Over 350 HSBC staff members, and their families took advantage of guided tours of the Vittoriosa War Shelters and Fort Rinella, organised by the HSBC Sports and Social Activities Committee.

Under the guidance of the Malta Heritage Trust (Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna), staff visited Couvre Porte in Vittoriosa where members of the Malta Heritage Trust explained the complex lines of defence enclosing the three cities, consisting of elaborate components such as the sloping banks (ie. glacis), walls (ie. curtain), bastions, ditches, bridges, batteries and magazines.

Following their tour of Couvre Porte, HSBC employees also visited the war shelters, a rock-hewn labyrinth of tunnels and rooms which highlight the hardship of the some 400 individuals who sought refuge from frequent aerial bombardments.

The staff also had the opportunity to view the impressive collection of original war memorabilia displayed in the adjacent museum.

Staff then visited Fort Rinella in Kalkara which, after many years of neglect and vandalism, has undergone extensive restoration by volunteers of the Malta Heritage Trust. The Victorian period fort was built in 1878, along with her sister Fort Cambridge located in Sliema on the other side of the Grand Harbour, the idea being that one fort could fire out at sea whilst the other was loading. Two similar forts were built in Gibraltar.

During the visit at Fort Rinella there were period re-enactments by volunteers of the Malta Heritage Trust dressed in late 19th century Victorian uniforms. These included the firing of the unique muzzle loading 7-ton 8” howitzer.

“This outing was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all those who attended and we look forward to all meeting up again on another cultural adventure in the near future,” said Martin Wilkins, chairman of HSBC Sports and Social Activities Committee.