Senior Times (July 2018)

SENIOR TIMES JULY 2018

Malta’s monthly newspaper for the elderly

COMPETITION Win a dinner for two at The Orchard restaurant.

SEE PAGE 3

Carry ON sMIlINg What are the benefits of a good dose of laughter, asks Charlotte Stafrace.

SEE PAGE 4

Getting wired to technology

FEjN sabu s-sINjur

SEE PAGE 9

SEE PAGE 14

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

EDITOR’S WELCOME

IN THIS ISSUE

Laughter therapy

SENIOR TIMES JULY 2018

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ears ago, when I still had puppy fat and my mother was, in my eyes, of a biblically old age – in truth, she was probably younger than I am now – she would squeeze me in my best shirt and drag me to some old house smelling of soup and vintage coffee dregs. A stuffy bus ride later, we would be sitting in the back row of rickety chairs and following the, to my mind, mysterious auction proceedings.

My mother wouldn’t budge for the next couple of hours.

Then, as soon as the last lots would start being called out, she would twitch an ear, straighten her back and, with the deftness of a fisherman pulling his line, would raise a hand and unfailingly catch a pile of old Reader’s Digest copies.

We had hundreds of Reader’s Digest issues, piled on the staircase leading to the roof. Every summer, as soon as the holidays dawned, I would sit down and organise them by issue number – I remember we had the second issue, but not the elusive first one – and then proceed to compile my summer reading list.

I wouldn’t read them from cover to cover. Rather, I would always flip to the Laughter is the Best Medicine page and read the jokes, over and over again. And every time, I would laugh.

As Charlotte Stafrace writes in this issue of Senior Times, laughter is indeed the best medicine. She writes how, in her sessions with the elderly, she has introduced laughter as a means to give participants the space to let go, gain confidence and create a more comfortable space, even with dementia patients.

In this issue of Senior Times, Louis Gatt remembers how back in the 1970s and 80s, the Atturi Theatre Group – Malta’s first, and so far, only theatre company to produce a play a month for the whole of the winter season – played to a full house at the Phoenicia Hotel ballroom.

You can also read how the 1955-56 season will forever be remembered for the celebrations for Tony Nicholl’s 25 years in football – that same season, Carmel Baldacchino writes, Sliema Wanderers outplayed its opponents to sweep the full trophy board.

Read on and enjoy.

Stanley

4. A healthy dose of laughter As the years wear on, laughter tends to come less easily. But what if, once in a while, all can be suspended, and we can throw our head as far backwards as it can go, and snort or laugh out loud? What are the benefits, asks Charlotte Stafrace.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Stanley Borg E-mail: seniortimes @timesofmalta.com CONTRIBUTORS Carmel Baldacchino Tonio Bonello Joe Busuttil Tony C. Cutajar Dun Jonathan Farrugia Christine Galea Louis Gatt Louis J Scerri Joseph Scicluna Charlotte Stafrace PUBLISHERS Allied Newspapers Limited Triq L-Intornjatur, Mrieħel BKR 3000 www.timesofmalta.com DESIGN Christian Busuttil SALES & SUBSCRIPTIONS Marion Muscat Tel: 2276 4331 E-mail: marion.muscat @timesofmalta.com

6. Żewġ forom żbaljati ta’ Kristjaneżmu Jekk il-bniedem jilludi ruħu li hu jista’ jsalva bil-qawwa tiegħu stess, dan iwasslu biex jibda jara lil ħaddieħor bħala inqas minnu, jgħid Dun Jonathan Farrugia.

7. The crack-up We need to absorb, rather than assimilate, life’s losses, says Christine Galea from the Cana Movement.

8. All the hotel’s a stage The Phoenicia years marked the golden age of the Atturi Theatre Group, says Louis Gatt.

© 2018. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is prohibited.

10. Notes from a smaller island Senior Times and Bay Retro make the crossing to Gozo for a vintage weekend.

14. The Wanderers sweep the board The 1955-56 season showcased the brilliance of Sliema Wanderers, says Carmel Baldacchino.

16. L-Antikrist Mattew Silta mir-rumanz ġdid ta’ Tony C. Cutajar.

17. Pubblikazzjonijiet ġodda Qed naħdmu biex ikun krejat materjal ġdid u frisk li jikkomunika man-nies bl-aktar mod faċli, mexxej u sempliċi, jgħid Tonio Bonello.

18. Fejn sabu s-Sinjur Serq mill-knejjes minn dejjem kexkex il-poplu Malti, jgħid Joseph Scicluna.

19. An encyclopaedia to die for This book is a labour of deep scholarship, passionate love, and unparalleled dedication, says Louis J Scerri.

20. An informed gear For a wealth of information on classic and vintage cars, all roads lead to Kalkara, where Joseph Pace lives, Joe Busuttil from the Old Motors Club says.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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NEWS

Quality set as a priority

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t Vincent de Paul has been undergoing a revamping process, to be transformed from a neglected condition to a state-of-the-art residence for elderly people in need of highly dependent care.

This change could only have taken place due to a number of developments, both infrastructural and with regards to its service provision.

Recently, the Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Anthony Agius Decelis, inaugurated a revamped kitchen at St Vincent de Paul, this being the biggest project ever in our country that addresses the importance of quality food in the elderly residences.

The total allocated budget for this project added up to €4 million, which costs included investment in the infrastructure, machinery, training for employees and culinary service, with the scope to enhance the quality of life and dignity of older adults residing at St Vincent de Paul.

This kitchen is a landmark for our country, as it is the only public kitchen of its size.

According to a report by culinary experts, including ITS consultants and the health department, prior to 2013, the building was left in a devastated state and was dangerous for the health of the elderly and the employees working in such kitchen. This led to the decision to close

down the kitchen at St Vincent de Paul and proceed with works to assure that the operating kitchen meets the required health and safety standards.

The newly renovated kitchen will now provide a new and improved service, with an increase in the variations in the menu, which was selected based on the outcomes of food tasting sessions that determined the residents’ wishes.

This month, we are rewarding one lucky reader with a dinner for two at The Orchard restaurant TO WIN, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING THREE QUESTIONS CORRECTLY

1. Where is The Orchard restaurant located? Provide full address.

2. Name three ingredients included in the dish pictured on this page.

3. What telephone number do you call to reserve a table at The Orchard Restaurant?

Send your answers via e­mail to seniortimes@timesofmalta.com or by post to ‘Senior Times Competition’, Allied Newspapers Limited, Triq L­Intornjatur, Mrieħel BKR 3000.

The first correct answer that we receive wins a dinner for two at The Orchard restaurant.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

CARE

A healthy dose of laughter

Laughter fills the air with happiness.

As the years wear on, laughter tends to come less easily. But what if, once in a while, all can be suspended, and we can throw our head as far backwards as it can go, and snort or laugh out loud? What are the benefits, asks Charlotte Stafrace.

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’ve always believed that hearing a child laughing is possibly one of the most beautiful sounds known to mankind. It’s infectious. Well, laughter is very beneficial too. Today you can find laughter therapy, laughter banks – even laughter yoga. I recently came across a chapter in a book by Robert Holden, Shift Happens, where he describes how he created a ‘music’ album of contagious laughter as a universal language, and as a means of connection, acceptance, healing and hope. His theory is that

you cannot laugh and hold onto pain – and that, to me, makes a lot of sense.

The introduction of laughter into my sessions with the elderly happened quite subconsciously. I was not out on a path to make people laugh, but slowly – very slowly – I have found that older adults, like to laugh, sometimes loudly.

I believe it’s all about being given a space to feel comfortable enough to let go, but also to actively search for opportunities to laugh.

As we age, our faces become less animated – our eyes often

lose that sparkle we once had, our voices become softer. So, I imagine that day after day of possible loneliness and not being given the opportunity to become animated, can very well make you lose the confidence to let go and laugh, even if the occasion arose.

I slowly started to realise that even older adults can still enjoy a good laugh. I haven’t, of course, documented all the instances of laughter during sessions, but some situations are quite memorable – where, perhaps unintentionally, we created laughter and for a

few moments, it filled the air with happiness.

During one of these instances, I was doing a tapping exercise as a session opener, where you tap your body with your knuckles (giving yourself a bit of massage and a wakeup), and when I came to tapping the chest, I thought of using the voice in order to let go too (as we do as part of voice exercises in the theatre). Suddenly what came out of my mouth, quite inadvertently, was a Tarzan-like kind of call. So, imagine the scene – 10 older adults tapping their chest and shouting like Tarzan.

But what was amazing was that a quick look around the room showed me they were trying to outdo each other with other gorilla-like sounds, getting louder and louder. And, of course, once they looked at each other and realised what they were doing, the laughter started and it spread like fire.

The laughter I heard was honest, genuine – the thighslapping kind. I’m not sure the group even realised what had just happened in the room, but the mood was instantly lifted, and I immediately thought that, from that moment on, there was less resistance of branching into the unknown. After such a lively awakening, the ensuing activities would be happily achieved.

In the field of ageing, once the long journey of going back to the feeling of play is accepted, laughter also comes easier. It’s like barriers are dropped. During a session, whenever we throw and catch balloons, besides an increase in the level of competitiveness, there is often a greater degree of laughter when a balloon is missed or wrongly placed.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

Photo: Emma Micallef

The laughter I heard was honest, genuine – the thighslapping kind And so we go back to space – and the importance of creating a comfortable one. I believe that firstly carers, who are in the field of daily care with the elderly, could seek opportunities for laughter.

Who knows – this new awareness of infusing laughter might bring lightness to their own working schedule.

When it comes to a group gathering, the practitioner has to encourage laughter early on, with added reassurance that we are all in this together – and we do look like a funny lot of gorillas altogether. A feeling of trust also goes a long way when people are moving out of their comfort zones.

There are plenty of ideas how to create laughter. Recently I managed to get the reticent group I was working with to move a bit by pretending we are having a shower. It did get a bid irreverent at times, but it also created opportunities for creativity as they offered names of body parts, and lots of laughter ensued. We even added a song to the routine!

Laughter can be infused into physical coordination exer-

cises too – especially when it goes wrong, and we are confused which hand goes where.

It’s essential to create an atmosphere that it’s fine to still laugh at ourselves, but that we can keep on trying too.

On another occasion, I gave out some scarves in the hope of creating movement. A woman decided to throw the scarf up and see if she could catch it by landing it on her head. She was happily laughing when she was doing it. When I decided to join her in the exercise, and get others to try it, that laughter spread around the room, and the woman who had come up with the original idea proudly became a new contributor to the session.

As a practitioner, the challenge is to calculate how much or

what type of laughter opportunities are to be created or allowed especially since, within groups, everyone is different with differing aptitudes, tolerances or sense of humour. It takes time to get to know the group, but, once that happens, you can create a strong dynamic.

I have even consciously tried to infuse laughter when I work with dementia participants.

Again the same concepts of play are woven in, and I aim to direct laughter at myself, in order to set the ground.

Sometimes, I will even put on a red nose! It is very chal-

lenging and doesn’t always work, especially when dementia has robbed a participant of the use of facial muscles. However, if introduced gradually, an opportunity for humour can produce positive feelings in a person with dementia, leading to the benefits of increased immune functioning and greater pain tolerance.

But that’s not all – when laughter is emitted, there is a bit of magic in the air and a wonderful connection with that person. It happened to me a few times – for instance, when I offered one gentleman

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a kind of police hat to put on. He laughed out loud after looking at himself in the mirror, then he told me about his time as a soldier, where he was stationed and where they used to go for entertainment in Valletta.

On another occasion, when we made paper aeroplanes and two collided, there was a roar of laughter. With one particular resident, on a one-toone session, we will throw the balloon and try and head it to each other, to music, and I am rewarded with a funny kind of snort. She enjoys the fact I can snort back.

“The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed,” wrote French philosopher Nicolas Chamfort. So nowadays I try to include a bit of clowning into each session. I must admit it’s not easy territory for me either, but I know I’m getting better at looking for opportunities to infuse laughter. I’ve tried it on myself – when you laugh, whatever you do next is less fearful.

Charlotte Stafrace runs Active Age Malta, which delivers creative sessions in the ageing community. She currently also runs Making Memories, a project with persons with dementia in day care centres, funded by the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

ReLIĠJON

Żewġ forom żbaljati ta’ Kristjaneżmu Jekk il-bniedem jilludi ruħu li hu jista’ jsalva bil-qawwa tiegħu stess, dan iwasslu biex jibda’ jara lil ħaddieħor bħala inqas minnu, jgħid Dun Jonathan Farrugia.

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’Marzu li għadda l-Papa nieda l-eżortazzjoni appostolika Gaudete et exsultate (ifirħu u thennew) li t-tema tagħha hija s-sejħa għall-qdusija fid-dinja tal-lum. Fid-diversi kapitli li fiha, Franġisku jitkellem fuq il-forom ta’ qdusija li “ma jidhrux” kif jista’ jgħix innisrani f ’dinja li kull ma jmur qegħda dejjem aktar twarrab l-element divin waqt li jikbrulha d-dubji fuq it-tifsira tal-ħajja u xinhu d-destin tal-bniedem.

Huwa interessanti ħafna l-fatt li fittieni kapitlu, li jmur mill-paragrafu 35 sa 64, huwa jdaħħal fid-diskors riflessjoni profonda fuq żewġ għedewwa tal-qdusija. Forsi mal-ewwel daqqa t’għajn min ikun qiegħed jaqra l-indiċi tal-eżortazzjoni jaħseb li se jsib diskors fuq vizzji li drajna jew xbajna nisimgħu dwarhom bħalma huma l-korruzzjoni, l-mibegħda, l-infedeltà...

Il-Papa, iżda, anqas biss jersaq lejn dawn it-temi u minnflok jitkellem fuq żewġ forom żbaljati ta’ Kristjaneżmu li faċilment ninjuraw – jekk mhux ninqabdu fihom – u li dawn jafu l-bidu tagħhom bejn it-tieni u l-ħames seklu.

F’din l-eżortazzjoni Franġisku jitkellem fuq il-forom ġodda talinjostiċiżmu u l-pelaġjaniżmu u juri b’eżempji ċari kif dawn huma ta’ theddida għan-nisrani tal-lum – mhux biss għax jagħmlu ħsara lill-għaqda fil-komunitajiet, imma wkoll għax iħassru minn ġewwa l-individwu li jinqabad fihom. Lagħar theddida li joffru daż-żewġ ereżiji, kif jispjegalna l-Papa hija li spiss dawn jiġu preżentati bħala forom ta’ qdusija u għalhekk huwa faċli mmens li wieħed jinqabad fihom bla ma jinduna bilperiklu li jpoġġi lilu nnifsu fih.

Fi ftit kliem nistgħu ngħidu li dak li jagħmel dawn il-forom ta’ Kristjaneżmu żbaljati huwa għax jirriflettu dak li l-Papa jsejjaħlu “immanentiżmu antropoċentriku” li tfisser li jiġi mqiegħed il-bniedem minnflok Alla. Ilfidi nisranija tafferma li Alla biss huwa immanenti, mela allura jinsab filħolqien kollu; dak li jistqarru dawn iżżewġ forom ta’ Kristjaneżmu huwa li lbniedem (jew xi kwalità tiegħu) tinsab kullimkien u allura jwasslu għall-konklużjoni li l-bniedem jista’ jilħaq issalvazzjoni (jew, kif jippreżentawha huma, “il-perfezzjoni”) bil-qawwa tiegħu biss. L-iżball f ’dan kollu huwa li l-misteru tal-Għid – li permezz tiegħu l-bniedem isalva – jitwarrab kompletament u jiġi daqs li kienu seħħ għalxejn.

Il-Papa Franġisku.

RItRatt: ReuteRs

Jekk il-bniedem jilludi ruħu li hu jista’ jsalva bil-qawwa tiegħu stess, dan iwasslu biex jibda jara lil ħaddieħor bħala inqas minnu u b’hekk il-ġudizzju inġust fuq l-oħrajn jispiċċa biex jieħu post ilqalb miftuħa għal kulħadd li għandha tkun il-karatteristika ta’ kull nisrani.

Jekk inqabblu dan li jgħid il-Papa ma’ dak li seħħ fl-ewwel sekli tal-Kristjaneżmu naraw kemm il-perikli huma simili.

L-Injostiċi tat-tieni seklu kienu jemmnu l-bniedem isalva permezz talgħarfien u mhux permezz ta’ Kristu.

Għalihom il-bnedmin jinqasmu fi tliet kategoriji: għadek il-bnedmin spiritwali (l-Injostiċi) li għandhom garanzija ta’ salvazzjoni irrilevanti jekk jgħixux sew jew le; imbagħad għandek il-psikiċi li jistgħu jsalvaw jekk jgħixu ħajja ta’ mortifikazzjoni u sagrifiċċji kbar; u fl-aħħar għandek l-iliċi, li jgħixu kif jgħixu ma jistgħux isalvaw. Dan wassal biex il-komunitajiet njostiċi ħolqu diskriminazzjoni bejn nies u oħra b’mod li skont huma s-sagrifiċċju ta’ Kristu ma kienx jiswa’ għal kulħadd, u għalhekk xi membri tal-komunitajiet kienu jiġu mwarrba.

Il-Pelaġjani, mill-banda l-oħra, ippreżentaw periklu differenti. Din lereżija sorġiet fi tmiem ir-raba’ seklu.

Pelaġju, il-fundatur, kien jemmen – u

miegħu qablu ħafna – li l-bniedem jista’ jsalva bir-rieda tiegħu biss. Għalih jekk wieħed jagħżel li jimxi wara Ġesù kienet għażla li kulħadd kapaċi jagħmilha mingħajr il-għajnuna talgrazzja ta’ Alla... mela fi ftit kliem jekk wieħed jiddeċiedi li jkun dixxiplu se jsalva żgur mingħajr il-bżonn tal-għajnuna li Alla jagħti biex l-individwu jgħix tajjeb. B’hekk, għal darb’oħra, Alla jitwarrab mill-istampa għax mhux meħtieġ mill-bniedem.

Illum xi ftit jew wisq dan narawh jiġri madwarna wkoll. Għedna li l-Injotiċi kienu jpoġġu s-salvazzjoni fuq l-istess keffa mal-għarfien u kienu joħolqu diskirminazzjoni bejn persuni oħrajn; fid-dinja llum l-għarfien, b’mod speċjali dak xejntifiku, huwa kważi deifikat.

Iżda apparti dan, insibu diversi nies li

Il-fidi nisranija tafferma li Alla biss huwa immanenti, mela allura jinsab fil-ħolqien kollu

jistqarru li huma nsara, imma li l-fidi tagħhom mhux mibnija fuq it-tagħlim tal-Knisja jew fuq ir-regoli morali sostnuti mill-fidi nisranija tul dawn l-aħħar għoxrin seklu; għalihom li tkun nisrani tfisser li jkollok xi forma ta’ relazzjoni ma’ Alla imma mingħajr commitment ta’ xejn. Barra minnhekk insibu wkoll forom ta’ Knisja elitista li twarrab lil min huwa aktar sempliċi fi ħsiebu u fl-imġieba tiegħu.

Mill-banda l-oħra l-Pelaġjani ta’ żmienna huma dawk li jemmnu li n-nisrani għandu jgħix ħajja fejn l-ubbidjenza riġida għal-liġijiet tal-Knisja huma lunika garanzija ta’ awtentiċità: għalihom min huwa miftuħ għal diskussjoni mad-dinja ta’ barra ċ-ċirku ekkleżjastiku mhuwiex nisrani tajjeb. Ilperiklu f ’dan huwa li spiss iwassal biex dak li jkun jaħseb li huwa biżżejjed “jobdi r-regoli” mingħajr ma jitgħabba b’piżijiet aktar tqal bħalma huma limħabba lejn il-proxxmu u l-maħfra.

Fl-ewwel sekli dawn l-ereżiji ġew miġġielda u mirbuħa permezz ta’ tagħlim ċar minn persunaġġi bħal Irenew ta’ Lyon u Wistin ta’ Ippona; illum, jgħidilna l-Papa, dawn l-iżbalji jistgħu jiġu megħluba bix-xhieda ta’ ħajja ta kull nisrani li jitmexxa mill-kmandament tal-imħabba li ħallielna Ġesù.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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OPINION

The crack-up We need to absorb, rather than assimilate, life’s losses, says Christine Galea from the Cana Movement.

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ow that the World Cup fever seems to have somewhat abated, I’m sure there are those football enthusiasts who are probably performing some kind of postmortem, asking questions such as: Which team could have played better? Which country actually deserved to win the Cup? Which goals surprised us? Who was the best player?

Although I’m not much of a football fan myself, I followed a number of matches and what struck me most during these games was the evident dismay of the players who formed part of the defeated teams. The reaction of the players to their blow was nearly always the same: a few tears, a feeling of sheer frustration and angst, some anger, but mostly, a great sense of failure.

I suppose that human life in general may be considered to be an ongoing process of successes and failures, but unfortunately, more often than not, it’s the big, sudden blows that we focus upon most. They are the ones we remember and recount in a moment of weakness; they lead us to realise with a certain finality that it’s very difficult to take back that moment in our life history.

These blows often come quickly, normally from an outside source. However it’s the blows that come from within that do us the greatest damage, those that happen without our knowledge.

One of my favourite writers, F. Scott Fitzgerald, speaks about the “crack-up”. At the age

of 39, this man went from a life of success and glamour to one of emptiness and despair, but with much determination, he made a superb recovery to become the author of some famous classics, such as The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night. F. Scott Fitzgerald says that when the blow comes from within, we often don’t feel it coming until it’s too late; and when it does, we soon realise that in some regard, we will never be “as good a man again”.

In an interesting essay dating back to 1936, he states that a person can crack in two ways: “in the head”, in which case the power of decision is taken from one by an outside force, or “in the body”, as can happen when one submits to ill health or some sort of addiction.

One way to deal with life’s blows is to adopt a spirit of resilience. It’s a matter of practice, not choice. This is because it’s the way in which we respond to whatever life throws at us that shapes our lives, and not what actually happens to us. For example, if I am accustomed to getting angry and frustrated in difficult situations, or when I feel I’m being attacked, I am leading myself to focusing just upon the actual moment. Yet, if I calmly take time to look at the bigger picture, then I am more liable to keep myself in a productive and empowering state, a result of which, I will be able to take the appropriate action to shape the outcome of the blow or the setback that affected me.

Of course there are blows and blows and not all setbacks

The reaction of the players to their blow was nearly always the same: a few tears, a feeling of sheer frustration and angst, some anger, but mostly, a great sense of failure

are of the same magnitude. It’s one thing to lose a World Cup match (though there are those who might conclude that there is no greater blow!) and another to another to combat, for example, a serious illness or recover from a personal loss.

The bottom line is that we can never completely erase the effects of any of life’s knocks, no matter how great or small they are. The past cannot cease to exist and we can never make a clean break. The trick is to absorb, rather assimilate, such losses and re-purpose our lives.

Think of a valuable vase that has been broken. It can be mended but the cracks will still continue to show. It will never hold water again, but we can still use it to display some beautiful dried flowers. Indeed, many of us are like a broken vase. We have suffered, some stoically, life’s setbacks, but still find the courage to stand up, dust ourselves down and

England manager Gareth Southgate looks dejected after England’s loss to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.

PHOTO: REUTERS

resume where we have left off.

We are cracked, but we are still beautiful, and once we strive to re-purpose our lives, then we

can become entangled from the shackles that bind us and go on to lead a peaceful, happy and successful life.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

MEMORIES

All the hotel’s a stage The Phoenicia years marked the golden age of the Atturi Theatre Group, says Louis Gatt.

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or those of us who were around in the 1970s and 80s life could be, shall we say, interesting. It was certainly bleak and occasionally quite unpleasant.

So we certainly welcomed any diversion.

These included the genesis of the Atturi Theatre Group. The Atturi was Malta’s first, and so far, only theatre company to produce a play a month for the whole of the winter season, from September to May. It was set up in 1974 on the instigation of Chevalier Paul Naudi and his wife, actress Karmen Azzopardi. And for a number of years it played in the Phoenicia Hotel ballroom – temporarily and cleverly converted into what became known as the Phoenicia Playhouse – where it played host to a wide repertoire of dramas and comedies, usually to a full house.

Azzopardi was the driving force behind the company, while Is-Sur Pawl (Naudi) was a quiet, unassuming presence in the background, always available to give advice, but never one to push himself forward or to dominate proceedings. At almost every performance, he paced the area at the rear of the theatre’s balcony, with an ever-present cigarette never far away.

The company performed plays in both English and Maltese, although English was the predominant language. However the very first production by Atturi at the Phoenicia Playhouse was a Maltese translation of Luigi Pirandello’s groundbreaking piece Six Characters in Search of an Author. It was directed by Lino Farrugia who, as well as serving on the company’s board, became its principal stage director.

Apart from the Pirandello, over the years Farrugia was responsible for several major Atturi productions such as Ugo Betti’s Crime on Goat Island, Henrik

Manuel Cauchi and Inez Farrugia in the Atturi’s production of Eduardo De Filippo The Godfather.

The poster and programme design for the Atturi’s production of Crime on Goat Island.

The poster and programme design for the Atturi’s production of Two and Two Make Sex.

Victor Soler

Azzopardi was always memorable, even when playing a secondary character, which is of course a characteristic of truly great actors Ibsen’s John Gabriel Borkman and – to point up his versatility – Alan Ayckbourn’s How the Other Half Loves.

A major aspect of the theatre company’s repertoire was their production of modern farces and broad comedies, usually straight from London’s West End. Here they were blessed with both director and actors. Nearly all of Atturi’s lighter presentations were directed by Victor Soler, a master of the genre and knew precisely how to get the best out of his cast with just the lightest of directorial touches.

Atturi comedies and farces usually starred that impressive comedian, the late Charles Thake, who struck up a symbiotic partnership with that other fine actor and comedian Joe Izzo.

Another exceptional leading comic actor who became established with the company was the late and much missed Josie Coppini.

From time to time the company engaged a guest director and probably the most distinguished of these was the great Pakistani actor and director Zia Mohyeddin. Somehow Paul Naudi managed to engage him to oversee a memorable production of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, in which Azzopardi gave one of her most distinguished performances as the eponymous antiheroine. Azzopardi was always memorable, even when playing a secondary

character, which is of course a characteristic of truly great actors.

The company gave leading male roles to an impressive array of local Maltese talent, but two of the most prominent of these were Godwin Scerri, whose versatility ranges from Chekovian doctors to light revue, and Lino Spiteri who, until he emigrated to Canada, took protagonist roles in quite a few Atturi productions.

Another principal actor who flourished under the auspices of the Atturi was Colin Easton. Anyone fortunate enough to catch his towering performance as George in Mario Azzopardi’s direction of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, opposite Antoinette Soler, would remember it for a very long time. Soler was pretty good too. Incidentally, this particular production also featured a young Mario Philip Azzopardi… tempus fugit.

I don’t think it would be wrong to cite the Phoenicia years as the golden age of the Atturi Theatre Group, even though they did eventually move to the greater capacity De Porres Hall in Sliema in the early 1980s. The Phoenicia Playhouse certainly had its limitations, particularly backstage, but somehow these never got in the way of staging some impressive and totally professional performances.

Sadly the company is no more, despite presenting a number of plays,

Lino Farrugia

Zia Mohyeddin

which were well up to standard incidentally, at the Teatru Manoel in the 1990s, including a superb Lino Farrugia production of Bertholt Brecht’s Mother Courage – starring Azzopardi of course – and Anthony Bezzina’s excellent treatment of Tennessee William’s Sweet Bird of Youth. The company had sort of run its course. It was, let’s not forget, Malta’s first and only repertory company and, in its heyday, it carried all before it.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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9

NEWS

Improving access to technology

E

lderly people in homes for the elderly will soon be taught how to use tablets, through a pilot project announced last week.

Through this initiative, launched by Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and People with Disability Anthony Agius Decelis, the elderly will be exposed to new technologies and taught how to use tablets.

He said this came along with improvement of WiFi in the homes.

Mr Agius Decelis said the initiative follows another project, Digital Key, aimed at improving accessibility to the technology for elderly living in the community.

He said accessibility to such technology gives the elderly the opportunity to remain in contact with their loved ones, friends, children and grandchildren. They could also remain up-todate with whatever is happening around them.

The project began as a pilot project in three homes for the elderly in Mosta, Mtarfa and Msida, and will now be rolled out to all homes.

The elderly will be receiving training over six sessions.

PHOTO: CHRIS SANT FOURNIER

Unique service delivery

R

ealCare+ Limited is a care agency with years of experience in the care industry in the UK. The company is now looking forward to extending its services in Malta.

RealCare+ Limited offers dedicated carers who will provide you with care and support in your own home, in the community, for yourself or your loved ones. The company also supports care organisations with trained, experienced and competent care staff whenever you need them.

The company is unique in its delivery and efforts to meet your needs. All members of staff are passionate and have the can-do attitude to go the extra mile in delivering the support you need.

RealCare+ Limited is always on the lookout to recruit new staff who share its passion. Would you like a rewarding job? Do you find satisfaction caring for others? RealCare+ Limited provides training and competitive rates.

If you interested in working as a carer with RealCare+ call today on 2144 8837/9912 8988.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

PhotoS Għawdex, Melita, Cominoland and Imperial Eagle ferries sit at Mġarr in 1980. Photo: Bay RetRo

a rare 1930s postcard of the Maltese Islands circulated in Italy makes Malta and Gozo look more like the alps than sunshine holiday islands. Photo: Bay RetRo Xlendi Bay in Gozo.

Photo: Bay RetRo

Notes from a smaller island Senior Times and Bay Retro make the crossing to Gozo for a vintage weekend.

PhotoS couRteSy of Bay RetRo

Remember when Mġarr ferry terminal looked like this? Photo: John SoutaR/Bay RetRo

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

Marsalforn’s pretty past.

PHOtO: Bay retrO

the Banca Giuratale in victoria, Gozo. Built in the 18th century as the seat of the Università of Gozo, over the years it housed several government departments and also served as a police station and a post office. PHOtO: Bay retrO

Gone but not forgotten. a 1960 photo of the azure Window.

PHOtO: FreD MicalleF/Bay retrO

One of the earliest images of Mġarr Harbour in Gozo from more than 120 years ago.

PHOtO: DaviD azzOParDi/Bay retrO

Passengers wait at Marfa Point for the crossing to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo on the Royal Lady ferry in 1940. PHOtO: tOny aBela/Bay retrO

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

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26. Rabbit’s cage (5) 27. Claw (5) 28. Door joint (5) 29. Zodiac sign (7) 30. Celestial body (5) 31. Growl (5)

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DOWN 2. Tropical bird (6) 3. Swell out (6) 4. Secret agent (3) 5. Curse (5) 6. Sea creature (7) 7. French river (4) 8. Outcome (6) 12. Manufactures (5) 13. Cabbage (5) 14. Deserve (5) 15. Scope (5) 16. Yielded (5) 18. Woven fabric (5) 19. Extinct (7) 21. Pleasure craft (6) 22. Choice (6) 23. Accounts book (6) 25. Tree fruit (5) 26. Pipe (4) 28. Of him (3)

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ACROSS 1. Changes places (5) 6. Moves lightly, like runners going round the park? (5) 9. Blackguard being bad in vain (7) 10. Player whose voice hasn’t broken? (5) 11. Makes difficult progress with a number of politicians (5) 12. Put up with what’s fabricated (5) 13. Made a noise in a way that’s ruled out (7) 15. Is usually bent over the sink (3) 17. Twin goddess? (4) 18. Dirty? Not me! (6) 19. It may well be razor sharp (5) 20. Coaches in theatrical parts! (6) 22. Scottish musical instrument? (4) 24. Listener with a noted warm heart (3) 25. Crazy bunch, but handy (7) 26. It’s fine being a toff (5) 27. Author possibly out to feed duck? (5) 28. The Red one flew (5) 29. Will such water make tea, dear? (7) 30. Back rents, maybe (5) 31. Thick poles set in the river (5) DOWN 2. To do wrong with paper promises is detestable! (6) 3. They happen to involve equestrianism (6) 4. Teacher sounds less than assertive (3) 5. Whence the rain can be cold around mid-January (5) 6. In a disturbingly smelly environment, I’m a fathead! (5,2) 7. To use needles confuses most tinkers (4) 8. London tree? (6) 12. Hell’s rhyme? (5) 13. Wash right, in a way (5) 14. It can be played with effortless artistry (5) 15. I go round the city (5) 16. Dogs used by Speke (5) 18. It’s right that I give the players a hand (5) 19. Centrally placed and possibly bent out a little (7) 21. Gift of a story book? (6) 22. A builder’s face? (6) 23. Well known in association with a tailless mouse (6) 25. Swimmer’s novel house (5) 26. So, hard hearted, you quickly gain a high position (4) 28. Live at Land’s End, in a comfortable place (3)

JUNE ISSUE SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 1. Boo-Ted 7. Recovery 8. Sore 10. Ben-Bow 11. Geneva 14. A-I-d.

16. Rat O-n 17. Rapt 19. Ca-le-b 21. Hat-ed. 22. To-W-ed 23. Salt 26. Ca-pe-r 28. Sol 29. Amel-I-a 30. Doctor 31. Unco 32. Hector-Ed 33. Sprout.

DOWN: 1. Barber 2. Two-bit 3. Drew 4. Lowered 5. Ber-E-t 6. Dylan 8. Snap 9. Rod 12. Nab 13. Vocal 15. Water 18. As-Sam 19. Caw 20. L-ED 21. (Lost) Horizon 22. Tel. 23. So-CC-er 24. Alto 25. T-arge-T 26. C-ache 27. Perch 28. Son 30. Duds.

ACROSS 1. Counterfoils (5) 6. Happen (5) 9. English town (7) 10. Intimidate (5) 11. Abrupt (5) 12. Civic leader (5) 13. Tea urn (7)

15. Legendary bird (3) 17. Over again (4) 18. Priest’s assistant (6) 19. Gives out cards (5) 20. Thinks (6) 22. Eye up (4) 24. Still (3) 25. Quickly (2,5)

JUNE ISSUE SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 1. Nausea 7. Secretly 8. Beep 10. Steers 11. Biceps 14. Ate 16. Sully 17. Nous 19. Rabat 21. Latin 22. Rigid 23. Reef 26. Datum 28. Tor 29. Origin 30. Baboon 31. Onus 32. Grateful; 33. Detour.

DOWN: 1. Nelson 2. Sweets 3. Asps 4. Artisan 5. Steel 6. Gypsy; 8. Beau 9. Ere 12. Cut 13. Plane 15. Satin 18. Oscar 19. Rag 20. Bid 21. Limited 22. Rug 23. Robust 24. Eros 25. Finger 26. Dough 27. Titan 28. Tan 30. Bold.

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Added Blind Cedes Clefs Dined Disused Edicts Edits Elect Enact

Epoch Frets Heartens Ignites Jewel Levee Mitten Monarchies Neatly Nomads

Notches Nursing Outdid Overdo Philanthropist Piqued Reread Rodeo Scene Sedan

Seethe Shrewd Situate Sleekest Spacing Statistician Tagged Thirteen Tickle Upgrade

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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Ngħidu kelma

COMPETITION

QWIEL MALTIN U XI JFISSRU Id-dinja tgħallmek aktar minn imgħallmek.

The world gives you more valuable lessons than your teacher.

Il-borża tal-beżżiegħ la timtela w lanqas tifriegħ.

A timid man’s money neither increases nor decreases.

Strickland House

by Victor Aquilina

Biża’ u Kuraġġ

by Karmenu Mallia

Tiħux għarusa sabiħa għax ikollok tħarisha.

Don’t marry a good-looking bride for you’ll have to watch over her.

Historic Times This month, we are giving away three bestselling paperbacks. To win, tell us the date when this Times of Malta front page was published. Send your answers via e-mail to seniortimes@timesofmalta.com or by post to ‘Senior Times Competition’, Allied Newspapers Limited, Triq L-Intornjatur, Mrieħel BKR 3000. The first three correct answers that we receive win a paperback each. Last month’s winners are Paul Farrugia, who wins a copy of Gone Without Trace by C. J. Carver, Carmen Grech, who wins a copy of Missing Persons by Stephen White and Tony Borg, who wins a copy of Previous Convictions by A. A. Gill. The correct answer to last month’s question was Wednesday, June 5, 1968.

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

2 6 1 8 5 4 3 9 7

9 7 4 2 1 3 6 8 5

5 3 8 6 7 9 1 2 4

7 2 5 1 6 8 9 4 3

1 9 3 7 4 5 8 6 2

8 4 6 3 9 2 7 5 1

3 5 9 4 8 7 2 1 6

4 1 2 9 3 6 5 7 8

6 8 7 5 2 1 4 3 9

Tagħmilx zalza qabel taqbad il-ħut.

Don’t prepare the sauce before catching fish.

The Unexplained Plus

by Vanessa Macdonald

4 6 8 1 5 3 3 3 4 7 6

9 8 9 5 8

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Qabbilli waħda Elf zalzetta Hawn raġel, qrajt darba f’gazzetta, li jiekol kuljum elf zalzetta.

U mbagħad xarba nbid, u jorqod mhux ftit, u jonħor bil-ħoss ta’ trumbetta.

Pizzi pizzi kanna Pizzi pizzi kanna, Dolores ta’ Sant’Anna, Sant’Anna tal-Morina, Ħabba biċċa pellegrina.

Mgħaref tal-fidda, Bandiera tal-ħarir.

Noli kannoli, Insara qaddisin.

Kaxxa ġugarelli Għandi kaxxa ġugarelli, Din mimlija sa fuq nett, Għandi I-pupa u l-karozza U tat-te jien għandi sett.

Ballun ċkejken u safrani, Ors jiċċaqlaq u vapur, Hemm xadina qisha ħajja, Pupu ħelu fuq mutur.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

SPORT

The winning Wanderers The 1955-56 season showcased the brilliance of Sliema Wanderers, says Carmel Baldacchino.

T

he 1955-56 season is best remembered for the wide-scale celebrations for Tony Nicholl’s 25 years in football. These celebrations were a huge success with every club and association vying to honour this great player.

Nicholl was undoubtedly the best-known player in the history of Maltese football, rivalling even the legendary Ruġġieru Friggieri, ‘Iż-Żibġa’.

So when Sliema Wanderers decided to celebrate the occasion the MFA fell in step with the wishes of the public and decided to honour the player.

The MFA Council showed its appreciation for the loyal service given by Nicholl to the game by presenting him with a gold medal. It also fell in with the wishes of the public by giving him the coveted Footballer of the Year Award. It was perhaps a sentimental award, but it was fitting that this honour should be awarded to Nicholl in a season when he led his

team to the quadruple crown of League, Cup, Cassar Cup and Scicluna Cup Nicholl was the idol of the Wanderers’ supporters. He was also the greatest exponent of Maltese football and an example to every youngster who wished to make the grade in top-class football.

Before the abolition of the maximum wage in the 1960s, testimonial matches were used in Britain to reward footballers who gave long service to their clubs. In those days, gifted players used to seek a move from one club to another to get a share of the transfer fee. This was the only way of making a few extra pounds.

In Malta, testimonials were very rare. As far as I can remember, only two have been given. The first player to be so honoured by his club was Nicholl in 1956 and the second was Frankie Micallef in the 1970s. A testimonial is the biggest honour that a club could bestow on a player. It

The legendary Tony Nicholl with the Footballer of the Year trophy which he won in 1955-56, the year of his Silver Jubilee.

was the best way for a club to show its appreciation for the player’s loyalty.

A big crowd filled the Stadium on Wednesday, April 11, 1956 for Nicholl’s testimonial.

The game was between Sliema Wanderers and a team selected from Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans. Nicholl did not take part in the game but before the kick-off, he appeared on the pitch to cut a huge cake in the shape of a football ground. It was an emotional moment as spectators showed their appreciation of this great sportsman.

That season, as if to honour their skipper before his retirement, Sliema made a clean sweep of the season’s honours.

The Wanderers won the Championship, FA Trophy, Cassar Cup and Scicluna Cup. The Blues simply had no equal and this was amply demonstrated in the way they dominated all the events of the season.

The Blues started the season on a top note winning the Cassar Cup off their old rivals Floriana. The first semi-final between Sliema and Ħamrun Spartans ended in trouble when three minutes from the end Nicholl was fouled viciously by the Spartans’ goalkeeper Ġużi Bonnici ‘Il-Jumi’.

The Blues’ supporters took exception to this foul and bottles began to rain onto the pitch.

Bonnici infuriated the crowd by throwing bottles back at them.

The police had to intervene before the game could be continued. Sliema won 3-1 but this incident marred what otherwise had been a keen and interesting encounter.

Floriana made it through to the final with an easy 3-0 victory over Valletta. The final was another tough game typical of matches played by the members of the ‘Old Firm’ in the 1950s.

There was very little good football, but a lot of honest endeavour. Floriana had a flying start when Charlie Bennetti converted a penalty after only seven

minutes. The Greens kept their lead up to half-time but early in the second period, Tony Cauchi was sent off for kicking Charlie Mattocks. ‘Jockey’ Xuereb equalised and when the game looked as if it would end in a draw in nipped Sammy Nicholl and scored a dramatic winner.

That season, Sliema Wanderers practically ran away with the Championship. No one could dispute the fact that the Wanderers deserved the honours. While other clubs were still changing their team around to strike a winning streak, Sliema stuck to their best 11 throughout the whole season.

In the early stages of the competition, while the other clubs were dropping precious points, Sliema collected them with such regular monotony that at the end of the first round they had already build up a healthy lead.

Their main opponents that season were Floriana FC, who started the season without their star players Pullu Demanuele and Brincat who were having trials with English Second Division club, Fulham. Both players left a good impression in England. Demanuele was even offered a trial with Arsenal and Norwich City. But homesickness crept in and both players returned to Malta and Floriana.

Floriana’s chances received another blow when wing-half Tony Vella, and his brother Lolly migrated to Australia.

One setback followed another, but Floriana staged a comeback in the second round of the competition. They started by beating Hibernians 5-0 and Rabat 6-0 and continued the good work by inflicting the only defeat of the season on the Wanderers. The Greens continued on their winning ways and

when they achieved a double over Hamrun Spartans they replaced the Reds as the closest challengers to the leaders.

With two more games to play, the Wanderers were still not champions. Floriana still had an outside chance of forcing a decider with their old rivals. During this crucial period, Sliema received help from unexpected quarters.

The Blues needed only one point to assure themselves of the championship when the crown was literally handed to them when Floriana unexpectedly drew with Birkirkara.

Sliema continued winning on December 8 when they beat Floriana 1-0 in the final of the Scicluna Cup with a goal scored five minutes into the second half by wing-half Ninu Calleja.

Sliema were determined to add the FA Trophy to their collection. That season, the FA Trophy was played in the sweltering heat of a Maltese summer. Showing their intentions from the start of the competition, the Blues beat Ħamrun Spartans 3-0. Floriana cantered through their quarterfinal tie with a 4-2 victory over Rabat while Valletta knocked out an uninspiring Hibs side 20. Vittoriosa Stars, although already relegated, beat Birkirkara 3-2. The Stars’ cup adventure however, came to an end in the semi-finals. They were outplayed by Floriana who beat them easily 3-0.

Sliema Wanderers found little opposition from Valletta, winning a soft game 4-1.

It was therefore another Sliema vs Floriana final, but with a difference. Sliema were determined to complete the elusive quadruple crown while Floriana were dead set to prevent them.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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15

NEWS

Education as top priority

T Man of the season Tony Nicholl being cheered by his teammates, Salvu Bonnici, Ray Cosby and Joe Xuereb at the end of the 1955-56 FA Trophy final. The Wanderers beat Floriana 1-0 to win their fourth major trophy of the season.

The game was no classic and play was poor. At the end, a corner-kick by Sliema’s outside-left Charlie Mattocks beat the Greens’ defence and floated into the net to give the Blues their fourth honour. To complete a great season for the Wanderers, Sammy Nicholl finished as the league top scorer while his uncle Tony was voted as the Footballer of the Year.

ime brings change and change tests you.

It tests your ability to adapt, address changing concerns and deal with and apply new information.

The MSPCA was for many years the only organisation on the island that offered stray, abandoned and injured animals a home. Those sad days are long gone because many other organisations have joined the fold to help unwanted animals find great new homes.

This means the MSPCA can concentrate more efforts in other areas and has in recent years transitioned from an animal sanctuary to a rehoming centre. Here the word sanctuary is used in the correct linguistic meaning of the word, not the made-up definition referred to in LN 241 (Animal Welfare Act).

Indeed the animals at the MSPCA do not come to the centre to live out the rest of their lives, but to find new homes.

Constant measurement of an organisation’s impact is the only way to make sure it is actually

making a difference. The MSPCA’s long-term and ongoing objective is not to physically gather animals off the street but rather to health check, vaccinate and rehome dogs and cats brought to our centre, to improve animal welfare through the operation of neutering and microchipping programmes, and to educate people about animal welfare.

Rehoming is measured by the number of animals rehomed, the quality of life offered to our residents, and how these experiences are used to improve the rehoming process itself and public education on pet care.

Thanks to a brilliant team of dedicated people this transition is ongoing and shows early signs of success. Our team in Floriana has managed to rehome 30 per cent more animals compared to

previous years. We need to adopt careful processes to ensure animals we take in, can be re-homed in as short a time as possible, so most animals will need to be vaccinated ahead of being admitted, through fostering in the case of rescues. This reduces the risk they are exposed to various diseases, it make us more effective as this simple step prevents outbreaks that could bring work to a halt.

As far as improving quality of life, keeping fewer animals also reduces kennel stress and our staff operate a reduced disturbance policy where strict visiting times are observed and where animals showing disinterest or aggression towards each other are separated. We are proud to be able to see this transition produce positive results in more that just increased rehoming figures.

There is one thing that’s a little trickier to measure and takes longer to leave its mark, and that’s education. We make sure that when a person wants to give up or adopt an animal, when a person is still on the fence on either of the two, we take the opportunity to educate. We believe the key to prevention of cruelty is education, because often animals are mistreated through neglect caused by ignorance.

Almost everyone remembers a time when either the MSPCA, then known as RSPCA or Dogs Trust Malta visited their school and for many that visit left a longlasting mark that would often lead them to become animal lovers, advocates and carers. So we have seen this country change for the better with education.

If you have any memories, including photos, of the RSPCA, do get in touch with us Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana, FRN1231, Malta www.maltaspca.org

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

RUMANZ

Kull min kien ikun akkużat bħala apostata jew eretiku ma kienx jindifen f’qabar imbierek.

L-Antikrist Mattew

L

-inkiżituri kienu ordnati mill-Vatikan biex dawk li ma jkollhomx l-istess twemmin jiġu mġiegħla jġibu xi sinjal fuqhom ħalli bih jingħarfu. B’hekk il-Maltin ikunu jafu li dak li resaq ikellimhom ma kienx Nisrani.

Anke l-Kavallieri, speċjalment dawk Franċiżi u Ġermaniżi, kienu mwissija biex ma jġibux magħhom qaddejja li ma jkunux tar-reliġjon tagħna.

Fis-sena 1664, l-Inkiżitur Marescotti ngħata struzzjonijiet biex jgħasses kemm jiflaħ biex iħares il-Maltin millfehmiet Mawmettani u minn dak li jħajruhom għalih lilsiera Għarab li jinżammu mhux biss mill-Gran Mastru u l-Kavallieri imma wkoll minn nies privati.

Il-Maltin kienu jafu li linkiżituri kienu għassa għal dawk li jitilfu twemminhom.

Kull min kien ikun akkużat bħala apostata jew eretiku kien iwaqqa’ fuqu l-iskomunika u jiġu kkundannati għal pieni ħorox. Kienu jitilfu kull dinjità u benefiċċju li seta’ jkollhom fil-Knisja u ma setgħux jindifnu f ’qabar imbierek. Anke l-ġid kollu li kellhom kien jiġi kkunfiskat u jbatu wkoll il-familji tagħhom.

Jekk jibqgħu fl-ereżija u lapostasija għal sena sħiħa,

Silta mir-rumanz ġdid ta’ Tony C. Cutajar. qatt iżjed ma setgħu jissejħu bħala xhieda u kienu jitilfu anke d-dritt li jirtu xi ġid.

Meta wieħed ikun f ’pajjiż barrani fejn ikun sfurzat biex jaqleb ir-reliġjon jew biex jiċħad twemminu, il-ħtija kienet tkun iċken. Il-Misilmin ġieli kkundannaw għall-mewt lil dawk l-ilsiera li baqgħu jżommu t-twemmin Nisrani tagħhom. Iżda din kienet issir gravi ħafna meta jasal f ’art Nisranija u ma jkunx pront jersaq quddiem it-tribunal talKnisja biex jitlob maħfra. Din ftit kienet possibbli f ’Malta li wieħed jibqa’ fil-ħtija tal-apostasija. Jekk ma jersaqx hu, malajr kien isib min jakkużah għaliex aħna żgħar ħafna u malajr insiru nafu kollox fuq xulxin. Jidher imma li nies bħal dawn kważi dejjem jersqu malajr u minn jeddhom.

Baldassere Zammit millBirgu fit-3 ta’ Marzu 1762 deher quddiem l-Inkiżitur Angelo Maria Durini u stqarr: “Seba’ snin ilu, waqt li kont imbarkat fuq xambekk tal-kursari, li lkaptan tiegħu kien jismu Salvo Negro, inqbadt minn xambekk tat-Torok u ġejt imkaxkar ilsir flimkien mal-ekwipaġġ kollu fil-belt ta’ Kostantinopli. Wara xi 40 ġurnata, xi ħadd b’mod falz xerridha li jien kelli ttwemmin Tork u li l-ġenituri tiegħi huma Torok.”

“Imbagħad x’ġara?”

“Issejjaħt mill-kap tal-liġi Mawmettana li għall-ewwel bil-ħlewwa staqsieni fuq twemmini.”

“U int x’għedtlu?”

“Weġibt li jiena kont Nisrani u iben l-Insara.”

“Weġibt sewwa u ma bżajtx.

Dak iż-żmien kont għadek żgħir u ma kontx taħsibhom l-affarijiet. Mela naħseb li kkastigawk, le?”

“Iva, sinjur, jien ġejt ikkundannat għall-mewt. Ma kontx nistenna kastig hekk kbir.

Infatti, waqt li kienu qed jeħduni marbut bil-ktajjen lejn ilpost fejn kelli niġi fgat, jiena ddeċidejt li nigdeb biex neħles mill-mewt.”

“B’liema mod gdibt, li int ma kontx Nisrani?”

“Iva, għedt li jiena Tork u iben ta’ ġenituri Torok. Kieku kien jaf missieri!”

“U hekk ħlist mill-mewt.”

“Malajr isosspendew leżekuzzjoni ta’ dik il-kun-

Ddeċidejt li nigdeb sabiex neħles mill-mewt

danna tiegħi. Ħaduni dritt quddiem ir-rajjes ta’ dik issetta, għollejt subgħajja l-werrej, kif jagħmlu huma, lissint il-kliem tas-soltu u ġejt mogħti l-isem ta’ Mawmettu. Iżda almenu m’għamlulix iċċirkonċiżjoni.”

“Bqajt dejjem iġġib ruħek ta’ Tork?”

“Iva. Minn dak iż-żmien jiena ħassejt li għandi nġib ruħi ta’ Tork u anke lbist bħalhom. Bżajt li joqtluni jekk ma nagħmilx hekk.”

“Kont tmur il-moskea bħalhom?”

“Mort iżda mhux iktar minn tliet darbiet. Kont inġib ħafna skużi biex ma mmurx. Minn barra kont nagħmel bħatTorok imma f ’qalbi żammejt il-fidi Kattolika.”

“Bqajt dejjem fil-belt ta’ Kostentinopli?”

“Le, għamilt biss xi għaxart ijiem minn meta bdejt ngħaddi ta’ Tork. Imbagħad mort lejn Stancio.”

“Kemm domt Stancio?”

“Għext hemm għal sitt snin sħaħ...”

“Dejjem bħala wieħed mitTorok?”

“Ma stajtx nagħmel mod ieħor, sinjur. Iżda xi 50 ġurnata ilu, kont fuq xambekk talkursari għax ġejt sfurzat nimbarka fuqu minn sidi li kien il-kaptan ta’ dak ix-xambekk.

Waqt li għadda minn Lixandra, ġieti x-xoqqa f ’moxtha u żgiċċajt għand il-Konslu ta’ Franza.”

“Għalfejn? Sabiex jgħinek taħrab?”

“Urejtu li jiena Nisrani u tlabtu bil-ħerqa biex jibgħatni f ’artijiet Insara.”

“Biex taħrab mill-jasar jew biex terġa’ ssir Nisrani?”

“Għat-tnejn. Ħadd ma jrid jibqa’ skjav ta’ ħadd, iżda wkoll għax kelli x-xewqa li nerġa’ nibda ngħix ta’ Nisrani. F’pajjiżhom din diffiċli ħafna, sinjur.”

“Għenek il-Konslu ta’ Franza?”

“Iva, huwa mbarkani fuq bastiment tal-qlugh tal-merkanzija, li kien ta’ Ragusa, u bih irnexxieli nasal hawn Malta wara dawn is-snin kollha.”

“U issa għaliex ġejt quddiemi? Jien naf għaliex, iżda rrid lilek tgħidli.” “Ġejt biex nitlob maħfra u biex ningħata r-rimedji li huma ta’ ġid għal ruħi.”

L-inkiżitur Durini lil dan Baldassere Zammit tah il-penitenza tas-soltu, jiġifieri qrar, tqarbin u rużarju għal erba’ snin.

Din is-sena huwa l-40 anniversarju minn meta l-awtur Tony C. Cutajar ippublika l-ewwel rumanz tiegħu, Id-Dubbien l-Abjad (Klabb Kotba Maltin).

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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17

OPINJONI

Pubblikazzjonijiet ġodda Qed naħdmu biex ikun krejat materjal ġdid u frisk li jikkomunika man-nies bl-aktar mod faċli, mexxej u sempliċi, jgħid Tonio Bonello.

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il-ħarġa li għaddiet ta’ Senior Times tkellimt dwar strateġija ġdida korporattiva u ta’ komunikazzjoni li attwalment qed tiġi analizzata biex possibbilment tidħol fis-seħħ u tibda tkun implimentata fixxhur li ġejjin.

Illum ħsibt li nitkellem dwar l-ewwel fażi inizjali ta’ dan ilproġett, dak tal-pubblikazzjonijiet. Qabel xejn irid jingħad li l-istrateġija tħares lejn dimensjoni ġdida ta’ kif titwassal linformazzjoni lis-soċjetà kollha ta’ dawn il-gżejjer mingħajr ebda distinzjoni ta’ xejn.

F’dan ir-rigward, waqt listudju u t-tfassil ta’ din listrateġija, kellna nżommu f ’moħħna bil-fors il-progress li qed tagħmel ta’ kuljum id-dinja tal-informatika u t-teknoloġija.

Dak li sa ftit snin ilu biss kien jista’ jinkiseb minn fuq kompjuter kbir f ’xi studju fid-dar, illum tista’ faċilment taċċessah minn sempliċi ċellulari.

Minkejja dan iżda, nifhmu li mhux kulħadd hu orjentat fiddinja teknoloġika. L-element ta’ dak li bl-Ingliż jissejjaħ ‘digital divide’ għadu fostna u aktarx jibqa’, għalkemm potenzjalment jista’ jonqos aktar milli narawh jiżdied.

B’dawn ir-rejaltajiet quddiemna, l-ewwel pass f ’din id-direzzjoni kien li jkunu mnedija żewġ pubblikazzjonijiet li jfittxu qabel xejn, li jkopru dik is-sezzjoni tas-soċjetà li, għal raġuni jew oħra, għadhom jinsabu maqtugħin mid-dimensjoni komunikattiva virtwali.

Kien dan li wassalna naħdmu biex ikun krejat materjal ġdid u frisk li jikkomunika ma’ dawn in-nies bl-aktar mod faċli, mexxej u sempliċi. Fl-istess ħin f ’pakkett attraenti u li tieħu gost issegwi.

SOLIDarity Dan hu kontinwazzjoni ta’ pubblikazzjoni ta’ 12 -il paġna, issa fit-12 -il ħarġa tiegħu, bil-kulur u bl-isem estiż minn Solid kif

kien magħruf qabel għal SOLIDarity. Il-materjal hu wieħed mexxej b’indirizz mill-Ministru, taqsim dwar sport, pajjiżi madwar id-dinja, u crosswords fost oħrajn. SOLIDarity hi pubblikazzjoni ndirizzata għal impjegati fis-servizz pubbliku filqasam tas-solidarjetà soċjali.

FAMILJA Hu kunċett kompletament ġdid li jwassal vetrina formali ministerjali ta’ dak li jkun qed jiġri. Ta’ min jgħid li l-Ministeru għall-Familja, Drittijiet tat-Tfal u Solidarjetà Soċjali ikopri xejn anqas minn għaxar entitajiet bejn Dipartimenti u awtoritajiet oħra, ilkoll b’impenn awtonomu speċifiku li jiffoka dwar oqsma soċjali.

Fost dawn insibu l-Akkomodazzjoni Soċjali, l-Aġenzija Sapport, il-Kummissjoni għal Persuni bi bżonnijiet speċjali, l-Awtorità tad-Djar, l-Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju tat-Tfal u n-National Coordinating Unit dwar Alkohol u Droga.

Ma’ dawn hemm ukoll ilfaċilità residenzjali ta’ San Vinċenz de Paul, l-Information Management Unit, it-Taqsima ta’ Servizzi Soċjali, id-Direttorat dwar Politika Soċjali, idDirettorat dwar Simplifikazzjoni tal-Burokrazija u dak dwar is-Sigurà Soċjali.

Entitajiet oħra taħt l-istess Ministeru huma id-Diviżjoni dwar Konformità u Investigazzjoni, id-Dipartiment dwar Anzjanità Attiva u Kura filKomunità u d-Dipartiment dwar Social Welfare Standards.

Tajjeb jingħad li l-kontenut f ’din il-pubblikazzjoni ta’ 20 paġna bil-kulur m’għandu xejn fih f ’sens propogandistiku jew partiġġjan, iżda li b’mod aġġornat iwassal tagħrif dwar fejn sejjer il-Ministeru u kif qed ikomplu jiżviluppaw numru ta’ inċentivi u inizjattivi ġodda bil-għan li l-livell ta’ għajxien tal-poplu Malti u Għawdxi jkompli jikber u jissaħħaħ.

Dan huwa l-ewwel pass

Kull min jixtieq li jibda jirċievi dawn il-pubblikazzjonijiet jista’ faċilment jiktbilna fl-indirizz elettroniku; anthony.a.bonello@gov.mt u aħna naraw li dawk interessati jibdew ikunu nklużi fil-korrispondenza on-line li aħna ngħaddu.

Nixtieq nagħmel ukoll stedina lilkom il-qarrejja ta’ Senior Times biex kull min irid iwassal xi messaġġ, jagħmel appell, jikteb xi poeżija, jitkellem dwar xi kollezzjoni li jista’ għandu jew għandha, u aktar, tistgħu tagħmlu kuntatt magħna, jew fl-indirizz elettroniku diġa’ msemmi, inkella fuq in-numru telefoniku taluffiċċju tagħna 2595 3404.

Din l-ewwel fażi talistrateġija matul ix-xhur li ġejjin se tkompli tkun imsaħħa meta se tkun kumplimentata b’riżorsi ta’ aċċess oħra, fosthom Facebook u teknoloġiji oħra. Hekk naraw li l-pubbliku kollu Malti u Għawdxi se jkun qed jiġi milħuq kollu, indipendentament mis-sess, eta u livell ta’

edukazzjoni. Is-sehem tiegħek hu importanti. Iktbilna u ipparteċipa.

Tonio Bonello huwa editur tal-midja (information and communications executive) fl-uffiċċju tas-segretarju permanenti, fi ħdan il-Ministeru għall-Familja, Drittijiet tatTfal u Solidarjetà Soċjali.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

rIĊErKa

Fejn sabu s-Sinjur Serq mill-knejjes minn dejjem kexkex lill-poplu Malti, jgħid Joseph Scicluna.

I

s-serq mill-knejjes dejjem ġab għadab fost ilpoplu. Matul il-perjodu li damet l-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann f ’pajjiżna, ħafna millkavallieri ma kienux sinjuri u kienu jiddependu minn dak li kienu jagħtuhom il-familji taġħhom. Forsi għalhekk li biex ilaħħqu ma sħabhom li kienu tat-tajjeb, u jgħixu ħajja komda, xi wħud minnhom kienet tiġiħom it-tenntazzjoni u jaqgħu għall-vizzju tas-serq mill-knejjes tagħna.

Fis-sena 1556, kien insteraq xi ħaġar prezzjuż minn fuq ilkwadru tal-Madonna ta’ Philermos. Jingħad li kien il-qassis Fra Stamati Condo li wettaq isserqa li ftit wara qabditu puplesija u ġie mkeċċi mill-Ordni u eżiljat barra minn Malta.

Serq mill-kniSja ta’ San Publiju fil-furjana Fl’antik il-ħallelin ma tantx kienu jażżardaw jidħlu biex jisirqu oġġetti prezzjużi millknejjes.

Għaż-żmien li qegħdin insemmu, il-każ li ġara fissena 1802 kien baqa magħruf għal kif kien temm ħajtu ċertu Franġisku Mariano. Dan kien daħal fil-knisja ta’ San Publiju il-Furjana u seraq lampier tal-fidda. Biex jeħles li jmur jiskonta sentenza ħabs, talab li jaħfrulu u kien lest li jagħmilha ta’ Bojja waqt ittgħalliq ta’ nies ġustiżżjati.

Fl-istess sena waqt li kien fuq il-patibolu tal-forka fuq isSaqqajja fir-Rabat, ġie ferut għall-mewt meta l-uffiċjal li kien qiegħed imexxi l-eżekuzzjoni, sparalu tir ta’ pistola. il-kniSja ta’ Santa tereSa f’bormla Il-patrijiet ta’ Santa Teresa, jew kif nafuħom, il-patrijiet Karmelitani ġew Malta għallħabta tas-sena 1418 u l-ewwel kunvent li kellhom kien irRabat fejn kienu bnew knisja f ’dan il-lokal.

L-Isqof Malti Baldassare Cagliares u oħtu ħarġu elf u ħames mitt skud biex il patrijiet Tereżjani setgħu jibnu kunvent u knisja f ’Bormla.

Meta tlestiet fis-sena 1632, kienet l-ewwel knisja fid-dinja kattolika li ġiet iddedikata lil Santa Teresa.

Photo: Jonathan Borg

Snin wara telgħa oratorju imiss mal-kunvent u infetaħ kulleġġ għal patrijiet li kienu se jintbagħtu fl-artijiet talMissjoni. Fil-kripta ta’taħt ilknisja hemm midfunin personalitajiet magħrufa Maltin, fostom l-iskultur imsemmi Vinċenzo Dimech li skolpa listatwa titulari ta’ San Publiju.

Ġrajja marbuta ma’ din il-kniSja L-aħbar tas-serqa li ġrat mal180 sena ilu malajr xterdet malpajjiż kollu u kullħadd baqa’ ixxokjat meta seħħet mill-knisja ta’ Santa Teresa f ’Bormla.

Is-serq mid-djar jew minn postijiet oħra, malajr kien jintesa u jgħaddi ma’ l-oħrajn.

Imma meta ġriet l-aħbar li ħalliel jew ħallelin kienu daħlu filknisja u ħadu pissidi bl’ostji kkonsagrati, il-poplu tkexkex.

Kien fit 19 t’Ottubru tas-sena 1837 meta patri Teodosio millkunvent tal-Karmnu kien wasal biex jagħti l-barka, huwa sab li t-tabernaklu kien ġie sgassat u l-pissidi bl’ostji ma kienx għadu hemm.

Malajr ġiet infurmata l-pulizija u ġew interrogati diversi persuni li setgħu jagħtu ħjiel dwar min setgħa kien jew kienu l-ħallelin. L-għada tas-serqa xi ħadd kien mar għand Grezzju Zammit, li kellu ħanut tad-deheb il-

Belt Valletta u ried jirgħa salib tal-fidda. Zammit ġieh suspett li seta kien ġie misruq. Huwa għarraf lill-pulizija u mittagħrif li tagħhom, waqa suspett fuq ċertu Pawlu Galea millMosta u li kien joqgħod Bormla.

Li kien ġara, li Galea, imlaqqam ta’ ‘Bagollu’ kien seraq il-pissidi, u qabel ma ħbieh, qala u qaċċat is-salib li kien hemm fuq l-għatu, u mar il-Belt biex jirgħanu. Ġie arrestat meta instab viċin il-knisja ta’ Santa Skolastika fil-Birgu.

Sadanittant bdiet tfittxija mal-inħawi, u xi ġranet wara, waqt li xi tfal kienu qegħdin jilgħabu fil-foss taħt id-daħla tal-Birgu, wieħed minnhom,

Meta ġriet l-aħbar li ħalliel jew ħallelin kienu daħlu fil-knisja u ħadu pissidi bl’ostji kkonsagrati, il-poplu tkexkex

Franġisku Cachia, lemaħ il-pissidi f ’ħofra fil-ħajt taħt il-foss.

Fil-pissidi li kienet magħluqa kien gemm l-ostji kkonsagrati.

Dak inhar saret purċissjoni bilkleru imexxija mill-Vigarju Monsijur Salvatore Lanzon u l-pissidi meħuda lura fil-knisja ta’ Santa Teresa.

l-akkużat jibda għaddej Ġuri Fid-19 ta’ Diċembru, 1837, Pawlu Galea kien akkużat bisserq tal-pissidi. Il-prosekuzzjoni tmexxiet mill-avukat Luigi Bardon, u fost ix-xhieda kien hemm min qal li ra lil Galea tiegħla lejn il-Birgu u wara sejjer lura lejn Bormla bi xkora taħt driegħu.

Meta ġie arrestat, u kkonnfrontat mill-pulizija, huwa qalilhom li kien sab is-salib fittriq. Il-prosekuzzjoni esebiet ġakketta li l-pulizija kienu elevaw waqt tfitxxija li kienet għamlu fejn kien joqgħod l-akkużat.

F’wieħed mill-bwiet instabet biċċa spaġa li kienet taqbel ma’ dik li kienet marbuta mal-pissidi. Parti mill-inforra kienet imqatta, u nstab il-pissidi imkebbeb ġo biċċa drapp li kienet tixbaħ lil dik tal-inforra.

Tlett ijiem wara, fit-22 ta’ Diċembru, il-ġurati sabuħ ħati u ġie kkundannat għal

għomru l-ħabs b’xogħol iebes.

Ma’ Galea, fl-istess ċella kien hemm ċertu Wenzu Arnaud li kien qiegħed iservi għaxar snin fuq attentat ta’ qtil. Dan Arnaud kien beda jiffitta u fillejl tat-2 ta’ Diċembru, 1839, ħebb għal Galea u taħ daqqiet fuq rasu b’tavla tal-injam u ħallieh għal mejjet.

Min jinżel taħt il-foss qabel ma jidħol il-Birgu, se jsib kappella ċkejkna fejn instab il-pissidi bl-ostji ikkonsagrati, u għalkemm għadda tant żmien, il-post baqa’ magħruf fl-istorja bħala ‘Fejn sabu s-Sinjur.’

tagħrif Sacrilegious 1837 Theft from Cospicua Church, Eddie Attard, The Sunday Times of Malta, December 2011 Pissidi Misruq jinstab filBirgu, Anton Attard, Soċjetà Mużikali San Lawrenz Birgu, Anton Attard, Four Walks in a Historical City The Place Where They Found The Lord, Peter Prictoe, Aboutmalta.com Thefts By Knights From Churches, Giovanni Bonello, The Sunday Times of Malta, January 2015 A History of Thefts from Churches in Malta, Eddie Attard, The Sunday Times of Malta, November 2014

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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ART

An encyclopaedia to die for

This book is a labour of deep scholarship, passionate love, and unparalleled dedication, says Louis J Scerri.

I

t must be stated at the outset that An Encyclopaedia of Artists with a Malta Connection is a magnificent achievement that will, for some decades to come, provide essential reference about those artists, over 2,240 in number, Maltese and not, who had a Malta connection, some very deep and extensive, others a more tenuous one.

It is a labour of deep scholarship, passionate love, and unparalleled dedication which will stand tall in all self-respecting Melitensia collections, not to say art libraries abroad. It is a work of several lifetimes that will do credit to the great artists with a Malta connection, while unearthing and bringing to our knowledge scores and scores of lesser practitioners, some of whom identifiable only by an initial or two.

The encyclopaedia is, of course, not the kind of book to read from cover to cover. It is one for dipping into, in the search of individuals who might have excited one’s curiosity and, as one is doing so, letting one’s eyes stray to the lesser-known artists and wonder how on earth the authors could have ever come across them.

As the authors explain in the introduction, the encyclopaedia has had a gestational period of about three decades, when Dr Albert Ganado, the doyen of all those infected by the incurable disease of Melitensiaitis, made a new year’s resolution to compile a dictionary of artists and art in Malta.

The veteran art historian and critic Antonio Espinosa Rodriguez was roped in, and soon the core group was extended to five with the addition of Prof. Mario Buhagiar, Michael Ellul, and Eugene Montanaro. Eventually, however, this particular effort faltered and it was only in 2006 that Ganado and Espinosa

Rodriguez undertook to conclude the work themselves.

And they indeed cast their net wide, including painters, draughtsmen, engravers, lithographers, sculptors, and even craftsmen (why not photographers?), and, brave (foolhardy?) decision indeed, even amateurs. Architects were excluded because the authors rightly felt that would merit a separate publication.

Could this be a gauntlet gently thrown? The cut-off was that the artists to earn inclusion had to be dead, a debatable but understandable decision in the local artistic context, even though the entries themselves are most objective and lack controversy.

And who are precisely the artists with a Malta connection? First of all, they are local artists, then there are those who spent some time on the islands and left an artistic fingerprint, and finally there are those whose works somehow ended up here. That makes for quite an impressive array.

The book offers a wealth of information. In addition to the latest updated available information about the particular artists given in a very concise form, there are the locations of various works, auctions which featured the artists’ works, as well as exhibitions, plus a truly invaluable reference to the sources used for each entry. This last section will be seeing students eagerly consulting this book.

As the authors point out in the introduction, practically all known Melitensia items have been consulted, almost 2,000 books and pamphlets, but also almanacs, periodicals, journals, magazines, auction sales catalogues, and occasion-

ally even newspapers.

Internet searches too were availed of, as were the personal reminiscences of the two authors who truly share an immense chest of knowledge between them.

Of particular importance is the information of holdings in private collections. It is indeed often a most positive surprise to learn about this huge artistic heritage which is not available to the general public.

Although the specific collection is not identified, and correctly so for various obvious reasons, this is information to whet the appetite of all art lovers. How many might know

Of particular importance is the information of holdings in private collections

that a local private collection treasures a Caravaggio?

Rightly it was decided not to make of this reference book a coffee-table book and as such not a single work of art mentioned has been illustrated. The only visual sop is the occasional use of portraits of a several artists and in this case the decision was taken to use comparatively little-known portraits. These include excellent self-portraits of Edward and Robert Caruana Dingli, William Apap, William Scamp, and Giuseppe Briffa, together with portraits of such lesserknown figures as Luigi Calamatta (an Italian engraver of Maltese extraction (1802-68), the Nazarener Antonio Falzon (1805-67), Pierre Puget (162094), and Helene Buhagiar).

Naturally all the giants with a Malta connection are there: Caravaggio, the other Caravaggio (Polidoro), Palma il Giovane, d’Aleccio, Preti, Paladini, Edward Lear, Pasmore, Zahra, Lionello Spada, Jusepe di Ribera, Melchiorre Gafà, and so on. They are all there sharing pages with the practically unknown and whom the authors have thankfully plucked out from the darkness of forgetfulness. How many readers, hand on heart, have previously heard of the Malta connections of the French engraver Desquanvilliers, the painter Zoila Durante, the Italian painter Filippo il Reatino, the French lithographer Poize fils, the British Miss Twelves, the Corfiot (?) Giovanni Battista

Dimech, Fred Honnor, Giuseppina Critien, the Jesuit Salvinu Calleja Gera, Matteo Pubres, and so on and so on. Unearthing these individuals is already an incredible achievement; finding information, sometimes just a few short lines, about them is that short of a miracle of dedicated research. If these names are familiar to you, you do not have to buy this book.

Maybe this is also the place to get a couple of small but irritating weights off my chest. One is the continued reference to the Valletta church of St Paul as that of St Paul’s Shipwreck rather than St Paul Shipwrecked – San Paolo Naufrago. Another is the right reference to St George’s in Victoria which should be ‘basilica’ not ‘collegiate church’.

Moreover the abbreviations for manuscript/manuscripts are MS and MSS respectively (as given, for example, not only by the hallowed Oxford Guide to Style, but also by the plebeian Wikipedia) not Ms and Mss. But, of course, these are very minor points that in no way detract from the huge merit of the book and from the gratitude that all art-lovers owe to the authors. The Encyclopaedia is a book to treasure; those indeed who were lucky enough to obtain a copy should hold on to it tightly as stocks have virtually disappeared and it is already practically an out-ofprint desideratum.

Albert Ganado, Antonio Espinosa Rodriguez, An Encyclopaedia of Artists with a Malta Connection, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Malta 2018.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

CARS

A driving encyclopaedia For a wealth of information on classic and vintage cars, all roads lead to Kalkara, where Joseph Pace lives, Joe Busuttil from the Old Motors Club says.

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t is said that in the world, all roads lead to Rome.

In Malta, if you want reliable information, advice and guidance on anything connected with vintage, veteran or classic cars, all roads lead to Rinella in Kalkara. For in that seaside hamlet resides Joseph Pace, one of the leading local authorities on the restoration of old motors.

Dozens have been the Maltese and Gozitan enthusiasts who, over the past 45 years, have been seeking the sound service of Pace, even to the point of inviting him to accompany them abroad to pronounce the final verdict before they would decide on an old motor purchase. How was this invaluable knowledge acquired?

“I started working with my father Anthony, who was a panel beater, from the age of eight,” he begins his story.

“A lengthy formal education was never on the cards for me, and after primary school, I never sat on a class bench again. But in the meantime, I began to develop my technical and mechanical skills on the factory floor, something that I am still doing today.”

His father owned a classic car, a grey Standard Eight, and besides completely fascinating

PHOTOS: TONY VASSALLO, OLD MOTORS CLUB

the young Joseph, the vehicle instilled in him a lifelong torrid love affair with the marque.

“I always felt that overall, the Standard by far outstripped

other competitors like Ford or Austin. There used to be many of them in Malta, but they disappeared early owing to the fact that they had a brake problem.”

Pace fell hopelessly in love with the model Eight, to the extent that when it was sold by his father, he managed to buy it back after 15 years,

restored it to its former glory, and now proudly points out that it has been in his possession for the last fifty years!

In the meantime, he also

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JUly 2018

started looking around for similar models.

The Standard Eight was a small car produced by the British Standard Motor Company between 1938 and 1959.

At first it was launched as the Flying Standard, but after the war this range was dropped.

An updated version called the 8 hp was introduced in 1945. In the early 1950s a completely new Standard Eight came off the line, sharing little with its predecessors. In 1959 the model was dropped to be replaced by the Triumph Herald, as the Standard brand started to disappear off the market.

Along the years, besides his favourite car that belonged to his father, Pace bought six other Standard cars. They

include another two 1946 model Eight, a similar one from 1939, two convertible Standard Flying Eight Tourer, one of which is a drop head and the other a saloon, and a 1931 Standard Flying Little Nine. It goes without saying that he is a staunch member of the UK Standard Club, and that the facility that he operates from in Kalkara is called the Standard Garage.

An incurable addict to old motors, the significant Standard concentration has not been enough to wean him off the habit, and gradually he has been amassing an enviable collection of old motors.

This features two Morris 8, dating back to 1933 and 1934; a 1934 Ford Model Y and a similarly dated Austin 7; a 1936 Fiat Topolino ; a Vauxhall 14 from 1948 and a Vauxhall Wyvern of the same year; a 1960 Opel Kapitan; a Mustang from 1965 and a 1968 Pontiac. Most of these cars were bought in Malta, a few from the UK, while one made the journey from New Zealand.

The majority were in a poor state and needed urgent attention, while a couple required very little treatment. Five of them – three Standard 8, the Mustang and the Pontiac – are now in ship shape condition; some are at an advanced restoration stage, while the rest have remained in the battered and neglected state as found and purchased.

Pace is a down-to-earth realist. “I used to do all the work on the old cars myself, but

some years ago I had to give up spray painting owing to asthma. Time is not on my side, and I am fully aware that I will never be able to finish the rehabilitation of all my vehicles. But at the same time, I am steely in my resolve not to sell any of them.”

His wife Jane subscribes to his point of view, urging him to buy but not sell. His daughter Diane is into old motors, unlike her other sister Christiane. Meanwhile Pace is trying to attract his grandson Kean by constructing for him a gleaming red Standard Flying 8 drop head model, completed with chrome fittings and the distinctive Union Jack flag embedded in the mascot atop the grille.

A quiet and modest character, he exudes enthusiasm as he shares his experience and disseminates his knowledge on old motors to anyone who comes to this classic car oasis in Kalkara – something that he genuinely loves to do. An Old Motors Club member from its early days, he takes pride in the fact that along the years, he has helped many aficionados to realise their dream to buy or repair a classic vehicle. He keeps a close watch on the latest developments in the old motoring field by attending the annual Beaulieu Motor Show in the UK on a regular basis.

Pace waxes lyrical on the great leap forwards that the local classic car scene has made in the past two decades. He enumerates a number of developments that have helped to arrive at this point. Among

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Pace fell hopelessly in love with the Model Eight other things, he praises the skills, craftsmanship and resourcefulness of the Maltese mechanics and technicians, who leave no stone unturned to carry out a throughout professional job and at the end of the day, deliver the goods.

“Alas, this cannot be said of all work that is done abroad,” he complains, as he points to a pair of running boards that he had ordered from overseas for one of his Standard Eight, as well as to the patchy areas of uneven spray paint on the roof

of another classic he bought from England.

Pace, who works on his own, laments the fact that the skilled old motors restoration force is dwindling.

“One reason I keep working is that sometimes, a young man joins me to learn the ropes. I show him everything, but then after some time, he leaves to branch out on his own. However, I can rejoice in the fact that some of my hard earned skills have been passed on to the younger generation”.

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULy 2018

NEWS

Il-provvidenza t’Alla Fr Victor Agius, assistent direttur, Missio Malta.

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ahrejn wara li ġejt ordnat saċerdot f ’Lulju 1974, tlaqt minn Malta biex nipprepara ruħi għal xogħol fil-missjoni. Mort ġo komunità ta’ saċerdoti u xi seminaristi li kienu jieħdu kors ta sitt xhur, fi spiritwalità komunitarja. Ilgrupp kien ta’ madwar 100 ruħ ġejjin minn madwar 30 pajjiż differenti u ta kull età.

Esperjenza qawwija ħafna fejn tgħallimt ngħix il-Vanġelu filħajja ta’ kuljum f ’talb, xogħol manwali u xogħol pastorali, u dan kollu f ’ambjent ta’ vera familja u mħabba nisranija.

Kien perjodu li mmarkali ħajti u s-saċerdozju tiegħi.

Wara tlett snin, tlaqt millEwropa għall-ewwel vjaġġ tiegħi lejn l-Asja mbiegħda.

Qabel wasalt fid-destinazzjoni finali tiegħi fil-Filippini kelli diversi waqfiet u l-ewwel waħda kienet fil-Pakistan.

Kelli biss 28 sena, kont waħdi u b’xi ftit biża li nintilef f ’postijiet fejn la kont naf il-

lingwa u fejn kont naf biss xi persuna jew tnejn.

Kollox mar sew sakemm iltqajt mas-saċerdot li kont naf u li kien joqġħod f ’dak li llum jissejjaħ Faisalabad. Wara ftit ġranet miegħu kelli nerġa lura lejn Karachi minn fejn kelli naqbad l-ajruplan lejn it-tieni tappa tiegħi fit-Tajlandja.

Nasal l-airport u ġejt infurmat li t-titjira tiegħi kienet ġiet imħassra u ma kienux jafu eżattament meta ser inkun nista nitlaq lejn Bangkok.

Kelli għalhekk insib post fejn noqgħod. Il-ħabib tiegħi kien qalli li fil-każ li nsib xi diffikultà, immur is-seminarju u nitlob l-għajnuna minn żewġ ħbieb tiegħu li kienu jgħallmu hemm, wieħed kien Fr Patras u l-ieħor Fr Josepħ Coutts.

Għamilt il-kuraġġ u ħriġt mil-airport biex naqbad taxi u mmur infittex dan is-seminarju li tiegħu ma kelli la indirizz u l-anqas idea fejn jinsab.

Barra l-ajruport ma kienx diffiċli insib taxi u d-driver

deher li kien jifhem bl-ingliż.

“Where do you want to go sir?” qalli x-xufier hekk kif dħalt fit-taxi.

“To the Catholic Seminary please. Do you know tħe place?” staqsejt jien.

“No problem, let’s go,” qalli.

Ippruvajt naqbad diskursata miegħu u hu minn mument għall-ieħor beda jistaqsini jekk irridx li ħu jistennieni biex jeħodni x’imkien ieħor wara.

Jiena għidtlu li ma kienx hemm bżonn għax kont ser indum xi ġranet hemm malħbieb tiegħi li kienu Pakistani.

Din għidtha diversi drabi u hu kull darba jgħidli: “Why?” u jiena: “Because they are my friends and I want to stay with them.”

Ftit wara fħimt u twerwirt meta waqqaf it-taxi quddiem ċimiterju. “No, not cemetery but seminary where young men study to become priests.”

“I don’t know sorry, I don’t know.” Ksaħt u bżajt. “Issa x’se nagħmel? Ġesu’ għini.”

Ma lħaqtx spiċċajt il-kelma li ma rajtx raġel li deħer li kien pulizija u staqsejt lilu u qalli: “I think that the building over there is the place you are looking for.”

U hekk kien. Grazzi Ġesu’.

Tistgħu timmaġinaw il-ferħ meta dħalna u nara qassis żagħżugħ bħali bi tbissima fuq wiċċu jgħidli: “Hi, I am Fr Josepħ Coutts.”

Sa llum għal dawn l-aħħar 41 sena lil Fr Josepħ bqajt

ħabib miegħu u għal diversi drabi li mort inżur il-Pakistan meta kelli l-okkażjoni ngħaddi minn Karachi kont inżur lil Fr Joseph li aktar tard sar l-Arċisqof ta Karachi u ftit ġranet ilu Kardinal.

Kif jista jkun li ma nemmnux fl-imħabba ta Alla u lprovvidenza tiegħu!

Valletta and the Dominicans: a common journey

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alletta and the Dominicans: a common journey is an exhibition narrating how the story of Valletta has often intertwined with that of the Dominican community in the capital.

Both took their first steps in the years following the Great Siege of 1565 when, without delay, Grand Master de Valette thought of constructing this fortified city to protect Malta from another Ottoman attack. Due to the lack of necessary funds, the main benefactor was the Dominican Pope St Pius V, who sent 30,000 silver florins and his engineer Francesco Laparelli, so that on March 28, 1566 the first stone of the city of Valletta was laid.

For two whole years the Dominicans would cross from their convent in Vittoriosa to the new city in order to assist the 4,000 workers constructing the bastions. It was for this reason that Fr Damiano Taliana, Prior of the Annunciation Convent and Provincial Vicar of the Dominican convents in Malta, asked to be given a location to build a church and a convent.

Grand Master Pietro del Monte accepted his request and in 1571 a Dominican community established itself permanently and built a new church dedicated to St Mary of Porto

Salvo and St Dominic for the devotion of sailors.

On March 18, 1571, the Knights officially moved from Vittoriosa to Valletta, while on April 19, the first stone of the Church of Porto Salvo was laid. On July 2, 1571, through the Apostolic Bill Ex Debito Pastorali Officcii, Pope Pius V declared the Church of St Mary of Porto Salvo and St Dominic as the main parish and matrix of the new city in its entirety.

The initial presence of the Dominicans among the city’s builders, evolved into a 500-year rich and inseparable history. In the year in which we are celebrating the City of Valletta as the European Capital of Culture, this exhibition will help us appreciate the rich historical, socio-cultural and artistic legacy left by the Dominican Order as reflected in the development of Valletta.

Heritage Malta and the Parish of St Mary of Porto Salvo and St Dominic have teamed up for an exhibition of paintings, prints, manuscript volumes, object d’art, vestments and curious paraphernalia from the national and parish collections to narrate Valletta’s Dominican imprint. This exhibition will delve into the Dominican mission in the Valletta story, the spiritual comfort it offered to the Valletta community, especially in times of distress, the contribution of the parish confraternities and the Dominican artistic heritage and personalities.

The exhibition, Valletta and the Dominicans: a common journey, relies on eight different themes which are the Dominican legacy, Valletta legacy, religious legacy – the spiritual well-being of the Valletta Community, the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of the Rosary and Mercy, the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, the Confraternity of St Vincent Ferreri, artistic heritage and personalities linked to the Dominican Order in Valletta.

Valletta and the Dominicans: a common journey exhibition is being held at the Dominican Priory in Valletta. It will remain open until October 7, 2018 on a daily basis from 10am till 4pm. Admission is free.

SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

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SENIOR TIMES ‒ JULY 2018

DENTAL CARE

Extraction and immediate implant replacement

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p until the introduction of dental implants, a single tooth replacement was usually performed with a removable denture wedged in between adjacent teeth or a dental bridge attached to 1 or 2 adjacent teeth. Nowadays most single teeth are replaced with dental implants. A dental implant is the insertion of a screw or fixture into the bone site of the missing tooth. Following three to six months of healing the top part of the implant is exposed and a tooth/crown is attached onto it. This is the basic manner of completing an implant-retained crown.

Today the choices on materials and the manner of which the job is completed my vary considerably. Here are a few options, which must be weighed out and selected to obtain the best aesthetic and functional result:

THE IMPLANT The majority of implants are made of high-grade titanium. These implants are extensively researched and carry excellent success rates. These are also metal-free implants made out of zirconium. These so-called biological implants have many advantages including: • Hypoallergenic • High biocompatibility • One-stage surgery • Excellent aesthetics • Corrosion resistance • Holistic friendly • Strong and comfortable Implants also come in various sizes, shapes and forms so the right implant must be chosen for the right place.

THE CROWN Implant crowns are also available in different materials. The material of choice was once porcelain fired onto cast gold.

Then pre-fabricated titanium abutments were introduced allowing a conventional crown to be cemented onto it. Then came the revolution of maximising aesthetics and eliminating any metal in the crown allowing room for an all-ceramic

crown made from zirconia. This metal-free zirconia framework allows the firing of porcelain onto it maximising the aesthetics especially in the anterior area. The main advantages of all-ceramic crowns are superior aesthetics with no metal edge, high biocompatibility and the ability to perform these in single day visits.

SURROUNDING BONE The implant must be inserted into an area with sound and sufficient bone. If the area does not have enough bone then a bone graft must be performed to allow complete coverage of the implant at insertion and forever after its completion. There are many bone grafting materials available to buy; cow bone, human bone and other inorganic bone substitutes. This has become the norm for most of the aesthetic cases.

GINGIVAL TISSUE More often than not the bone and surrounding gum in the site of a missing tooth is to some degree resorbed. This results in an obvious drop in the gum level and/or width of the ridge. Replacing a tooth would result in either a long-looking crown or a crown with spaces in between the other adjacent teeth. This creates poor aesthetics and discomfort on eating, as spaces are obvious food traps. The bone and gum grafts restore the implant site to normality allowing for a firm anchorage and a tight gingival cuff synonymous with good hygiene.

A CASE SCENARIO A young woman presents with a broken tooth and a failed root canal treatment exhibiting recurrent swellings and exudate.

The tooth was extracted, the socket cleaned and disinfected and an implant was immediately inserted. A minor bone augmentation was also placed in the socket to aid with the final aesthetics of the gum tissue. A temporary fixed acrylic-resin crown was also attached onto the implant to further help the

gingiva maintain its contour. In this manner the patient also benefits from a fixed tooth as a temporary solution. Four months after the extraction and implant insertion, the temporary crown was replaced with an allceramic highly aesthetic crown. This sequence of treatment is not always possible but when it is, the aesthetics of the final product is highly dependant on it.

Ask you dentist!

Before treatment

DR JEAN PAUL DEMAJO IS A DENTAL AND IMPLANT SURGEON.

After treatment