Enchanted evening at San Anton Palace

The 54th celebrational summer fundraising dinner organised by Din l-Art Helwa, National Trust of Malta, was this year graced by the presence of H. E. the President of Malta, Dr George Vella, the new patron of the organisation, together with Mrs Vella. The event was held in the historic grounds of San Anton Palace, Attard, and guests were welcomed by Professor Alex Torpiano, the new executive president of Din l-Art Helwa together with officials and council members.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corp and officials of several cultural and academic entities. It was strongly supported by the presence of many corporate supporters of Din l-Art Helwa, in particular APS Bank plc, AX Group, Bank of Valletta plc, Vassallo Group Ltd and several members of the International Association. A lavish menu was provided by Osborne Caterers while musicians George Curmi il- Puse’ and Godwin Lucas entertained guests throughout the night with their delightful repertoire.

A most successful raffle was held with several works of art generously donated by artists Maria Rossella Dalmas, Anna Galea, Paul Fenech and from photographers Daniel Cilia and the late Suzie Jenkins, which, with other exciting prizes helped make up much needy funds for the organisation’s activities in the protection of the national heritage.

Professor Torpiano thanked Dr Vella for accepting to become Din l-Art Helwa’s patron and the Environment Landscapes Consortium and its ministry for the use of the San Anton Palace grounds. He gave an address illustrating the numerous activities undertaken by Din l-Art Helwa throughout the year which had been marked by the recent launch of the historic Ta’ Xutu Tower at Wied iż-Żurrieq, a restoration project completed with the financial support of the Malta Airport Foundation. This was the 10th coastal watch tower restored by Din l-Art Helwa and one of 41 national heritage sites saved through restoration since its foundation in 1965. Professor Torpiano described the continued lobbying and campaigning actions undertaken by Din l-Art Helwa to prevent the loss of built and natural heritage and underlined his concerns about the loss of open spaces. He paid tribute to the work of all volunteers at Din l-Art Helwa who had kept the organisation vibrant throughout the decades since its foundation, as well as the organisers of the dinner. In particular he wished to remember the late Lt Colonel Eric Parnis, a former vice president of the organisation, for his commitment to heritage during his time on Council.

A glittering evening for the annual reunion of Din l-Art Helwa in the grounds of San Anton Palace – Honouring the National Anthem – The national anthem marks the arrival of the patron of Din l-Art Helwa, National Trust of Malta, H. E. Dr George Vella, President of Malta and Mrs Vella who are welcomed by officials of the organisation. From left: Martin Scicluna, hon. treasurer, Dr Gabrielle Torpiano, Professor Alex Torpiano, executive president, H. E. Dr George Vella, President of Malta, Mrs George Vella, Mrs Cettina Caruana Curran and Mrs Simone Mizzi, hon. secretary general