This weeks 15th of December edition of The Maltese Herald Gozo section is now available for download by clicking here.

Previous editions are also available by clicking on this link.

The stories covered in this weeks issue are:

1. A group of visitors from the Archdiocese of Rouen in Normandy, France, recently paid a visit to the Gozo Section of the National Archives to see the exhibition Herbs, Health, and Hospitals of Gozo Past. They showed a lot of interest on the herbal remedies of the past and expressed surprise that a tiny place such as the island of Gozo had such a rich documentary history. The visitors were also shown a collection of lace patterns preserved by the Gozo Archives.

2. The Bulldog Patrol of the Victoria Scout Group organized “a hike with a purpose”, as part of their work for the Cuschieri trophy. They walked to Gharb square, where they exhibited some of their scouting skills. On their arrival, they hoisted several flags on previously prepared flagpoles, to create a welcoming environment. Jurgen Attard and Paul Falzon displayed their First Aid knowledge, while Patrol leader Beppe Galea and Matthew Mifsud made a pioneering project. Then, David Saliba and the rest of the group erected a tent. Before lunch time they set up a fire and cooked on it, and finally they enjoyed a well-deserved meal !

3. More than 100 persons went for a weekend break in Malta with the Victoria Mayor, Dr Samuel Azzopardi, Vice Mayor and Councillors. The residents stayed at Suncrest – Seashells Resort in Bugibba. The residents visited various interesting places such as, Verdala Palace in Buskett where a guide was available for the residents. Another guided tour from Mr Paul Saliba was made at Simblea Had-Dingli where interesting mediaval buildings were visited. Among these Dingli Cliffs, Rabat, Imdina, Hal Qormi and Marsaxlokk were also visited.

4. The La Stella Band of Victoria performed its Annual Concert at the Astra Theatre, attended by hundreds of club members and band’s supporters.

The programme included operatic and classical excerpts, such as Tchaikovsky’s grand Overture 1812 and Marche Slave, selection from Georges Bizet’s I Pescatori di Perle and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, as well as the ever lively Estudiantina OP 191 by Emile Waldteufel. The band, under the direction of Prof Joseph Vella, also paid tribute to the late pop star Michael Jackson by interpreting Thriller.

Towards the end of the concert, the La Stella President, Dr Joseph Grech, presented gifts to Dr Maria Frendo, Dolindo Cassar, Carmel Zammit, George Farrugia, Joseph Bajada, Michael A. Galea, Anthony Zammit and George Borg in recognition of their sterling contribution for the club rendered over the past years.

The La Stella Band concert brought to a fitting end this year’s edition of Festival Mediterranea which featured, amongst others, two highly succesful performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Photograph by Joe Attard (ta’ Guzeppi ta’ Kuncetta) and shows the La Stella Band of Victoria performing its Annual Concert at the Astra Theatre.