Malta 2023 Reunion
George Cross Island Association - Malta Reunion, is open to both UK and Malta Branch members, their family and friends
Wreaths were laid, including by our Association National Chairman, Association President and Malta Branch Chairman.
Standard Bearers were present and were inspected by Katherine Ward assisted by our National Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth
Malta Reunion 2023 - 15th to 28th April 2023 - Overview Report
Members began arriving around the 14th April, getting settled into their hotels and accommodation. A welcome meeting was held on the evening of the 14th at the Waterfront Hotel in order to make everyone aware of the programme and for new and old members to get acquainted.
On the morning of the 15th April a ceremony was held at the Saluting Battery as the Siege Bell is still in a less than safe state and therefore our usual ceremony could not be held there.
Peter Robinson and the Malta branch organised the ceremony which was attended by His Excellency , George Vella, The President of Malta, Her Excellency Katherine Ward, British High Commissioner to Malta, along with many other High Commissioners, Dignitaries and of course our own members from the UK and Malta branches.
On Monday 17th April, the members attended our traditional wreath laying ceremonies and this year an additional ceremony was added so that a wreath could be laid at the Siege Bell.
Fr. Meli, Chaplain to the Armed Forces of Malta officiated at each of the memorials and we were once again honoured to have Trumpeters from the AFM, who this year were Sergeant Coleiro and Gunner Caruana. The Standard Bearers were - GCIA: Edward Barkway, GCIA Malta Branch: Liam Barlow RAF, RAFA: Stephen McCarthy RAF, Merchant Navy: Louis Bonnici MN
The first ceremony was held at the RN Memorial, Pieta. Wreaths were laid by GCIA National Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth RN retd and for The Seafarers Charity by Mark Trasler RN retd.
The group then moved on to the RAF Memorial with the wreath laid by Malta branch Chairman, Peter Robinson RAF. A Cross laid by Janet Barkway, commemorating LAC George Ivan Drury RAF
The third of the ceremonies took place at the Malta National Memorial.
GCIA wreath laid by Judge Joseph Galea Debono, President George Cross Island Association and the Army wreath laid by Simon Davies (QARANC retd)
The final ceremony was held at the Siege Bell. AFM Ceremonial Party led by Major Debono and accompanied by AFM trumpeters: Sgt Coleiro, Gunners Bugeja and Caruana. Wreaths -AFM wreath laid by Major Debono on behalf of Commander AFM, GCIA wreath laid by David Vassallo, RBL wreath laid by Peter Robinson
On Tuesday 18th April, a service was held in the Air Museum Chapel at Ta Qali. Once again Fr. Meli kindly officiated and he blessed the plaques of members who had crossed the bar during the past year
Thank you Ray Polidano, curator of the museum for supporting our service. The RAF wreath was laid by the National Chairman and Standards were present. GCIA: Edward Barkway, GCIA Malta Branch: Liam Barlow RAF, RAFA: Stephen McCarthy RAF
Branch roll calls were read out by Ray and Peter, with a special mention for Peter's wife Mary.
Lunch was provided in the "NAAFI" hut, and as always our thanks to Rose Polidano.