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Ms Elizabeth Cassar

Councillor – Cultural & Social Activities

Marsaskala Local Council

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MARSASKALA LOCAL

COUNCIL EVENTS

2014

MALTA 2015

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Published by the author

© E. Cassar 2015

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the previous permission of the publisher and author.

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CONTENTS

• Party for the less fortunate children pg 7

• Elderly - Marsaskala Local Council - 11th January 2014 pg 8

• Programme of the Performance -Presented by pg 9

Zhangjiajie Artistic Troupe, 20th

January 2014

• Tal-Maghluq Cleanup – 22nd February 2014 pg 10

• Pasta Night for the Mission in Peru pg 11

• SALTNATU - Drama Pageant Group Qormi San Sebastjan pg 12

• Radio Hompesch 90FM Marathon -In Aid of buying a Van pg 14

for the poor children in Peru.

• COFFEE MORNING – FUND RASING IN AID OF BUYING THE VAN pg 15

NEEDED FOR THE POOR CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE IN PERU.

• MARITIME DAY- 15th

May 2014 pg16

• Artisans Work Exhibited along Marsaskala Promenade pg 18

• Fund Raising for the children in Peru from Birzebbuga pg 21

Scout Group

• 200th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Malta pg23

Police Force

• Vocal and Instrumental Concert from St Anne’s Band in pg 24

Marsaskala-17th

July 2014

• BBQ – Fund Raising for the mission in Arequipa, Peru pg25

• Pasta & Tombla Night – Fund Raising Activity in Aid of pg26

the poor of the poor in Arequipa, Peru

• Iljieli Skalin-400 years since the Grandmaster Alof de pg27

Wignacourt built, St Thomas Tower 1614 – 2014

• Crib Exhibition - 6th

& 7th

December 2014 pg31

• Christmas Concert 2014~ Marsaskala pg33

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Party for the less fortunate children

On the 4th

of January a small party was organised by the Cultural Committee within the

Local Council for the children in poor families living in Marsaskala and the children in St

Joseph Institute in Zabbar.

Around 30 children attended and enjoyed themselves singing, drawing and playing

games. A book was given to every child by Father Christmas.

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

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Elderly - Marsaskala Local Council

11th January 2014

Lunch for the Elderly today has been organized with the help of the Mayor Mario Calleja

and Cultural Committee (co –ordinator Mr Alfred Debono), within the Marsaskala Local

Council.

The main purpose was to show the elderly our appreciation, at least once a year, for all

the hard work they did for our country in the past. Around 120 elderly people from the

age of 75, living alone or in elderly homes were invited for this lunch. They were

entertained by the Police band whilst eating and playing bingo. A hundred Euro cheque

was also presented by the HSBC Branch Manager Ms Graziella Grech as a donation for

PERU October 2014 fund.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all the organizers and volunteers who cooked the delicious

meal, laid out the tables and helped all throughout the event.

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Programme of the Performance

Presented by Zhangjiajie Artistic Troupe

20th

January 2014

On 20th January in Marsaskala, a performance programme was presented by the

Chinese Artistic Troupe Zhangjiajie.

The one and half hour programme was full of

dance and acrobatics with marvellous bright

costumes and professional dancers. The dances

presented were:

1. Dance: Maogusi

2. Italian folk song O sole mio

3. Dance: Girls Gathering Day

4. Dance: Chasing Love

5. Acrobatics: Masang Tree

6. Dance: Love in the Scenery of

Zhangjiajie

7. Dance: Crying for Marriage

8. Dance: HELONG Banquet

Around 170 persons attended the

show amongst them foreigners,

people from Marsaskala and the

latter from other localities in Malta. Our profound thanks goes to the group who

gave one of the best performances since these groups visited our country, the

Marsaskala Mayor, Mr Mario Calleja and the Cultural team within the Marsaskala

Local Council with Mr Alfred Debono as co-ordinator.

Our thanks go also to the audience who supports us on every event being

organised by the Marsaskala Local Council.

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Tal-Maghluq Cleanup – 22nd

February 2014

A cleanup of Tal-Maghluq area infront of the

Suncity cinema in Marsaskala has been

organised. It was organised by Nature Trust in

collaboration with the Marsaskala Local

Council and HSBC. Garbage bags and gloves

were also given by Ozosystems. Friends of

Marsaskala and other volunteers also

collaborated in this cleanup.

500kilos of garbage was collected from the

surroundings.

An injured duck was also rescued and taken by the Animal welfare for treatment.

Thank you all!

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Pasta Night for the Mission in Peru

On the 22nd March Pasta was organized for the Missionary in Peru. Around 200 people attended for the Pasta night which everybody enjoyed. As entertainment we had 2 Peruvian musicians who played fantastic music during the evening. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended all helpers and sponsors who made our evening memorable.

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SALTNATU - Drama Pageant Group Qormi San Sebastjan

On the 10th April, Marsaskala Local Council presented a Good Friday Pageant raised by Qormi Pageant Group. The very good actors took us away in the Holy Land and reminded us of the story of life of Jesus Christ who died for us on the cross.

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Our thanks go to everyone who came to see this beautiful presentation, all actors as well the co-ordinator Mr Alfred Debono together with Mr Joe Magri, the Mayor, Mario Calleja and all the cultural Committee.

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Radio Hompesch 90FM Marathon

In Aid of buying a Van for the poor children in Peru.

On the 4th May a fund raising radio marathon has been organised. This was organised in Radju Hompesch 90FM in collaboration with the Marsaskala Local Council and the Cultural committee in aid of buying a Van for the poor children in Peru. Various programmes were done live during the day with presenters’ encouraging the listeners to donate money by SMS’s or by phone for this good cause. During one of the programmes, a phone call was received by Fr Giovanni Cefai, the missioner in Arequipa Peru, thanking all the contributors and explaining what needed to be done in this poor village and why the Van is needed.

Heartfelt thanks goes to Mr Gordon Caruana and his wife, the Director of Radju Hompesch 90FM, who gave us the opportunity to set up this marathon in his studios in Zabbar. The sum collected was of €550.00 from Radio listeners and others coming to the studios with their donations.

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COFFEE MORNING – FUND RASING IN AID OF BUYING THE VAN

NEEDED FOR THE POOR CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE IN PERU.

After the Radio Marathon, on the 6th May, a Coffee morning was organised in aid of buying the Van needed for the poor children and old people in Peru. The aim for these fund raising events is also for giving these people their daily bread and good education.

The Mayor, Mr Mario Calleja, together with the group going for this Mission and helpers, wished to thank everyone who attended this event where more than 200 people were present.

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MARITIME DAY- 15th May 2014

For the occasion of Maritime day of this year, the Cultural Committee within the Marsaskala Local Council, organised a visit in the Inquisitors Palace and the Maritime Museum in Birgu. We were a nice group of 30 people visiting both places. We were given some history of both places by the Tour guides of Heritage Malta which made our visit very informing and very interesting.

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For the same occasion, the Cultural Committee within Marsaskala Local Council organised as well an Exhibition related to Maritime Day. Old fishing tools were displayed and even the Marsaskala Primary School took part by doing some models, paintings and other coloured creations associated with the sea, like boats, fish and fishing nets etc… Various materials were used like paper, pasta, clay, pegs, wood and others.

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Artisans Work Exhibited along Marsaskala Promenade

The first summer activity of 2014

was the Artisans work Exhibited

along the Marsaskala Promenade

between 28 and 29th

June which is

also known as an annual activity by now!

There were around 40 exhibitors presenting

their talents and working on the spot as

well. Amongst them were filigree items,

Maltese lace, arts, clay, wooden work,

jewels and many other handmade pieces.

There was also a stand with children face

painting and children hands on painting

under professional supervision.

A small group from St Vincent de Paule

elderly home were also invited to

contribute in this activity by working on

handmade items on the spot.

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Apart from the Maltese Artisans we

had also the pleasure to see some

Chinese arts. A Chinese village was

set up. In this small village we could

find a stand with some information

on Traditional Chinese Medicine and

others on Chinese artisan. We had

also some shows of Martial Arts. You

could also smell Chinese food cooked

from another stand in the same village.

On Sunday morning, at around

10.00am in Dun Tarcis Agius

Square, we had a show from a

group of around 40, shiny and

stunning, Harley Davidson

motorcycles, which were given a

memento for taking part in this 2

day activity.

Between 28 and 29 June you could see all Maltese talents, old and new, along

the promenade in our picturesque village of Marsaskala whilst enjoying also the

fresh sea breeze and maybe also drinking and eating fresh food at the same time.

Heartfelt thanks should go to all the public, Maltese and foreigners, who were

present on these2 days. Our appreciation goes also to the Marsaskala Local

Council Cultural Committee team together with the Mayor and some of the

Councillors. Our thanks go also to the Ministry of Tourism and Parliament

Secretary of the Local Government.

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Fund Raising for the children in Peru from Birzebbuga Scout Group

Pretty Bay -Birzebbuga

On 5th

July 2014, an event was

organised by Ms Grace Debono and

Ms Christine Cutajar together with

Birzebbuga Scout Group and also in

collaboration with Birzebbuga Local

Council.

The Scout Group teamed up and

organised games on the sand and also

in the sea to do this fund raising event

where the amount of € 150 where

collected to be sent to the

underprivileged children in the poor

village of La Tomilla in Arequipa in Peru.

On behalf of the Committee ’Fondi Peru

2014’ , the Mayor Mario Calleja and myself

(Elizabeth Cassar) wish to heart fully thank

the organisers, Birzebbuga Local Council and

the marvellous team of Birzebbuga Scout

Group who worked from their hearts as a

team.

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On behalf of the children in La Tomilla:

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

– Mother Theresa

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200th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Malta Police Force

As part of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Foundation of

the Malta Police Force, the precision drill team and the police band took part in

an activity in Dun Tarcis Agius Square, Marsaskala. The band marched along Triq

ix-Xatt, Marsaskala and then presented a musical programme. Policemen

mounted also an exhibition with their dogs.

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Vocal and Instrumental Concert from St Anne’s Band in

Marsaskala-17th

July 2014

A Vocal and Instrumental concert,

directed by Maestro Ugo Buhagiar, was

set up in Dun Tarcis Agius Square on the

20th Anniversary from the

establishment of the Society of St Anne’s

Band in

Marsaskala.

The concert

was set up in collaboration with the Marsaskala Local

Council. On behalf of the Local Council, the Mayor

gave a memento to the President of the Society, Mr

Kevin Bonello, together with a new instrument to

encourage more students to learn music within the

Society.

It was really a great concert mixed

with classical music together with

the modern ones which I am

certain that every single person

from the audience enjoyed.

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BBQ – Fund Raising for the mission in Arequipa, Peru in October

2014

During

the

sunset of

19th

July

2014, a

BBQ was organised in Dun Tarcis Agius

Square in Marsaskala. This was in aid of

buying a van for the poor children in Arequipa, Peru.

Around 200 people attended this BBQ where while eating some delicious food,

they could also enjoy some background Peruvian music and modern ones.

Heartfelt thanks from Team Peru goes to all helpers and benefactors and the

numerous people who attended so this event could be another success.

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

― Booker T. Washington

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Pasta & Tombla Night – Fund Raising Activity in Aid of the poor of

the poor in Arequipa, Peru

29th

August 2014

Another GREAT SUCCESS.

Thank you ...thank you ...thank you for your co-operation and contribution!

Dear friends we wish to thank you for such an attendance in Pjazza Dun Tarcis

Agius and co-operation in doing fund raising with such a noble intention. We all

ate together, played Tombola together, laughed together, whilst hearing lovely

Peruvian melodies. All this means a smile in a poor child who is hungry, some

rest in a mother’s mind who does not have anything to give to her child and

some cure for the sick. I am sure that our brothers and sisters in Arequipa will

pray all for you, YOU who have attended this event in more than 200 persons.

‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will

repay him for his deed.’ – Proverb 19:17

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Iljieli Skalin

400 years since the Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt built

St Thomas Tower

1614 - 2014

Between the 6th

and 7th

of September

Marsaskala Local Council in

collaboration with Gal Xlokk Project

commemorated the 400th

years of St

Thomas Tower building where Grand

Master de Wignacourt built one of the

set of five towers in Malta, in one of

the large bays where was in high risk

that troops land.

The memorable evening started with

the opening of an exhibition inside the

Tower until sunset where at around

08.00pm the Tower was closed, flares

were lighten up around the Tower. You

could see re-enactors going around the

Tower dressed in costumes of the

Knights era, French and even British era.

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Some re-enactors were seen also mounted on horses going around this beautiful

Tower. Such lovely scenery!

Around 700 people, Maltese and foreigners, were ready seated to see the very

well prepared pageant that took us way back through the history until this

majestic Tower was built in 1614 and how it served until today in 2014.

The evening closed with the Mayor giving the memento for Marsaskala Day. This

year it was given to the Marsaskala Sports Club as they honoured us by being

promoted to 1st

division and Champions of 2014.

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On 7th

September Sunday morning, Marsaskala Day started by the thanks giving

mass in St Anne’s Parish Church given by the Chaplain. After we had the pets

blessings were you could see dogs, cats and other type of animals together with

many horses ready to be blessed by the Chaplain.

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Crib Exhibition

6th

& 7th

December 2014

Between the 6th

and 7th

December

2014, a Crib Exhibition was set up by

the Cultural Committee within the

Marsaskala Local Council in San

Gwakkin Hall in Marsaskala.

Different original cribs were

exhibited with the major part from

the St Thomas More College

Marsaskala Primary. In November a

person from the NGO ‘Ghaqda hbieb

tal-Presepju’ visited the school to

show the students how to build a crib, and the result was that we had 26 cribs

attractively made by the children. These cribs were created from the most

unthinkable recycled things we use daily such as recycled paper, knitting, boxes,

jablo, eggshells etc……

We had also exhibited other

beautifully made large cribs from

the same NGO ‘Ghaqda Hbieb tal-

Presepju’ and other residents in

Marsaskala whom we really show

our appreciation for taking part in

this successful Exhibition.

The Exhibition was visited by the Hon. Minister Owen Bonnici, Minister for

Justice, Culture and Local Government and by many residents in Marsaskala, the

students’ parents and the students themselves.

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I wish to thank also all participants,

the Cultural Committee Team with

the co-ordinators Mr Alfred Debono

and Mr Joe Magri within the

Marsaskala Local Council, the Clergy

and last but not least the Mayor,

Mario Calleja, for this successful

event and for their support.

Whilst wishing you all a Prosperous

Festive Season with all the Blessings, I really hope to see you all again for the

Christmas Concert set up on the 19th

December at 7.15 pm, venue –Marsaskala

Parish Church.

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Christmas Concert 2014~ Marsaskala

On Friday 19th December 2014, a

Christmas Concert in Marsaskala

Parish Church was organised in

collaboration with the Cultural

Committee within Marsaskala Local

Council, led by the co-ordinators Mr

Alfred Debono and Mr Joe Magri

together with the Mayor Mario

Calleja and in collaboration also with the Parish Priest and clergy.

During the concert, Christmas Carols, were caroled by

Choir Ulied Sant Anna accompanied by the musicians:

Charlo Xuereb, David Attard , Joe Chetcuti, Edward

Calamatta, Paul Caruana & Joe Vella. We had also a

very promising young performer, Ms. Thea Aquilina,

singer from Hal-Safi with her unique voice singing

beautiful Christmas Carols. Choir St Anne’s Parish

Church, Choir Laverne & Russian Boarding School

Choir, Parish Guitar Group also gave their magnificent

performance with their

Christmas songs. The Gran

Finale from all participants

was a ‘Silent Night for All

the World’. The Mayor, Mr

Mario Calleja and the Parish

Priest Fr Walter Cauchi also gave their messages for Christmas and the New Year

2015.

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Certificates were given to all the young

participants who took part in the Crib

Exhibition held between 6th and 7th December

and prizes to those who won the best 6 original

cribs.

The Hon. Minister Owen Bonnici, Minister for

Justice, Culture and Local Government and the

Russian ambassador were also present for the

concert.

The concert’s aim was for the Community chest fund.

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