MUSICAL NOSTALGIA AT SIXTIES NIGHT
The Highlands Restaurant of the Bella Vista Hotel at Qawra was choc-a-bloc with members of ALPS and Friends of ALPS for the Sixties Night organised by the Association on 17th March.
Besides the sumptuous buffet menu and very good service, the evening was made more enjoyable by Fabian with his choice of music and with space for dancing. An ALPS member who used to be quite popular as a singer in those times, Dr Joseph R. Pace of Ray Ritardo fame, also pitched in to help keep patrons entertained with some of his own soundtracks. All in all it was a wonderful evening of nostalgia that brought back vivid memories of most members’ youth.
As usual with most ALPS events, there were some people who came away happier than others after having won attractive prizes in the after-dinner raffles.
When one considers that all it set people back was Lm6.25 per person, including a glass of wine and half a bottle of water, it goes to prove yet again the value for money that ALPS activities invariably present. Attendance at the event was made much more satisfactory with the announcement that all proceeds from the Sixties Night would go to answer the impassioned plea of Maltese Bishop Paul Darmanin to help people who are in need of food and other essentials in drought-stricken Kenya.
The Association of Lyceum Past Students has always prided itself in making other people’s lives a little bit better. If there are any ALPS members or Friends of ALPS who would like to help, even as part of one’s sacrifices during Lent, they can contact rapporteur Fr Crispin Tabone OFM Cap. on telephone 21 225525. Alternatively one can deposit one’s donation in either of two bank accounts: HSBC 0890 2150 5053 or Bank of Valletta 400 1485 9197.
LYCEUM BICYCLE MARATHON
As reported in the February edition of ALPS News, the Lyceum Bicycle Marathon is being held between Friday 24th and Sunday 26th March at The Lyceum in Hamrun, in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Group and Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
Arguably the most entertaining of the three evenings will be the Saturday, with a fuller menu of entertainment and a Pasta Night, but of course any visit at any time is welcome, particularly if supported with a donation and patronage of the well-stocked snack bar. Also on the Saturday night ALPS President George Stagno Navarra will be officially presenting a donation of Lm100 from the Association’s own funds.
The hard-working organising committee, on which ALPS is represented, has come up with a couple of innovative ideas to further help enlarge the proceeds from the marathon. One of the innovative events is a car boot sale that will be held at The Lyceum itself. The allocated times are on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each salesperson will be expected to give a donation of Lm3 if staying till 1 p.m. or Lm5 for staying till 4 p.m. The sale of cigarettes, food, drinks and medicines is not allowed.
The other event will be a bazaar, which should hopefully raise more money in aid of both Id-Dar tal-Providenza and the Muscular Dystrophy Group. The organisers are appealing to readers to donate books, ornaments, pictures, costume jewelry and other items for the bazaar. The appeal is also being extended to all business people to generously donate gifts and unwanted or old stocks, so long as they are still in shop condition.
Anyone who would like to “set up shop” in the car boot sale or help with stock for the bazaar can call Ms Antoinette Spiteri Paris at The Lyceum on telephones 21 225661 or 21 236265/6, or fax 21 222675. All help will be gratefully appreciated at the marathon, but above all in heaven.
ANNUAL SPIRITUAL RETREAT
The details for the annual ALPS spiritual retreat at Dar Manresa, just outside Victoria in Gozo, are now available. As already reported the event will take place between Friday 19th and Sunday 21st May with a programme of sessions prepared by Biblical scholar Mgr Lawrence Sciberras, helped by Fr Paul Zammit SJ.
The price for the whole weekend will be Lm10 per person per day on full-board basis, with check-in after 3 p.m., from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. For those who would like to join just the Saturday programme, with lunch and dinner and a room to rest in, the price will be Lm9 per person. Attendance at the morning and afternoon sessions with lunch only will cost Lm4.50 per person.
If things go as planned, the Saturday session will be something of an occasion with a meeting with the new Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, either at Manresa House itself or at his palace. The venue will largely depend on the number of people attending the retreat on the Saturday.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Individuals who have not yet done so are invited to send in their membership fee of Lm3 for 2006 to Treasurer David Abela at “Juniper”, Triq Ganni Vella, Tal-Qattus, Birkirkara BKR 13.
Contributions towards defraying the costs of printing The Chanticleer are also still being accepted.