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ViGiLO - Din l-Art Ħelwa
ISSUE 56 • NOVEMBER 2021
People George Iles My role within Din l-Art Ħelwa is as warden of the chapel of Santa Marija ta’ Bir Miftuh in Gudja. I am a friend of the previous incumbent, with a similar background (retired British Army). I had been interested in doing voluntary work in the charitable sector and when my predecessor intimated in mid 2018 that he was giving up the wardenship, I threw my hat into the ring. Happily, I was successful and took over the reins in May 2018. The greatest satisfaction and enjoyment in the role is meeting the wide variety of visitors, giving a potted history of the chapel and sharing an interest in the cultural heritage of Malta. In addition, the involvement with other entities, both commercial and not-for-profit, that use the chapel has also been great fun. It would be remiss not to mention here the pleasure in meeting and interacting with the officers and other volunteers at Din l-Art Ħelwa. Looking forward, the events I anticipate most keenly is the restarting of the Bir Miftuh Music Festivals hopefully, covid allowing, in 2022.
Joe Busietta It was always my wish to join a voluntary organisation, and particularly one that is heritage-centred, for a variety of reasons but especially the opportunity to give something back to the community. I introduced an automated Stock Inventory Register for all Din l-Art Ħelwa publications, branded products and cards that are at the offices in Melita Street in Valletta, and at the heritage sites managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa. This is a requisite by our external auditors. This system tracks the publications, branded products and cards sold and provides the monetary value of stock on a monthly basis at each site. Moreover, the Stock Inventory ensures there is enough material to meet demand without creating overstock or excess levels. I also established a Statistical Data Base – a regulatory requirement by the National Statistics Office and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. This involves extensive input by the wardens of the various sites which is provided through their monthly reports. This data base helps in providing a better understanding and accurate description, planning and movement of each site on a monthly basis. My role is to actively keep both the Stock Inventory as well as the Statistical Data Base updated – this has been ongoing for the past 12 years at the Valletta offices and online. Both processes were put in place with the full involvement, cooperation and support of all the wardens, who also accept occasional changes and updates that are required from time to time. It would be ideal to make the general public more aware of the many informative Din l-Art Ħelwa heritage publications, and to take part in the annual Book Fair at MFCC to sell our books.
