Senior Times (August 2017) by Times of Malta

SENIOR TIMES August 2017

Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly newspaper for the elderly

FriendS with beneFitS True friendship knows no age SEE PAGE 6

Saving an iSland This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Operation Pedestal: the convoy that saved Malta. SEE PAGE 10

Celebrating l-assunta SEE PAGE 20

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

EDITOR’S WELCOME

IN THIS ISSUE

A cargo of hope

SENIOR TIMES

t what point do yesterday’s, last week’s, last month’s events become history? Probably the process is similar to that which transforms grapes into wine. First, you need time: an event has to suffer weeks, months and years before it makes it to the annals of history. Secondly, you need various elements: grapes need sugars, acids, water and enzymes to ferment and become wine, and in much the same way, events need narrative power and facts to become history. And then you need significance. What you had for dinner last week will never step outside the familiarity of personal history, even if it was your birthday dinner. But an event with significance to a group of people, a nation, a continent, the world will be written about, first as news, then as history. This month, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Operation Pedestal, which we commonly refer to as the Santa Marija convoy. At prima facie, the facts and figures are not remarkable, especially when compared to other chapters from that great and tragic book that is World War II. The more than 500 Merchant and Royal Navy sailors who died during the convoy’s journey from Gibraltar to Malta is, sadly, a small price when compared to the millions who died in other campaigns and in concentration camps. The handful of ships that were destroyed pale when considering the thousands that sunk all over the world. And those 32,000 tons of supplies that made it to Malta are just a small percentage of the millions of tons that fuelled the war. And yet, the Santa Marija convoy is not just a minor chapter – rather, it was one that changed the course of history. Because in the months leading to August 15, 1942, the island’s food, fuel and ammunition stocks were at critical levels and Malta was inching towards capitulation – the fall of the fortress island would not only have changed a nation’s future, but also that of World War II. That day, August 15 – also the day when we celebrate the beloved Assunta – will always be remembered with pride, the same pride which Winston Churchill spoke of when he said: “In the end, five gallant merchant ships out of 14 got through with their precious cargoes. Revictualled and replenished with ammunition and vital stores, the strength of Malta is revived.”

AUGUST 2017

Stanley

3. Bum, bum il-festi Fil-festi hemm linja ferm fina ta’ kemm u sa fejn għandna naslu, jgħid Tonio Bonello.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Stanley Borg E-mail: seniortimes @timesofmalta.com CONTRIBUTORS Carmel Baldacchino Tonio Bonello Joseph Busuttil Anton B. Dougall Dun Jonathan Farrugia Marvin Formosa Christine Galea Charlotte Stafrace Fiona Vella PUBLISHERS Allied Newspapers Limited Industrial Estate, Triq L-Intornjatur, Mrieħel BKR 3000 www.timesofmalta.com DESIGN Christian Busuttil SALES Marion Muscat Tel: 2276 4331 E-mail: marion.muscat @timesofmalta.com © 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is prohibited.

4. The wheel deal The wheels keep on turning for cartwright Carmelo Rotin, says Fiona Vella.

6. Friends with benefits True friendship knows no age, says Charlotte Stafrace.

7. Tlaqna sa Spanja Anton B. Dougall iservi l-paella.

8. The age of learning Older adult learning pursues knowledge through which one’s mind and personality can be enhanced, says Marvin Formosa.

9. When ‘falling in love’ and ‘loving’ diverge Loving someone is an uphill battle – but it can be a battle which results in a very sweet victory, says Christine Galea from the Cana Movement.

10. Saving an island This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Operation Pedestal: the convoy that saved Malta.

14. Pictures of the world This month’s news highlights captured in show-stopping photos.

16. Wheels with a silver lining After years working on classic cars which graced the silver screen, Barry Owen retired to Malta to carry on restoring, Joseph Busuttil says.

18. Malta’s international debut In the 1956-57 season, Maltese football stood on its own two feet, Carmel Baldacchino says.

21. Assumption of Our Lady The feast of the Assumption of Our Lady is celebrated in seven different villages in Malta and Gozo. The feast also has a special place in Maltese history, as on August 15, 1942, the Santa Marija convoy saved the island and proved to be the turning point of World War II.

22. Il-festa tal-festi Hija l-festa tal-Assunta li tikkonferma l-privileġġi kollha li Alla ta lil din il-mara unika, jgħid Dun Jonathan Farrugia.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

OPINJONI

Bum, bum il-festi

Il-knisja, il-marċ, in-nar, il-briju – dawn l-elementi jagħmlu festa tassew festa.

Fil-festi hemm linja ferm fina ta’ kemm u sa fejn għandna naslu, jgħid Tonio Bonello.

l-festi tassew sbieħ. Imma daqstant ieħor koroh. Mistennija, iżda daqstant ieħor mhumiex. Xejn kontroversjali, iżda fatti. Sakemm il-bniedem jinsab f ’saħħtu, għadu żgħir, mimli enerġija u entużjażmu, il-festi huma sbieħ. Meta bniedem jibda jikber, dak li hu stess seta’ kien jara sabiħ, mhux neċessarjament jibqa’ jarah hekk. Mhix kwistjoni ta’ gosti jew burdati; aktarx ta’ mumenti, stadji, sitwazzjonijiet fil-ħajja tagħna li jbiddluna. Bħalissa ninsabu fl-aqwa talistaġun ta’ dawn il-festi. Awissu b’mod partikolari. Biss biss ilfesta ewlenija, dik ta’ Santa Marija li tkun iċċelebrata f ’diversi bliet u rħula f’Malta u Għawdex. Ċelebrazzjonijiet mill-isbaħ li anke jagħmlu ġieħ lil pajjiżna fost dawk li jkunu qed iżuruna. Il-knisja, il-marċ, in-nar, ilbriju – dan kollu jagħmlu festa tassew festa.

Ħafna drabi l-entużjażmu l-bniedem jiġri bih. F’numru ta’ ċirkostanzi f ’ħajjitna tant naraw f ’dak li qed nagħmlu, biss pożittiv, li ma nieqfux ftit fis-skiet nirriflettu dwar x’impatt, dak kollu ‘pożittiv’ li qed nagħmlu, qed jew jista’ jħalli fost membri oħra tas-soċjetà madwarna! Jista’ jkollok festa bla banda? Ma nafx. Aktarx diffiċli. Jekk ma jkunx hemm element li fost il-ġimgħa joħloq briju, jistimula entużjażmu, jikkrea ferħ, qajla b’xi mod ieħor għajr banda tista’ toħloq ambjent tali. Jista’ jkollok festa mingħajr nar? L-istess. Ma nafx. Aktarx diffiċli. Kif tista’ tkun qed tiċċelebra f ’madwar ta’ ħemda? Kif qed tipprova twassal jew tipprovoka sens ta’ ferħ meta m’hemmx arti jew kuluri? Wara kollox x’inhu n-nar? Mhux arti u kuluri!

Sadanittant iżda nafu li banda bla ħoss mhix banda u l-istess għal logħob kollu tan-nar. Hawn fejn tidħol il-linja fina ta’ kemm u sa fejn għandna naslu. Forsi tgħidli, “Jekk festa, mhux għal kulħadd tiġi? Mhux kulħadd għandu jkun ferħan?” Tgħaġġilx. Mhux neċessarjament. Anzi, bil-kontra. F’kull soċjetà, belt u raħal għandek taħlit u diversità. Mhux biss illum f ’dak li hu twemmin u kultura. Però wkoll f ’ċirkostanzi u sitwazzjonijiet. Tagħmel kemm tagħmel briju, baned u logħob tan-nar, anke jekk joqogħdu faċċata talistess knisja fejn qed tiġi ċċelebrata l-festa, żgur, bla dubju ta’ xejn, qatt ma tista’ tasal tferraħ familja jew qraba ta’ persuna għażiża għalihom li għadu kemm ħalla din id-dinja. Persuna li tinsab ma tiflaħx, qed tbati minn dipressjoni u tinsab f ’darha, aktarx għax ma

tistax tagħmel mod ieħor, waqt festa mhux fis-seba’ sema tkun iżda f ’qiegħ l-infern! U forsi minflok ma tfaħħar it-titular, aktarx għal darba ssibha f ’estremità titkellem ħażin. Hawn fejn jidħlu kexxun, dawk morda, anzjani u persuni b’diżabilità. Aktar u aktar jekk dawn ittalin ikollhom aktar minn dawn il-kundizzjonijiet flimkien. X’ferħ hemm li ġejja l-festa għal uħud minn dawn meta minn ftit metri ta’ kamra għalloħra f ’darhom stess, lanqas biss min qed idur bihom qed jismagħhom għal bżonn li nqalgħalhom, grazzi għallbanda, il-qniepen, il-murtali u s-suffarelli. Ma nagħmlu xejn? Mhux qed ngħid hekk. Ħasra li ħafna

bħal għad m’għarfux li teżisti triq tan-nofs, soluzzjoni bejn tnejn. Il-linja fina hi definita b’kelma waħda li tfisser ħafna: moderazzjoni. Din ma ssibhiex biss fil-kwantità, iżda wkoll fit-tul tal-ħin, flgħażla tal-ħin, fid-dimensjoni tal-kobor tagħha. Ir-rispett hu element ewlieni fil-festi li bħal donnu kulħadd jinsa. Sakemm, mhux aħna stess li qed nesperjenzaw tali festa, din id-darba minn dimensjoni differenti! Il-paċi miegħek. Tonio Bonello huwa l-editur ta’ Veterani, pubblikazzjoni ta’ kull xahar maħruġa mitTaqsima Informazzjoni u Komunikazzjoni tad-Direttorat għall-Anzjanità Attiva u Kura fil-Komunità.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

NOSTALGIA

PHOTOS: ENRICO FORMICA

The wheel deal The wheels keep on turning for cartwright Carmelo Rotin, says Fiona Vella.

armelo Rotin known as ‘tal-karrettuni’ is now 75 years old and lives in Munxar, Gozo. He remembers the time when carts were still widely used in the island of the three hills. “You could either walk or use a beast to move from one place to another. Carts were very common and they had various functions including transporting people, carrying loads, selling products such as bread, crops and kerosene, and also providing services such as spraying of roads with water to reduce dust.” His father Grezzju constructed carts and he was very in demand especially from Gozitan farmers who utilised them to carry goods. However, when ploughs and later on vans and trucks were introduced, the demand for carts diminished so much that this work was not profitable enough to earn a living. “My father was from Tarxien. Once he left school, he began to work for a cartwright in that village. He worked hard and learned the trade quickly. When he met my mum Marija who was from Munxar and they decided to get married, he felt confident enough to start this business in Gozo.”

The construction of carts in Gozo went on well and life was good until Grezzju and his children suffered a great loss when Marija died at a very early age. “I am the third child from five. I was eight years old when I lost my mum. I have not called out the word ‘Mum!’ since that day. Life was tough without her. All the responsibility shifted on my father who

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

DOWN MEMORY LANE Time has an uncanny way of stealing things by simply fading them away from us. As we struggle to hold on to today’s fast paced world, some of us are simply left behind and the rest will only notice their loss when they are gone. A close look at the core areas of our villages and towns will reveal a bygone world hidden behind closed doors of abandoned old shops which once were so popular. Their discoloured signs displaying the name of the business in large lettering and that of the original owner in smaller ones seem eager to remind us of their presence. One of the main aims of Miranda Publishers’ latest publication Disappearing Malta: Crafts, Trades and Traditions 360° is to safeguard the memories of our dying local customs and the lives of those who were involved in them. Even if it is impossible to stop the steady advance of progress from making some of these crafts, trades and traditions no longer in demand, their documentation in narrative and pictures will defy their oblivion. For more information visit www.mirandabooks.com.

I wondered what I was going to do with my life and somehow I was attracted back to my roots

had to find a way how to carry on with his work and take care of us.” As soon as they returned from school, the children would go to their father’s garage to give him a hand with his work and that is how they learned the trade. “It was only with our help that he could satisfy the demand of all his clients. At the time, there was no electricity

in Gozo and so, there were no electric machines either. Work had to be done manually or by means of tools or manual machines. Moreover, the total time allowed for work depended on daylight.” All this changed in the 1960s when the demand for carts decreased so much that Grezzju and his brothers had to seek a new employment. At the age of 23, Carmelo joined the

police force. His father continued to construct carts but when he passed away in 1980, none of his children took over the business. “I loved my job as a policeman and in fact I only retired when I was 58 years old. While retirement age was getting closer, I wondered what I was going to do with my life and somehow I was attracted back to my roots.”

“I asked around whether there was still a demand for this work. In the meantime, I bought a cart and started to paint it. One day, a man walked down the road and when he saw me working on the cart, he asked me whether I could repair four cartwheels for him and I told him to bring them along. I was still a policeman at the time and I didn’t have any wood because I had not started doing that work yet. Yet I found my way around and I repaired them. Those wheels belonged to some Maltese people and when this man took them back to them, other cab drivers saw them. They liked

my work and asked who had done them. Soon they traced me and brought me more work to do. And that was that. I became a cartwright again,” laughed Carmelo. After all these years, the demand is still there but Carmelo isn’t getting any younger. His children have chosen other lines of work and so no one has learnt the trade from him. “I am old and I do things slowly now. I only work on wheels but until I have enough strength, I intend to keep on working because the thought that I have something to do, keeps me going. Yet I wish that I had someone younger who could give me a hand and who would take over the trade once I’m gone.” His greatest satisfaction is when his clients call him back to tell him how happy they are with his work. “I enjoy doing this work so much that when the wheels are ready, I don’t call my clients to pick them right away. I love to keep these wheels a little more and relish looking at them and picking them up, seeing that they are well done and strong. Their presence simply fills me with contentment.”

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

AGEING

Friends with benefits F True friendship knows no age, says Charlotte Stafrace.

riends can accompany us through the course of our lives. We are inundated by showy depositions – friendship quotes, BFF (Best Friend Forever) bracelets, BFF hearts, and vintage style signs screaming in bright colours ‘Best friends are like therapy’. We gather online ‘friends’ as if our life depended on them. But what is the true value of friends when you’ve done a full circle? Observing older adults, hand on heart, I can truly vouch for the importance of friends also at this later stage of the cycle of life. Just as in our teenage years, a friend can encourage us and give us support, have fun with, provide conversation, or share an activity. It can also diffuse or replace loss. Of course not everyone is the same. There are older adults who claim friends cannot replace family – your family tends to be ‘dependable’, most of the time, but what if circumstances have changed that dynamic. What if your own family cannot offer that security anymore perhaps because of loss or you now need assisted care? There are also older adults who still believe in the even older saying of ‘ilhbieb sa l-ghatba’ (which roughly translates that your friends should be left outside your home front step). Imagine having that attitude, to then be thrust into a care system, which could not provide for special needs, or where you might have to share a room, or where a lifetime of being discreet and reliant on family is suddenly thrown up to new elements? Making a shift in attitude can always be difficult, as a lot of personal traits and character strengths come to the fore, but left undetected and unsupported, recurring challenges can also lead to severe repercussions. A friend by your side can ease the transition to new challenges. So how do you open up to make friends in your later years? At whatever age, the gregarious individuals will have no problems strumming up new friendships. I look at my dad who at 80, still manages to forge new companionships. It’s easy for him. This type will always be at the centre of things happening, will want to know what’s going on, and will actually encourage others to meet up for a coffee or dinner, or even do a spot of volunteering. They will be the ones making plans to meet up again. They could even, subconsciously, be looking at increasing their pool of friends. I have seen some fine examples of friendship at the day care centres, with older adults still living relatively independent elderly lives. When there was recent family loss of one of the

How do you open up to make friends in your later years? members, I was quietly informed, to take note and encourage participation. Having people look out for you in times of need is crucial to any friendship – old and new. There are plenty of other venues offering friendship and social opportunities, like band clubs, prayer groups, dance groups, volunteering opportunities, as well as adult education centres. I often ‘eavesdrop’ after the session to see what lies beyond the one and half hour enjoyment that they have just shared. They will go for a coffee or do errands, but rest assured they have made arrangements for another ‘date’. Active involvement in shared common interests helps to build a vital social network of like-minded friends. This mutual sharing can even provide growth in a friendship. Sometimes during the sessions, especially when we do reminiscence, I hear, ‘Oh I didn’t know that about you!’

Having people look out for you in times of need is crucial to any friendship – old and new.

The feeling of appreciation and reaffirmation sometimes lingers long in the room. Words are not needed. After all, we want to be valued – and that doesn’t change just because you are older. I leave the session in the hope that that new piece of information about the individual in the room, could encourage new friendships and connection. Centres, hoping to attract the elderly, cannot just be placed at providing entertainment or being solely a social club. Offering a broad programme will entice people with different interests to come forward, and yes even perhaps attract the harder to reach, the more vulnerable. Through activities which people can genuinely have an interest for, or develop an interest for, meaningful friendships can be made. It is also up to the older adults themselves to make demands for quality services to be offered – they need to have a voice but also to be listened to. These venues should be at the heart of ageing – changing programmes, challenging stereotypes, and being a hub for education and social engagement. A UK research paper on participatory arts, by the Baring Foundation, cites: “Creative arts engagement has positive effects on general health, age-related cognitive functioning, a

decrease in depression and an increase in well-being.” And if you can enjoy that with a friend, be encouraged by a friend to attend, or make a friend in the process, it’s not really rocket science. Opportunities to make friends should also be encouraged in the home care environment. Engagement and finding a purpose to daily life makes for happier days. I have seen some homes which would make one weep, where the only form of entertainment is provided by a TV, and the only form of any engagement or social interaction happens around lunchtime. Others however are striving to offer something alternative. It goes beyond the fancy infrastructure. Finding ways to encourage alliances, strum up with like-minded people who could engage in some banter, or even motivate to learn a new skill, I would say is key to an older adult’s life in care. There are plenty of opportunities in life to give up. The effects of health and the challenges of loss can be truly devastating. And yet with a friend who can empathise, by your side, forever encouraging, can truly make the difference, to how you look at this time too. After all, as the saying goes, friends are the family we choose for ourselves.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuGuST 2017

TISJIR

Tlaqna sa Spanja Anton B. Dougall iservi l-paella. PAELLA Għandek bżonn: Litru stokk tat-tiġieġ 125ml inbid aħmar 500g ross basmati 250 sider tat-tiġieġa, mgħolli 4 tadamiet kbar 3 sinniet tewm Basla kbira Bżaru aħmar Kuċċarina paprika ¼ kuċċarina bżar aħmar, mitħun Bżar u melħ Kif issajjar: Qaxxar il-basla u t-tewm, qattagħhom biċċiet żgħar u poġġihom ġo skutelli separati. Aħsel il-bżaru aħmar, aqsmu min-nofs, neħħilu ż-żerriegħa u

qattgħu f ’biċċiet imdaqqsin. Saħħan taġen kbir u fond fuq nar għoli. Itfa ir-ross, l-istokk u l-inbid u ħawwad tajjeb. Żid il-basla u l-bżaru aħmar, il-bżar aħmar mitħun u l-paprika. Erġa ħawwad sew mingħajr ma tfarrak lingredjenti. Kompli sajjar sakemm it-taħlita tiftaħ tagħli, filwaqt li tħawwad il-ħin kollu. Baxxi n-nar u kompli sajjar għal madwar 10 minuti oħra. Qatta s-sider tat-tiġieġa f ’biċċiet imdaqqsin u żidhom mat-taħlita tar-ross. Żid ukoll it-tewm u ħawwad tajjeb. Qaxxar it-tadam, qattgħu f ’biċċiet kwadri u żidu mar-ross. Kompli sajjar fuq nar baxx sakemm isir ir-ross. Roxx ftit bżar u melħ, erġa ħawwad u servi mill-ewwel. Din ir-riċetta meħuda mill-ktieb Fil-Kċina m’Anton: Ikel Bnin Għall-Kontroll tal-Kolesterol (BDL Publishing).

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

AGEING

lder adult learning, that is, the participation of persons aged 60-plus in educational events, is the fastest growing branch of education. One of the most successful learning venue for older persons is undoubtedly the University of the Third Age (U3A). U3As can be loosely defined as socio-cultural centres where older persons acquire new knowledge of significant issues, or validate the knowledge which they already possess, in an agreeable milieu and in accordance with easy and acceptable methods. Its target audience are people in the third age of the life course – that is, the life phase in which there is no longer employment and child-raising to commandeer time, and before morbidity enters to limit activity and mortality brings everything to a close. The U3A movement has not only withstood the test of time but is also marked by an extensive increase of centres and members all over the continents. The first U3A was founded in 1973 in Toulouse and had four key objectives: (i) raising the quality of life of older people, (ii) realising a permanent educational programme for older people in close relational with other younger age groups, (iv) co-ordinating gerontological research programmes, and (iv), realising initial and permanent education programmes in gerontology. The first U3A was opened under the auspices of the University of Toulouse to anyone who had reached statutory retirement age in France at that time, and who was willing to fill in a simple enrolment form and pay a nominal fee. Learning activities were scheduled for daylight hours, five days a week, for eight or nine months of the year. As the U3A phenomenon gained increasing recognition in continental Europe, it did not escape the attention of British educators and gerontologists. The first U3A in Britain was established in Cambridge, in July 1981, and was quickly replicated in other cities and towns.

OS M

Older adult learning pursues knowledge through which one’s mind and personality can be enhanced, says Marvin Formosa.

The age of learning IN MAR V

R FO

Learning is a lifelong adventure.

These range from courses on the social rights and responsibilities of older persons to matters related to finance, support social services, healthcare, physical exercise and nutrition The British version underwent a substantial change compared to the original French model, as British U3As embraced a self-help approach based upon the principle of reciprocity, of mutual giving and taking. Self-help groups include people coming together to assist each other with common problems, providing mutual support and an exchange of information, whilst being typified by minimal social distance between them. The self-help model holds immense potential for late-life education since experts of all kinds retire with the skills and interest to successfully increase both the number and range of resources available. Malta is a relative latecomer in establishing its U3A. The

Maltese U3A – L’Universita Tat-Tielet Età – was launched in January 1993 and, thus, could draw on some 20 years of European experience. It now operates from four centres: Floriana (Catholic Institute), Sliema (St Patrick’s Salesian School), Vittoriosa (University of Malta’s Cottonera Resource Centre), and Gozo (Ghajnsielem). The U3A forms part of the University of Malta and is, therefore, more in accordance with the French U3A model than the British. The U3A is governed by two main committees. While academic matters are in the hands of a committee chosen by the University of Malta, its social undertakings are managed by a democratically elected association from U3A

members. The U3A offers courses that are not intended to lead their participants to obtain any material or credential gains. It approaches learning as consisting of the pursuit of non-utilitarian knowledge through which one’s mind and personality can be enhanced. The U3A coordinates a wide variety of courses based on the assumed needs and interests of older persons. These range from courses on the social rights and responsibilities of older persons to matters related to finance, support social services, healthcare, physical exercise and nutrition, and the prevention of illness and disability. U3A members hold strong appreciation for learning for its own sake, and they highlight with excitement the new directions it opens up, the feelings of self-fulfilment that result with satisfying their curiosity and creative potentials, and the sociable enjoyment from engaging in social and cultural activities: “attending the U3E gave me real confidence. I had three children in succession so participation in educational courses was always out of the question, I always saw myself as incomplete, curious about life, but never able to satisfy this desire” (female U3A member),

and “one day I was checking some of my bills and found myself unable to concentrate. I realized that my mental skills were in hibernation, the U3E provides me with the mental gymnastics to help me remain mentally alert” (male U3E member). The U3A in Malta will once again open its doors in October and the official opening will be held on Friday, October 6 at its Floriana Centre (Catholic Institute). The registration period will be held, as in previous years, at the Catholic Institute around mid-September. More information can be found in the U3A Facebook (www.facebook.com/University-of-theThird-Age-Malta) and official (www.um.edu.mt/u3a/) websites to be launched on September 1 and October 6 respectively, or by contacting Mr Joseph Said on joseph.said@um.edu.mt. I look forward to welcoming past and new members, and am sure that the Maltese U3A will meet and live up to expectations. Prof. Marvin Formosa is Head of the Department of Gerontology, University of Malta, and Director of the University of the Third Age (Malta).

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

OPINION

When ‘falling in love’ and ‘loving’ diverge AL

’m not one who spends much time at the beach, so during these long, hot summer afternoons, one of my pastimes is watching movies. I simply love recycling those old DVDs which lie there in the cupboard, just waiting to be unearthed. This week, I came across Moulin Rouge, a musical which is an old-time favourite of mine. At the most crucial point of the movie, Christian, one of the protagonists, played superbly by Ewan McGregor, declares that “the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”. To which I reply, “Amen!” But, this set me thinking about how, in our human yearning for love, we often mix up “falling in love” with “loving”. Being in love is a feeling – a wonderful feeling at that, but, while this reeks of romance, there is nothing very realistic about it. That being said, who can renounce that wonderful airy-fairy warm feeling which is conjured up at the start of a relationship, that feeling of not being able to go five minutes without wanting to be next to the other person? I’m sure that all those hopeless romantics out there will know what I’m talking about! Yet, being “in love” is a feeling without the benefit of experience. On the other hand, to love and be loved in return, is all about the experience between you and the beloved. This is rather tricky, because falling in love and loving are very similar at the beginning. But when that initial euphoria fizzles out, what remains is whether we really love the other person or not. If we do, then each day becomes euphoric. This is not to say that it doesn’t require an effort to reach this stage in the relationship. I think that first of all, it’s a question of commitment. It’s a choice. Falling in love is something that happens without intention or consent – for example, it could be that two people are swept away by one another’s looks or by some other appealing physical attributes. Loving someone is a choice, being in love isn’t. Only you can decide to see the beloved’s best qualities, appreciate him or her for who they are, and commit to being a supportive partner to them. So, while being in love is fleet-

Loving someone is an uphill battle – but it can be a battle which results in a very sweet victory, says Christine Galea from the Cana Movement. T C HR I S

Loving someone is a choice, being in love isn’t.

ing, loving someone should imply ‘forever’. It means sticking together through the low days, the lulls in the relationship, enduring the differences and quarrels, and all the full-blown existential crises that life throws at us from time to time. Indeed, loving someone is an uphill battle – but it can be a battle which results in a very sweet victory. Speak to any couple who have faced challenges in their relationship, and most of them will confess that although it’s sometimes hard to live with their better half, they simply cannot live without them. Even if the voice on the inside calls them to leave, they choose to stay, knowing that to leave would lead only to pain and regret. It’s almost as if there’s something about their love which overcomes all else, transcending time and space. Why, on occasion, it even overcomes distance, in the sense that although they accept the inevitable absences of the person they love, they choose their

Even if the voice on the inside calls them to leave, they choose to stay, knowing that to leave would lead only to pain and regret presence. Above all, their love is something which allows them to put the other’s happiness above their own. My experience of working with such couples reveals that to commit to such

a love is not an easy task. At Cana Movement, there are qualified professionals who are dedicated to helping loving couples reach their goal of sustaining a life-long relationship. Suffice it to state that, during the year 2016, over 2,000 hours of service were contributed by the Cana Movement’s counsellors to those who sought their advice. All of us grow up with different perceptions of what this phenomenon called love really is, but none of us come equipped with a manual on how to bring this beautiful gift to maturation, so in the process from ‘falling in love’ to ‘loving’, we could slip-up and feel disappointed if our anticipation of a fairy-tale relationship are not met. It’s comforting to know that there are professionals out there who are ready to help us form the right expectations of what this ‘love’ might entail, with the result that we may enjoy this gift as a source of unlimited happiness and joy.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

HISTORY

Saving an island This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Operation Pedestal: the convoy that saved Malta.

t first glance, the level of destruction and death would read like a victory for the Axis powers and a massive defeat for the Allies. Out of the 14 merchant ships that had sailed from Gibraltar in the Operation Pedestal, only five limped into the Grand Harbour, having suffered constant air and sea attacks, and the death of more than 500 Merchant and Royal Navy sailors. And yet, what a victory it was for the Allies in the Mediterranean and for Malta – the arrival of 32,000 tons of supplies would eventually determine the outcome of the war in the Mediterranean and the North African campaign. In the months leading to August 15, 1942 – the arrival of the Santa Marija convoy – Malta was slowly but surely on its way to facing capitulation as food, ammunition and fuel were at critical levels. In fact, the island’s surrender was scheduled for the first week of September, 1942. Given Malta’s strategic importance, a major naval undertaking was planned to enable the island to survive. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill requested the loan of the tanker SS Ohio and the ships Santa Elisa and Almeria Lykes – the rest of the merchant ships were British and most were armed with antiaircraft guns. A large escorting

The Brisbane Star.

flotilla was also mustered to protect the precious convoy. Under the overall operational command of ViceAdmiral E.N. Syfret, the convoy entered the Mediterranean on the night of August 10, 1942. It was a massive convoy: the Royal Navy had three aircraft carriers, two battleships, seven cruisers, 32 destroyers, eight submarines and other units. The Axis attacks soon started. On Wednesday, August 11, the German submarine U-73 fired four torpedoes into HMS Eagle, sinking it. The following night, the Italian submarine Axum hit three ships: the HMS Cairo was so severely damaged that it had to be sunk. On the same night, MV Empire Hope was hit and its load of ammunition fuel and aviation spirit exploded. HMS Penn fired a torpedo into the doomed merchant ship, sinking it. The crew of the Deucalion also had to abandoned their destroyed ship. The destruction continued. On Friday, August 13, Italian MAS-boats

and German Schnellboote hit the HMS Manchester, MV Clan Ferguson and MV Glenorchy. The Wairangi was also torpedoed and the Almeria Lykes, Waimarama and Santa Elisa hit and abandoned. But by the evening, the first three ships managed to enter the Grand Harbour: Rochester Castle, Port Chalmers and Melbourne Star. The following morning, the Brisbane Star also managed to make it to the harbour. In the meantime, a massive effort was under way to tow the heavily damaged tanker Ohio into harbour. HMS Penn and HMS Bramham edged the Ohio along the shore while HMS Ledbury shoved the tanker’s bow to make the turns off Delimara and Zonqor Point. Finally, the battered tanker made it to the Grand Harbour – it is the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. Churchill recognised the great effort made and said: “In the end, five gallant merchant ships out of 14 got through

In the months leading to August 15, 1942 – the arrival of the Santa Marija convoy – Malta was slowly but surely on its way to facing capitulation

with their precious cargoes. The reward justified the price exacted. Revictualled and replenished with ammunition and vital stores, the strength of Malta is revived.” The cargoes were discharged. Although 53,000 of the 85,000 tons of supplies finished on the bottom of the Mediterranean, the remaining 32,000 enabled Malta to stave off surrender.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

NEWS The SS Ohio reaches Malta.

Benefits of hydrotherapy

Maltese welcoming the convoy at the Grand Harbour.

Unloading the convoy.

quatic therapy, commonly known as hydrotherapy, is the use of exercise therapy within a specially designed heated pool to target and treat a wide spectrum of conditions. These include general joint pain, low back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neurological conditions, pain related to arthritis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, treatment post elective orthopaedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements and many more. The use of gentle, controlled movements within the warm water heated up to 31 to 35 degrees gives the opportunity to steadily progress in one’s treatment regime within a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment. Hydrotherapy is significantly different from conventional swimming and aquaerobics. While being less strenuous, it focuses on guided, controlled, pain-free movements with the ultimate aim of providing pain relief. The design of the pool enables the user to exercise in a safe environment at different depths and with all the equipment needed. The benefits emanating from hydrotherapy are many, including top health benefits for the elderly. As we grow older we tend to suffer more from general discomfort and aches in joints – we may also be suffering from pain brought about by a chronic debilitating illness. The warmth of the water relaxes the muscular spasm which is commonly found in close proximity to the area of pain. Vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, also helps in increasing circulation in the area of discomfort which ultimately helps in accelerating the healing process. Hydrotherapy can help strengthen weak musculature. Different exercises can be undertaken in water and the type of exercise prescribed will vary according to the condition or injury being treated. Resistance provided by the water itself helps to strengthen weak musculature while however not putting so much pressure on muscles and joints. Exercises can be progressed by increasing the speed of movement or by increasing surface area by introducing various special forms of floats. On the other hand, the increased temperature of the water helps in relaxing tight musculature with the resulting increase in range of movement of any particular joint. This will help in flexibility and mobility. A hydrotherapy pool provides the opportunity to exercise without your bones and muscles being shackled by gravity’s constraints. Therefore, hydrotherapy conveniently provides a gateway to exercise in certain conditions were constant ground impact is too painful or not indicated. Exercising in warm water also helps the body to release several hormones that contribute towards feeling energised and less fatigued. Research also shows that exercising in warm water may also aid in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Moreover, the unique properties of water are used in the treatment process. Buoyancy is one of the unique properties of water which gives a feeling of weightlessness while exercising in the pool. This enables the person in the pool to carry out exercises which are usually very difficult to carry out on land given that the body feels much lighter in water. This helps to assist and improve quality of movement of stiff or weak joints. This is also extremely useful when normal walking or weight-bearing is restricted or painful especially following various forms of orthopaedic procedures or acute injuries. Hydrostatic pressure, whereby the water itself exerts external pressure on the limb in question and helps in draining any swelling which might be present. This is how hydrostatic pressure is thought to further help in rehabilitation, particularly after recent injury or surgery. Turbulence is another precious quality. Currents and eddies in the water contribute towards providing an unstable environment which in itself helps towards strengthening stabiliser muscles of the body. Turbulence can also provide resistance to movement which helps in strengthening weak musculature and helps to improve balance and co-ordination which may be impaired after injury or illness. Water also helps to improve balance with consequent decrease in risk of falls. Water is a moving body – this makes it a very useful tool to challenge and retrain balance, with the ultimate benefit of reducing the risk of falls. This is very important in the elderly who due to their frailty and other factors start to trip and fall more easily. All these benefits can only be experienced if the right venue is chosen. The purposely built, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool at Revive Physiotherapy and Aquatic Centre boasts a unique design. Moreover, the addition of inbuilt contrast baths particularly beneficial for post sport activity recovery sessions, sets it apart from the rest. Access to the pool by means of a shallow ramp together with a manual hoist which is available on site, makes it accessible to anyone irrespective of one’s age, or level of physical and functional mobility. Stainless steel handrails surrounding the perimeter of the pool, three different pool depths and a multitude of floats and equipment available, makes it arguably the best possible hydrotherapy pool to exercise in. Luxurious showering and changing facilities are also available on site together with free underground parking. While Revive is open to the general public, residents staying at Simblija Care Home during any length of stay, can also benefit from the use of this centre whilst enjoying the advantages it offers especially in in cases of rehabilitation after joint surgery, back or gait problems, joint pain, or general maintenance of well-being.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

EASY CROSSWORD 1

28. Room under the roof (5) 29. Refuse (7) 30. Ride a bike (5) 31. Tropical plant (5)

9 10

11 12

12 13

DOWN

2. Culminating point (6) 3. Kidnap (6) 4. Remuneration (3) 5. Confess (5) 6. Swimmer’s breathing tube (7) 7. Fever (4) 8. Supporter (6) 12. Touches (5) 13. Wading bird (5) 14. Italian river (5) 15. Gain access to (3,2) 16. Prise (5) 18. Correct (5) 19. Exhaustion (7) 21. Badly (6) 22. Very happy or cheerful (6) 23. Area (6) 25. Insults deliberately (5) 26. Lass (4) 28. Donkey (3)

18 19

19 20

28 29

29 30

ACROSS 1. Optical device with soft rims, possibly (5) 6. Rolls dished up with the roast (5) 9. Amuses Mark and Leslie! (7) 10. Best one to trade with (5) 11. You get it going! (5) 12. Instrument with an electric circuit? (5) 13. Tried to involve an MP in crooked deals (7) 15. Whistler’s property? (3) 17. Greek god with quantities of land (4) 18. Road by which one can leave Trieste, possibly (6) 19. Wait for a friend at the end of the road (5) 20. The following drink (6) 22. He’s from New Zealand, nominally (4) 24. Can it be a ravine over there? (3) 25. Come round with a spare part to match (7) 26. Be in the position to take notice (3,2) 27. To many a boy, an assertive little girl (5) 28. A line possibly nice for old people (5) 29. Play or take part in a tricky match (7) 30. Like a regular return (5) 31. Sight possibly seen at the bus terminus? (5) DOWN 2. A Communist vehicle in Cleveland (6) 3. Puts one’s foot down firmly (6) 4. Not far from familiar (3) 5. Highly smitten in a batty sort of way? (5) 6. Unusually early to accept it as the truth (7) 7. Capital of Czechoslovakia (4) 8. A release by the BBC (6) 12. Cared to chop wood (5) 13. Cheeky, say, about “University Challlenge” (5) 14. Has she got the mange? (5) 15. It’s in Iceland where hake swim round the lake (5) 16. More than a ton weight! (5) 18. It floats in pools (5) 19. Can be claimed to make a point (7) 21. Was poetry a chore for him? (6) 22. An American in Paris? (6) 23. Stadiums wherein Arsenal could ultimately lose money? (6) 25. Restrains a dog taking heartless bites (5) 26. Treat ’em as identical (4) 28. ’Tis different but means the same (3) JULY ISSUE SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 3. S-tash 8. W-ales 10. Tax-is 11. Tin 12. Pearl 13. Vi-etnam 15. Easel 18. Fin 19. Celery 21. Fox-Trot 22. R-ear 23. Cain 24. Seminal 26. Shiver 29. Con 31. Ho-Ned 32. Rattler 34. Gave-L 35. O-a-K 36. G-L-oat 37. A-NG-er 38. Neath. DOWN: 1. Satin 2. Went for 4. The-M 5. S-tree-t. 6. Hal-Al 7. Lifer 9. L-i.e. 12. Panther 14. Ni-X 16. Sep-Al 17. Lying 19. Co-MIC-al 20. Brush 21. FaGI-n 23. Can-ton-s 24. Sedate 25. Not 27. Ho-L-ly 28. V-E.G.-an 30. Pekes 32. Rest 33. Lag.

ACROSS

18. Venerate (6) 19. Threshing implement (5) 20. Musical dramas (6) 22. Unclothed (4) 24. And not (3) 25. Take refuge (7) 26. Remarkably large (5) 27. Boy’s name (5)

1. Fragment (5) 6. Brazilian dance (5) 9. Thin on top (7) 10. Dizzy (5) 11. Snow leopard (5) 12. Filament (5) 13. Short axe (7) 15. Hair-styling product (3) 17. A way out (4)

JULY ISSUE SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 3. Waist 8. Perry 10. Coupe 11. Mia 12. Heart 13. Complex 15. Oasis 18. Pea 19. Allege 21. Needful 22. Hour 23. Ruck 24. Rostrum 26. Opener 29. Rib 31. Besom 32. Sidecar 34. Mocha 35. Lob 36. Eclat 37. Alter 38. Depth. DOWN: 1. Demon 2. Wrapper 4. Apex 5. Scroll 6. Total 7. Sprig 9. Rim 12. Head for 14. Lee 16. Serum 17. Seeks 19. Austria 20. Throb 21. Nudes 23. Rubella 24. Remote 25. Rid 27. Peace 28. Nomad 30. Caber 32. Shot 33. Cot.

WORD SEARCH E

Audit Blimps Bough Ceases Chats Clears Colds Dates Demonstrations Derive

Diner Disuses Eagle Envoy Havoc Idled Impel Inadvisable Irked Knees

Leaner Ledges Light Mints Noticed Obsess Oiling Ointments Opting Polices

Sages Sales Seduce Sensitive Shrewd Sneaker Tempt Thugs Trues Widths

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

COMPETITION

Richard Ellis Archive and Book Distributors Limited (BDL).

Ngħidu kelma QWIEL MALTIN U XI JFISSRU Tagħmilx zalza qabel taqbad il-ħut. Don’t cook the sauce before you catch the fish. Għall-bejjiegħ għajn waħda u għax-xerrej mitt għajn. The seller has one eye, but the buyer has one hundred.

Malta During the First World War by Anthony Zarb-Dimech.

Il-qattus u l-far qatt ma ħasbu għalenija. The cat and the rat never shared the same thoughts.

Presenting the past This month, we are once again giving away a set of 12 replica prints by Richard Ellis. To win, identify the locations (street and city) of the photograph on this page and send your answers via e-mail to seniortimes@timesofmalta.com or by post to ‘Senior Times Competition’, Allied Newspapers Limited, Industrial Estate, Triq L-Intornjatur, Mrieħel BKR 3000. The first correct answer that we receive will win a set of 12 replica prints by Richard Ellis. The second and third runner-up win one of the above-mentioned books, courtesy of Book Distributors Limited (BDL).

SUDOKU

9 6

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9

8 4 2 7 5 9 6 8 1 3

6 1 3 7 4 8 5 2 9

5 9 8 2 3 1 6 4 7

2 8 1 9 5 4 3 7 6

3 5 6 8 2 7 1 9 4

9 7 4 6 1 3 2 8 5

1 3 9 4 6 2 7 5 8

7 4 2 3 8 5 9 6 1

8 6 5 1 7 9 4 3 2

Raġel jaħlef u mara tibki temminhomx. Never believe in a man who swears and a woman who cries.

Għaġin by Anton B. Dougall.

The winners of the July Senior Times competition are Alfred Farrugia (who wins a set of 12 replica prints by Richard Ellis), David Borg Attard (who wins a copy of Imħabba Għamja by Emmanuel Portelli.

4 8 7 6 5 7 1 6 9 4 6 1 7 1 9

Għarusa ġdida, kull ma tmiss kollu jfuħ. Whatever a new bride touches is fragrant. Min ma jġarrabx il-ħażin ma jafx it-tajjeb. If you don’t suffer unfortunate circumstances, you will never know the worth of good fortune.

Qabbilli waħda

5 2 2 8 8 4 5

Mananni tibża’ xejn Niġi għalik bil-lejl Ngħalaqlek kullimkien U nkeċċilek id-dubbien. Dawra durella Qasba żigarella Ħija l-abatija Bil-mustaċċi u s-sidrija. Għandi żaqqi kemm tuġgħani Kilt il-għeneb mhux misjur Iddendilt mal-kannizzata Qisni l-kelb tal-kaċċatur.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

NEWS

Pictures of the world

This month’s news highlights captured in show-stopping photos.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet jet flies over the USS Gerald R. Ford as the US Navy aircraft carrier tests its EMALS magnetic launching system, which replaces the steam catapult, and new AAG arrested landing system in the Atlantic Ocean on July 28. PHOtO: US NAvy/ERik HiLdEbRANdt/HANdOUt viA REUtERS

A faithful takes a selfie with Pope Francis during his Wednesday general audience in Paul vi hall at the vatican on August 2. PHOtO: REUtERS/MAx ROSSi

New Paris Saint-Germain signing Neymar Jr at a press conference on August 4. Paris Saint-Germain bought the brazilian forward from barcelona for a record €222 million. PHOtO: REUtERS/CHRiStiAN HARtMANN

iraqi boys swim with water buffaloes in the Euphrates river in Najaf on August 1. PHOtO: REUtERS/ALAA AL-MARJANi

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

Tourists take pictures in the Popolo’s Square, downtown Rome, Italy on August 3. PHOTO: REUTERS/MAX ROSSI

Britain’s Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt, in central London, on August 2. The 96-year-old husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth made his final solo appearance at the official engagement before retiring from active public life. PHOTO: REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY

Australia Federal Police officers patrol the security lines at Sydney’s Domestic Airport in Australia, on July 31, following weekend raids related to a plot against Australia’s aviation sector. PHOTO: REUTERS/JASON REED

Mohamed Farah of Great Britain celebrates as he wins the Men’s 10,000 Final at the World Athletics Championships, at the London Stadium on August 4. PHOTO: REUTERS/DYLAN MARTINEZ

Flames erupt as clashes break out while the Constituent Assembly election is being carried out in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 30. PHOTO: REUTERS/CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS

A rotary dial telephone set and clock are seen in the NATO tunnels dating back to the Cold War in the War Headquarters tunnels beneath Valletta, Malta. PHOTO: REUTERS/DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

CARS

Wheels with a silver lining

He took stock of the situation, closed down his restoration business, and decided to retire to Malta

rallies, the May 1989 Great British Film Rally between London and Cannes that the Malta connection was forged. For taking part in the same event was David Arrigo, the doyen of the Maltese old motors scene, and they hit it off. Consequently, Barry started to visit Malta regularly. One memorable trip that stands uppermost in his mind was way back in 1992, when he drove the first skip from Wales to Malta overland, a distance of around 2,000 miles. Around 13 years ago, Barry got the shock of his life when out of the blue, his main mechanic, who was not only staff but also a close friend, suddenly passed away while still in his mid-forties. He took stock of the situation, closed down his restoration business, and decided to retire to Malta. All the old cars were sold

Barry lists a 1932 Sunbeam 18hp, a 1958 Princess Limousine, and a 1971 Rolls Royce Shadow I among the classics that graced his spacious garage. He had a soft spot for a 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 which he himself had restored. However, he became a victim of his own success, for the vehicle was so opulently restored, that he decided to sell it. “I had worked hard and long on it, but my guiding principle was, and remains, to have old cars encrusted in a patina, rather than being over restored. Thus the Rolls Royce lasted only two weddings before I sold it, although it always held a permanent position in the labyrinths of my mind,” he admits. Barry used to drive a number of his classic cars in national and international rallies, participating with vehicles like the Cooper S, the Cortina Mark I, as well as an MG TD. It was during one of these

any foreigners who retire to Malta bring with them a chequered career that sometimes remains firmly folded and far from public knowledge. Barry Owen is one of them: his claim to fame is his work on classic cars which graced the silver or small screen. These include a Triumph Stag, which was the first James Bond vehicle; the Reliant Robin featured in the long running British television series Only Fools and Horses; a Volvo P 18 that Roger Moore used to drive in The Saint; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; the Rolls Royce driven by Lady Penelope in The Thunderbirds; and Herbie the Volkswagen, of which he says that there were more than 25 different models to be harnessed in the original film and subsequent successful spin offs. Born in Bangor, north Wales, Barry left school at 15 to start working at a panel beater and sprayer in the area. The job lasted less than a year, as he moved on to shop fitting construction work, and eventually to create his own interior design firm. An innate attraction and genuine love for old cars from an early age led him to simultaneously set up a vehicle restoration business. “I started out about 25 years ago with two mechanics working there full time, while I contributed my bit in the evening as well as at the weekend,” he recalls. Besides the restoration projects, the business also provided sophisticated vehicles for special events and weddings.

After years working on classic cars which graced the silver screen, Barry Owen retired to Malta to carry on restoring, Joseph Busuttil says.

J OS E

in the UK, with the exception of the MG TD, which he brought over to Malta, and which now graces the Aviation Museum at Ta’ Qali. Once a classic car collector, always a classic car collector, and in the few years that he has been in the island, Barry has managed to put together another significant collection of old motors, all of them roadworthy. There are three Jaguar models – a 1968 420, a 1974 XJC two door coupe, and a 1977 XJS., as well as a 1974 Jensen Healy. He has also managed to get his hands on a rare, right hand drive, 1928 Renault van model Z, that had spent all its working life in France. Some time ago, while surfing the net, Barry caught sight of his beloved 1935 Rolls Royce which had bolted from his Welsh stables 25 years before. It had remained with the same owner, who continued to use it regularly. Nothing had

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

changed over this lengthy period in the black over burgundy coloured car, with the exception of a carburettor. Barry bought it again, and all that it required was a new clutch as well as some fuel problems that needed seeing to. He carries out all mechanical work on the old cars himself, despite having had no formal technical training. “I am just a keen enthusiast. I am very good at solving car problems, because I first think a lot about the difficulty before working on it,” he explains. Barry is also full of praise for the local engineers and mechanics, who he claims are second to none. He adds that such

high standards contribute to an improvement in the quality of cars on the road, and subsequently to safety. With all the undoubted field experience under his belt, Barry generously shares his vast knowledge with a number of local old motors organisations. He sits on the committee of the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation, as well as that of the Jaguar Owners Club. He is also actively involved with the Old Motors Club, where he frequently participates in various events. Surrounded by all this hectic activity, Barry definitely gives the lie to those who say that retirement is definitely the twilight zone.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

SPORT

Malta’s international debut T

In the 1956-57 season, Maltese football stood on its own two feet, Carmel Baldacchino says.

he 1956-57 season was one of the most important in the history of Association football in Malta. New milestones were reached, with the most important event being Malta’s debut in the international field when the national team played against Austria. It had to come one day. After years of dependency on the British Services, the game of football in Malta finally took a crucial step forward to cut all its ties with the British and stand on its own feet. When in January 1957, the news filtered out that the MFA had received an offer from the Austrian Football Federation for their ‘B’ international team to play a match in Malta, everyone shook his head in disbelief. Imagine then the surprise when in February it was announced that in fact, Austria would be sending to Malta its full international 11. The expenses of this ambitious enterprise were considerable. It was estimated that at least £2,000 were required just to cover the expenses. Everything is relative and £2,000 in those days was a big sum of money. Therefore, the MFA had no option but to increase the entrance fees for the occasion. It was unbelievable that a country with such a great football tradition as Austria would deem it fit to match its full strength against tiny Malta. The match captured the imagination of the public and for a time the event became the prime topic of conversation on the island. Criticism however, was not lacking. Many felt that Malta was biting more than it could chew and that the national

It’s a goal! Malta’s players mob Sammy Nicholl after he scored Malta’s second goal minutes away from the final whistle.

team would be slaughtered. Others argued that the MFA did well to grasp this unique opportunity. Everybody however, acknowledged the tremendous task confronting the national team. The new prices were 12s 6d (70 euro cents) for the reserved seats, 7s 6d (45 euro cents) for the enclosure, 5s (30 euro cents) for the ground and 2s 6d (14 euro cents) for children. These prices would seem to be ridiculously cheap by today’s standards but in those

Malta’ players being introduced to the Governor of Malta, Sir Robert Laycock.

days, when the average wage was about €7 a week, they were quite high. The MFA left no stone unturned to make the occasion one to remember. The match was given a lot of publicity and the enthusiasm of the public grew as the game drew nearer. The MFA even managed to get the services of the world famous Italian referee, Sig. Vincenzo Orlandini for the game and his presence continued to enhance the splendour and importance of the occasion. Malta’s match against Austria was not the only highlight of the season. During October 1956, the MFA XI played a match at the Stadium against a Uganda FA XI which at the time had just ended a tour of the United Kingdom. This game and the one played against SK Wacker of Austria later in the season served as excellent trial matches for the national team before the big match against Austria, scheduled to be played in February, 1957. The East Africans spent three weeks in Britain during which they played 11 games of which they won three, lost seven and drew one. The Uganda XI lost heavily to leading British amateur

clubs but in their last match they beat the Great Britain Olympic team 2-1. The Africans were greatly hampered by the soft pitches of the English ground but they were much more at home on the bone-hard pitch of the Empire Stadium. Playing barefoot they showed remarkable ball control and quickness of mind and feet. Playing without boots however, was a big handicap and at the end the Maltese team proved to be too good for them. The Africans’ strength was on the wings where Baker and Kalbala were always dangerous. However, they played too loosely in defence and against players of the calibre of Lolly Borg and Pullu Demanuele they were asking for trouble. In fact, two goals each by the Floriana tandem gave Malta a 4-0 victory. Before leaving Malta, Uganda’s coach, Mr Harris said that his players really enjoyed playing in Malta but he was disappointed by the form of his players who, he said, can play much better. However, he was impressed by the high standard of Maltese football. SK Wacker were the guests of the MFA for the traditional Christmas

SENIOR TIMES ‒ auguST 2017

Italian international referee, Sig. Orlandini leads the teams out of their dressing rooms for the start of Malta’s first-ever international match at the Empire Stadium on Sunday, February 21, 1957.

Tourney. Wacker were a fine team typical of Austrian teams of that era. They played six games in Malta winning five and drawing one against Sliema Wanderers. The highlight of the tourney however was the game against the MFA XI. With the Austria international in mind, Joe Griffiths took the game against Wacker very seriously. He treated the game as a full-dress rehearsal for the big occasion which was due in February. He brought the team together every evening for training at the Stadium and arranged a number of trial matches against the top Maltese clubs. In addition, on December 4, 1956 he tried out the team against the strong RAF XI at the latter’s ground in Safi. Griffiths fielded an experimental team for this game which the MFA XI lost 3-4. Two of the MFA XI goals were scored by Pawlu Said of Rabat and the other was scored by Sammy Nicholl. The game between the MFA XI and SK Wacker was played on New Year’s Day 1957. The MFA XI put up an encouraging display against the Viennese who only scored the winning goal 12 minutes from the end of the game. Wacker deserved the verdict but with a bit of luck the Maltese could have at least forced a draw. The Viennese had the best of the possession but the Maltese defended well and the Austrians were hardly given a glimpse of goal. No goals were scored in the first half but with time running low and the Viennese getting restless, Wagner II broke the deadlock and headed home the winner. Sunday, February 21, 1957 was a fine day. The Empire Stadium looked its best with the Austrian, Maltese and English flags fluttering proudly from the top of the enclosure.

Malta kept fighting back but the minutes also kept ticking away When the gates were opened at noon, a crowd of over 3,000 spectators were already queuing for a place on the terraces. At 2 pm, the Stadium was packed full with an estimated crowd of 17,421 frantic supporters. A mighty roar vibrated around the streets of Gzira as Sig. Orlandini led the two teams onto the pitch of the Stadium. The teams lined-up before the main enclosure where they were presented to his Excellency the Governor of Malta, Sir Robert Laycock. When the formalities were over, the match was started amid the enthusiasm of the Maltese who still could not believe that tiny Malta was facing mighty Austria. At first, the Austrians dictated the play as the Maltese struggled to find their feet. The ball hovered dangerously around the Maltese penalty area but the locals held on grimly. Then, disaster struck after only 16 minutes. Joe Cilia and Ġużi Bonnici got into each other’s way. The ball rebounded off Bonnici and into the net. It was a bad moment for Malta. It seemed that the predictions of a heavy defeat were about to come true. The Austrians pressed forward for more goals and Victor Scerri in goal was tested many times but he did his job well. Slowly, the Maltese recovered and they ended the first half sharing the play with their opponents. In the second half, Malta came out fighting. Bravely, they took the game

to their opponents’ half of the field. The pressure on the Austrian defence increased and for a while it seemed to be reeling as the Maltese came twice near to scoring. At one point, the Austrian centre-half Stotz seemed to be holding the Reds’ attack on his own. Then, much against the run of play Wagner scored for Austria with a splendid kick which almost broke the rigging. To prevent the Austrians from making further damage, Joe Griffiths changed Ninu Calleja with the more defensive-minded George Jones of Hamrun Spartans. This move however, did not prevent the Austrians from increasing their lead. When Haumer headed in the third goal it seemed to be all over for Malta. The drama however, was about to start. Malta kept fighting back but the minutes also kept ticking away. Only three minutes were left on the clock and some of the spectators were already leaving the ground when Sammy Nicholl wriggled his way past Stotz and Englemein before passing to Tony Cauchi who shot into the rigging. A mighty roar rose majestically from the packed Stadium but it was nothing compared with that which drowned Gzira a few seconds later. Joe Cini slipped the ball to Nicholl who cheekily beat Stotz before he planted the ball into the net. That was the end of Malta’s first adventure in the international field.

After the game, Malta was showered with praise by the foreign journalists who were following the event. Sig. Orlandini, the Austrian captain Wagner, centre-half Stotz and Sir Robert Laycock were all lavish in their praise for the National XI. The next day the Daily Mail hit the nail on the head with the headline: ‘Malta astonished the soccer world by losing only 2-3 to Austria in its first soccer international.’ A film of the match was made by the Malta Amateur Cine Circle which was shown at different places. I wonder if a copy of this film still exists somewhere. It would be a great addition to the MFA’s proposed Football Museum. During a farewell dinner at the Hotel Phoenicia, the MFA Vice-President, and Chairman of the MFA Selection Board, Dr Maurice DeCesare presented caps to the Malta players. This English tradition of awarding caps for international matches was not continued. Although nowadays, players can keep their shirts to exchange with those of their opponents. Later, Dr Maurice DeCesare (MLP) was asked in Parliament to explain why the MFA was allowed to increase the entrance fees for this match and to state why the Maltese players were not given a better share of the profits. Dr DeCesare replied that the MFA required no special permission to increase admission fees. The increase was due to the heavy expenses and risks incurred to bring the Austrians to Malta. He gave figures to prove his point. The Stadium Management and the MFA each received £709 13s 8d as their share of the profits. The MFA kept £159 13s 8d in a reserve fund for the National team and distributed the rest amongst the First Division clubs.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

FEASTS

Assumption of Our Lady The feast of the Assumption of Our Lady is celebrated in seven different villages in Malta and Gozo. The feast also has a special place in Maltese history, as on August 15, 1942, the Santa Marija convoy saved the island and proved to be the turning point of World War II. Feast oF the assumption oF our Lady August 15 Qrendi, mosta, Gudja, Għaxaq, attard Feast oF the assumption oF our Lady August 18 dingli, mġarr, Żebbuġ (Gozo) Feast oF steLLa maris August 18 sliema Feast oF our Lady oF Lourdes August 18 paola Feast oF st Leonard August 18 Kirkop Feast oF our Lady oF Loreto August 25 Għajnsielem, Gozo Feast oF maria reGina August 25 marsa Feast oF st BarthoLomew August 25 Ħal Għargħur Feast oF st dominic August 25 Vittoriosa Feast oF st JuLian August 25 st Julian’s Feast oF st pauL August 25 Ħal safi

PHOTOS: CHRIS SANT FOURNIER, DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

RELIĠJON

Il-festa tal-festi Hija l-festa tal-Assunta li tikkonferma l-privileġġi kollha li Alla ta lil din il-mara unika, jgħid Dun Jonathan Farrugia.

is-sħana qalila ta’ Awissu – u din is-sena verament qlielet! – lisbaħ konsolazzjoni hi li tul dan ix-xahar niċċelebraw is-solennità tat-tlugħ fis-sema tal-Madonna jew, kif nafuha aħna l-Maltin, Santa Marija. Il-qagħda ta’ din is-solennità ftit ġranet wara s-solennità tatTrasfigurazzjoni tal-Mulej tippunta lejn il-kobor tagħha. Fit-Trasfigrazzjoni niċċelebraw meta l-appostli raw ilglorja ta’ Kristu li nbidel quddiemhom u ħa l-ġisem glorjuż li lkoll għad ingawdu meta aħna wkoll inkunu trasfigurati flaħħar taż-żmien; fl-Għid talAssunta l-appostli kellhom il-privileġġ jaraw l-istess ħaġa fil-ġisem ta’ ommu Marija: ilġisem immakulat tagħha, li qatt ma ttebba’ bl-ebda dell ta’ dnub, issa ġie trasfigurat biex ikun jista’ jidħol fil-glorja tal-ġenna. Il-kittieba nsara sa mill-ewwel sekli jitkellmu dwar kemm kien jixraq li l-ġisem fih ġarr għal disa’ xhur il-ġisem tal-Iben ta’ Alla ma jbatix it-taħsir tal-qabar li kien il-kastig li Alla poġġa fuq il-bniedem wara d-dnub, u għalhekk jixraq li ttella’ fis-sema qabel ma għadda mill-proċess naturali tad-dekompożizzjoni. L-insara tal-Orjent, li sa mittieni seklu kienu l-promuturi għal din is-solennità peremezz tal-pellegrinaġġi li kienu jagħmlu lejn il-qabar vojt tal-Madonna f ’Ġerusalemm, jagħrfu l-Għid ta’ Santa Marija bħala l-festa tal-festi. Għaliex? Għax hija l-festa talAssunta li tikkonferma l-privileġġi kollha li Alla ta lil din il-mara unika: li tkun imnissla bla dnub u li tkun omm Ibnu magħmul bniedem. Il-manwali kollha tal-marjoloġija jirreferu għal dan lepisodju mill-ħajja ta’ Marija bħala l-glorfikazzjoni tagħha. L-ebda waħda minn fost il-festi

tal-Madonna fil-kalendarju liturġiku ma fiha piż daqs din, għax fiha biss naraw mitmuma l-wegħda li Alla għamel lillbniedem, jiġifieri li wara din ilħajja f ’din id-dinja, jekk tkun mgħixa tajjeb, il-bniedem għad ikun igglorfikat u jingħaqad ma’ Alla għal dejjem. Ilkoll nafu li Alla ħalaq il-bniedem fuq ix-xbieha tiegħu, u li din ix-xbieha tħassret minħabba d-dnub talbniedem. Is-salvazzjoni li ġab Ġesù permezz tal-ħajja, il-mewt u l-qawmien tiegħu m’hijiex sempliċement maħfra ta’ dnubietna, iżda hija wkoll restawr tax-xbieha sabiħa u pura oriġinali li Alla poġġa fil-bniedem. Dan ifisser li minkejja kollox, il-bniedem huwa ħlejqa tajba u li minkejja d-dnub, il-bniedem xorta għadu sabiħ f ’għajnejn Alla u jixtiequ jingħaqad miegħu b’mod sħiħ wara laħħar ġudizzju. Il-Madonna hija l-unika persuna li nafu biha li diġà qed tgawdi din l-għaqda sħiħa ma’ Alla. Ir-raġuni għala hi diġà qed tgawdiha hi għax Marija, mill-mument tat-tnissil tagħha sakemm mietet, qatt ma ttebbgħet bid-dnub. L-assunzjoni tal-Madonna tfakkarna fil-pjan oriġinali ta’ Alla, li Alla ħalaq il-bniedem biex ikun ferħan u biex jgħix miegħu. Id-doni tal-ħajja u tal-personalità tagħna mhux se jitneħħewlna bil-mewt; anzi, id-don tal-ħajja f ’għaqda perfetta ma’ Alla jerġa’ jintgħatalna, u din id-darba għal dejjem. It-tlugħ ta’ Marija fis-sema bir-ruħ u l-ġisem jgħallimna li aħna, bħalha, m’aħniex iddestinati li nispiċċaw fix-xejn daqs li kieku qatt ma eżistejna. Għallkuntrarju, is-sejħa aħħarija tagħna hi l-ħajja tal-glorja għalleternità fil-ġenna. F’Marija,

Is-serp mgħaffeġ fit-titular tal-Qrendi (Giuseppe Calì, 1917).

It-tlugħ ta’ Marija fis-sema bir-ruħ u l-ġisem jgħallimna li aħna, bħalha, m’aħniex iddestinati li nispiċċaw fix-xejn daqs li kieku qatt ma eżistejna b’mod speċjali meta nikkontemplawha tiegħla s-sema rebbieħa, naraw dak li Alla għandu f ’moħħu għal kull wieħed u waħda minna. B’kumbinazzjoni xi xhur ilu kont qiegħed fi studjo ta’ restawr u kien hemm il-pittura titulari tal-Qrendi – l-Assunta – li għadha kemm ġiet restawrata. L-artist Giuseppe Calì, probabilment immexxi minn xi saċerdoti minn dik il-parroċċa, poġġa dettall interessanti li qatt ma rajtu mkien: fin-naħa t’isfel talpittura hemm il-qabar miftuħ tal-Madonna; l-għatu tiegħu qiegħed mitfugħ fl-art u qiegħed

joqtol serp billi jgħaffiġlu rasu. Is-serp b’rasu mgħaffġa s-soltu narawh fil-pitturi tal-Immakulata, imma hemm is-serp qatt ma huwa mejjet. F’dan il-każ tal-pittura talAssunta tal-Qrendi huwa mejjet għax il-blata tal-qabar għaffġitlu rasu kompletament. Dan ifisser li l-Assunta mhix biss ir-rebħa ta’ Marija fuq ilmewt, imma wkoll ir-rebħa tannatura umana kollha, u s-serp tad-dnub li għadu jniggiżna bittentazzjonijiet tiegħu, għad jinqatel, mhux biss jintrebaħ. Dan huwa l-kobor li jurina u li jwegħedna l-Mulej fix-xbiha ta’

ommu mtellgħa s-sema. Aħna l-Maltin u l-Għawdxin għandu jkollna devozzjoni u rispett partikulari lejn dan it-titlu tant sabiħ tal-Assunzjoni, mhux biss għax l-akbar numru ta’ parroċċi f ’pajjiżna huma ddedikati lil Santa Marija, u lanqas biss għax fl-1858 il-Beatu Papa Piju IX fuq talba tal-Isqof ta’ Malta Publio dei Conti Sant ħatar lil Santa Marija patruna ewlenija u prinċipali tal-gżejjer Maltin – imma l-aktar għall-mod kif il-Madonna daħlet għalina flistorja ta’ pajjiżna 75 sena ilu fleqqel tal-gwerra. Uħud mminna dan jiftakruh. Li ma kienx għall-Madonna li mexxiet il-konvoy sal-port nhar il-15 ta’ Awwissu bil-bombi neżlin madwaru, kieku forsi llum m’aħniex hawn biex niftakru dan kollu. Jalla din is-solennità, l-ikbar festa Marjana li ssir f ’pajjiżna, tfakkarna fl-identità tagħna bħala pajjiż nisrani li daq l-intervent divin fl-istorja tiegħu. U niftakru wkoll li ma nistgħux ngħidu li aħna Maltin jekk ma nħobbux lil Santa Marija. Il-festa t-tajba lil kulħadd!

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

NEWS

Visiting Zambia and Zimbabwe

ust a few weeks ago, during the month of July, a delegation from Missio, formerly known as Pontifical Mission Societies, including the national director of Missio Malta and two members of staff, set off on a missionary journey across the two States of Eastern Africa: Zambia and Zimbabwe. The mission had several specific aims: meeting the local people in rural areas and getting a glimpse of their conditions of life; speaking to parish priests, bishops and community leaders about how Missio Malta can help them help themselves; monitoring projects sponsored by Missio Malta and the universal fund of the PMS seeing funds sent over the last two years; visiting the sites and localities where projects have been accepted to be funded this year; and going round the major seminaries of the two countries, which are full to capacity with candidates for priesthood and which receive an annual subsidy from the funds collected for the formation of priests and religious organisations and people. One can write a story about each locality visited, about the hearty and vibrant welcome, the gifts including goats, hens and kilos of maize and nuts, the celebrations with songs and dances, but also sad stories about children dying of malnutrition and several diseases, about patients dying in mission hospitals because of shortage of

medicine, and pregnant women losing their babies because of lack of good transportation to hospital. In fact, when we were there we actually witnessed the arrival of a pregnant woman in hospital who was carried on a cart driven by four donkeys. However dire the circumstances, Missio Malta was amazed by the courage, strength and hope that these people have to help each other in their needs and struggles, to survive on what is purely basic with regards to food, water, clothing, medicine, shelter and transport. Wherever Missio Malta goes, it emphasises the importance to be creative, take initiative and invent ways and means to reach self-sufficiency.

And the Africans, who for many years inherited the culture of requesting and receiving things from foreigners, are learning, albeit slowly, that selfreliance is the way forward when it comes to their future. Saying this, a good many African countries still need the help of Missio Malta. In rural areas, including in Zambia and Zimbabwe, this help could mean more churches for worship, more schools, more mission hospitals and medicines, more clean water and more decent homes. These are all unarguably big projects but even small slums and rural areas need financial support from our side. Something which has become almost customary during these

missionary visits, Missio Malta was practically inundated with requests for projects, some of them quite challenging. Bishop Moses of Monze in Zambia requested financial help for the construction of a church in the centre of town to serve as a Cathedral for the diocese. Bishop Alick of Ndola in Zambia is urgently requesting some funds to buy a baking machine for quality sacred hosts in his growing diocese. Bishop Justin of Mpika in Zambia was showing us round the big number of roofless outstations or chapels and asking us to find benefactors to sponsor the roofing of these small churches. Bishop Xavier of Gweru in Zimbabwe is desperate to build a pastoral centre for his diocese – the land

has already been donated by the local chief; the Christians of the diocese are being made aware in order to contribute, but greater funds have to be found from other sources. And Fr Joseph Mugara, rector of St Thomas More major seminary in Zimbabwe has asked us to find him sponsors to buy a small herd of cows to supply him with milk for the 190 seminarians and 30 others including staff and formators. These are just a taste of the flooding requests Missio Malta received. But maybe whoever is reading this has the means and the inspiration to invest in such special long-term projects. If so, one can reach Missio Malta at 7, Merchants Street, Valletta or call on 2123 6962. Thank you.

Discover the story of Birgu with just one ticket

eritage Malta offers a variety of schemes and initiatives for the benefit of its clients and to promote and increase accessibility to all museums and sites. Tailor-made packages are available clustering cultural heritage sites in close proximity or binding them through thematic interest. The Birgu Multisite Ticket entitles visitors to visit three Heritage Malta museums situated in the surroundings of the old fortified city. These include the Inquisitor’s Palace, one of the very few surviving places of its kind; the Malta Maritime Museum which illustrates Malta’s maritime history from prehistory to the present day and also illustrates the fascination of the sea within a Mediterranean context; and Fort St Angelo, the stronghold that

dominates the Grand Harbour and no other fortress has been engaged with the same intensity in the shaping of Malta’s destiny. Visitors can discover the history of Birgu with just one ticket in a more convenient and cheaper way. The prices of the Birgu Multisite Ticket are €13 for adults and €7 for children (six to 11 years). As part of its social responsibility and to ensure that its museums and sites be accessible to all, Heritage Malta offers further concession rates to seniors (60+), youths and students. The ticket price for seniors/youths/students is €9 thus benefiting from a €4 reduction. The Birgu Multisite Ticket can be bought from every Heritage Malta museum and site. For more information about Heritage Malta visit the website, www.heritagemalta.org.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

%LUJX 0XOWLVLWH 7LFNHW

ZZZ KHULWDJHPDOWD RUJ

'LVFRYHU WKH KLVWRU\ RI %LUJX ZLWK MXVW WLFNHW

0DOWD 0DULWLPH 0XVHXP

7KH ,QTXLVLWRU¶V 3DODFH

)RUW 6W $QJHOR

¼ $GXOWV ¼ <RXWKV 6WXGHQWV 6HQLRUV ¼ &KLOGUHQ

SENIOR TIMES ‒ AuguST 2017

DENTAL CARE

New broom sweeps clean D

o you ever wonder what it would have been like if your teeth where in pristine shape? What went wrong? Have they reached this state due to lack of care or do those genes you inherited have a part to play? Where has that left you? Besides the obvious poor aesthetic smile you carry around with you on a daily basis, what has all this done to your confidence? Take this case scenario; a middle-aged patient with a history of bad teeth toiling with the idea of correcting his or her teeth. Where is the starting line? Firstly and most importantly is will power to make that call and fix an appointment for a consultation.

THE CONSULTATION IS BROKEN DOWN INTO THE FOLLOWING MAIN FIELDS Past dental and medical history: Listening to the patient’s past experiences puts things into perspective on why his or her teeth are in this state. What went wrong along the years gives insight to a dentist on what must be done to radically improve the patient’s oral and mental well-being. Patient’s complaints: listing all of the patient’s wishes helps the dentist formulate a dental treatment plan and present it to them. The patient’s requests should be realistic, well addressed and convincing enough to the dentist that once all the work is done, what might have been poor dental attendance would be converted to good patient compliance. Treatment options: Treatments may vary in time, expense and endurance. Different lines of treatment can achieve different goals. This brings us back to the patient’s list of complaints and wishes. Will that particular treatment plan tick all the boxes on the patient’s list? Advantages and disadvantages: Listen to what the pros and cons are. Weigh everything out and choose what is best for you.

A CASE SCENARIO A middle-aged man presents with a dentition in very poor state. Inflamed and enlarged gums as well as very mobile teeth were present throughout the patient’s dentition. The initial investigation included a 3D CT scan. ▪ Bone levels: is there enough bone to place dental implants? ▪ Periodontal status of remaining teeth: are remaining teeth in good health or do they require removal? Can the patient maintain good hygiene post-treatment? ▪ Endodontic or root canal status of remaining teeth: do any of the teeth require root canal therapy? Is it worth trying to redo a root canal or does the tooth need to be pulled out? ▪ Potential presence of pathology ▪ Anatomy of jaws: sinuses, nerves, buried teeth, etc

PLAN: ▪ Remove all upper and lower remaining teeth ▪ Recontouring of bone and gingival plastic surgery ▪ Simultaneous placement of 12 implants ▪ Placement of provisional upper and lower dentures ▪ Planning of upper and lower fixed implant-retained prosthesis four months post-implant insertion. The dental work involved is anything but simple. It is enduring and requires dedication from both parties. Patients need to be patient and reassured at all times. This nature of dental work also carries a hefty cost in time and money but in the end, the confidence achieved is priceless! Ask your dentist.

Extra-oral before treatment

DR JEAN PAUL DEMAJO IS A DENTAL AND IMPLANT SURGEON. HE HAS TRAINED IN LONDON AND WORKS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN MALTA. Extra-oral after treatment