Carnival is to be held, each time in Bu©ibba. The Event will start off with the Ìostra just beneath the Bu©ibba Square. The Bu©ibba Square will have several dance groups exhibiting, ideally on a stage at a higher level so as to be seen by the various people visiting the area. There will also be a parade along the Bu©ibba Promenade with the participation of Carnival Dance Groups, Carnival Floats, and 'Maskaruni'. This activity will be free of charge and open to both tourists and Maltese. The main aim behind this event is to promote the Maltese Carnival Culture and history with Tourists and Maltese alike. During this period tourism will be at its peak and hence this activity serves also as for tourist promotion. Both the Local Council’s and MCCA’s aim, is to promote the Carnival activities so that tourists can then visit our islands again in February to see the main Carnival activities.

PAGE18 17/6/15 11:51 Page 1 C

CY CMY

In collaboration with

LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:

Designers Flock To The Dinner Table - Wedgwood Waterford Royal Doulton

WHY MALTA • An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth. These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.

FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs

Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.

MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.

If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...

you may regularly receive a link to the online version of this monthly magazine in your email. Simply e-mail us on: info@impactpr.com.mt

For more than 250 years, the name Wedgwood has been synonymous with the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship and innovative design in the world of tableware. The contender for hottest trend this summer is Jasper Conran’s brand new Tisbury range, which was the success of this year’s international trade show in Frankfurt. A cream fluted range, Jasper Conran’s signature aesthetic mixes classic British style and elegance to create a striking contemporary range to suit any occasion. Other big names that Royal Doulton have been working with are Gordon Ramsey and Charlene Mullen, the home wares London designer. Charlene’s range is very chic and very London.

MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 22 l 23

Wedgwood is the more traditional arm of the group; very popular with the bridal market, offering timeless, classic styles which do not go out of fashion, whilst with the Royal Doulton collections, a conscious decision was made to develop more casual tableware in trending, retro styles and colours at a more affordable price point and therefore more accessible to a younger consumer. The Royal Doulton design team launched the PACIFIC range which is a casual, on trend look in a strong deep blue; perfect for the Mediterranean outdoor and yachting summer lifestyle. A second perfect Collection for the Mediterranean is the HEMINGWAY Design, a collection of contemporary accessories for decoration as well as for everyday use. Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert Collections can be found at The House Shop, Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Xbiex. Various items can be found in stock, alternatively full collections can be ordered with a 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 week delivery to Malta. Extracted from interview by Isabel Tapp, CEO of tappintomalta with Peter Taylor, Export Sales Manager of the Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton Group, during his recent visit to Malta. www.tappintomalta.com

D A Y B Y D A Y

CY CMY