Garden Party at the British High Commission

It was lucky for us all that on 21st June the crippling heat of our long hot summer had not yet descended on these islands. So the garden party hosted by The British High Commissioner and Mrs Louise Luke was enjoyed by those who were invited to Villa de Giorgio in San Pawl Ta’Targa, a truly splendid residence for Mr and Mrs Luke and their three children.

Greeting us as we entered were Cdr Jamie Dible and hi wife Sue.

The theme for that evening was a journey through Britain. Guests were greeted by a Mini and a Landover, followed by the sign post pointing guests to different food and drink stations.  The Union Jack was very present that evening. Those who are fans of that tempting British tipple, Pimms (one of the two staple drinks at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the Henley Royal Regatta and Glyndebourne Festival Opera – the other being Champagne and  extremely popular at the summer garden parties of British universities)  were delighted to find that they could indulge in it on a green lawn and in most pleasant surroundings that evening.

There were several ministers and parliamentary secretaries and their wives I was happy to see.

The British High Commissioner, who presented his credentials only some eight months ago, said that in these months his conviction that the present-day relationship between the two countries was, and would remain, as strong as the historical ties that we share, that this conviction has been reinforced “by what we have experienced first-hand over the past eight months.” His Excellency then reminded us that we had had a number of senior visitors to Malta including, in November, Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex. “The visit coincided with the visit of a Royal Navy Task Group including HMS Illustrious, renewing its special connection to Malta,” Mr Luke said.

He then referred to the dominant event of their time in Malta: the general election, commenting “What the UK wouldn’t give for a voter turn-out of 93%.” Mr Luke then thanked former Prime Minister Gonzi and his Government for the excellent cooperation between the two countries.

His Excellency said how pleased he was that since the formation of Malta’s new Government in March, the rhythm of intensive engagement between the British and Maltese governments has been quickly re-established. He commented: “David Cameron spoke to Prime Minister Muscat within hours of his election, and they have had warm exchanges in Brussels during their attendance at recent European Council meetings.”

Mr Luke told his audience that he was looking forward to a further intensification of senior-level contacts after the summer, focusing on the key issues of interest to both countries. At this point he mentioned boosting growth and jobs by supporting UK and Maltese business; working together on the big foreign policy challenges, like Syria or the Middle East Peace Process; “and our practical cooperation, on issues such as defence training, on tackling organized crime and illegal immigration, and on our shared interest in the safety and well-being of our respective nationals abroad.”

Mr Luke mentioned the co-operation of the two countries in the Commonwealth and the EU “where we look forward to working with our Maltese colleagues as you prepare for your first ever EU Presidency in 2017.”The British High Commissioner said he was convinced that the bilateral relationship will remain deep and strong but that his conviction about the future strength of our bilateral relationship is founded on something which goes beyond the relationship between governments. “It is the relationship between our two peoples,” he commented.

Mr Luke then mentioned the following impressive statistics: there are as many as 10,000 British residents in Malta and Gozo, and around 440,000 British visitors came to these islands last year. “And there is a large movement in the other direction too, of Maltese residents, tourists, students and others to the UK. Added to our historical ties, each of these individual connections contributes to a wider interlinking of our two peoples. Behind each there is a story.” After giving details of some of these connections HE said that there are thousands of individual connections – in culture, sport, business, education, healthcare, tourism and family – which make up a whole “in which, together, I think we can take great pride.”

Mr Luke then commented on the main reason for the garden party that evening: the celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s official birthday and said that we are looking forward with excitement to the Royal birth expected in July and, all being well, to a third great grandchild for the Queen and a future Heir to the Throne, “boy or girl.”

His Excellency then went on to thank the generous sponsors and others, such as the Sea Cadets, the mezzo-soprano Clare Ghigo, a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama who sang the national anthems, the Police and the BHC’s security team as well as his team who had contributed to the evening,

A speech was also delivered by the President of Malta and glasses were raised and toasts proposed.  (photos on page 42)

Taste of Summer in timeless Phoenicia fashion

An invitation to the Hotel Phoenicia is always a pleasure as my experience of this hotel tells me that I am bound to be in for a treat. I have always loved it. My wedding reception was there, with Jimmy Dowling at the piano and so was my young daughter’s, in the beautiful pool area surrounded by bastions. They were both small weddings for Malta – around 200 people but at the last one the bridgroom’s extensive family came from Portugal and so did many of their friends from far-flung places who were so impressed with the lovely premises

The Phoenix with its verandah in summer has been a favourite for as long ago as I can recall. This press evening organized by the indefaticable GM Charles Azzopardi was must pleasurable. What struck me most was the enthusiasm of the young team starting with the executive chef Saul Halevi. Francesco Perricone, the Food & Beverage Manager came up with a delicious cocktail for the evening and Rob Bruno, the Director of Sales & Marketing was no less enthusiastic. Charles has been there for many years and is a little like the Godfather, presiding over it all – and still as enthusiastic as ever. He told me that Saul Halevi has introduced a 4000 square metre kitchen garden to bring fresh food into play in exciting new ways. Saul is like a little boy talking about the food and wanting to please everyone. He is an international chef and has held executive positions at Forte Village in Sardegna as well as the Sheraton in Spain, Unilever in Greece and his native Israel. Together with Francesco Perricone he is responsible for the daily operation and strategic planning of  5 outlets including banqueting. A tall order. Francesco too has an interesting career and has worked in distinguished hotels in Italy, Thailand, the Philippines and Dubai. Together with Saul he has been busy working on the venues, innovating core menus and re-inventing old favourites to provide a tempting set of summer culinary pursuits. Says Halevi: “At the Phoenicia we took a decision to introduce a natural Mediterranean kitchen concept. Aside from picking things from seed to plate and from earth to fork, it celebrates the fresh produce of Maltese farmers, local artisan producers and our ways of doing things, but doing them in new ways. We believe this is one of the secrets to healthy eating which we would like to share with our diners, whichever outlet or food experience they select it is now fresher, lighter and packed with flavour and nutrition.”

It was an animated and most pleasant evening and the food was truly delicious starting from the amuse bouche, the Tartar of Maltese Blue Fin Tuna, the Trio of Pasta, the fish of the day and the Trio of Dessert. My favourites that evening: the Ravioli Astice and Bisque – lovely Lobster ravioli. One of the three desserts was a gateau of Helwa tat-Tork – I even preferred it to the Trilogy of Chocolate. Do go and have a meal there before the summer is out. I promise you will love whichever of the menus or outlets you may choose.

Richard England’s Retrospective Exhibition at BOV

I had the enormous privilege of being guided by Professor England himself through this exhibition of his works which closes on 19 July.

The word ‘breeding’ is old-fashioned and not often used these days when chavs are all the rage and have taken over Malta. But breeding and the word gentleman can be applied to Prof. England – a renaissance man. The extent of his social connections and his cultural background alone qualify him. Then there is his exceptional output: architecture, photography, poetry, drawing, painting: what will he come up with next.

Do go and see this exhibition as it is an occasion to admire the depth and breadth of one of Malta’s few 21st century intellectuals and poets. (Personal commentary  in next Sunday’s paper)