Launch of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar’s Cultural Malta website
I haven’t been inside the splendid art nouveau Balluta buildings for some time now, so I was looking forward to FAA’s occasion as several have praised the restoration (and splendour) of the home of Sir Martin and Lady Laing in those buildings which we have always considered an important and beautiful landmark though badly in need of restoration. It was an occasion for ‘environmentalists’ of one kind or another and varying degrees to meet and support Astrid’s most worthy cause.
The Laings are really living in a not so miniature palace and not a flat at all. The white of the walls and the white sheers gave their beautifully restored residence plenty of light and glimpses of our blue sky. Their home is not strangled by antiques and objets d’art. Everything is placed so well, with space a consideration. So many of our homes are not unlike Tutankamun’s tomb. I have to admit that I am a lover of clutter myself but I am in the process of slowly decluttering for unlike the pharaohs of Egypt I don’t have much that is precious and worth burying with me.
In the Laing’s home one is not overwhelmed by paintings, pieces of furniture and display cabinets of all shapes and sizes, so that you cannot even put down a cup of coffee for the amount of objets on the occasional tables. There is space to breathe and appreciate.
There were many familiar faces present at the launch which is always encouraging. Faces we know always bring to mind something about that person which is in our subconscious. Some we associate with our puberty years, others with later years but most of all with their achievements, big or small.
There was Tony Guillaumier whom we associate with his founding and work with the Richmond Foundation. Tony and his lovely wife Yvette were the darlings of my generation. Michael Zammit Cutajar was another heart throb. His work in the environmental field is world renowned and he is also The Guardian for Future Generations (I hope I got that right) and who has just been awarded a Legion d’Honneur for his work; the de Traffords are highly respected for so many different initiatives and after speaking to Jasper, whom I last met at the wedding of one of my nephews in London, I find that he has all kinds of plans for Villa Bologna for the near future. The Maquis and Marchioness de Piro are not only respected for, through thick and thin, keeping Casa Rocca Piccola going but for so much else. I congratulated Carmel Cacopardo for his writings and stand in the name of the environment. Among the audience was Maurice de Giorgio whose name is synonymous with refined taste and above all Patrimonju Malti. So many others whom I respect were there. Not least of all volunteers like Astrid and others who do so much all for the love of it.
The webmaster of this excellent website www.culturalmalta.org is John Spiteri Gingell. I bow my head to people like him as to me websites are not unlike nuclear science. I am just about coming to grips with Facebook although I have no intention of placing all sorts of photos of myself slouching on my bed or telling everybody what I am cooking for dinner. My daughters have promised to give me a tutorial or two as soon as we can find a mutually agreeable time and them the patience to teach me. They seem to be born with a knowledge of IT which goes for at least one of my grandchildren.
John Spiteri Gingell gave us an excellent explanation of how the website works, links and all.
Dr de Marco spoke about cultural tourism and the significance of this website in relation to attracting more cultural tourists for although sun and sea will continue to be an attraction these are available in many other countries. He suggested, among other things, that tourists might wish to come and spend a few days to simply visit our villages or on another occasion our churches and so on.
Astrid wearing a desirable Schiaparelli pink à la mode de Chanel suit (the colour of which you cannot see on this page unfortunately) spoke in her usual measured and clear way and also told us that Sir Martin had given FAA seed money to start the website which is also endorsed and supported by the MTA, Heritage Malta, Air Malta and MIA with whom the site will be hosting reciprocal links. The site will also feature introductory and detailed articles, timelines and interactive features. Clearly, everyone is going to benefit from this splendid initiative. Once the presentation was over some of us remained to exchange views over wine and refined and delicious canapés provided by Zest. Two of the Cassars were present and allow me to thank them on behalf of FAA for their generosity. I have to make a plug for their Sunday lunches at their Barracuda restaurant. It is delicious and truly value for money. One should pay twice as much for the splendid view alone.