The 2006 HSBC Global Group calendar features a scene of St Julian’s on its front cover. This calendar, which was issued by London based HSBC Holdings, is being distributed to all 9,700 HSBC Group offices situated in 77 countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.

All the photos in the calendar, which were all taken by HSBC staff in countries where HSBC Group operates, show a diverse range of weather phenomena. These range from peaceful mists and delicate clouds to a tropical deluge and dramatic lightning storms.

The cover photo, taken by HSBC manager, Jan Sammut, was selected following an international staff photography competition. The picture shows a dramatic flash of lighting heralding an approaching storm over of St Julian’s.

“This calendar will generate some exposure for Malta. HSBC has some 110 million customers and 260,000 staff worldwide, and while they won’t all get a calendar – lightning only has to strike once!” said HSBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Wallis.