Marie Benoit's Diary

Malta Independent Thursday, 10 July 2014, 09:35 Last update: about 12 years ago

The last Garden Party in honour of the Queen I had attended in Mauritius was in April, 1987. The weather was awful and the parking area had turned into slush and mud as it had been raining hard that day as it can only rain in the tropics. Guests had to wipe their feet very hard before entering the British High Commissioner’s residence. I congratulated myself that I had chosen to wear closed shoes and not strappy sandles.

And the tradition continues in all the Commonwealth, Malta included. This year another Garden Party at San Pawl tat-Targa where we were blessed with a lovely summer’s evening . There was a festive air at Villa De Giorgio that early evening. The garden is in bloom and the bunting and red, white and blue balloons made those of us of a certain age feel young at heart as did the music from Big Band Brothers and the bagpipes of Charles Giacomotto who has been playing for 50 years, having started out with the boy scouts of Hamrun.

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Mrs Louise Luke wore a brightly coloured shift – tall and slim she looked most elegant. Our President

Was in black chiffon with a tiered skirt and transparent long sleeves – all of which flattered her immensely.

There was also a mezzo- soprano, Marvic Monreal who also sang the national anthems that evening. And there were speeches of course. The British High Commissioner started his with a quip about the World Cup game between England and Italy which was to take place on the morrow. (Alas both teams were eliminated eventually so that the real excitement is now over for most Maltese.) On to more serious matters and HE celebrated the relationship between Great Britain and Malta ‘a relationship which does not, and need not, wane with the passage of time.’ He then referred not only to the number of British visitors to Malta which continues to grow from strength to strength but also to the links forged between British and Maltese businesses ‘many of whom are represented here this evening… Our wider people-to-people ties continue to proliferate, from concert bands to football fans, from archaeologists to online gamers.’ Reference was also made to two Ministers who were in Malta recently – Helen Grant and Hugo Swire.

Mr Charlo Baldacchino, Dr Vanni Xuereb , the Ambassador of Austria and The British High Commissioner

CHOGM in November 2015, as we all know by now, will take place here. His Excellency referred to it and ‘the key role Malta can play in the modernization of the Commonwealth and in ensuring that the Commonwealth maximizes its tangible impact on the well being and prosperity of all Commonwealth citizens.’ Mr Luke promised an interesting year ahead, as Britain navigates a referendum on Scotland’s place within the UK, with general elections to take place in May 2015 and the debate on Britain’s position within the European Union. He took the opportunity to remind his audience of the British Government’s view on two of these important aspects: ‘We believe that the UK is stronger with Scotland in it, and Scotland is stronger as part of the UK. And likewise we believe that the UK’s national interest is best served as part of the European Union – and yes, one that is more flexible, more open, more focused on the concerns of its citizens. We also believe that such a European Union is best with the UK in it.’

Mr Jon Knight, Mr John Knight and Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi

Well, all I can say is that thank goodness Mr Nigel Farage was not invited or the debate would have gone on and on and spoilt the lovely evening. And I certainly cannot imagine an EU without Britain.

Mr Luke then referred to Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh ‘who continue to fulfil a packed programme of events, most recently a three-day State Visit to France of which the highlight was marking alongside veterans and gathered world leaders the 70th anniversary of the D Day landings.’

His Excellency then went on to thank the sponsors who had contributed so generously to the event and to members of his team and others – ‘an occasion such as this evening would not be possible without a huge amount of hard work and support,’ he said. He then proposed a toast to the health and prosperity of the President and people of Malta.

The President then gave a speech, in clear English, and she too praised the strong ties which exist between Malta and the UK.

The lively evening continued as guests enjoyed the various ‘stations’ of food and drink which included a table laden with English cheeses, crackers and chutneys set up by The White Sheep team. All the catering was done in house except for the fish and chips which were very popular. We had miniature coronation chicken, miniature roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and so much more. As usual there were Pimms, Johanny Walker whisky and British beers such a Newcastle Brown Ale.

Those in the bloom of youth, others in the final chapter or two of their lives – old friends and new acquaintances exchanged news and views and had an enjoyable evening. I have learnt not to wear thin heels if I am going to stand on a lawn for a few hours and was very happy at my sensible choice of a pair of thick heeled sandals which I had found at the back of the shoe cupboard but which served me well. Who looks at shoes on such occasions anyway. Even our President and Mrs Luke I noticed wore well-cut, solid pumps that evening. They’ve been to enough receptions to learn. I wished Happy Birthday to her Majesty in my heart. Now that’s a solid lady for you.