Malta Reunion 2017
Well we all arrived safely and have been having a wonderful time, and the weather has been very kind to us with glorious sunshine virtually the whole time.
Saturday was the Siege Bell ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to the Island and People of Malta by HRH King George VI. The ceremony was attended by HE President Ms Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.
Also at the ceremony were a number of High Commissioners including the British, American and Australian. There were 32 GCIA members from the UK in attendance for this very moving ceremony, at the end of which was the tolling of the Siege Bell - there were not many dry eyes amongst us by the end.
This is the message from HE Ms Marie Louise Coleiro Preca:
On the 18th April we went to TaQali Aviation Museum and to what is now referred to as the "GCIA Chapel".
Father Meli officiated and as always gave us a memorable commemoration. Mary Rose once again provided our refreshments after the service and many also took advantage of being given free entry to the museum. Once again the weather was wonderful and we all had a lovely morning.
Sunday evening enabled us all to relax and enjoy ourselves at the BRA St. Georges Day dinner, organised and hosted by Mary and Peter Robinson with The British High commissioner and his wife as the honoured guests . Good food and good company and everyone had a great time.
On Monday24th, we had our wreath laying ceremonies at the three memorials, Father Meli again kindly officiated and the AFM provided buglers.
Our final event was Anzac day. The 2016 Remembrance Ceremony marked the 102st anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli Campaign, co-hosted by the Australian High Commission and New Zealand Honourary Consul, was held at the Pieta Military Cemetery on Tuesday 25 April 2016. A moving tribute to the many young men who lost their lives many miles away from their home.
We also had time for a bit of socialising in between our official events, how lovely it was to meet old friends and make new ones - there were several new members who took time out to come to this year's reunion, and it was great to welcome them into the fold.
The Preluna reunion guests were again this year invited to a soirée on a very sunny Easter Monday early evening.
Delightfully hosted by Pat, Alex and Barry, as ever attentive, indeed they must have been very busy all day preparing canapés, and preparing their apartment for our arrival. This year we had a super view of the sea and towards Tigne Point.
We even had time for a quiz, “taken very seriously” even to a tie break between West Branch new member, Fiona, and David who was the well-deserved winner. A free raffle at which our veteran Jack McNulty picked out his own ticket! a worthy winner indeed. As usual we were in high spirits although sad to leave after having such a very pleasant time so "Grazzi" to all concerned for yet again hosting this extra annual event especially in this the 75th anniversary year and the Association's 30th anniversary year.
Our President's page has some more photos and also the Malta Reunion 2017 album on the gallery page. Also The President mention's a very special event that took place which was a reading and lecture by author and famous historian James Holland.
