Sliema Local Council | Christmas 2014

DECEMBER 2014

L-Adorazzjoni tal-MaġiTempra fuq l-injam tal-pittur Gentile da Fabriano (c. 1370 - 1427) fil-Gallaria degli Uffizi, Firenze

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Kunsill Lokali Tas-Sliema

IndirizzTriq Depiro, Tas-Sliema SLM2037

Numru Tat-Telefon(+356) 21 33 76 33

[email protected]

Websitewww.sliemalocalcouncil.com

FacebookTas-Sliema Local Council

Bord EditorjaliPierre Paul Portelli (Editur)Daniel Micallef (Membru)

[email protected]

StamparUnion Print Co. Ltd

Distribuzzjoni3D

SindkuAnthony Chircop

Viċi SindkuKris Busietta

Segretarju EżekuttivMatthew Dimech

KunsillieraLisa Cassar

Vivienne Galea PaceMarianne AquilinaPierre Paul PortelliMichael Briguglio

Paul RadmilliJohn Pillow

Antoine Castaldi ParisDavid Muscat

Ħinijiet Għal-Pubbliku16 ta’Ġunju - 30 ta’Settembru

Mit-Tnejn sal-Ġimgħa: 08:00 - 13:00Is-Sibt: 08:00 - 11:00

1 ta’Ottubru - 15 ta’ĠunjuMit-Tnejn sal-Ġimgħa: 08:00 - 13:00, 14:15 - 17:00

Is-Sibt: 08:00 - 11:00

Ħinijiet Għal-Ħlas ta’ Ċitazzjonijiet, Liċenzjiu Permessi Oħra

Matul is-Sena KollhaMit-Tnejn sal-Ġimgħa: 08:00 - 13:00

Is-Sibt: 08:00 - 11:00

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Dear Residents,

The summer months are a time of year when our locality sees an even larger influx of visitors than usual both from overseas and other areas of Malta; who come shopping, to bathe or enjoy an evening's walk along our popular promenade. Year after year this continued influx adds further pressures on our locality; this not only in terms of parking or better the lack

of it! but also in terms of the general cleansing of the locality and other upkeep requirements; all of which fall under the responsibility and have to be provided for by your Council. We are pleased to report that again this year our efforts in reaching this aim, (to maintain a high standard of cleanliness) have been well supported too by Central Government through its Cleansing Directorate, which supplemented Council's sweeping and bin-emptying frequencies, and through this Unit`s night washing twice weekly of the whole of the Sliema promenade from near Barracuda all the way to confine of Gzira.

It is a well known fact that Sliema has for many years been established as a very sought after and popular high-end tourism destination; we intend upholding further this esteem, Sliema and its residents have and shall as always continue to extend our warm welcome to these foreign visitors. Unfortunately such a popular status has downturns too! formost is the sometimes basic lack of reciprocity shown towards us, the local residents by some of these holiday makers. I specifically address the younger age groups (in particular English Language Students) we ask that these please respect the warmth extending and reciprocate same by applying proper manners, rather than with some very irresponsible behavior! We had well before the start of the summer season met with a delegation from FELTHOM the Federations that groups together all licensed Language Schools, who in turn agreed to inform their respective members and associate accommodation providers to pass on this advice to all their students; highlighting that any disruption of public order or if the limit of decent behaviour is surpassed by whoever and whenever caused, culprits are liable to land themselves in very serious trouble. This approach seems to have worked, at least fewer complaints have been lodged with Council.

A particular important point I would like to emphasis, this for the benefit of all that may have the impression that the Council has overall authority in the locality, that this opinion is far off from reality. Facts are that, whilst cleansing and garbage collection fall entirely under Council`s responsibility, Council has absolutely no say at all in enforcing existing regulations / Public Order; the observance of the country`s laws are entirely and solely the remit of our Police Force. This is not to be interpreted to mean that Council is in any way trying to shy away from ensuring that the applicable regulations are in the grater of circumstances

adhered to. We are as always open to listen to any reports from residents on any aggrevations these may unfortunately experience, and will as always work closely and offer all possible support to the Police in a concerted effort to efficiently and effectively correct any misdemeanor.

Our Council has over the past months continued in its endeavors toward creating a more organized traffic management system for our locality and whilst one appreciates that alternative routes may look somewhat slightly longer these all in all providing for a much easier flow. Other interventions are under consideration and will be proposed to Transport Malta following our carefully conducted studies and evaluations.

I can't allow this opportunity go by without providing an update on the very unfortunate situation related to the cancelled “Sliema Timed Parking Scheme” and our continued insistence with the powers that be for our locality too to be able at long last to benefit from such schemes; ones successfully adopted and similarly applicable in a number of other localities both in Malta and Gozo. Good to remind all, that permits for implementation of such a scheme in Sliema were well in order and we were only impeded from going ahead simply as the Transport Ministry felt these schemes needed reviewing, and that according to this same Ministry’s sources and their official communiqué, the required reforms were in an advanced stage and the blueprint of these new revised scheme that would have in their opinion better addressed the issue on a national level, were supposed to have been published in reasonable time.

In this regard allow please to highlight the below;-

a) That whilst the new blueprint was being formulated all other schemes effective around our Islands were be suspended too.

B)That timelines set were to be brief, and most importantly Council, whose scheme was cancelled way back in June'13, was to be kept consistently in the loop whilst the reformed schemes was being developed.

What actually is a far cry from initial promise, as:-

a)Timed Parking Scheme was only cancelled in Sliema and remained applicable and enforceable everywhere else.

b) Irrespective of our continuous and persistent chasing no info as to progress was rather vague and limited. Furthermore dates for the expected announcement of same kept from January`14, being postponed from one month to another.

In closing may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Bright and Prosperous 2015

Anthony ChircopMayor

Anthony Chircop

Pierre PortelliKunsillier

Relazzjonijiet Pubbliċi, Okkażjonijiet, Media tal-Kunsill, Informazzjoni Teknoloġika

Dr Michael BriguglioKunsillier

Persuni b’Diżabilta, Bajjiet, Edukazzjoni (Chairman), Kumitat EU, Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Pubbliċi

Paul RadmilliKunsillier

Kumitat E.U (Chairman), Skart, Skart Riċiklat, Sigurta fil-Lokalita, Kumitat Offerti Pubbliċi

John PillowKunsillier

Relazzjonijiet mas-Settur Kummerċjali, Promenade, Ġonna Publici, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni

Nanette Castaldi ParisKunsilliera

Relazzjonijiet mas-Settur tat-Turiżmu

David MuscatKunsillier

Żgħażagħ, Sport,Ġemellaġi u Attivitajiet

Lisa CassarKunsilliera

Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publiċi, Relazzjonijiet Intergovernattivi, Kumitat EU

Vivienne Galea PaceKunsillieratRelazzjonijiet mal-Iskejjel, Trasport Pubbliku, Attivitajiet fil-Kunsill, Proġetti ta’ tisbiħ fuq skala żgħira fil-qalba tal-Lokal, Kumitat tat-Trasport, Kumitat tal-Edukazzjoni u Kumitat tal-Anzjani

Marianne AquilinaKunsilliera

Anzjani (Chairman), Relazzjonijiet mad-Day Centre

Matthew DimechSegretarju Eżekuttiv

Dr Kris BusiettaVici Sindku

Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publiċi, Materji Legali, Siti Storiċi, Knis, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni

Kunsill Lokali Tas-SliemaResponsabilitajiet

Anthony ChircopSindku

Chairman go: Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publici, Traffic Management, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni u membru Kumitat E.U.

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sliema local council - December 2014

Pierre PortelliKunsillier

Relazzjonijiet Pubbliċi, Okkażjonijiet, Media tal-Kunsill, Informazzjoni Teknoloġika

Dr Michael BriguglioKunsillier

Persuni b’Diżabilta, Bajjiet, Edukazzjoni (Chairman), Kumitat EU, Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Pubbliċi

Paul RadmilliKunsillier

Kumitat E.U (Chairman), Skart, Skart Riċiklat, Sigurta fil-Lokalita, Kumitat Offerti Pubbliċi

John PillowKunsillier

Relazzjonijiet mas-Settur Kummerċjali, Promenade, Ġonna Publici, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni

Nanette Castaldi ParisKunsilliera

Relazzjonijiet mas-Settur tat-Turiżmu


Żgħażagħ, Sport,Ġemellaġi u Attivitajiet

Lisa CassarKunsilliera

Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publiċi, Relazzjonijiet Intergovernattivi, Kumitat EU

Vivienne Galea PaceKunsillieratRelazzjonijiet mal-Iskejjel, Trasport Pubbliku, Attivitajiet fil-Kunsill, Proġetti ta’ tisbiħ fuq skala żgħira fil-qalba tal-Lokal, Kumitat tat-Trasport, Kumitat tal-Edukazzjoni u Kumitat tal-Anzjani


Anzjani (Chairman), Relazzjonijiet mad-Day Centre

Matthew DimechSegretarju Eżekuttiv

Dr Kris BusiettaVici Sindku

Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publiċi, Materji Legali, Siti Storiċi, Knis, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni

Kunsill Lokali Tas-SliemaResponsabilitajiet

Anthony ChircopSindku

Chairman go: Kumitat Finanzi, Kumitat Offerti Publici, Traffic Management, Kumitat Siti ta’ Kostruzzjoni u membru Kumitat E.U.

Dear residents,

I have always been aware of the community spirit in our locality, and that has been reinforced many times in recent months as I speak to residents, meet new people and attend functions.

That’s why the Sliema Local Council puts the people first. You are our priority !

Those who have had dealings with the Council, should have noticed the difference already.We have raised the bar, by putting in place an adequate and working staff that has dramatically improved response times to residents’ inquiries.

Every single resident plays a role in making our locality even more special, from our staff – ordinary people doing extraordinary work – to our band clubs, NGOs, Councillors and most of all family members.

All this work is delivering results that, collectively, helps improve our quality of life.

These results don’t happen by chance – they are the result of the past two years of hard work by many members of the community and our Council.

The challenge is to continue to improve. The key is establishing stronger partnerships between the Council and the community.

2014 wasn’t at all easy, in terms of allocated budgets and projects. We struggled to make sure that we would prioritize on projects, such as the construction of certain roads and pavements, however, Sliema is a big locality and our budget does not reflect the size of our locality. In order to serve you as well as possible, we are looking into new methods of regional and EU funding, so that we can work on improved infrastructure and also host major events.

One of our most successful and fast growing events, is without any doubt, the Sliema Arts Festival. vThe Events Sub-committee had a busy beginning to the Summer, were it was fully involved in organizing

the second edition of Arts Festival for our locality. Although I must admit that we still had some teething problems, I am confident that we can only improve on a number of identified issues, that will help us create and organize a much better Festival for everyone to enjoy in the year to come. During this year's festival we had over 20 international artists who were flown in to Malta especially for this occasion, not to mention the large number of Maltese artists that participated by exhibiting their work. All in all we are very happy with the outcome of the second edition of the Festival, definitely one of its kind in Malta. We have now already begun the necessary ground work, in order to plan and improve next year’s festival.2015 will be a year of opportunity for Sliema and as a Council we will commit to working with you to seize these opportunities.

I would like to thank every member of our community for your contribution in creating a lifestyle that is the envy of others. Sliema has really become one of the best places to live, work and play, and as long as we keep respecting each other and show solidarity to one another, the standard of living in our community can only keep improving in the years to come.

May you and your family enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and new year.

I look forward to serving you in 2015 and beyond.

Pierre PortelliEditor

E: [email protected]: @pierreportelliM: 9946 4009

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sliema local council - Dece,mber 2014

Għeżież Residenti,

"Ninsabu fi żminijiet sbieħ tal-Milied fejn kullħadd jipprova li dawn iż-żminijiet iqattagħhom mal-familja, hbieb u l-għeżież tiegħu. Żmien ta' ħruġ u divertiment ukoll, it-toroq tagħna jkunu mixgħula biex isebbħu u jagħtu l-ħajja lid-Djar tar-residenti, ħwienet u anki lil dawk li jkunu qed jippassiġaw u jżommu r-rota ta l-ekomomija ddur.

Niehu ħafna gost nara li f'tas-Sliema għad issib residenti li jarmawlek il-Bambin fit-twieqi jew xi presepju, xi ħaga li jien ninkoraġġihom u ngħid lil dawk li forsi qatt ma żejnu biex jipruvaw għalinqas ta darba jarmaw u jżejnu ħalli taraw kemm jagħmel differenza it-tizjin u b'hekk ukoll ma nkunux qed nmewtu it-tradizzjonijiet li ahna mrobbijin bihom.

Dan hu żmien fejn wieħed ukoll jgħin u jaqsam dak li għandu ma ħaddieħor. Ma jonqosx li bħala Kunsill Lokali fejn jista jgħin se jkun qed jgħin lill ħaddieħor b'diversi modi.

Attivitajiet fil-Lokalita:

Il-Korp tal-Pulizijja tad-distrett tagħna, xtaq jorganizza attivita fejn il-Pulizija u l-komunita jkunu aktar qrib ta'xulxin. Għal dan il-għan twaqqaf kumitat zgħir li jien nagħmel parti minnhu bħala Kunsillier fil-Lokalita ta' tas-Sliema biex flimkien mall-Kunsilli Lokali tal-Gżira, Ta'Xbiex u l-Imsida jingħaqdu f'daqqa u jtellgħu attivita fejn il-komunita u l-korp tal-Pulizija ikunu qed jaħdmu id'f'id f'din. Din l-Attivita saret nħar it-8 ta' Dicembru 2014 bejn l-10am u s-6pm fil-grawnd tal-futbol ta' Sliema Wanderers f'Tigne. Din l-atttivita ġabet l-isem ta' Kick with the Cops. Nista ngħid li l-parteċipazzjoni kienet waħda tajba ħafna speċjalment mit-tfal li ħadu ħafna gost jilagħbu knock out mal-Pulizija, ma setax jonqos ukoll l-involviment ta' diversi Kunsilliera, Sindki u segretarji ezekuttivi li laghbu din id-darba loghba futbol vs il-Pulizija. Kienet attivita sabiħa meta tara ħafna familji

u tfal jieħdu gost flimkien.

Għal din l-attivita attendiet ukoll l-E.T il-President ta'Malta s-Sinjura Marie Louise Coleiro Preca fejn lejn l-aħħar ġiet ippreżentata lilha donazzjoni fejn kienet gejja mit-tfal u l-korp tal-Pulizija b'risq il-Malta Community Chest Fund. Hawnhekk nixtieq nirringrazzja l-kull min ħa sehem fosthom il-korp tal-Pulizija taht is-Superintendent s-Sinjura Alexandra Mamo, il-Kunsilli Lokali ta tas-Sliema, il-Gżira, Ta' Xbiex u l-Imsida. In-Nurseries ta' Sliema Wanderers, is-Sur Alex Muscat li għogbu jislef il-grawnd lilna biex tittella din l-attivita u ħafna nies oħra distinti li għogobhom jiġu għal din l-attivita.

Ejjew ħalli s-sena d-dieħla nkomplu għaddejin b'aktar attivitajiet simlili bħall dawn fejn ninvolvu ukoll il-Pulizija. Ma jonqsux ukoll diversi attivitajiet oħra li saru u qedin isiru matul dan ix-xhar marbuta mal-ġranet sbieħ tal-Milied u l-ewwel tas-sena.

Is-Sena d-dieħla se tkun sena oħra ta' sfidi għal dan il-Kunsill Lokali fejn żgur qed inħarsu sabiex norganizzaw Jum tas-Sliema, serata fejn fiha ukoll se nkunu qed nirikonoxxu u nipremjaw persuni li ta il-kontribut tagħhom għal tas-Sliema. Fil-Magazine li jmiss se nkunu qed inħabbru d-dettalji ta' dan il-Jum.

Minn qalbi f'ismi, f'isem il-familja tiegħi, sħabi l-Kunsilleira flimkien mas-Sindku u l-ħaddiema kollha li jagħmlu parti mill-Kunsill Lokali tagħna. Nixtieqilkom Milied ħieni u sena milmlija saħħa, paċi u kuntentizza".

David MuscatKunsillier+356 99457784


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Għeziez Residenti ,

Wara tnax il-sena ta’ ħidma flimkien nixtieq f’ismi, f’isem sħabi l-Kunsilliera kollha, l-istaff u l-familja tiegħi nawgura l-isbaħ xewqat għall-Milied u Sena Ġdida mimlija rizq u hena lil kulħadd.

Awguri


Għeziez Residenti ,

Għaddiet sena oħra fejn flimkien ma sħabi l-Kunsilliera għamilna diversi xogħlijiet u manutenzjoni u pprovajna nagħtu servizz lilkom residenti fejn dejjem kien possibbli. Nittama li l-Kunsill kien ta’ għajnuna. Nixtieq b’dan il-messaġġ nawgura lil kulħadd l-isbaħ xewqat għal zmien il-Milied u sena ġdida mimlija serenita. Nawgura wkoll li jkollna sena ġdida b’ħidma kontinwa flimkien.

Awguri

John PillowKunsillierJohn Pillow

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sliema local council - JULY 2014

As the new scholastic year is progressing, Sliema Local Council is once again providing a wide range of courses at different levels and for different age groups. As an inclusive council, we strongly believe that courses should be accessible to

everyone, including foreign residents, who are most welcome to participate.

Storytelling sessions for kids aged 5-7 are being held for the third consecutive year in the Council Library in Blanche Huber Street. The sessions are held on Saturday mornings between 900 and 1000 and are proving to be popular with participants.Kids up to 3 years old are now being offered a new scheme called ‘Read With Me – Aqra Mieghi’ , which involves stories and rhymes in English every Tuesday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council, and stories and rhymes in Maltese every

Thursday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council. This initiative is being organized under the auspices of the Ministry for Education.

As regards the national lifelong learning scheme for adults, Sliema Local Council is hosting the following courses: Literacy – Maltese; Literacy – English; Literacy – Science; Literacy – Maths; English as a foreign language; Maltese as a foreign language; Spanish Language and Culture; Zumba; Yoga; Understanding Child Development; Lace Making and Maltese Cultural and Natural Heritage. More information about this scheme may be obtained from https://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/

Sliema Local Council has also offered its popular course in beading, and will be once again organizing a course in basic computer skills for adults. More information can be obtained from the council.

In the coming weeks, the Committee for Education, which I chair, will be proposing a range of courses for the coming year, also taking into account the results obtained from courses offered in previous years. Sliema residents are most welcome to send any suggestions and feedback.

_________________________________________

On another note, Sliema Local Council is looking into the proposed development of Townsquare, at the Union Club grounds between Tower Road and Qui-si-sana. Over the past years, this proposal has undergone changes and has also been subject to much debate among residents and councilors.

We have now learned that the proposed development will include various buildings including a 33-storey tower, the rehabilitation of

Michael Briguglio

Educational Courses… and Development in Sliema

Locality Meeting 2014

The Public Library in Blanche Street,Tas-Sliema, would like to inform that the storytelling

sessions for kids are being held at the Library.Parents who would like to send their children

are invited to write for furthur details tothe Councillor responsible for education,Michael Briguglio at [email protected] contact Tas-Sliema Local Council on

[email protected] or 2133 7633

Storytelling for Children


Villa Drago and its gardens, a shopping hall, 181 apartments, almost 5,000 square metres of office space, more than 9,000 square metres of retail area, and an underground carpark for about 700-800 cars.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s (MEPA) Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) has assessed the plans and concluded that the development will have an impact on air quality in an area which is already congested with traffic, and noted that the annual average daily traffic from the project would be over 27,000 vehicles.

MEPA’s assessment also notes that excavation would have an impact of major significance in terms of vibrating disturbance, but that the restoration of Villa Drago will have positive impacts.

MEPA’s study also states that the development will extend the existing shadowing of Qui-si-sana. Indeed, shadowing will impact further over the sea and will also affect additional areas of the rocky shore which would be deprived of sunshine even during midday.

Finally, the EPD report adds that the social impact on the area will be negative.

It is therefore no surprise that Sliema Local Council is registering as an objector to proposed plans. The council will be looking further into the proposed plans and speak up accordingly. We believe that improvements can be made which give more consideration to social and environmental considerations.

Here one should note that development should be sustainable, meaning that social and

environmental factors should not be sidelined for short-term economic gains. To the contrary, social, environmental and economic considerations can be reconciled through holistic planning and comprehensive consultation.

Unfortunately residents in the area do not have positive experiences of the impact of some other development projects in the vicinity. Areas close to some development projects remain shabby, and at times resemble rubbish dumps, with debris being scattered in various places, and with infrastructure, fencing and other features which are reminiscent of shanty towns. Such practices are also of disservice to those developers who do engage in good practice and professional workmanship.

In the case of Fort Cambridge, it is disappointing to note that embellishment and restoration of historical sites is taking place at a snail’s pace, thus raising legitimate concern by many residents.

Adherence to development conditions requires improvement in Malta. Local Councils do not have legal power in this regard, but can act as legitimate voices on residents’ concerns. We urge authorities to ensure that development always respects the social fabric and environmental characteristics of localities.

A Happy Christmas and New Year to all readers

Michael [email protected]

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Sliema Council Wins Another Award

Sliema Local Council was awarded the 2014 ‘Most Supportive Locality’ award by Greenpak Cooperative Society with respect to initiatives related to the collection of recyclable waste. Greenpak recognised efforts by the Council to increase the waste being separated at source.

Such initiatives included the placing of posters in the common entrances of blocks of apartments, a video uploaded on social media on the importance of recyclable waste, the placing of skips inside large apartment complexes, collection of glass every first Friday of the month, a collection day for used clothes and providing free Greenpak bags to Sliema residents.

A good New Year resolution would be to start separating your waste by placing the paper, metal and plastic in a green bag for the Tuesday and Friday collections. Remember to remove all liquids from the containers before placing in the bag. Anything which has oils or pieces of food such as the pizza box cannot be recycled, so please place such items in the black bag. If you have any empty bottles after some deserved merry-making, kindly place them in front of your door before 0830 in the morning on the first Friday of the month. If you happen to already be a person who recycles you may wish to encourage any neighbours who are not recycling.

I wish all readers a warm Christmas and a Happy Recycling New Year.

Paul [email protected]

Greenpak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri, Minister Leo Brincat, Mr Paul Radmilli.

Award winners Paola, Pembroke, Kirkop, Sliema, Attard Council representatives together with Greenpak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary Dr Stefan Buontempo, and Minister Leo Brincat.

Greenpak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri, Minister Leo Brincat, Mr Paul Radmilli.


Monthly Collection of Recycled Waste In Tas-Sliema.

The above graph indicates that the collection is below target and we thus encourage residents to recycle more.

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Il-Ħamsa ta’ Ġunju jimmarka l-Jum Dinji tal-Ambjent. Il-jum li fih il-Ġnus Magħquda tuża’ bħala xprun biex tinkoraġġixxi u tħeġġeġ aktar lill-popli jħarsu l-ambjent ta’ madwarhom. Huwa jum fejn aħna nġeddu wegħdiet lejnna nfusna u lejn dawk ta’ madwarna dwar l-importanza li nikkonservaw u nipproteġu u li kull inizjattiva li tittieħed żgħira jew kbira tingħaqad ma’oħrajn u tħalli l-impatt tagħha.

L-iskola Salesjana ta’ St.Patrick’s Sliema, fakkret il-Jum Dinji tal-Ambjent nhar it-28 ta’ Mejju, billi kkordinat tindifa ġewwa l-lokalita ta’ Tas-Sliema, li l-istess skola tagħmel parti minnha. Din l-inizjattiva li bdiet minn din l-iskola setgħet issir aktar possibbli bil-kollaborazzjoni tar-rappreżentanti tal-Ekoskola Malta, Cynthia Caruana u Elizabeth Agius, tan-Nature Trust,tal-Kunsill Lokali Sliema, l-istudenti tal-iskola primarja u sekondarja ta’ St.Joseph Sliema, flimkien mal-għalliema tagħom Ms Ruth Calleja u Ms Graziella Caruana u l-iskola Sekondarja tas-Subien ta’ Tas-Sliema flimkien mal-għalliem tagħom Mr Paul Brincat. Il-ħsieb wara dan kollu kien sostennibilita lejn il-lokalita. Nagħtu xi ħaġa lura lill-lokalita.

Il-kampanja tnehdiet fit-teatru tal-iskola ta’ St.Patrick’s bi programm iddettaljat mill-istess studenti li kien jinkludi presentazzjonijiet dwar is-separazzjoni tal-iskart. L-istudenti pproduċew wkoll film qasir flimkien ma’ kanzunetta mmirati li jkabbru aktar għarfien dwar l-importanza tas-separazzjoni tal-iskart.

Lejn tmiem l-ewwel parti tal-programm, bħala ġest simboliku, student minn kull skola, qara messaġġ tal-okkażjoni dwar l-importanza tal-ħarsien tal-ambjent.

Għall-ħabta tad-9:30 am l-istudenti ħallew l-iskola ta’ St.Patrick’s u reħewlha lejn it-toroq ta’ Tas-Sliema fejn bdew t-tindifa. Maqsuma f’żewġ gruppi, grupp ġibed lejn it-toroq li huma fil-qalba tal-lokalita u l-grupp l-ieħor mexa man-naħa tal-baħar. Ftehmu li jiltaqgħu Tiġne’. Sar sforz kollettiv li ħalla l-frott. Wara biss siegħa, inġabru 14.3 kilogrammi fi skart reċiklabbli u 10.5 kilogrammi ta’ skart ieħor. Total ta’ 24.8 kilogrammi ta’skart.

Li tiċċelebra dan il-jum flimkien ma’skejjel oħra, jagħmlek aktar konxju li temmen fil-kollettivita u li flimkien inkunu katalisti tal-bidliet pożittivi. L-attivita serviet ukoll ta’ispirazzjoni għall-poplu ta’Tas-Sliema u għaqdiet oħra mill-komunita Slimiża, biex jagħmlu l-ambjent ta’madwarhom aktar sabiħ, nadif u b’saħħtu. Kienu ħafna l-individwi fit-toroq ta’ tas-Sliema li ġibdu l-attenzjoni tal-istudenti dwar din l-inizjattiva. Kull sforz kbir jew żgħir, żgur li jgħodd!

Grupp eko-skola

St.Patrick’s Sliema.

L-iskola ta’ St.Patrick’s impenjata lejn ambjent sostenibbli tal-lokalita tagħha.

New bicycle rack in front of the Local Council Offices

Get Cosy with Scholl this Winter

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17686_PCOS_SCHOLL INDOOR_AW14_FLIMKIEN DPS.indd 3 29/10/2014 15:55

15


On the 17th November 2014, some Eko-Skola representatives from St. Joseph Senior School Sliema met with the Sliema Local Council Mayor, Mr. Anthony Chircop. During the meeting they discussed the possibility of getting a sponsorship for Menu Planners which would be sold against a donation during Parents’ Day. Mr. Chircop explained the process of how the Council operates and the procedures to be followed in order to obtain a sponsorship for the school.

The committee decided to create the planner to

raise awareness about food wastage reduction in conjunction with the European Week for Waste Reduction.

The idea is to enable families to plan their meals and pre-plan their shopping lists with the necessary ingredients in mind. The money donated will be invested in the school by buying compost bins for the general use of our school.

The students found the meeting very interesting as they were given some insight on how the Council in our local community functions.

If you are interested in learning more about Food Wastage Reduction go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoCVrkcaH6Q

Eco School - Sliema Local Council Meeting

Cleaning of Culverts in Tower Road

Cleaning & Fixing of Culverts at The Strand

Independence Garden – New Playground 2014

Maintenance & Patching of pavements & roads

New Fence beneath it-Torri

Meeting with Parliamentary Secretary Hon Stefan Bontempo

Maintenance & Patching of pavements & roads

New Fence beneath it-Torri

Health Educational Talks

Sliema Local Council

Speaker

Title of Educational Health Talk

Principle General Practitioner

Dr. Martinelli

Management of high blood pressure and

cholesterol 20/1/2015

Principle General Practitioner

Dr. Grixti

Prevention and Management of Diabetes

27/1/2015

Practice Nurse Mental Health Mental Health Awareness 13/01/2015

The above programme of health talks is coordinated by the Primary Health Care Department in collaboration with Mental Health Services, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate and the Dietetics Unit at Mater Dei Hospital. Anyone interested please call Tas-Sliema Local Council on Tel: 21337633 or Email: [email protected]

Winter 2014Scholl & Gabor

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For the fallen

Wara li ntlaħqet il-paċi, diversi poeti kittieba uzaw it-talenti tagħhom biex ifakkru l-mejtin u din l-straġi, li ħalliet din il-gwerra. Fosthom insibu l-poezija ta’ Robert Laurence Binyon (1816-1943) li xxandret għall-ewwel darba fit-Times tal-Londra fil- 21 ta’ Settembru 1914.

Il-Poeta ħejja din il-poema f’nofs Settembru tal-1914, ftit ġimgħat wara li skopjat l-ewwel Gwerra Dinjija. F’dawn il-ġimgħat il-forzi armati Inglizi soffrew l-ewwel telfiet kontra il-forzi armati Ġermanizi fil-battalja ta’ Mons fit- 23 t’ Awwissu. Jingħad li Laurence Binyon waqt li kien bilqiegħda fuq l-irdumijiet fit-Tramuntana ta’ Cornwall, iħares lejn il-baħar kaħlani ġie sspirat mis-sbuħija ta’ dak ix-xenarju meraviljuz u kiteb din il-poezija.

Laurence jistaqarr li l-ħsieb tar-raba’ strofa ġieħ f’moħħu l-ewwel, izda sar famuz u familjari għaliex il-British Legion qisuh bħala ezortazzjoni għaċ-ċerimonji uffiċjali li jikkomemoraw lill-irġiel u n-nisa li nqatlu fit-taqbid. Laurence kien ġa kiber biex jidħol iservi fil-militar, b’danakollu għazel li jservi mar-Red Cross bħala infermier fl- 1916. Huwa tilef ħafna ħbieb u r-raġel t’oħtu.

Miġbura minn George Cilia

Il-Gwerra l-Kbira 1914-1918

Din is-sena l-Ewropa qed tikkomemora l-100 sena mill-bidu tal-ewwel Gwerra Dinjija. Il-ġurnali, ir-rivisti, ir-radju u t-televizjoni kollha fakkru din il-ġrajja. Pajjizna fakkar din il-gwerra b’diversi ċerimonji. Fit-28 ta’ Ġunju 1914, inqatlu f’Sarajevo l-Arċiduka Frnacesco Ferdinando u martu bi 3 tiri minn Nazzjonalisti Slavi u fit-23 ta’ Lulju l-lmperu Awstrijak iddikjara l-gwerra.

It-Tbatijiet tal-gwerra f’Malta

F’Malta bdiet tgħola sewwa l-ħajja u ġġib l-skartezza ta’ bosta affarijiet. Il-poplu beda jgorr u għadd li kien hawn il-bord li jifissa l-prezzijiet, beda jwaħħal f’dak u l-ieħor li kienu qed jaqilgħu izzejjed u jsiru sinjuri u jerdgħu demm il-poplu. Naqas il-faħam, iz-zokkor, il-ħobz wara li għola, ħzien. Skarsizza ta’ ħafna affarijiet. Il-pagi ma bdewx ilaħħqu mall-ħajja.

Sadanitant il-Gvernatur, Lord Mathwen irċieva telegram biex ilesti Malta bħala sptar għal eluf ta’ feruti, b’hekk f’daqqa waħda barra x-xogħol kbir li kellha t-tarzna, bdiet tlesti ruħha bħala sptar kbir. F’pajjizna kien hawn l-isptar ċentrali tal-Gvern, il-Blue Sisters, l-isptar ta’ Bighi għan-Navy u dak ta’ l-Imtarfa għall-Army. Kien hawn ukoll l-infermerija ta’ l-Ordni u ġew uzati xi skejjel fosthom l-iskola l-ġdida ta’ Tas-Sliema u kwartieri tar-reġimenti li telqu għall-gwerra. F’ pajjizna kienu tlestew 27 sptar b’ 25,000 sodda. F’Għajn Tuffieħa kien hemm it-tined għal 4000 konvalexxenti. Tobba Maltin u barranin jgħoddu mat-300 u 1000 infermiera. B’kollox ġew Malta sa Marzu 1916 bejn morda u feruti 80,000 b’hekk Malta ħadet l-isem ta’ Nurse of the Mediterranean.

L-Armistizju u l-Ispanjola

Fil-11 ta’ Novembru fil-11 ta’ filgħodu tas-sena 1918 beda jseħħ l-armistizju. Ta’ min ifakkar ukoll ġrajja oħra ta’ l-istess sena. Hekk kif il-ħajja bdiet ġejja għan-normal faqgħet fl-Ewropa l-influwenza Spanjola, li għamlet straġi. L-Ispanjola xegħelet f’pajjizna xejn anqas minn bnadi oħra kaġunata mid-debbolizza bl-għaks tal-gwerra u bl-iġjene tal-pajjiz tant batuta. L-influwenza damet tkaxkar sa Ġunju 1919. Qatlet nies fid-dinja wisq aktar milli qatlet il-gwerra.

Għar id-Dud

Hawnhekk il-merħa tan-niesminn naħa għall-oħra jitlajjaw,

f’serenità sajfija.Dal-misraħ biswit ix-Xerq

isebbaħ ma’ żerniq ix-xemx,li traxxax xquq dwalija.

Hawnhekk il-wesgħa mberħafuq l-għerien tal-Lembi u tad-Dud,

jaħkem sielem it-tbewwis.Blat mar-ragħwa u ċ-ċafċif,

u x-xofftejn sħan tal-maħbubin,hena, tgħanniq u tmellis.

Hawnhekk il-qamar mimlijagħmel triq fuq il-baħar,

bl-imrieżaq sbieħ fiddiena.Jidwu l-ġazz u l-vjolini...in-nostalġija tax-Xalèimħajjen biż-żeffiena.

Hawnhekk l-eliżir Slimiżtal-belt fuq l-għolja tal-Qortin,

bix-xtut żonqrija mdawwra.Hawn tgħasses il-Fortizza,

maż-żiffa ħelwa tal-lejl, taħt kwiekeb jilmu f’kull qawra.

Raymond Grech15 ta’ Lulju 2014Tas-Sliema.

Merħa = ħarġa, mixja, passiġġata.Xerq = il-Lvant (mnejn titla x-xemx).Eliżir = duwa, mediċina, toniku.

Postscriptum:

Triq Għar il-Lembi u Triq Għar id-Dud jagħtu dritt fuq iż-żewġ naħat tax-Xalè, minn Triq il-Kbira, fejn il-Knisja ta’ Stella Maris, għal isfel. Dawn it-toroq imsemmija għal tnejn mill-għerien li qedin taħt Għar id-Dud. B’kollox hemm sitt għerien, wieħed minhom jinsab mirdum.


It was just another busy Monday morning in Sliema. Cranes, whizzing delivery trucks, wandering wardens, ear-phoned fast-walkers and the mid-morning sun shining on half the limestone facades along Dingli and High Streets, deeply yellowed after a weekend of early autumn storms. Inside Stella Maris Church, now humbled by modernity, hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Perit Renato La Ferla.

My first encounter with Perit La Ferla came a few years ago whilst researching Art Nouveau architecture in Malta, particularly Sliema. He had been the first to officially write about this style way back in the 1960s when at the height of his career. I was so enthralled by his recollections of exchanges with protagonists such as Gustav Vincenti. On other occasions I had the opportunity to interview him on Maltese Modernist architectural movement in which he played a seminal role. He was one of those privileged young architects to have designed new government schools notably Floriana Primary School (1960) with its characteristic pilotis now alas (to his disdain) encased in podgy concrete cubes for fear of careering charabancs! Msida Primary School (1955) was also his, with its colourful schemes and carefully planted trees, these too mutilated of late. Buskett Roadhouse (1960s) remained one of his favourite creations given its unique site. He prided himself in having designed most

of this building, its internal detailing and surrounding landscaping, practically all of which has now gone. Somehow it was when he spoke about his father Alberto that he got most enthusiastic, with a clear sparkle in his eye. "I was predestined to be an architect" he once admitted. Clearly his father's prolific yet brief career, and tragic death made a great impact on Renato. He recalled how at a young age he found art and design so challenging that his teacher, Giuseppe Cali' s son, had told Alberto that he should forget about his son ever becoming an architect!

Perhaps my most cherished memory of Perit La Ferla was an impromptu walk along a few streets of Sliema on another Monday morning some years back proudly in which he showed me his father's works, almost gleefully pointing out his idiosyncrasies. Occasionally I would get a phone call from him which would make my day as we would briefly chat, commiserating about this, that and the other. His swift, assertive manner was

energising. I know other colleagues and friends whom as students met Perit La Ferla who was always happy to discuss architecture, providing also nuggets of professionalism and experience with them, until the very end. This year Maltese architecture has indeed lost one of its champions. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Edward Said,Sliema 15-x-2014

This appreciation appeared in The Architect (Autumn MMXIV), journal of The Malta Chamber of Architects.

Perit Renato La Ferla (1926-2014)

Edward Said

25


Sliema Local Council in collaboration with the Sliema Heritage Society recently carried out the following activities:

1) Salvage of street heritage

More 1950s ceramic street-name plaques were carefully removed prior to demolition works. Others are being conserved in-situ. The Local Council now holds over a dozen of these rare pieces of local heritage. It is planned that the collection will be mounted in a public space as part of an artistic installation.

2) St John's Hospital research

In a bid to celebrate Sliema's small but significant role during World War One, extensive research is being carried out to gather as much historical

records as possible about the present Sliema Government School's dual function at this time when it also served as a hospital. Readers having any relevant information they would like to share are cordially invited to contact the Sliema Local Council or Sliema Heritage Society ([email protected]). An exhibition in this regard will be held sometime next year.

3) Lost Landmarks of Sliema

At the end of January a lecture will be held outlining various lesser-known lost pieces of Sliema's heritage, architectural and otherwise. More details about this event will be announced through the social media.

Edward SaidSliema Heritage Society

26


John Sare

Vjaġġ fil-Fantasija u r-Realta’ Ta’ Joseph Casha

Ikompli mil-ħarġa ta qabel…

Bil-monument tal-Papa, Joseph irnexxielu jintegra żewġ monumenti f’wieħed. Il-bust tal-Papa u l-baklu huma tal-bronż u mingħajr

tbatija kullħadd jista jidentifika l-persunaġġ. Poġġa l-bust fuq struttura astratta imma kumplimentuża. Hekk kif bdejna l-millenju l-ġdid, il-Kappillan ta’ Ħ’Attard talab lil Joseph biex jibni tabernaklu ġdid għall-kappella ta’ l-Adorazzjoni Perpetwa. Din il-kappella tinsab fiċ-Ċentru Ġwann Pawl

ll. Il-kappillan ħalla f’idejn Joseph, kien jafdah. Ma riedx jibni tabernaklu kif aħna mdorrijin naraw fil-knejjes. Ried li l-fantasija ta’ moħħu tieħu “over”. Ħalliha tmexxieħ hi, u hekk ġara.

Joe stess qalli li dam ħafna jiġri fil-kampanja jfittex xi zokk ta’ siġra. Qalli jien tronku rrid. Naturalment zkuk daqshekk kbar u goffi ssibhom biss l-Għemmieri. Kien jinżel spiss. Ġurnata fost l-oħrajn, telefonata qaltlu, “ Sur Casha ejja arah.“

Malli rah, kien ċert li dak li kien qed ifittex, sabu. Kien tronku ta’ ħarruba, xiħa akka, u ta’ kobor mhux ħażin. Ġarrewwhulu l-ħaddiema stess. B’martell ta’ l-injam, furmatur u skarpellina beda jaħdem fuqu u ħalla l-fantasija tiġri bih. Joseph kien fl-ilma tiegħu.

It-Tabernaklu hu kaxxa tad-deheb, imdawwra fi sfera tal-bronż mgħottija bi ħġieġa. L-inawgurazzjoni saret f’Diċembru 2003. Joseph stess jagħtina tifsira ta’ dan it-Tabernaklu hekk maestuż. Il-ħarruba hi simbolu ta’ ħajja twila, hi kenn kemm għall-bniedem u kemm għat-tajr ta’ l-ajru, tagħti frott bl-abbundanza. It-tabernaklu qiegħed bejn iż-żewġ ġogi tal-friegħi tas-siġra. Tħares lejn din l-opra hekk sabiħa tħoss armonija sħiħa fl-integrazzjoni ta’ forom, bronż, deheb u ħġieġ. Forom mgħawwġa telgħin il-fuq, lejn l-Ostja kkonsagrata tistħajjilhom ilsna tan-nar – nar ta’ imħabba kbira li Alla għandu lejn il-bniedem.Minn siġra raffa, kollha toqob, mgħobbija biż-żmien, reġgħet ħadet il-ħajja f’idejn Joseph u qeda tkenni ġewwa fiha lil dak li HU ħaj għal

dejjem. Min studja Murder in the Cathedral jiftakar din is-sentenza – Secure is the rock on which the carob rests, I am the rock. T S Eliot.

Dominic Cutajar kiteb hekk fuq Joseph Casha: he belongs to a class of artists who shy away from publicity.

Is-sena 2005 kienet waħda importanti għal Joseph. Kien artist reservat, bogħod minn għajnejn in-nies. Hemm artisti li qatt ma’ ġiehom cans li jkunu magħrufa. Insiru nafu bihom biss wara mewthom u ħafna drabi b’kumbinazzjoni. Li kieku ma kienx għal Bank of Valletta li ħa ħsieb itella’ “Retrospective Exhibition”, wisq nibża li Joseph ma’ kien ikun jaf bih ħadd. Wirjiet bħal dawn jagħtu spinta lill-artist biex jibqa’ għaddej ‘l quddiem bix-xogħol tiegħu. Joseph kien l-aħħar wieħed li esebixxa fil-Head Office ta’ High Street Sliema.

F’din il-wirja tella’ mal-55 biċċa ta’ l-arti għall-wirja. Dawn kienu jkopru is-snin 1961 sa l-2005. Fosthom kien hemm din li qed taraw fuq slide.

Joseph sejjħilha “ Embrace “. Hawn għaqqad forom differenti – it-tond; l-ovali; ċilindriku; dawn kollha għaqqadhom flimkien biex ħoloq immaġini ta’ raġel u mara, li mingħajr dubju

ta’ xejn hemm laqtiet sesswali. Embrace jiġbor fih injam differenti, miżmumin f’morsa, murija fiż-żewġ biċċiet telgħin ‘l fuq – f’dan il-kas hu z-zokk ta’ siġra taċ-ċipress, maqsum minn nofs u ż-żewġt iġnub imħaffra bl-idejn. Hawn Joseph bl-akbar astuzja għaqqad il-mara – murija fil-boċċi lixxi – mar-raġel – muri fl-injam aħrax. Jurina wkoll ir-raġel aggressiv mal-mara timida, ħelwa u sottomessa.

Ikompli fil-ħarġa li jmiss…

Ġalandri l-Landier

F'Tas-Sliema kienet saret xena komuni naraw il-landier Ġalandri jintasab f’kantuniera f’salib it-toroq biex jidher kemm jista’ jkun. Ix-xemx fil-ġranet Sajfin titla’ kmieni għalhekk sa minn sbieħ il-jum naraw żewġ nisa Marinton u Zeża fil-kantuniera. Marinton bil-borma f’idejha għat-tiswijja, probabli tinħtieġ qiegħ ġdid u Zeza bil-bott vojt tal-ħalib maqgħud biex tagħmillu għalaq. Mara oħra ġejja mill-bogħod tingħaqad magħhom bis-spiritiera ta’ bi tlieta f’idejha, tinħtieġ dawra man-naħat kollha.

“Bonġu Marinton, illum ġej il-landier?” staqsiet Zeza. “Ilu ma jiġi” wieġbet Marinton. “Qed jgħidu li kwantu prima jsiefer lejn il-Canada fejn isib xogħol ta’ qliegħ il-flus” Sadanitant bdew jinġabru t-tfal, min jilgħab il-ballun u min jilgħab il-passju.

Wara ftit, il-landier tfaċċa’ biex izomm l-appuntament ta’ kull xahar man-nisa tad-dar. Ġalandri bniedem minn tagħna kemm tridu, paċenzjuz, kwiet u kapaċi jifhem fil-ħtiġijiet ta’ dawn in-nisa. Huwa kien igawdi fama tajba ma’ kulħadd. Marinton mgħaġġla pront resqet lejh, talbitu jibda’ ix-xogħol bil-borma tagħha għax illum trid tidħol sal-Belt biex tħallas il-kont tad-dawl u l-ilma.

Zeza staqsietu x’tixtieq tagħmel bil-bott. “Dan ix-xogħol irid il-ħin, ħallieh hawn u erġa’ ejja ħin ieħor” weġiebha l-landier bil-kalma. U hekk tibqa’ sejra l-ħidma tal-landier il-ġurnata kollha.

Is-Sengħa tal-landier

Il-landiera kienu jezistu f’zewġ kategoriji. L-ewwel waħda kellna dak il-landier tat-triq, li qed nitkellmu fuqu. Oħrajn kienu landiera għal xogħol li jitlob aktar sengħa u artiġjanat. Dawn jaħdmu minn ġo ħanut biex jistgħu jaħdmu bħal fanali tad-dawl, kaldaruni, stanjati kbar bil-għatu għall-ħwienet tat-Te’ u l-Kafe’, bdew jagħmlu qisien għall-kejl għaz-zejt tal-ikel, l-inbid u l-Pitrolju għall-ħwienet tal-merċa. Il-landiera kienu wkoll fil-mira tal-għannejja, ta’ spiss ifaħruhom jew imaqdruhom. Isimgħu zewġ versi:

“Jiena man-nies ma rridx naħdemGħaliex ma hawnx imgħallem sinċierAllura niftaħ kamra ma’ ġenbna U għal dan għarmajt landier.

Xtrajt l-għodda u bdejt naħdemU nisa bdew ġejjien

Biex il-borom insoddilhomTa’ dawk li jkunu mtaqbin.”

Il-landier tat-triq iġorr l-għodda miegħu kull fejn imur, banketta baxxa, spiritiera, l-stann, saldjatur, zingu u għodda ħafifa. Isewwi ħafna affarijiet tal-kċina li ma jinħtieġux xogħol ta’ dewmien izda xogħol li jista’ jsir fit-toroq. F’dawk iz-zmienijiet it-tisjir tal-familji kien isir permezz ta’ spiritieri bil-ġewza li kultant zmien riedet tinbidel u xi ħsarat oħra li jitolbu tiswija urġenti. Il-landier huwa l-bniedem meħtieġ fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum.

Ġalandri, li minn barra l-ġemgha ta’ nisa li jfittxuh kull darba li jitfaċċa fil-kantuniera, kellu wkoll jieħu paċenzja bit-tfal li jduru miegħu l-għaxqa tagħhom josservaw is-sengħa tiegħu, sar midħla tagħhom. Oħrajn jilgħabu l-ballun fit-triq jew il-passju viċin tiegħu. Mhux l-ewwel darba jolqtu l-landier b’xi daqqa ta’ ballun, izda dan ma jkeċċihomx, jibqa’ għaddej fuq xogħlu biex ifittex ilesti ir-remisolji kollha li għandu quddiemu u jitħallas.

Jum wieħed minnhom ma leħaqx lesta x-xogħol kollu fin-nofs ta’ nhar ta’ filgħodu u biex tgħaqadt it-tfal laqtulu b’ daqqa ta’ ballun l-ispiritiera. Din inqalbet, inxterred ‘il ftit pitrolju ma’ l-art u ħa n-nar. Inġabru n-nies, saret ħuġġieġa zgħira, nisa oħra resqu jfittxu jsibu għall-oġġett tagħhom, it-tfal ħarbu mill-post. Il-ġirien ħarġu jistaqsu xi ġralu Ġalandri u għenuh jitfi n-nar. Min irnexxielu jiġbor l-oġġett imsewwi u oħrajn baqgħu b’xiber imnieħer għax baqgħu bla tiswijja ta’ l-aktar affarijiet tal-bzonn. Minn kellu l-ispiritiera ġġemmet, ġġemmet baqgħet. F’din il-konfuzjoni min ħallas tax-xogħol u oħrajn ma ħalsu xejn. Il-mara tal-ispiritiera ġġemmet bil-ġmied baqgħet!

Il-ħajja għall-landier bdiet izjed issir diffiċli. L-importazzjoni ta’ kull ħaġa meħtieġa waqfet mall-bidu tal-gwerra, għalhekk it-tiswijiet beda jagħmilhom b’dak kollu li Ġalandri jsib f’idejh, iġifieri mill-laned tal-pitrolju u tax-xaħam vojta li kienu juzaw is-servizzi Inglizi. Hekk kif spiċċat il-gwerra bdew jiġu ntroddotti oġġetti tal-plastik u tal-aluminium, barra minn dawn l-inovazzjonijiet f’dan is-seklu li qegħdin ngħixu fih, kull min ikollu xi tiswijja ta’ kull ħaġa, jippreferi jarmi u jixtri l-ġdid. Il-ħajja ta’ kuljum bdiet tgħallimna li x-xogħol tal-idejn sar jiswa kwazi daqs li kieku tixtrieh ġdid. Id-dinja hekk sejra propju l-landier ta’ dari m’għadux fostna, ħa s-sentenza tal-mewt mad-dinja moderna tal-llum.

Meta wara xi zmien iltaqgħu Marinton u Zeza jiddiskutu l-aħbarijiet kif jafu huma, il-kliem waqa’ fuq il-landier għax kien ilu ma jidher. It-tnejn dehru mħassbin, bdew jistaqsu lil kull min jgħaddi mit-triq x’sar minnu Ġalandri, izda ħadd m’għarraf iweġibhom. Sa fl-aħħar kien għaddej Puluzija u Marinton staqsietu għandux xi aħbar fuq il-landier li kien ippoġġi hawn. Il-Pulizija wieġeb li sa fejn jaf hu sema’ li Ġalandri kien wieħed mill-ewwel grupp ta’ emigranti li siefru lejn l-Awstralja jew lejn il-Canada. Hekk spiċċat ix-xena tal-landiera kollha jaħdmu fit-toroq ta’ Tas-Sliema, cioe f’ Malta.

“Saħħa u hena Marinton”, Zeza Selmet u telqet

“J’Alla l-landiera jsibu xogħol ieħor” wieġbet Marinton.

Il-Ħajja Maltija tal-Imgħoddi-Numru 13

Pittura tas-Sur Guido Lanfranco. Il-Landier bilqieg ħda fuq banketta f’kantuniera f’ Tas-Sliema jsewwi diversi o ġġetti tal- kċina. It-tfal jidhru jilg

ħabu l-log ħba tal-passju.

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Il-White Sisters

Bejn l-1957 u l-1960, kien hawn fostna il-Kongregazzjoni magħrufa bħala tal-‘White Sisters’, li l-familja Galea kellha rabta magħhom, billi bint is-Sur Fons, Sister Mary Xavier, kienet membru ta’ din il-Kongregazzjoni. Din setgħet kienet ir-raġuni, għaliex fl-1957 il-familja Galea iddeċidiet li tpoġġi din id-dar għad-disposizzjoni tas-Sorijiet il-Bojod.

Fil-fatt gazzetta lokali f’ħarġa ta’ Settembru 1957 tgħidilna li:

“The stately home ‘Betharram’ in High street Sliema, formerly the residence of Mr and Mrs A M Galea has been taken over by the White Sisters to serve as a study house of the Congregation in Malta.”

L-istess gazzetta tgħidilna li f’din id-dar “Young sisters will be trained for the mission.”(15)

Fatima House

Fl-1960 fuq inizjattiva ta’ l-Arċisqof Mons. Mikiel Gonzi, din id-dar bdiet taqdi l-funzjoni, li għadha taqdi sal-ġurnata tal-llum, billi saret dar għall-bniet li joħorġu mill-Istituti tal-Knisja u bħala l-ewwel direttur insibu lil Dun Maurice Grech. It-Tmexxija tal-post ġiet fdata f’idejn is-Sorijiet Dorotej, u sa Diċembru 1960 diġa’ kien hemm l-ewwel zewġ xebbiet residenti. Fost il-benefatturi kien hemm zewġ organizazzjonijiet C.A.R.E, u C.R.S li nkludew dan l-Istitut fil-programm ta’ l-ikel tagħhom, u li kisbu għalih affarijiet mill-USA u diversi benefatturi Maltin.

Iċ-Ċerimonja ta’ l-inawgurazzjoni ta’ Fatima House saret il-Ħadd 29 ta’ Jannar 1961 mill-mara tal-Gvernatur Lady Grantham, u l-post ġie mbierek mill-Arċisqof Mikiel Gonzi (16).

Minn rapport li sar f’gazzetta lokali f’ Awwissu 1965, nafu li kien hemm 15-il xebba residenti fid-dar (17).

Sorijiet ta’ St. Joseph (1965-2010)

Fl-1965, it-tmexxija ta’ Fatima House għaddiet f’idejn is-Sorijiet ta’ St Joseph li baqgħu imexxuha sa l-2010. F’Diċembru ta’ l-1975, is-Sorijiet ta’ St. Joseph fakkru l-għaxar anniversarju minn meta kienu ħadu f’idejhom it-tmexxija ta’ din id-dar. Sa dak iz-zmien is-Sorijiet kienu ħadu ħsieb 160 xebba (18).

Għal 45 sena is-Sorijiet ta’ St. Joseph taw is-servizzi tagħhom f’din id-dar. Bejn l-1995 u l-2009, il-Komunita’ tas-Sorijiet li kienu jaħdmu f’din id-dar kienet tvarja bejn 3 u 6 u fost il-Komunita’ ġieli kien hemm xi sorijiet barranin. Fl-2010, wara 45 sena ta’ servizz is-sorijiet ta’ St. Joseph kellhom iħallu t-tmexxija ta’ din id-dar minħabba nuqqas ta’ vokazzjonijiet (19).

Is-Sorijiet Orsolini

Wara t-tluq tas-Sorijiet ta’ St. Joseph ħadu f’idejhom it-tmexxija ta’ din id-dar is-Sorijiet Orsolini. Ilum f’din id-dar hemm komunita’ ta’ tliet sorijiet li jieħdu ħsieb ix-xebbiet.

F’din id-dar insibu wkoll kappella li fiha kull xahar issir il-laqgħa tal-prayer group ta’ Padre Pio ta’ Tas-Sliema.

Referenzi:

(15) Times of Malta 19-IX-1957(16) IBID 22-Xii-1960 p.9, 1-ii-1961 p. 11(17) IBID 30-Viii-1965 p. 7(18) Sunday Times of Malta, 14-Xii-1975 p. 21(19) Direttorju Ekklezzjastiku 1995 p. 305, 1996 p. 320, 1997 p.350, 1999 p. 399, 2000 p. 413, 2001 p. 428, 2003 p. 376, 2004 p. 376, 2005 p. 382, 2006 p. 377, 2007 p. 400, 2008 p. 384, 2009 p. 389.

Djar f’Tas-Sliema Fatima House (Betharram) It-Tieni Parti (Ikompli mall-ħarġa ta’ qabel)

Winston L. ZammitB.A(hons) P.G.C.E. MA

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Hawn ftit interventi ta’nteress Slimiż bil-phone-ins fuq l-RTK Radio mis-semmiegħa tal-programmi tiegħi li kont nagħmel dwar drawwiet u tradizzjonijiet.

Vistu - “Meta kien imut xi ħadd, niftakarha din, kienu jgħattu l-mirja kollha bil-lożor... Kelli xi sitta jew seba’ snin. U niftakar ukoll li fil-kċina kienu jaqilbu l-borom; kienet taqlibhom in-nanna. Kienu jneħħu l-pumi ta’ barra, jew kienu jagħmlu ċoff iswed; u jekk tmut tarbija ċoff abjad. Meta kont żgħira kont immur apposta nara l-mejtin... Kont immur nitlob... Inċempel il-qanpiena fl-isptar u ngħidlu: ‘Ħa narahom, ħi.’ Ġieli kien ikun hemm xi sittax... Indurhom.” (Ref. 79 1993-06-03 & 237 1993-11-03; Tessie Vella, 70 sena, Sliema.) Reċti u l-palk - “Jien kont immur is-Sależjani ... Ma kinux itellgħu nisa fuq il-palk, imma dak li rreċta ta’mara kien qaxxarha (l-parti). Kienu għmlu play tal-passjoni ... Kienet ħarġet bellezza ... Kien ikun hemm teatrin ippakkjat ... Fis-snin ’57/’58 ...” (Ref. 662 1994-10-19; Mara ta’ erbgħin sena, Tas-Sliema.)

“Ġużi Cassar, ħija kien dedikat għas-Sależjani u għall-palk... Dejjem hemm... Dam (ukoll) drum major fil-banda tas-Sależjani... Kien attur tajjeb ħafna... Issa miet... Ħmistax ilu... Ftakru naqra fih... Il-Bambin riedu...” (Ref. 663 1994-10-19; Mara, Tas-Sliema.)

Qniepen u sajjetti - "Meta kelli tmien snin, meta kienu jiġu sajjetti u maltemp kienu jdoqqu l-qniepen ta’ kullimkien... Kullimkien... Madonna x’kien ikun hawn!” (Ref. 667 1994-10-26; Anzjana, Tas-Sliema)

Borma tal-erwieħ - "Meta kelli xi sitt snin, Tas-Sliema, fejn (Triq) Sant’ Elena u (Triq) San Neriku kien hemm wieħed tal-ħaxix fil-kantuniera bejn San Neriku u Sant’ Elena kienu jagħmlu kaldarun. Ta’ tfal li konna, konna noqogħdu fuq l-għatba ta’ waħda nqaxxru -ful... Kienet issir darba fis-sena, jidhirli li f’Novembru... Fis-snin tletin... Kienu jiġu ħafna tallaba u nies tal-madwar.” (Ref. 693 1994-11-09 (13) Raġel ta’ 65 sena, minn Tas-Sliema.)

Tieġ - "Meta żżewġet ommi fin-1933, għamlu riċeviment f’dar sabiħa fl-Isla. Iżżewġet wieħed li kien jaħdem id-dockyard. Kienu naqra tal-pepè għax minn Tas-Sliema. Ir-reception saret f’dar sabiħa b’ħafna kmamar... U kamra minnhom, jekk jogħġbok, kienet miżmuma bħala smoking

room. Hi kienet il-kbira u kellha erba’ ħutha (bniet) Kienet taf tagħmel ir-rakkmu bl-intall... U tgħid li kien ried jiżżewweġ malajr għax kien akbar minnha u hi kull ma kellha dsatax. Allura l-ewwel riedet tispiċċa (tħit u tirrakkma) l-liżar qabel tiżżewweġ. Meta żżewġu lestiet il-liżar; kellu toqob kbar u sebgħek kien jgħaddi minnhom... Imma mbagħad bdiet tużah bħala tvalja, fil-Milied u fil-Għid.” (Ref. 815 1995-02-01 (7) Mara.)

Labtu aħmar, sepulkru, tbaħħir - “Qabel il-gwerra, xi 1939, konna parroċċa Tas-Sliema, Sacro Cuor. Il-mamà, fl-ewwel Ġimgħa tax-xahar tilbes labtu aħmar tal-pannu, tal-Qalb ta’ Ġesù, (dan kien tal-membri nisa tal-fratellanza tas-Sagrament) maqtugħ bil-pizzi u lazz aħmar u isfar u kienu jilbsuh u jmorru l-quddies bih fl-ewwel Ġimgħa tax-xahar. Meta kienu jneħħu s-Sepulkru kulħadd jirsisti biex jieħu l-fjuri minnu... Ommi kienet tagħmel iż-żebbuġ niexef (weraq) fuq taġen, taħarqu u ddur il-kmamar kollha... F’Sibt il-Glorja filgħodu.” (Ref. 824 1995-02-15 (7); Mara, Tas-Sliema). Orkestra u karnival - “Kelli l-papà jdoqq fil-ballijiet (tal-karnival), il-Ħamis, is-Sibt, il-Ħadd u t-Tnejn, però jdumu sat-tlieta ta’ filgħodu... Anki sal-erbgħa... Nħar it-Tlieta sa nofsillejl... Jintefa qabel idoqq nofsillejl għax mbagħad jibda r-randan. Jibda l-Erbgħa tal-Irmied. Aħna konna mmorru hemm, il-Gaety (Theatre) (Tas-Sliema)... Il-papà kellu l-orkestra tiegħu hemmhekk... Kienu jibdew il-Ħamis. Kien ikun hemm tat-tfal u tal-kbar... Kelli xi għaxar snin.” (Ref. 835 1995-02-22 (7); Mara, Tas-Sliema.)

Fliexken tal-boċċa - “Niftakar fliexken tal-luminata li meta kont tiftaħhom ikollhom bħal boċċa (fihom)... Fliexken żgħar... Konna nkissruhom biex niħduhielhom biex milgħabu biha.” (Ref. 933 1995-05-10 (3); Tessie Vella, Tas-Sliema.) (Dawn kienu tal-ginger beer imma biex jingħalqu kien ikollhom nefħa fl-għonq fejn tinżamm boċċa tal-ħġieġ li, bil-pressa tal-gass minn taħt kienet tagħfas fuq washer u jingħalaq il-flixkun. Biex jiftħuh jimbuttaw il-boċċa ’l isfel billi jagħtu daqqa fuqha b’biċċa blokka njam apposta)

Kaxxi u sigarretti - “Jiena kelli dik il-kaxxa tal-landi (li semmejt). Kienet dejqa xi pulzier u nofs

MILL-IMGĦODDI F’TAS-SLIEMA

u twila xi sitt pulzieri. Kienet biċ-ċikkulatini ... Kienet tal-coronation ta’ King Edward... Kien hemm l-arma u l-bandieri... Biċ-ċikkulatini... Kienu tawha lit-tfal kollha. Meta kont żghira kont immur nixtri s-sigarretti mingħand il-Kavallier, Prince of Wales. B’ġiex soldi kien itina ponn... Xi għoxrin itina... Boqxa, Sklivaniotis... Aktar riċenti kien hawn ukoll il-Pappastrata. Fi żmien il-gwerra kien hawn il-Flag u l-Players u l-Graven A fil-kaxxi ħomor bil-qattus. Kaxxi tal-landi kien hemm tal-OXO, żgħar ikun fihom sitta, u l-kbar... Għadha għandi għax qiegħda bil-buttuni.” (Ref. 1108 1995-10-18 (6); May, Tas-Sliema.)

“Ommi kienet għamlet wegħda għax jien kont tewmi ma’ oħti u semmietna Lawrence u Lorenza... U kienet tlibbisni l-libsa tan-Nazzarenu... Kienet tlibbishieli...” (Ref. 1258 1996-01-31 (6); Lawrence, 71 sena, minn Tas-Sliema.) Ix-Chalet Għar id-Dud u Xalati - “Ix-xalata (tal-festa) l-aktar kienet tkun popolari jekk kien ikun se jeħodna d-dawra tax-Chalet (Chalet Għar id-Dud), jiġifieri x’ħin nispiċċaw ngħaddu minn Tas-Sliema, id-dawra tal-baħar... U konna ninżlu x-Chalet. Xi sittin sena ilu... U jieqaf dik in-nofs siegħa biex nieħdu xiħaġa. Fix-Chalet kien ikun hemm differenza fil-prezz bejn fuq u isfel. Flixkun birra konna neħduh bejn tnejn... (Konna) ngħidulu: ‘Flixkun birra u żewġ tazzi’. Jekk neħduh

fuq kien jiswa inqas għax isfel kien ikun hemm l-orkestra, fejn kienu jiżfnu. Minn isfel kien erba’ soldi flixkun birra u minn fuq tliet karlnijiet jew tliet soldi. Jekk ma kienx se jeħodna d-dawra tax-Chalet ma tantx konna nitħajru.” (Ref. 1263 1996-01-31 (11); Raġel min-Nazzar.)

Kollox mit-triq - “Niftakar meta Tas-Sliema kien jiġi bil-mogħoż... Konna noħorġu. Il-mamà tiegħi bil-bott... Mbagħad ngħalluh. Kien jiġi wkoll tal-ħabb għażiż... It-tork. Kien jiġi l-landier, joqgħod f’kantuniera... Jarma... Kulħadd joħroġlu l-affarijiet (għat-tiswija). Kulħadd jgħid: ‘Ġie l-landier!... Ġie l-landier!’ . Konna Strada San Pio. Niftakar il-logħob tagħna... Kien jgħaddi tas-silġ fis-sajf, bl-ixkora... Fuq karrettun. Kien ikollu silġ kbir taħt l-ixkora. Aħna konna nixtru biċċa għall-ice-chest konna ngħidulu... Jaqtagħlek biċċa (silġ)”. (Ref. 1403 2006-08-31 (4); Mara minn Tas-Sliema.)

Id-duwa tal-patrijiet - “Kont immur is-Sacro Cuor jien (għad-duwa tal-patrijiet)... Kien ikolli xi musmar... (Nagħmel fuqu) d-duwa, kannella, qisha ġulepp tal-ħarrub. Konna nidilku minnha... Mmorru l-kunvent tal-patrijiet tas-Sacro Cuor, Tas-Sliema... Kont immur inġibha dik.” (Ref. 1476 2007-05-15; Raġel minn Tas-Sliema.) Gwido Lanfranco

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We would like to inform our esteemed clientele that our opening hours are as follows: Monday to Friday Saturday 08.00 – 12.30 08.00 – 12.30 16.00 – 22.00 16.00 – 19.00 Our Services Include: Blood Pressure and Glucose testing; Family Doctor in attendance – Monday to Thursday from 17.00 to 18.45; Podologist Consultancy – Every Friday from 16.00 onwards by appointment only.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Management Mrabat Pharmacy, Mrabat Street, Sliema E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +356 21313535

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He was built like a mule, with giant hands to match, brought on by the countless threading of pipes in the days when only metal pipes were used for water and electricity work.

George Agius known all over Sliema as George ‘il-Locksmith’ worked as a plumber and electrician all his life, but switched to locksmithing when he retired from work.

I got to know George since six years before he passed away on the 24th of March 2012 at 74 years of age. The youngest son of an engineer, George was brought up in Tigne, but lived most of his life in Amery Street with his unmarried sister.

George remained single all his life but he used to like to recount to me the many flings he had with Gozitan women that worked as maids in Sliema, picking them up with his motorcycle for some wild night out.

George had a lot of sayings, some of them unprintable. His favourite was “beware of short women”, most probably because of his pint sized sister who was more aggressive then he was.

Another one was “where there is muck there is money” as he made a fortune collecting bronze

and aluminum discarded in skips. Wherever he sees a skip he always used to make me stop, so he’ll check if there’s anything that could make him some money.

George could pick a lock with his eyes closed, he was also capable of doing original keys to locks and pad locks. Cracking open a safe was his favourite past time, so whenever he got a phone call from a bank or the Police Station he never missed the challenge.

His trademark limp and right tilting spine were the legacy of the so many safes he lifted and wrenched out from abandoned buildings.

Dogs were his best company he was a common sight walking his dog Snoopy on the rocks from Qui-Si-Sana to Dragut point. They say that dogs take their owner’s character, Snoopy really did, as he was wilder than George.

I’m sure the people of Sliema missed the services of this multi talented, one of a kind, master locksmith and as the Sliema parish priest said at his funeral “George was capable of opening any lock, I hope he also managed to open the gates of Heaven.”

Our Local LocksmithGeorge Agius MLS

By Alfred C Gauci

George Agius

Il-Kunsill jixtieq jinfurma lil dawk li jixtiequ jiktbu xi artiklu fuq ir-rivista tal-Kunsill jistgħu jagħmlu hekk billi tibgħatu email fuq [email protected] jew tintbgħat CD bil-posta lill-Kunsill Lokali Tas-Sliema, Triq Depiro, Tas-Sliema

Grazzi

Ġurnata oħra Xitwija. Ix-‘Chalet’ jibqa’ dejjem prominenti filwaqt li naraw zewġ karozzi antiki tal-linja jiltaqaw biswit xulxin u familji jippassiġaw tul Għar id-Dud.

Tigne’ Point, circa 1950

Ritratt miġbud min-naħa ta’ Marsamxett. Naraw il-fortizza ta’ Tigne’ kif ukoll tidher parti sustanzjali tal-barracks tas-suldati kif ukoll it-Torri.

Triq it-Torri circa 1945/50Ġurnata tax-xitwa; ritratt meħud minn fuq it-Torri lejn

Fond għadir. It-Triq kwieta bla karozzi ħlief għal xi karret-tun jew tnejn u xi nies jippassiġaw man-naħa tal-baħar.

Għar id-Dud, circa 1950Ritratt ieħor, ġurnata sabiħa tax-xitwa kif kienet

id-drawwa dak iz-zmien. Il-ħarġa tal-Ħadd filgħodu bosta Slimizi u oħrajn kienu jiltaqaw u jippassiġaw Għar

id-Dud bejn il-Fortizza u x-Chalet u lura għal bosta drabi. Oħrajn ippoġġu fuq xi bank għax-xemx jitkelmu bejnieth-

om fuq ħaġa jew oħra qabel l-ikla ta’ nofsinhar.

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Ġurnata oħra Xitwija. Ix-‘Chalet’ jibqa’ dejjem prominenti filwaqt li naraw zewġ karozzi antiki tal-linja jiltaqaw biswit xulxin u familji jippassiġaw tul Għar id-Dud.

Tigne’ Point, circa 1950

Ritratt miġbud min-naħa ta’ Marsamxett. Naraw il-fortizza ta’ Tigne’ kif ukoll tidher parti sustanzjali tal-barracks tas-suldati kif ukoll it-Torri.

Triq it-Torri circa 1945/50Ġurnata tax-xitwa; ritratt meħud minn fuq it-Torri lejn

Fond għadir. It-Triq kwieta bla karozzi ħlief għal xi karret-tun jew tnejn u xi nies jippassiġaw man-naħa tal-baħar.

Għar id-Dud, circa 1950Ritratt ieħor, ġurnata sabiħa tax-xitwa kif kienet

id-drawwa dak iz-zmien. Il-ħarġa tal-Ħadd filgħodu bosta Slimizi u oħrajn kienu jiltaqaw u jippassiġaw Għar

id-Dud bejn il-Fortizza u x-Chalet u lura għal bosta drabi. Oħrajn ippoġġu fuq xi bank għax-xemx jitkelmu bejnieth-

om fuq ħaġa jew oħra qabel l-ikla ta’ nofsinhar.

Important Telephone Numbers

Emergency - Ambulance, Fire, Police & Traffic AccidentsAppogg SupportlineBlood BankBoffa HospitalCommission for Disabled PeopleEnemalta (Emergency)Enemalta (Sliema District)Environment Development Reports (Nature)Environment Development Reports (Pollution)Gas DivisionGovernment Department of InformaitonGozo Channel (Cirkewwa)Gozo Channel (Mgarr)Graig Hospital (GhawdexGzira PolyclinicIllegal Developments (Gozo)Illegal Developments (Malta)Malta International AirportMater Dei (Customer Care Main Office)MEPA Enforcement (Construction)MEUSAC (Malta EU Steering Action CommitteeMount Carmel HospitalNazzarene Parish ChurchOur Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church(Balluta)Police General HeadquartersPublic Transpot AuthoritySacro Cuor Parish ChurchSanita SliemaSliema BergaSliema Day CentreSliema Library - Margaret MortimerSliema Local CouncilSliema Police StationSliema Post OfficeSocial Policy Information CentreSocial ServicesSt Gregory’s Parish ChurchSt Vincent de PauleStella Maris Parish ChurchTelephone EnquiriesTelephone FaultsTribunal (Contraventions)Water Services RepairsZammit Clapp Hospital

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sliema local council -

Sliema Local Council | Christmas 2014

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Transcript of Sliema Local Council | Christmas 2014