If there’s a street in Malta that makes most people prick up their ears to hear more about its chequered history, that street is definitely Strada Stretta (Strait Street) in Valletta.

Christened ‘The Gut’ by British servicemen because it is so narrow, and Strada Stretta by the Maltese – showing how the legacy of the Italian language still clings on – this lane has left in its swirling wake, a thousand and one bubbling memories.

On Wednesday 14t May at 7.30pm at the Corinthia, heritage NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) will be holding a talk in English by George Cini, the author of the book Strada Stretta ‘The Gut’ which for many years lit up Valletta. In this talk, George Cini will be unravelling the layers of stories and reminiscences of a motley crew of worldly-wise characters who could read this landmark like the back of their hand. Strait Street became a business and entertainment centre when thousands of servicemen passed through or were stationed here when the Mediterranean Fleet of the British Royal Navy was based in Malta. George Cini’s reminiscences, photos and the music of the time will bring Strait Street back to life for those who are too young to have lived it, and those who are old enough to remember it!

Mr Cini spent was a journalist and ultimately Night Editor of the Times of Malta and its sister paper, Sunday Times of Malta and currently lectures journalism at the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences at the University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq.

Those interested in attending this fascinating talk are invited to book at www.faa.org.mt or to phone FAA on 2702 2777 from 9am to 2pm.