The Secretary of

the Amicale haute Provence Malte

DIDIER LAUTERBORN,

a journalist from the south of France talks to Erika Brincat about his project –

a friendly ‘twinning’ committee between Malta and his native area called haute Provence based

on their common history of the

Order of St John.

Mr Lauterborn has been living in Sliema for almost three years with his Japanese wife Yuko

What drew you and your wife to Malta in the first place?

Both of us were searching for a place in which we could balance our two cultures. We spent one week on holiday in Malta in 2004 and I used to come several times, so we chose Malta mainly because of its multi-cultural background and of course for its Mediterranean atmosphere.

How did the idea of this joint friendly committee arise?

Basically this project originated from a common idea between Robert Biglia, the Mayor of Puimoisson and myself. One day in November 2007, I met one of my friends, a French guide, Jean Duprez in Valletta, who was taking care of a tourists’ group on a ship. At that time, I thought that this idea of a ‘twinning committee’ could arise and I later contacted the newspapers of haute Provence to launch this project. I had several articles printed and an interview was aired on TV, explaining that Malta and this part of Provence have many things to share, not only because of their history of the knights, but also exchanges of ideas, culture, sport, art, etc.

And how did the realisation of this idea begin?

Towards the end of August of last year I met Mr Biglia who came to Malta to search for documents about the history of the Knights of St John. He was really interested in setting up contact with Malta because of the strong link between his village and the knights.

Last October I went to Puimoisson to give mayor Biglia the symbol of our Amicale - a statue of the goddess coming from the Limestone heritage. And now a bridge has been built between Malta and the haute Provence according to the principles of friendly exchanges with regards history, culture and art. We are planning to organise a trip to Provence in September of this year. Serge Borg, in charge of the Culture Department of the French Embassy, has already given us his full support.

What is the main aim and mission statement of the ‘Amicale’ you have set up?

Through the old concept of an Amicale we want to re-initiate the concept of exchange between different cultures, putting the idea of friendship at the centre of the project.

Our concept is: “exchange your ideas, share your knowledge” to keep a “philosophical spirit” in our high tech 21st century. The concept is both ancient and modern, using old customs and new ways of communications.

How are the plans for the trip to Provence this September progressing, and will participation be open to the public?

I will travel to Provence at the end of April to prepare the next exchanges, knowing that a group from Puimoisson should come this summer or in September. The aim of the Amicale is to develop relationships between our two areas and everybody interested is welcome. I think a trip to Provence in September with a Maltese delegation is a good idea - we just have to prepare a few practical things like the accommodation and the bookings for the visits.

Is there a particular cultural focus planned for this visit?

Yes, in fact Mr Biglia, wants to create a small museum in part dedicated to the history of the knights present in Puimoisson and in Malta. As history and culture are our two columns at the moment, we would like to organise a “Middle Ages feast” in the village including conferences, an art exhibition and a discovery of this area located between the well-known canyon of the Verdon and the lavender fields of Valensole.

I personally want to open the Amicale to the young Maltese who learn French and to the young French who learn English to set up exchanges while improving their studies.

I’ve been contacted by an English teacher interested in organising a trip to Malta so as to mix with another European culture and practice the English language. The idea is to drop the barrier of communication between different people and countries. As Malta is now part of Europe, every project linked to the island is now part of a European movement.

What are some of the most important cultural aspects of the haute Provence, which you would like to share with us Maltese?

Living on the island since June 2006, I realised that Malta has a lot to offer regarding culture, your involvement within Europe and the English language are focus points that people from my area would appreciate.

Now, regarding haute Provence which is well known for its nature, agriculture and its funny accent (I’ve got it of course), the Maltese delegation will discover new landscapes, hills and forests, our specialties like honey, the rosé wine or the goats’ cheese from Banon.

But above all, I am sure that our common history and way of living will bring together a lot of friendly contacts. I am already looking forward to being part of a “Pétanque contest” in the village of Puimoisson, followed by our traditional aperitif drink called the pastis.

What kind of exchanges will you be organising for the Maltese Table Tennis association and similar sports associations?

I am in touch with the Maltese Table Tennis Federation directed by Joe Borg Cardona, and both of us were planning to welcome French players. A friend of mine Christophe Lebrun, chairman of the local table tennis association in Manosque has promised he would like to be involved. It should be a good opportunity for the young French players to learn English and play table tennis, without forgetting the history of Malta, which is also linked to their area. I know there is a new table tennis centre in Tarxien, and it will help a lot to have a good structure to welcome the players.

In the case of members of a Maltese sports association who do not speak French, how will problems of communication be dealt with?

We have a simple solution, as there will be always someone able to speak French and English to translate. On the other hand, one of my former colleagues Jennifer de Barro, can also help us to translate from Maltese to French.

The Maltese case of a multicultural society with a high interest in learning foreign languages is becoming an example within Europe. A few weeks ago, I watched TV5 monde, and there was a report on Malta, showing the ease with which the young Malteses speak several languages. I am not worried at all regarding communication. Communication without frontiers is also one of our aims within the Amicale.

How do you envision the way forward for the ‘Amicale’?

I hope this interview will be a good “plus” for the Amicale to set up exchanges between our two countries. I am open to new ideas and suggestions regarding this concept, and I want to tell your readers to be in touch with me if they are interested in being part of this new adventure. One of our members, now a good friend, Niki Gravino a Maltese singer, is also ready to find inspiration in haute Provence and to discover another way of living. As we say in haute Provence: A bientôt!

For more information about the Amicale haute Provence Malte please contact Mr Lauterborn on 9903 4533 (after 5pm) or email: [email protected]