Archived Month: March 2003

Youngsters slam Blacks and claim Freedom Cup [31/03/03]

It was a fatiguing task for Ghajnsielem FC to try and stop a dynamic Nadur Youngsters from winning their second consecutive Freedom Cup. The two Gozo-league challengers gave it all out on Monday, March 31st, with the Youngsters deservedly claiming the Cup with a 3-0 slam. 

An enterprising Anthony Portelli gave all supporters a deserved sigh-of-relief by opening the score on the 42nd minute. Then, to cheer up the crowd, Nadur-Australian Immanuel Muscat doubled the score with a radiant shot on the 10th minute of the second half. Another Portelli-signed goal on the 37th minute wrapped up the score, giving all Nadurin a very good reason to celebrate and look forward for more. Click here for photos.

Freedom Day Cup final brings chart rivals face to face  [30/03/03]

Malta celebrates Freedom Day on Monday, March 31st. The Gozo Football Association marks the day by bringing two of Gozo's best football clubs face to face. For the third consecutive year, Nadur Youngsters will be meeting Ghajnsielem FC. This will also be the third Freedom Cup final for the Youngsters. Ghajnsielem FC won the 2000/2001 Freedom Cup, slamming the whites with eight goals, while the Youngsters won last year's challenge with three goals to one. Charlie Grech has got more statistics.

San Blas playing field, bowls pitch inaugurated  [30/03/03]

It was an extra-special Sunday for San Blas residents as the Nadur Local Council inaugurated yet another project in this area, incorporating a small playing field and a bowls pitch. Mayor Dr Chris Said thanked all San Blas residents for helping the Council transform the area into a beautiful spot. Dr Said also revealed how the Qortin quarry will soon be transformed into a recreational park, with endemic trees. June29th.com was at San Blas on this sunny afternoon. Click here for photos.

Meanwhile, an exhibition of paintings by Nadur-artist Denise Muscat is underway at the Ta' Kenuna Tower. Mayor Dr Chris Said inaugurated the exhibition, "The Spring Collection", on Saturday, March 29th.

With five goals to Zebbug, championship now in sight  [29/03/03]

Following a 5-0 victory over Zebbug Rovers on Saturday, Nadur Youngsters are just three games away from claiming their seventh Gozo Championship!

Two goals by Edoardo Do Nascimento (10th, 44th minute), another one by Mark Buttigieg (40th) and the fourth goal by Anthony Portelli on the 48th minute gave the Youngsters a tense-free 15 minutes break. Portelli re-found the net on the seventh minute of the second half. Click here for photos.

The Youngsters will now be facing Victoria Hotspurs, Qala St Joseph and Xewkija Tigers and must get three victories to secure the Championship. Ghajnsielem FC is following close behind, with just a one-goal difference. The Youngsters will be meeting chart-rivals Ghajnsielem on Monday, March 31st, for GFA's Freedom Cup Final.

Primary School celebrates Euro Spring Day  [25/03/03]

Being one of the registered schools within the European Schoolnet, a Year 3 Class at Nadur Primary School, joined a Year 3 Class from Perchtoldsdorf in Austria, in a Spring Day Activity. Together with the Headmistress and teachers, the pupils exchanged own profiles and information about their relative schools and towns. Through correspondence, they also exchanged some German and Maltese words, and most of the work was exhibited and read at the school assembly. Children in other classes related their experiences in a European country which they visited last summer, and also showed photos and its location on a big European map.

Check out the Primary School's section and read more about Spring Day activities.

Naduri on his way to Baghdad  [24/03/03]

Twenty-three-year-old Colin Vella is currently on his way to Baghdad. Vella has recently been appointed a British Military Parachutist Corporal. Born on December 5th, 1979, Colin spent his first 18 months in England, until his family settled at San Blas, in Nadur. "We are all extremely concerned," Colin's mother, Elizabeth, told june29th.com. "We would appreciate if one spares a thought for my son and his colleagues." Together with UK's 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colin left Europe on February 15th and settled in Kuwait - waiting for the go-ahead.

The British Forces awarded Colin with the Best in Drill and Turnout in Tamera Platoon in 1999 for his sharp skills and dedication. May Colin have a safe-return home.

Youngsters to face Zebbug, hoping to keep marching on  [24/03/03]

Nadur Youngsters will be facing Zebbug Rovers on Saturday, March 29th, at 1300 CET. Only four games left for the whites to battle their way out to claim another Gozo Championship. Ghajnsielem FC is currently leading the Gozo Football Chart with one point and with one extra game over the Youngsters. Following next Saturday's game, the Youngsters will have to face Victoria Hotspurs, Qala St Joseph and Xewkija Tigers. Charlie Grech has prepared some interesting statistics. Meanwhile, the Youngsters will also be challenging Ghajnsielem FC on Monday, March 31st for GFA's Freedom Cup Final.

Fourth Local Council turns one year old [21/03/03]

The fourth Nadur Local Council is currently marking its first year in office. All Nadurin are being invited for a special meeting at the Local Council's office on Friday, March 28th at 1900 CET. The Mayor and the councilors will highlight the main works carried out by the Council during the last year and the plans ahead. All those present will also be given ample time to put forward their comments and suggestions. Meanwhile, the government has increased the Local Council's budget for the financial period 2003-2004 by Lm7,000. With this additional amount, the Council has Lm140,000 at its disposition.

Holy Week feature online soon [17/03/03]

Holy Week is one of the most exciting, colourful and appealing times of the year. It's the time when the Maltese culture comes out fully alive to the wonder of the many tourists who happen to be around. Following a successful in-depth Carnival feature, June29th.com will soon present "Holy Week in Nadur" - a look on how the Nadurin celebrate Holy Week and Easter, focusing on traditional, religious and gastronomical aspects of the greatest celebration in the Christian calendar. All those who wish to submit any photos or articles are kindly asked to contact us here.

Weather Observatory registers coldest temperature so far [16/03/03]

Just as everyone was sighing a sigh a relief following one of the coldest months on record, and after two whole weeks of mostly sunny, mild and dry weather in March, we were brusquely thrown back in the dead of winter by two consecutive days without any sunshine. Sunday's maximum temperature, recorded at the Nadur Weather Observatory, stood at 9.6 degrees Celsius. Joe Meilak has prepared for us a special MET-report. Click here and get to know more.

A special week of youth gatherings at Church [14/03/03]

All Nadur youths are being invited for a special week of gatherings at Nadur’s Church. Nadur missionary Fr Raymond Portelli will be delivering this year’s ezercizzi tar-Randan (Lenten sermons), starting Monday, March 17th. Fr Raymond is currently at his hometown for a short holiday. His experiences in the far-away Inquitos will surely be of interest to everyone. Meetings start at 2000 CET.

Meanwhile all Lenten Sermons will be streamed live on the internet. Click here for live-streaming.

Naduri in US says "No" to war [13/03/03]

Naduri David Camilleri is urging all Nadurin to plan a candlelight vigil for peace in on Sunday, March 16th at 1900 CET. "Beginning in New Zealand, this will be a rolling wave of candlelight gatherings that will quickly cross the globe. It's up to you to make this happen. We're hoping that thousands of small groups around the world will be inspired to come together and stand for peace," Camilleri told june29th.com.

"It's time to renew our commitment to building a positive world for our children. With your help, we will see the first candlelight vigil to sweep around the globe on the evening of March 16th. Together, we will lead the nations of the world away from an unnecessary war and towards a peaceful and prosperous future. This is a key moment in history. Be a part of it."

A week after, Carnival photos keep pouring in [11/03/03]

Though Carnival celebrations wrapped up a week ago, june29th.com is still receiving lots of photos from photographers who were in Nadur during the crazy weekend.

Michael Xuereb has shot some great pictures. Click here and check them out. Meanwhile, NET TV will air the Nadur Sunday Carnival Show on Tuesday, March 11th, at 2135 CET.

Shameful vandal attack at San Blas Garden [10/03/03]

Yet once more, vandals have struck at Nadur. This time unknown persons have literally destroyed a beautiful stone-arch at the San Blas Garden, inaugurated by the Nadur Local Council two years ago. The shameful attack took place during the night between Sunday and Monday.

The Nadur Local Council has already condemned the attack, while the Police are investigating. "We are very disappointed at what happened. There are still people who prefer to destroy rather than enjoy," Mayor Chris Said told june29th.com. Click here for photos.

New additions to Nadur's Maritime Museum [10/03/03]

Gozo Channel chairman John E. Sullivan has recently donated two items to Nadur's Michael Grima Maritime Museum. The new additions are the propellor of tugboat Cetta, and the 21-foot model on which tests were carried out in Denmark prior to building the Gozo Channel ferries. Nadur's Maritime Museum is a private-collection of 88-year-old Naduri Michael Grima and includes a large collection of models of merchant and naval ships, pennants and coats-of-arms, souvenirs and correspondence.

Nadurin called to vote on Malta's future [08/03/03]

All Nadur eligible voters were called to the polls on Saturday to decide on whether Malta should join the European Union or not on May 1st, 2004. The Nadurin voted at Dun Salv Vella Primary School at Racecourse Street. Polling booths opened at 0700 CET and remained open all the time until 2200 CET. All ballot boxes were then taken to the Ta' Qali counting hall. The referendum votes were counted on Sunday. Click here to see how the Nadurin voted.

New statue for Mnarja 2003 [07/03/03]

Artist James Azzopardi is currently working on a new statue to be set up on the left hand-side of Nadur's zuntier in the next Mnarja. The statue, commissioned by the Kumitat Armar Pjazza, depicts the martyrdom of Saint Peter, and will accompany another statue, showing the martyrdom of St Paul, which was inaugurated last year. The new statue is part of this committee's work to add more works of art in Nadur's square during the festive days. Click here for photos.

Carnival days fade into Lenten celebrations [06/03/03]

Nadur joined the rest of the Christian World and marked Ash Wednesday, the official start of the Lenten celebrations. Lent is a forty-day period, starting just after Carnival days and wrapping up at sundown on April 17th (Holy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism.

Meanwhile, many Nadurin stood alongside the Pope in his request for a special day of fasting and prayer for peace.

Sunday Carnival Show online on demand [06/03/03]

The Nadur Sunday Carnival Show is now available online on demand at di-ve.com. All fast-connection internet users can enjoy a great 90-minute stream of the Nadur Carnival spectacle. Prepare some coffee, click here and enjoy!

Meanwhile the Nadur Local Council has just published the Carnival 2003 results. Click here for details. We have also uploaded more photos of Nadur's Spontaneous Carnival in our feature! 

The Heritage Buildings of Malta & Gozo online! [05/03/03]

June29th.com is proud to offer you the first ever online collection of Maltese and Gozitan Heritage Buildings, masterfully handcrafted by Naduri Anton Said. The online collection currently presents a selection of 14 buildings, including Nadur's Windmill (Il-Mithna ta' Sufa), Id-Dar tax-Xemx at the Bingemma Valley, the Dahlet Qorrot Watch Tower and the Kenuna Tower.

Get to know more about our Heritage Buildings through Anton Said's handcrafted replicas. Being online, the collection will surely be appreciated and treasured by all those who have the Maltese heritage at heart. Click here and enjoy.

Carnival wraps up with Nadur in the limelight [04/03/03]

Although official Carnival celebrations in Malta and Gozo wrapped up on Monday, the Nadurin brought to an end the year's craziest long-weekend on Tuesday. The Nadur spontaneous Carnival took a centre-stage position on numerous media, including Maltese dailies' front-pages, e-newspapers, radio and TV stations. Political satire was this year's strongest element with revelers mimicking Malta's top politicians, President Bush, Bin Laden, EU Commissioner Verheugen, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and so on! Click here for photos. Meanwhile, our special Carnival feature has also been updated.

Political satire at Nadur hits headlines again [03/03/03]

"The spontaneous Nadur carnival once again set itself apart from the mainstream performances, opting for spoofs, satire and sensation, rather than the fluorescent colours and childhood themes of the organized carnivals," The Times of Malta said on Monday.

Revellers took the mickey out of politicians, in particular the political party leaders, EU enlargement commissioner Gunter Verheugen and General Workers' Union general secretary Tony Zarb. Click here for full report.

Thousands enjoy Sunday Carnival Show [02/03/03]

Thousands of people from all over Gozo intermingled with Maltese Carnival-lovers and tourists and enjoyed the Sunday Carnival Show at St Peter and St Paul's Square in Nadur. This was the ninth Sunday Carnival Show organized by the Nadur Local Council.

John Muscat (Cowboy) hosted the four-hour show, with the participation of Spiro Sillato, Gozo Majorettes, Mnarja Band and the two Germans bands Gachsishe Guggemusic and Geslaugh-Gucca.

June29th.com was in the crowd and snapped some photos. Check them out.

Carnival in full swing!  [01/03/03]

Although the EU-debate keeps dominating the Maltese Islands, the Nadurin can think of nothing else but Carnival! Celebrations are now in full swing. Many Maltese people have accepted our invitation and crossed over from Malta to join the revelers at Nadur! Meanwhile, june29th.com's interview with Dr Vicki Ann Cremona is still generating a lot of interest. Check out the latest reaction by Naduri J. J. Grech. Our special Carnival feature has also been chosen by Radio Malta as their primary source for a special Carnival program in the last days.

Xaghra fail to break Youngsters' jinx  [01/03/03]

Nadur Youngsters cruised to another convincing victory, this time at the expense of Xaghra United. With a 3-0 victory, the whites went back on top of the Gozo Easy Line First Division League, one point ahead of nearest rivals Ghajnsielem.

Anthony Portelli opened the score late in the first half. Edoardo Do Nascimento (Bizu) sealed the victory with a personal doppietta in the second half of the match. The Nadurin now have another reason to celebrate Carnival in style! For photos click here.

First day of the month... new stories to read!  [01/03/03]

We are glad so many people are reading "Il-Hbieb Isejhu" online. We've received e-mails from Maltese missionaries in foreign countries, from Australian students studying Maltese, from youth organizations around Malta and from so many Nadur emigrants. Check out the March-issue and read about piglets in a Mercedes, Wrong Way Reigals, Alex Blackwell and Booker T Washington. There's also a list of eight great gifts you could easily give to your friends. Our printer-friendly format also enables you to print a hard-copy, which, at times, could be more handy! Click here and enjoy. 

news editor: Pierre J. Mejlak photos: Ryan J. Meilak