FIRST October 2016

THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES – CHARLES & RON PRESENTS THEIR LATEST COLLECTION TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND – HOMAGE TO GUCCI RECIPE BY NICOLE PISANI FOR LANGOUSTINE – MAKEUP TIPS – FASHION – THE LATEST BOOK FOR CHILDREN TRANSLATED INTO MALTESE – COMPETITIONS LAST WORD WITH FASHION DESIGNER CHURPINA

OCTOBER 2016

Photograph by Alan Carville

Ambition, courage, and inquisitiveness are a few characteristics that can make good things and new ventures happen, but without the addition of confidence and self-belief, and perhaps a helping hand, these good things can remain just ideas, forever.

That’s an awful reality, come to think of it: how many good and interesting ideas could have been shared or achieved that we will never know about?

Luckily, we have a lot of things to keep us occupied and thankful for, and the world is at our fingertips if we choose it to be.

Malta has a lot of talented and interesting people to be proud of. In this issue, we meet Victor Muscat, a man who has been working hard for many years to secure a sanctuary for injured horses in Gozo, rescuing them and rehabilitating them, while at the same time providing horse-assisted activities for adults and children with physical difficulties, behavioural problems and emotional traumas. Without securing the necessary funding before his building permit expires, he won’t be able to build the sanctuary he needs to keep going. Cat Calabrese has a wander around the farm with Victor, while her young daughter runs about freely in this inspiring place.

We also meet Christian Fountain, who has finally opened his own interior design shop, Left Bank, after years of toying with the idea, and Charlene Joan Sant, who works as a podiatrist in the day and a fashion designer and seamstress at night for her original label, Churpina, for which she recycles material from existing clothes, and anything else she sees that fits in with her vision.

Nicole Pisani shares one of her delicious meals for those brave enough to cook it themselves at home: Langoustine Linguine. Nicole originally revamped Snoopy’s restaurant in Sliema after taking over the reins from her father – which was a tough call as it was already an established business – and put her heart into it, experimenting and cooking up a storm with a fusion twist. It is no surprise that she excelled further at a top London restaurant and is now publishing popular and high-quality recipe books!

And Line Young Peteri pays homage to the man who made his dream come true: canny and creative fashion designer Guccio Gucci.

It may be October, with the weather slowly progressing into winter, but before it does I hope you can enjoy the great outdoors and the less crowded beaches for a little longer. Try to keep your woollies and hot chocolate until the first ‘real’ winter issue on 13 November!

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS CAT CALABRESE, CHARLENE JOAN SANT, CLAIRE BUGELLI, DEBORAH ABELA, DINI MARTINEZ, LINE YOUNG PRETERI, MATTHEW B SPITERI, NATASHA MELI, NICOLE PISANI, SARAH PACE. PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT E-MAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS CHARLES & RON FALL/WINTER 2016/17 COLLECTION, PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLTON AGIUS, STYLING: DEREK WARBURTON, MAKE-UP AND HAIR: JENNIFER DIMECH, MODEL: KATRINA MUGLIETT AT MODELSM. FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

40

20

Inside

With Christian Fountain, the owner of Leftbank, a new interior design shop in Malta

17 FASHION ICON

51 TERESA

The latest children’s book translated into Maltese

53 DEAR CLAIRE

Homage to Guccio Gucci

Don’t feel guilty for not wanting children

20 STREET CRED

54 RECIPES

This issue’s fashion shoot

32 FORGET ME NOT

Blue fashion item suggestions

38 THAT EVERYDAY LOOK

Make-up tips for a look that lasts throughout the day

Langoustine Linguine by Chef Nicole Pisani

Jacket from Mei, and necklace from Porto

12 FIRST WORD

Tommy Hilfiger Twist handbag, ¤119.90

60 LAST WORD

Charlene Joan Sant is a podiatrist during the day and a self-taught fashion designer at night

40 THE HIGHLANDS

Travel to Scotland for stunning scenery, world-famous whisky, and captivating cities

44 THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES

54

The Equestrian Therapy Centre in Gozo for healing horses and humans

48 HELP US FLY

We catch up with Nathaniel Attard from BirdLife Malta

COMPETITION... WIN! CH Good Girl EDP 30ml (worth ¤55) from Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.

Question: What’s the name of Gucci’s first iconic bag?

Send your answer, including your full name and contact details, by Monday 31 October to First Perfume Competition, The Malta Independent, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s. Good luck!

44 10

WINNERS from the SEPTEMBER ISSUE

12

Lady Million perfume: Roberta Camilleri from Marsa Positive Discipline book: Charlene Bugeja from Manikata Magic Soup book: Steven Scott from San Gwann

CONGRATULATIONS!

Book a FREE consultation and an appointment with one of our doctors.

pands poster emerge FIRST339x240.indd 1

04/10/2016 15:20

first word

A life-long dream came true this month when Christian Fountain opened his own interior design shop, Left Bank, selling fabrics, wallpapers, and decorative objects.

Photo by Jonathan Borg

My favourite space in my house

is my bed, I’m not a particularly sleepy person but my bed is the only place where I manage to relax.

The most unforgettable places I have visited are Paris and Venice.

The last place I visited was Faenza, in Ravenna, Italy. It’s a very pretty old town with a really big town square, and from it we visited nearby places such as Brisighella which is amazing.

The last things I added to my wardrobe were some basic light sweaters from Zara, in anticipation of the cold weather which may never turn up.

The best gift I have received recently is a smartphone from my partner, who probably felt sorry for me because I was using a really rubbish one.

The last song I listened to was ‘Metti, una sera a cena’ by Ennio Morricone.

I would like to learn how to how to sew: I can’t sew on a button for my life.

The book I am reading is The Trouble with Henry & Zoe

by Andy Jones. So far it seems to be about a couple who happen to meet each other at the wrong time – I’m curious to see how the story evolves.

12

Il Ponte in St Julian’s. I am quite ashamed to admit that I’m a creature of habit – I go to the same beach club, same café, same restaurant – but we were invited here, and enjoyed it.

My most recent find is

The website I will often browse is Elle Décor inspiration.

Italia

for

The most spectacular city in the world to me is Paris, but I wish to travel all over the world and see where will take its place.

The object I would never part with is a Christmas present my younger brother gave me a few years back – a really sweet framed photo of all the family.

An indulgence I would never give up is

perfume; it’s something without which I would feel incomplete. At the moment I am in between ‘Blenheim Bouquet’ and ‘Levantium’, both by Penhaligon’s.

The thing you will always find in my fridge is dark chocolate: I always need that little dose after lunch or supper.

If I could get away for the day it would have to be to Comino. I hate rushing so it would have to be remote but close enough to get to and back.

One thing I never get around to doing and wish to, is visit Florence. It’s been on my wish list for far too long – my former colleagues will laugh at this!

If had no choice but to change my line of work I would love to do something to do with sewing or accounting – that’s my contradictory nature at play, but I was quite good with numbers when I was young.

My most luxurious habit is non-existent. As boring as it may sound I’ve learnt to live simply – very simply. It used to be skin care but I gave it up (and it shows).

You will find Christian Fountain happily tending to his new interior design shop, Left Bank, at 176 Manoel Dimech Street, Sliema. You can telephone 2767 4045 for more details.

18 CATHEDRAL ST, SLIEMA. T: 7999 9943 FOLLOW US ON freeze_frame_fashion

Shop on line www.freezeframefashion.com

END OF SUMMER

SALE

GUCCI0 GUCCI

THE IMMIGRANT WHO BECAME A

LEGEND

By Line Young Peteri

17

T

Gucci workshop, Florence, 1953. Photo by Foto Locchi

Gucci Winter 2016 collection

The old Gucci Factory

18

he first designer shoes I owned was a pair of Gucci sandals – 12cm heels in red leather with ‘G’ engravings. I loved those shoes, and could dance the whole night away in them. I gladly ate packet noodles for a whole month to afford them, and I still have them!

The humble beginnings of Gucci are well-known throughout the fashion community, but many people who own Gucci products are not familiar with the man behind them.

The brand was founded by Guccio Gucci who was born in Florence in 1881. In 1898 he left Florence and lived in both Paris and London. It was while he was working as a lift boy at the Savoy Hotel in London in the early 1900s that he was inspired by the elegant upper-class guests and their equally elegant leather luggage and in 1921 he returned to Florence to establish his own business.

The House of Gucci began as a small, family-owned leather saddlery shop. Gucci began selling leather bags to horsemen in the 1920s and rapidly built a reputation for quality, hiring the best craftsmen he could find to work in his atelier.

In 1947, Gucci introduced the brand’s first iconic bag, the ‘Bamboo bag’, a bag featuring bamboo handles, which is still a mainstay of the company. The design has not changed much since the inception of this bag, and the Gucci New Bamboo Top Handle Bag remains a classic.

Another iconic Gucci bag is the ‘Jackie O’, named after one of the most stylish ladies in history, Jacqueline Onassis. There have been many forms and shapes of the Jackie O, all – of course – very classic and ladylike.

In the early 1990s, Gucci’s image was tarnished when copies of its products began popping up everywhere. To restore the company’s luxury image, the American designer Tom Ford was appointed as Artistic Director in 1994, a position he held until 2005. He is largely credited with turning the Gucci brand around and increasing the sales by astonishing 90 per cent!

After leaving a gaping hole in its history, the Gucci Museum in Florence unveiled two new rooms on 16 June this year: one with sensual, wine-red velvet walls and the other with a background of padded, pink boudoir satin, in recognition of the impact Tom Ford had on the brand.

Guccio and his wife Aida Calvelli had six children and his sons, Aldo, Ugo, Vasco and Rodolfo, took prominent roles in the company.

Unfortunately, this created a lot of family drama that was the inspiration behind two books: House of Gucci by Sara G. Forden and Gucci Wars by Jenny Gucci. Jenny is an ex-wife of Paolo Gucci, a grandson of Guccio who died in 1995, and her book relates what it was like to be a member of the Gucci family.

NEW COLLECTION

NEW OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday: 10am - 7pm Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julians T: 21375781

www.1-2-3.fr

URBAN ATTACK! ART DIRECTION & STYLING: NATASHA MELI PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHEW B. SPITERI MODEL: JULIA, MODELS M HAIR: DORIEN & ROBERT, STRANJÈ HAIRDRESSING MAKE UP: SARAH PACE, CHEMIMART

20

Blue jeans, ¤129.90, grey knitted sweater, ¤109.90, CALVIN KLEIN JEANS; Creative metal and leather necklace, ¤45, matching bracelet, ¤36, PORTO. Black pumps, ¤75, hat, ¤29, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES.

Green printed top, ¤74.90, sweat shirt, ¤74.90, black jeans, ¤139.90, black sunglasses, ¤145, CALVIN KLEIN JEANS. Silver fringe handbag, ¤150, silver necklace, ¤66, ring, ¤45, bangle, ¤23, PORTO. Black shoes, ¤89, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 21

Metallic trousers, ¤99, black sweater, ¤69, and real fur vest, ¤329, 1-2-3 BOUTIQUE. Black trainers, ¤89, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. Necklace, ¤45, and bracelet, ¤39, PORTO. 22

Maroon satin bomber jacket, ¤39.99, olive mesh top, ¤14.99, black trousers, ¤29.99, NEW LOOK. Maroon suede boots, ¤129, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. Brass necklace, ¤151, brass bracelet, ¤98, and metallic maroon handbag, ¤192, PORTO. 23

Navy jeans, striped jersey tee and faux fur vest, MEI BOUTIQUE. Bronze necklace, ¤151, bronze bracelet, ¤98, PORTO. Camel boots, ¤125, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 24

Blue jeans, ¤30, black bra, ¤15, floral shirt, ¤36, F&F. Orange suede tie-up shoes, ¤95, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. Black handbag, ¤145, PORTO. 25

Fluffy cross design sweater, ¤69, and black mini skirt, ¤45, FREEZE FRAME. Brushed pewter choker, ¤45, bangle, ¤36, earrings, ¤35, PORTO. Black heels, ¤109, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 26

Black suit with camel t-shirt, MEI BOUTIQUE. Brass and leather necklace, ¤65, gold clutch handbag, ¤103, PORTO. 27

Dress, 造27, white denim jacket, 造30, F&F. Bracelet, 造43, blue backpack, 造154, PORTO. 28

Animal print skirt, ¤19.99, camouflage jacket, ¤29.99, and black bra-let crop, ¤19.99, NEW LOOK. Disc necklace, ¤45, and red back-pack, ¤299, PORTO; silver sunglasses, ¤155, CALVIN KLEIN JEANS. Black laser cut shoes, ¤109, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 29

Black lace playsuit, 造69, FREEZE FRAME. Silver disc necklace, 造40, and matching bracelet, 造36, and blue floral backpack, 造167, PORTO. 30

OUTLETS FEATURED 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. Tel. 2137 5781; ALDO Shoes & Accessories, The Point, Tigné, Sliema. Tel: 2060 1104. Mob. 9975 1057, Zachary Street, Valletta.

Mob. 9989 2331, Paola Square, Paola. Mob. 9989 2332, Arkadia, Gozo. Tel: 2210 3319; Calvin Klein Jeans, The Point Level 0, Sliema, Tel. 2010 0713; Freezeframe, 18, Cathedral Street, Sliema. Tel. 7999 9943; F&F, Level 2, Daniels Shopping Complex, Hamrun; Level 0, The Plaza Shopping Complex, Sliema; Mei, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

Tel. 2137 6690; Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s. Tel. 2137 2079; New Look, The Point, Valletta, Fgura and Gozo.

Black jersey top with white collar, ¤49, black skirt, ¤99, 1-2-3 BOUTIQUE. Black with 3D flower appliquéd handbag, ¤415, earrings, ¤20, PORTO. Black trainers, ¤89, ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 31

BLUE Forget me not

32

From the top, clockwise: Main picture, Betty Barclay from MEI BOUTIQUE; Nour gemstone necklace from PORTO; scarf from 1-2-3 BOUTIQUE; lace shoulder cardigan from KAREN MILLEN; Dora canvas sneakers from CALVIN KLEIN JEANS; Regent suede and leather bag from KAREN MILLEN; Nour earrings from PORTO. >> See page 31 for outlet directory.

BAGS

BY: BRACCIALINI. TOSCA BLU. RIPANI. FRANCESCO BIASIA. LUPO. RADLEY. TULA. MAESTOSO. JEWELLERY BY: DANSK. COEUR DE LION. NOUR. SQUADRA BLU. GABY’S.

STAMERRA. LOLA ROSE & TUTTI & CO.

PORTOMASO SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST. JULIAN’S. TEL: 2137 2079 WWW.PORT OMALTA.COM

CHARLES & RON IS A CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE BRAND, HIGH-END CLOTHING AND BAGS WITH A DISTINCT MEDITERRANEAN FLAIR AND A DEDICATION TO SUPERIOR QUALITY. MALTESE CULTURE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CHARLES AND RON DESIGN ETHIC AND THE BRAND’S VISION IS, TO INSPIRE ITS CLIENTS TO BE PART OF THE INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE CHARLES & RON MEDITERRANEAN STYLE. 34

“ICONIC” CHARLES & RON Spring/Summer 2017

O

n Tuesday, 13 September Charles & Ron showed their new collection at New York Fashion Week. The show, part of the Art Hearts Fashion Week supported by Aids Health Care, was held at the neo gothic NYC landmark the Angel Orensanz Foundation. The venue was a favourite of the late Alexander McQueen and also the venue for Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding.

Award-winning actress Jessica Pimentel (TV series Orange is the New Black), wearing a Charles & Ron dress from their Fall 16 collection, was at the show as was celebrity stylist and co-owner/creative director of LAPalme magazine Derek Warburton. Malta’s Ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Carmelo

Inguanez, and the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat, both demonstrated their support for the Maltese designers by attending the event.

It is no secret that Charles & Ron are in love: in love with the Mediterranean and in love with Maltese culture and heritage. This is reflected in their Spring/Summer 2017 collection, which features various Maltese cultural, architectural and natural icons.

The colour palette for this season was based on primary ‘happy’ colours: blue, green, red and a touch of yellow – the colours that you see on the traditional Maltese wooden balconies.

These bright colours are paired and toned down with the C&R staples – black and white.

The graphic prints, which have become a C&R signature, feature a mix of wrought ironinspired patterns, Maltese lace, balconies, stripes and also indigenous Maltese flora.

Charles & Ron realise the importance of preserving not only Malta’s architectural heritage but also its natural heritage, such as the national flower the critically endangered Maltese rock-centaury.

As well as the graphic prints on silk and cotton fabrics, the collection also features elaborate hand-beaded tulle, Swarovski and stud-embellished suede and handmade silk flowers. C&R fly the Maltese flag with pride and this season sees a red and white grosgrain ribbon appear as decoration on several styles in the collection.

The hand-crafted leather bags feature this season’s graphic prints and colours and are also updated with a new Charles & Ron lock, studs and other branded hardware.

The models once again wore shoes by top shoe designer Manolo Blahnik and their look was completed with hand-made Maltese filigree jewellery.

The Fall Collection is now available at both their shops: Charles & Ron 58D Republic Street, Valletta and the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard. www.charlesandron.com, info@charlesandron.com www.instagram.com/charlesandron www.facebook.com/charlesandron 35

« BETTY BARCLAY

stands for high standards, sophistication and fashion expertise. The brand represents the spirit, attitude and lifestyle of modern women who enjoy fashion and femininity, skillfully combining business and leisure. It blends modern design and current trends with maximum comfort so you will feel well-dressed on every occasion.

Sophistication, comfort,

& style

BETTY & CO sits under the umbrella of the

Betty Barclay family. With its parent brand boasting half-a-century’s experience in luxury women’s clothing, Betty & Co focuses on a younger, more contemporary dynamic. As expected by loyal shoppers, the same excellence in quality and wear can be assured.

»

« VERA MONT

selects high-quality fabrics and designs feminine dresses that make a perfect choice for a special occasion. Whether it’s a classic gala dinner, fun party or exciting dayto-night event, you will find the look you want with Vera Mont.

36

Opened 10 years ago this month, MEI BOUTIQUE at the Westin Dragonara is proud to represent Betty Barclay, Betty & Co and Vera Mont in Malta. Call 2137 6690, or visit Mei Boutique for the latest collections.

Your westin dragonara resort, st. julians tel: 21376690 – opening hours: mon to fri 10am - 7pm, sat 10am - 6pm

GET THE LOOK Make-up artist Sarah Pace gives us some tips

38

T

he look for this issue’s fashion shoot is ‘everyday urban’, so the make-up used gives the impression of there being little of it, and emphasis was given to the eyes. For you and me, that translates to a natural look that can work anywhere – out shopping, having a coffee with a friend, and perhaps followed by a formal event after completing the look with your favourite colour lipstick.

I decided to start by using NEE Rejuvenating Primer in order to hydrate the skin. This particular primer acts as an energising and revitalising active that stimulates cell metabolism so it is most definitely a very effective primer to use when you start your make-up routine when going for any look. My next step was to use NEE Camouflage Concealer, which is a highly opaque and long-lasting concealer. It is suitable for correcting major imperfections such as discolorations, birthmarks, scars and rosacea.

For a foundation NEE Oxygen Foundation was used, applied to all the face using NEE Foundation Wedges. This particular foundation from NEE is ideal to even out the complexion and eliminate any imperfections and discolorations. Using brush No. 12 (a large powder brush), I applied NEE Loose Powder HD. This has a silky and impalpable texture and is used for all skin tones and skin types. It also sets make-up for all day professional definition. This type of loose powder provides us with no stressing over the fact that our make-up will not be looking just as good towards the end of the day. This deals with ‘the face’ for the time being and now we move on to the eyes.

NEE Eyebrow Pencil No. 2 (this is a dark brown colour) was used in order to make the model’s eyebrows look fuller and more defined. As an eye-shadow I decided to use NEE Trio PESCA, choosing the light shade from the palette as a base. NEE Mono Eyeshadow E42 was then applied on top using the NEE Eyeshadow Brush No. 6. NEE Eye Pencil No. 14, which is a brown colour, was applied and then smudged with NEE Brush No. 5 to make a soft smoky eye effect. This went really nicely with the model’s blue eyes. NEE Deep Brown Extension Mascara was applied to her lashes. This mascara has a special brush silicone, which hooks your lashes (even the smallest) and visibly adds volume to them. To further accentuate the model’s eyebrows I used NEE Gel Professional, which releases a light film that shines and moisturises the eyebrows’ structure.

After finalising the look of the eyes, I applied NEE Compact Blush No. B64. The impalpable and fine particles of this compact blush are blended with the complexion, giving colour and brightness. The compact blush NEE Compact Bronzer No. 51 was also used for contouring on the forehead, nose and under the cheekbones to give more focus to the angles of the face.

To complete the entire look, I went for NEE Bright Flash Illuminating Liquid Concealer No. C1, which is a correction fluid in pen created to give shine to different points of the face, minimising dark circles, fine lines and shaded areas. For the lips a nude look was preferred to further compliment the whole outline of the make-up and this was achieved by using NEE The Lipstick No. 60, which lipstick comes in liquid form and is long lasting.

The make-up changed according to the style of the shoot towards the end, when I used NEE Trio Moka Eyeshadow together with some more Brown Eye Pencil No. 14. For the lips I used NEE R2 Lip Gloss providing us with more shine and brightness.

39

SCOTLAND Stunning scenery, world-famous whisky and captivating cities

By Dini Martinez

S

cotland is well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and valleys, rolling hills, green fields and forests, thousands of kilometres of rugged coastline and, of course, its world-famous whisky. Moreover, golf was created here and Scotland has some of the best courses in the world and in the colder months, winter sports attract many tourists. However, throughout the year people from all over the world – descendants of the many Scots who emigrated during the hard years of the 18th and 19th centuries and who now number in their millions – come in search of their family history. And, of course, quite a few visitors go to Loch Ness hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Monster.

40

Stunning scenery The Scots are famous storytellers, and you will soon discover that every castle, loch and glen has a legend attached it. First and foremost, the famous Loch Ness Monster – which has been making regular headlines since 1933 – comes to mind. One school of thought is that the legendary Nessie could be an example of a long-surviving dinosaur – the plesiosaur.

The Scottish Highlands are a must for lovers of impressive mountains, rugged terrain, lochs, bagpipes and kilt-wearing Scotsmen. For centuries, the Scots have carved out a living in what can be a harsh and unforgiving land. There are low-level walks, accessible all year round, which promise truly humbling moments with nature. To name but a few: the area around the cathedral city of Dunkeld, where you will also find numerous warm bars and cosy

hotels; the area around Blair Castle – the ancestral home of the Clan Murray; or in the Cairngorms mountain range. It is also to the Cairngorms, as well as the Glencoe and Nevis Ranges, that ski and snowboard-laden visitors head when the snow arrives. In fact, Scotland’s winter season has its very own charm, with crisp, frost-dusted landscapes, Christmas markets, boughs of holly and decorative tartan sashes.

No matter what the time of the year, another Scottish highlight is a round of golf. This does not have to be at St Andrews, for which bookings are required months in advance, as there are plenty of immaculately kept greens to keep any golfer happy.

The low season – between November and March – is when prices will be at their lowest.

For somewhere totally free, Scotland is blessed with

a tremendous 6,158 miles of coastline for anything from a short stroll to a several-day-long hike along rugged cliffs, inlets, beaches and rocks. There are also a large number of islands and many rivers.

For the more adventurous, there is white-water rafting available, as well as some fantastic mountaineering, Land Rover safaris, mountainbiking, clay-pigeon shooting and abundant wildlife photography. Watch out for seals, stoats, golden eagles and – who knows? – maybe even Scotland’s official animal, the unicorn! At the end of each highoctane, fresh-air-filled day there is always a welcoming pub serving good beer and even better whisky!

World-famous whisky

Speaking of good whisky, there are 115 working

distilleries in Scotland producing copious quantities of the world-famous national drink. Most are open on weekdays for tours and tastings. The Highlands is the largest region in Scotland – in both area and whisky production. Speyside in the east features the famous Whisky Trail, a beautiful 66-mile track along the River Spey, also renowned for salmon fishing. Even small islands such as Islay, one of the southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Islands off the west coast, produce their very own ‘Scotch’.

The word ‘whisky’ is derived from uisge or uisce – the Gaelic word for water. To earn this title, the spirit must mature in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years. Over 20 million casks are stored in the country – almost four for every person living there.

Whisky accounts for a quarter of the UK’s food and drink exports, meaning a healthy £125 – or an

average of 38 bottles a second – according to the Scotch Whisky Association! Laid end-to-end, the 99 million cases of Scotch exported each year would cover the distance between Edinburgh and New York six times!

Whisky is made by the distillation of fermented grain and the first records of the process were found during archaeological excavations of ancient Babylon and Mesopotamia. The art of distillation had reached Scotland by no later than the 15th century, with the first written evidence of whisky production in the country appearing in an entry in the Exchequer Rolls for 1494. After the Act of Union in 1707 that united Scotland and England, taxes on whisky rose dramatically and with the English Malt Tax of 1725, most of Scotland’s distillation was either shut down or forced underground. » 41

Previous page: Loch Ness Left: Eileen Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands Below: Dunkeld Cathedral knave

«Distillers, operating out of homemade stills, took to distilling whisky at night when the darkness hid the smoke from the stills – hence the name ‘moonshine’.

In 1823, the UK passed the Excise Act, legalising distillation for a fee, which basically stopped the large-scale production of Scottish moonshine.

Aberdeen

Captivating culture and cities Generally, the Scots are fiercely proud of their culture – so avoid referring to them as ‘British’ or, even worst, ‘English’ – to avoid causing offence!

Scotland has a great tradition of festivals, literature and achievement in the arts and since the ‘Scottish

42

Enlightenment’ that followed the Act of Union it has produced some of the greatest literary personalities, thinkers, writers and scientists in the world, including moral philosopher and political economist Adam Smith, television inventor John Baird and the man who discovered penicillin, Alexander Fleming.

More recently, scientists in Aberdeen developed the MRI scanner and those in Edinburgh created Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned animal. Maybe not surprisingly, Scotland was the first country since Sparta in the days of classical Greece to implement a system of general public education.

There is also a thriving Scottish music scene and home-grown bands and musicians are much in evidence, particularly those originating from in and around Glasgow. This lively and friendly city is home to a fantastic music scene and a ‘must visit’ destination is ‘King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut’ where Oasis were spotted and signed their first record deal.

Moreover, Scotland’s largest city also hosts some of the best entrance-free museums in Europe. To name just one, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the city’s West End features some famous exhibits and is surrounded by the beautiful Kelvingrove Park.

Not to be outdone, the country’s capital – Edinburgh – has more listed buildings than anywhere else in the world.

While the sun may not always shine, the warm welcome and wonderful diversity of places,

Glasgow landscapes and experiences mean that Scotland has much to offer to any visitor. Sometimes aweinspiring and majestic, sometimes ramshackle and faded, proud and at the same time modest, and modern yet also ancient and eccentric but charming – few visitors leave Scotland unimpressed.

Left: Whisky production in Speyside Above: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

THE HEALING POWER OF

HORSES Victor Muscat is the visionary behind the multi-purpose Dreams of Horses Farm in Ramla Valley, Gozo, where he and his team are dedicated to the healing and rehabilitating of both horses and people.

By Cat Calabrese

S

ome call him the ‘Horse Whisperer of Gozo’, and I find this somewhat lofty title to be most apt.

Victor is someone with a beautiful understanding of the intrinsic nature of the horse, someone who understands – on a deeply intuitive level – the importance of the relationship between man and beast. To see him with his horses is to witness perfect harmony and mutual respect.

Victor does not simply rescue a horse: he brings it back to life and gives it a new purpose. He firmly believes in second chances and that by understanding the

44

true nature of the horse, any behavioural problems can be fixed. I ask him to explain the work they do at Dreams of Horses farm and Victor tells me it’s really very simple: “Helping horses and helping people – rebuilding their trust. Once you do that, the horses and the people give back. Horses that have suffered trauma respond to people with similar traumas; they are extremely sensitive creatures and can recognise the intentions and emotional or behavioural disturbances of the people who approach them. We provide a safe and nurturing environment in a quiet and peaceful location where both horses and people come to heal and be rehabilitated.” »

WORKING WITH THE ANIMALS TEACHES PATIENCE, HELPS TO BUILD A SENSE OF SELFWORTH, IMPROVES COMMUNICATION, BUILDS TRUST AND SELFEFFICIENCY AND HELPS IN LEARNING HOW TO CONTROL IMPULSIVE AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR

45

STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FARM, WATCHING MY FIVE-YEAR-OLD HAPPILY PREPARING FOOD FOR THE CHICKENS, DUCKS AND KITTENS THAT MILL AROUND HER FEET, I FEEL AN UNDENIABLE SENSE OF SERENITY AND JOY «While offering a wide range of activities, the farm specialises in providing horse-assisted activities for adults and children with physical difficulties, behavioural problems and/or emotional trauma.

Animals have been used as part of therapeutic programmes for many years throughout the world, and horses in particular have proved to be great catalysts for change.

The team at Dreams of Horses welcomes people here with open arms. They have created a sanctuary for anyone who needs to heal or simply reconnect with nature and spend time with animals and while taking me on a tour of the farm they bubble over with countless stories of the little miracles that take place here between horse and human. All the animals play an integral role: even the grumpy, rather stand-offish turkey once bonded with a young girl with severe behavioural problems. They tell me that this turkey

would stay for hours at a time with this girl, letting her blow on his feathers as this calmed her down and helped her find some emotional stability.

“This is my life’s work, but I am not doing it for myself – I am working for future generations. An equestrian therapy centre can benefit people in so many ways: disadvantaged children, youngsters with learning difficulties who struggle in the standard classroom environment, misunderstood children who are becoming lost in the system – they can flourish here by learning essential life skills”, says Victor.

“Working with the animals teaches patience, helps to build a sense of self-worth, improves communication, builds trust and self-efficiency and helps in learning how to control impulsive and disruptive behaviour.

With the right programmes in place, we could have regular courses for school groups as part of their curriculum. But for these programmes to be properly

implemented we need the necessary infrastructure; we need a classroom on site, toilet facilities, proper stables for the horses. All this costs money and now we need help.”

Dreams of Horses is a work-in-progress. Victor, with help from his amazing team of family and volunteers, has built this project from the ground up with his bare hands. He tells me with a wry smile that it has taken many years to see his plans come to fruition – 15 years just to find and secure the right piece of land. “The location is so important for therapeutic activities such as these: we couldn’t be near a busy main road or surrounded by buildings and the hustle and bustle of daily life. We needed to be able to offer an oasis of tranquillity.”

Victor has sunk everything into this project, not just his personal savings but also his blood, sweat and tears.

Now after waiting six years for a permit, Dreams of Horses Farm has only 3 years left to complete the work necessary to see this project reach its full potential.

Standing in the middle of the farm, watching my fiveyear-old happily preparing food for the chickens, ducks and kittens that mill around her feet, I feel an undeniable sense of serenity and joy. Her revelry in the freedom of running in fresh air after sitting at a school desk all day is plain to see. Her care and attentiveness while learning and interacting with the animals fills me with pride. It would be a truly beautiful thing to give every single child the opportunity to experience this.

Dreams of Horses Farm needs our help; a project such as this needs the community to come together and make it happen. Whether it’s volunteering, spreading the word or, most importantly, donating the desperately needed funds, a little goes a long way.

Victor is a believer and a doer and has already helped so many lost souls find their way again. “Even one person can make a difference” he says. “After all, just one tiny mosquito can keep you awake all night!”

Anyone wishing to help support this worthy cause can make a donation via https://www.gofundme.com/dreamsofhorsesfarm.

You can also contact Victor by telephone on 9985 8194.

46

Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c.

HELP US FLY

BirdLife Malta launches a campaign to increase membership and encourage more people to support its work. We speak to Nathaniel Attard, their Communications Manager, to find out more

W

hat is the looking for an increase in membership: objective of asking the Maltese people to join us so that they can help us grow more and continue BirdLife Malta’s new doing what we do best. membership drive for 2017 How many members do you have now, and ‘Help us fly’? how can one become a member? What are been around for the advantages of membership?

BirdLife Malta has more than 50 years and is not only the oldest but also the largest eNGO in Malta. Today it employs 16 people and carries out work related to research and scientific studies about birds and their natural habitat, monitors sites of ecological importance, manages three natural reserves, uses the data it collects from its studies to bring about changes in Malta’s environment laws and advises the government on decisions taken from time to time.

As well as this, in the education sector more than 60 schools participate in BirdLife Malta’s flagship programme ‘Dinja Waħda’ and we also give a hand in the development of the national curriculum in respect of environmental education. Naturally, regular fund-raising is needed for BirdLife Malta to continue building on its success and finance its operations from the administrative, financial and communication aspects. The membership drive we are launching for 2017 will help in this regard but, above all, we want to increase our engagement with those who support the work we do.

Although we launch a membership campaign every year, this time around we are launching a one on a larger scale. We chose to name this year’s campaign ‘Help us fly’ – a slogan which says it all – and are

48

At present we have around 2,000 members but we know there are many people out there who support what we do, although for some reason or other they have never considered becoming members of BirdLife Malta. People who join our organisation not only support us with an annual membership fee but also declare their moral support. Members receive a newsletter every month and also receive Bird’s Eye View which is our colourful magazine, issued quarterly.

Apart from this, there are also lots of activities that are organised specifically for members and others that are open to the general public, such as visits to our nature reserves, boat trips to the cliffs to observe seabirds, birdwatching and birdringing sessions and many others.

The easiest way to become a member is online by visiting http://birdlifemalta.org/become-member where you can choose the most suitable type of membership. We have membership schemes for adults, families and children. Children who become BirdLife Malta members automatically become members of Klabb Ħuttaf, our tailor-made scheme for children who will receive our children’s magazine every two months. This is full of stories about nature, superb pictures and interesting

information and details about our activities. Our main aim is always that all our members feel proud that they are contributing to a better Malta.

What is BirdLife Malta doing to ensure the protection of Malta’s natural environment and the protection of birds which migrate or breed in Malta?

As I explained earlier, BirdLife Malta’s work is varied and wide-ranging. There is the educational work we do with school children and young people, the

WE HAVE TO BEAR IN MIND THAT HUMAN BEINGS ARE PART OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SHOULD LIVE IN HARMONY WITH THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

work we do in conjunction with the Education Ministry so that environmental education is part of the national curriculum and, of course, our conservation work such as management of our reserves, the rehabilitation of injured birds and assisting with environmental law enforcement. There are also a number of scientific studies which we are doing with the help of EU funds to assist us with building our arguments in favour of the protection of the country’s environment.

You mention the scientific studies BirdLife Malta is managing with European funds.

What have been the results of these studies?

First and foremost, these studies help us collect diverse information which is then used to develop more ways of helping our natural environment. For instance, the last study we did helped us and the government establish the first marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the Maltese Islands. Every EU member state is obliged to designate such areas and it was thanks to our studies that the government has reached this national target leading to the first marine zones in Malta and Gozo with controlled human activity. The main objective of these SPAs

is to ensure that the species that depend on these vital areas are not hindered. We have to bear in mind that human beings are part of the natural environment and should live in harmony with the natural surroundings.

What was the main objective of BirdLife Malta’s participation in the UK Birdfair 2016?

BirdLife Malta has been participating in the Birdfair – the largest annual nature exhibition in the world – for the past five years. Thanks to our participation, over these years we have managed to gather support for the work we do and also drive home the message that Malta is beautiful if we respect the natural environment and let it flourish.

Nature and, above all birds, knows no frontiers and forms part of our universal heritage. The Birdfair is also a golden opportunity for us to meet other people and NGOs who share our vision.

September is the month synonymous with raptor migration over Malta. What is BirdLife Malta doing to control the illegal hunting of birds of prey?

September marks not only the time of year when raptors migrate but also the migration period for many other birds

such as flamingos, herons and egrets, the black and white storks and other beautiful species like the bee-eater.

Unfortunately, this year we have already witnessed the illegal killing of storks, among other species including honey buzzards, bee-eaters, golden orioles and night herons. At this time of the year, BirdLife Malta organises its annual Raptor Camp to monitor what is happening on the ground. This is a difficult and time-consuming task that helps deter illegal activities. In addition, every time an illegality is reported we insist on more enforcement. To do all this we need continuous resources and funding. People who become members of BirdLife Malta will also be contributing to this vital work.

BirdLife Malta also provides information and workshops in schools about nature conservation in Malta. What is the response from students to these initiatives?

Students and their teachers are always eager to attend our activities, be it in the schools themselves or beyond school premises. We also organise specific events for school children in our nature reserves. The ‘Dinja Waħda’ initiative I mentioned earlier is a nationwide

programme and is now also being adapted for use in other countries such as Poland and Ireland. These European countries are using our flagship programme as a model to achieve success as we have done in this area.

BirdLife Malta officials have, in fact, been asked to visit these countries to share their experiences and knowledge about this project as part of other EU projects including Erasmus. Investment in education is of the utmost importance and we are keen to continue investing in these tools that are so beneficial to the future of our country.

Do you think that uncontrolled development in Malta can have serious consequences on our natural environment and on the survival of living creatures such as birds?

Malta and Gozo are small islands with a high population density. The stress and impact on our natural environment due to human activity is on the increase and without any doubt, unlimited construction and development by the building industry are amongst the main contributors to the irreparable damage being done to our natural environment.

This not only negatively affects all the living creatures that depend on our

limited natural spaces like birds, plants and other species, but can ultimately have a negative impact on the people who live in Malta. As I said before, we are part of nature and we need nature in order to lead a better quality of life.

How do you see BirdLife Malta’s future?

It looks as if the future will bring about many more challenges for Malta’s natural environment so more hard work is necessary from environmental NGOs such as BirdLife Malta. In the coming years, BirdLife Malta will focus on the natural environment in a broader sense with the objective of safeguarding the remaining few open spaces we have in Malta and which, up to now, remain in a natural state. Research, education and conservation will continue to play a significant role while we need to redouble our efforts to increase the Malta’s environmental conscience at all levels of society, including amongst politicians, teachers, enterprises and the public in general. To do this we need to get on board all of those who already have this environmental conscience at heart, to whom we extend our invitation to become members so that together we can improve our natural heritage for the common good.

49

TERESA

THE LATEST CHILDREN’S BOOK TRANSLATED INTO MALTESE Merlin Publishers has announced that award-winning Australian author Deborah Abela will be visiting Malta this month, following the publication of the Maltese translation of her bestselling children’s novel Teresa. We catch up with her before she arrives...

W

hat inspired you to write Teresa?

When I was a child in Australia, I was told the story that my father was born in a cave in Malta during the heavy bombing raids of WWII. The story always intrigued me and when I grew older and researched the history of Malta and the caves, I knew it would make a fascinating story for children. My nanna was called Teresa, so I knew the main character would be named after her. I don’t have children but I am a trained teacher and work with children a lot. They are often the inspiration for my characters.

Did you ever expect to receive awards for your books?

I am always surprised when my novels are nominated for awards, both popular and critical. I know in my heart why I love my characters and their stories but for them to be recognised with awards is always an incredible honour.

Tell us about yourself and what’s your relationship like with Malta?

I was born in Sydney and still live there. I grew up in the western suburbs surrounded by post-war immigrants, like my father and his family, so all my neighbours and school friends were Italian, Hungarian, Maltese, Greek, etc. The neighbourhood always smelt of delicious cooking. From the moment I knew where my father was born, I was obsessed with Malta and would often sit transfixed in front of the super8 movie footage he would show of his country. I

knew one day I would travel there and when I first arrived in 2005, I was so moved by how beautiful it was and how connected I felt, as if I had been there before.

I WAS BORN IN SYDNEY AND STILL LIVE THERE. I GREW UP IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS SURROUNDED BY POSTWAR IMMIGRANTS, LIKE MY FATHER AND HIS FAMILY, SO ALL MY NEIGHBOURS AND SCHOOL FRIENDS WERE ITALIAN, HUNGARIAN, MALTESE, GREEK, ETC. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ALWAYS SMELT OF DELICIOUS COOKING.

You’ll soon be in Malta to present your book, translated into Maltese. How do you feel about that?

I am so incredibly proud to be able to tell the story of this important part of Maltese/Australian history.

Teresa has been very well-received in Australia and so many people have said they had no idea about the history of Malta during WWII until they read my book. I’ve also had many older Maltese write to me to say how surprised they are that their story is being told and younger Maltese/Australians have told me that this is their grandparents’ story. I don’t speak Maltese, but for the book to be translated and published in Malta is a complete dream come true. I would love to go back in time and tell my young self the news. I know she would be so excited.

Are there any more books on the horizon?

My latest book is called The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee and is about a shy girl whose family encourage her to enter a spelling competition, and I am working on a picture book called Wolfie, about a cheeky wolf.

How will you be launching to book in Malta?

I am really excited to be visiting several schools in Malta – San Anton School, St Dorothy’s Zebbug, St Joseph Sliema and St Joseph Blata l-Bajda – with the translators of the Maltese edition, Leanne Ellul and Clare Azzopardi, and speaking to children there. And I am extremely proud that HE the President of Malta will be launching the book at the Palace on Friday, 14 October. It’s an incredible honour, especially since it was the idea of the President during her last state visit to Australia when we met.

51

DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

My husband and I have been happily married for seven years. We are both very career-oriented and from the start of our relationship we were in agreement about not having children. We have a splendid and comfortable life: we travel often and enjoy ourselves to the full. Yet I cannot bear to be judged any more. Our relatives and friends look at us with compassion and disbelief when we say that we are childless by choice. Everyone keeps hinting what a joy it is to have children and how sorry we will be unless we change our minds. It is becoming uncomfortable, and conversations are cut short when we arrive. We do like children, but we have chosen to live our life in this way. Why should we be condemned?

52

TEAM UP WITH OTHER CHILDLESS COUPLES AND DO FUN THINGS TOGETHER AND WITH REGARD TO THE TWO OF YOU, GIVE EACH OTHER TIME AND SPACE TO BLOSSOM INTO WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE.

W

e cannot control the uncontrollable.

Irrespective of whether or not people externalise their opinions to us, we are all being judged. It is an unfortunate characteristic in many people, and even more so on a small island. For a very long time the woman was the care-giver to her husband and children, so not having any was considered a huge loss. In recent years, the woman has moved miles away from this stereotype and yet one still finds individuals with this oldfashioned mentality.

Children are a great joy and a

blessing but they do involve a lot of work, dedication and sacrifice and whereas some couples are ready and willing to go through parenthood, others do not feel such a calling. In no way does this diminish the sanctity of the marriage or companionship. We are free to live our life and employ our

time how we deem best for us. What matters is that we are both content with our decision.

From my coaching experience, having children does not always bring about the joy and fulfilment expected.

Becoming a parent often means that your needs as well as your wishes take

second place to those of the child.

Whereas we take care of, and provide for, our children selflessly, more often than not our children may not even show much respect for us, or express their gratitude for what we do for them.

In this day and age I feel every couple should take time to discuss this issue at length. It is important for them both to be deeply aware of their feelings on the subject. It should be a conscious decision made out of love and an understanding of the other’s needs. When a couple has a child, they are participating in the progress of society. Parents have a duty to instil in their children a sense of social justice and responsibility, so they must take on parenthood willingly and aware of the fact that they are obliged to do whatever is necessary to bring up an independent, trustworthy individual. I think it is more mature to refrain from having children than to have a child purely to conform. A not uncommon misconception is that couples who choose to remain childless are selfish but we see numerous couples who have chosen to have children and yet are unwilling to adapt their lives because of what this involves: isn’t that selfish as well?

While motherhood used to dominate a woman’s life – and conversation, changing norms and values now offer more opportunities.

No childless couple – childless either by choice or circumstance – should feel in any way criticised or judged or be subjected to the insinuation that there is something missing in their lives. Such couples still have a lot to offer and can focus the energy others use to raise a family on other meaningful experiences for themselves as well as others.

You obviously have a successful and happy marriage, irrespective of what other people may think, so carry on enjoying your freedom and any new adventures that come your way. Team up with other childless couples and do fun things together and with regard to the two of you, give each other time and space to blossom into what you would like to be. Develop your hobbies and nurture friendships, while continuing to make each other feel important and special.

Childless couples are a minority – but a growing minority. We are all different and what works for one is not necessarily what works for another person. Ultimately, what is important is to be comfortable and at peace with the choice made.

CHILDLESS COUPLES ARE A MINORITY – BUT A GROWING MINORITY. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND WHAT WORKS FOR ONE IS NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WORKS FOR ANOTHER PERSON.

53

LANGOUSTINE LINGUINE Nicole Pisani shares one of her favourite winter recipes from her book Magic Soup, co-written with Kate Adams.

SERVES 4 Scottish langoustine* are equally delicious boiled or grilled.

In this recipe I simply plunge them into boiling water for a minute or so, until opaque, peel carefully to keep as much of the meat as possible and use the pile of shells to make a deep, flavourful bisque sauce for the fresh linguine.

INGREDIENTS 800g raw Scottish langoustines Sea salt 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 small onion, roughly chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1/2 fennel bulb, roughly chopped 1/2 thumb sized piece of ginger, roughly sliced Pinch of chilli flakes 1 tsp peppercorns (pink or black) 200ml Pernod 500ml hot fish stock 1 tin coconut paste 500g fresh linguine Lemon juice Extra virgin olive oil 3 spring onions, finely sliced *If unobtainable, use large fresh prawns 54

Stir in a little extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Stir the langoustine sauce into the pasta until evenly coated. Add the peeled langoustines and gently stir through before serving into bowls. Top with plenty of the finely-sliced spring onion.

MAGIC SOUP by Nicole Pisani & Kate Adams is published in hardback by Orion. Photography Š Regula Ysewijn

METHOD Bring a large pan of water, along with a couple of heaped teaspoons of sea salt (enough to make the water as salty as the sea) to the boil.

Add the langoustines and boil for two to three minutes until the flesh is no longer translucent.

You may need to boil them in batches as it is important not to crowd the pan.

Drain the langoustines and, when cool enough to handle, remove the heads and squeeze the shell so that you can easily peel them. Chill the peeled langoustines and keep the heads and shells to make the bisque sauce.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and soften the onions, celery and fennel for a few minutes before adding the ginger, chilli flakes, peppercorns and then the langoustine head and shells. After another minute or so, deglaze the pan with the Pernod before adding the hot fish stock, bring back to the boil and then lower to a gentle simmer for about an hour until the liquid has reduced by half, removing any impurities that come to the surface with a slotted spoon. Stir in the coconut paste, and taste for seasoning.

Bring another pan of water to the boil and add the linguine, give it a stir and reduce the heat a little to a good simmer until cooked, usually 5-6 minutes. Drain and return to the pan.

55

KEEPING THE MACHINE RUNNING SMOOTHLY With hundreds of employees spread around different parts of the globe, the Portomaso headquarters of German online sports betting company Tipico has a daily mountain of appointment-scheduling and meetings to get through. FIRST had a chat with Tipico’s business administrators, a group of people that is responsible for keeping this part of the company’s operations functioning smoothly.

Anna Arlt, PA to Tipico’s CEO

Y

our job sounds like an extremely Tell us a bit about the mix of different cultures and busy one. How do you manage your people you encounter in your work. time and stay upbeat when you After working in London for 11 years, I initially have so much work to do? thought working at Tipico was going to be boring and

As PA to the CEO my everyday duties range from maintaining my boss’s diary, the preparation and scheduling of meetings, the planning, organisation and supervision of events, projects and workshops in Malta and abroad, and the preparation and booking of travel arrangements and transport, to general administrative and clerical tasks, translations and taking minutes during meetings.

Time management is one of the skills I have honed to perfection working for Tipico. The company environment and the support of my team members keep me very motivated. It’s a very interesting position and for me, as a team player, collaborating with my new boss and my lovely colleagues is one of the best things about my job.

Do you get to meet interesting people from outside the company in your job?

Yes, in the course of my employment at Tipico I have met many fantastic people from other industries such as hotels, audio-visual companies and event organisers, and some of them have even become good friends.

Lucia Meloni, PA to the Director of Marketing What are the best things about your job?

I work for the Director of Marketing. Marketing creates and manages creative campaigns that push the Tipico brand. No two days are ever the same for me. It’s 56

a very dynamic company to work for and I enjoy being busy and contributing to the company’s success.

monotonous – but I was wrong: it’s actually an exciting, multi-cultural company where everybody feels they are playing an important part.

How long have you been with Tipico and how have you seen the company evolve?

I joined Tipico in May 2014, and am happy to have witnessed its continuous growth and expansion – I find it very satisfying.

Christiane Micallef Mey, PA to Chief Financial Officer Tell us a little about your job.

TIME MANAGEMENT IS ONE OF THE SKILLS I HAVE HONED TO PERFECTION WORKING FOR TIPICO. THE COMPANY ENVIRONMENT AND THE SUPPORT OF MY TEAM MEMBERS KEEP ME VERY MOTIVATED

As Personal Assistant to Tipico’s Chief Financial Officer, my daily routine includes diary management, scheduling meetings, the preparation of documents and handling any ad hoc requirements during the daily business.

The most enjoyable part is dealing with the challenges we face every day. Even though it can, at times, be very stressful and demanding, I know that I can always rely on my team members and the help and advice of my PA colleagues. I started working at Tipico when we were only 40 employees and now we are over 200! It’s been a journey I have enjoyed tremendously so far.

expanded into different markets, launched new products, and begun business relationships with, amongst others, former goalkeeper for the German national team and Bayern Munich Oliver Kahn. Tipico’s network of franchise partners has also tripled since I started working with the company. However, I think the biggest achievement is that, in just one decade, we have developed Tipico into the leading sports betting brand in Germany.

Apart from the increase in employees, how have you seen Tipico grow and develop in the last five years?

Tell us a little about individual challenges that you face in your work, and how you go about dealing with them.

We have grown rapidly and, of course, it has not always been easy to keep track of all the changes, but Tipico’s employees always worked together as a team, which made – and still makes – us strong as a company. We have

Tipico’s employees come from 28 different countries, all with different ideas, different lifestyles and visions. It is, of course, not always easy, but accepting everyone as an individual, and getting the most out of everyone’s

strengths, makes us together very successful. Even though we are spread over different countries, we always try to work together as one harmonious team.

Katya Vella Bamber, PA to the HR Director Your job description shows that the company structure at Tipico is very defined. Your main job is PA to the HR Director but you also provide support to other management figures. Do you feel that this clear structure within the company has contributed to Tipico s success?

As you say, I am the Personal Assistant to the HR Director but I also support the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Bookmaking and the Director Customer Operations. My main responsibilities include the daily management of their diaries, travel arrangements, organising and coordinating meetings, preparing documents and minute-taking. Yes, I do believe the clarity with which the company’s management keeps the staff up to date, and the clear structure of the company, have contributed to Tipico’s success.

Tell us a little about the mix of different cultures and people you encounter in your work.

One of the aspects of my job I enjoy is working with people from different countries who bring different ways of doing things, which is always very interesting for me. You learn a lot when you have a mixture of cultures and I believe it keeps you open-minded to different ways of dealing with situations.

What role does the Tipico environment play in keeping you upbeat and happy in your work?

Apart from the friendly environment, I believe one important aspect that keeps people motivated and happy in their job is transparency at all levels. When there is an openness around you, you have a sense of belonging that drives you to reach your goals in a motivated manner. I think Tipico is doing a very good job in this respect.

Marie Wollschlaeger, EA to the CCO and Director of Products What are the best things about working with Tipico?

Tipico is a place where you can be positively encouraged to develop and use your skills to get amazing things done. I love my job because it’s so diverse and involves working closely with a lot of departments and colleagues.

Tell us about the mix of different cultures and people you encounter in your work.

The working atmosphere is friendly and fun, whilst also being highly professional. My colleagues make it feel like one big multi-cultural family: we can count on each other and are always there for one another.

How long have you been with Tipico and how have you seen the company evolve since you joined?

I have been with Tipico for four years. When I

joined the company, in 2012, there were just under 100 employees and now we have grown to a team in Malta of over 220. It is a fantastic experience to be working for a company that keeps growing so rapidly.

The Office Services Team How big is the office service team and how many nationalities are involved?

The team is made up of nine people – eight of us are Maltese and one is Columbian. At Tipico, every member of the Office Services Team works hard to ensure that our employees’ needs are met. We are kept busy answering queries, tending to maintenance requirements and ensuring that we provide the staff with everything they need to make their working day comfortable and enjoyable.

What was the most interesting request the team has had to handle and what was the strangest?

The most exciting phase for us is probably just around the corner, with the upcoming construction and design of a Fun Room for all the staff. And one interesting request we had was to order bottled water with a lower percentage of nitrates and sulphates.

What are the best things about working for Tipico?

The location, the multi-national team and the yearly events are just a few of the perks of working for Tipico.

Find out more about working for Tipico at www.tipico-careers.com 57

2.

1.

5.

7.

6.

8.

58

9.

3.

1.

The colour of life and death, love and desire, innocence and experience...

Contained within this colour of extremes are many metaphors for the emotional dichotomies of life. And it is those emotional extremes that Lucia Pica, Global Creative Designer for Makeup and Colour at CHANEL, seeks to evoke in her debut collection for Chanel Beauty.

Fine Italian gemstone jewellery including earrings, bracelets and necklaces from Henri Luxury Boutique make a great gift idea for Mother’s Day. Henri Luxury Boutique, Pjazza Tign and Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson), tel. 20106306. www.henri.com.mt or facebook/henrimalta These mouth-blown glass lanterns encased in a latticed metal structure, finished off with high-grade leather handles are available from Mdina Glass.

Enjoy a drink from these handmade ‘Flicks’ tumblers are available in a range of colour patterns and three sizes from Mdina Glass. Outlets info: MDINA GLASS, online www.mdinaglass.com.mt (with free delivery to Malta on orders of €30 or more), tel. 21415786 or email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt.

2.

3.

4.

4.

Follow at facebook.com/mdinaglass.

The Autumn/Winter 2016/17 Terra range by Stageline Professional Malta offers neutral and warm earthy tones, for sophistication and personality. For trade enquiries contact Beauty Culture Group, Galanton Vassallo Street, Santa Venera.

Tel. 21440424 / 2744 0424 / 7944 6089 or email info@beautysuppliesmalta.com. www.beautyculturecentre.com Eye-catching figures and figurines. Available from Henri Luxury Boutique, Pjazza Tigné and Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson), tel. 20106306. www.henri.com.mt or facebook/henrimalta Creamy and smooth, water resistant eyeshadow for an intense satin finish.

Ophthalmologist Tested, paraben-free, not tested on animals. Priced at ¤8.95, from 3INA, Landmark Qormi, and The Point, Sliema.

For over four years, Carolina Herrera de Baez, Creative Director of the House of Herrera Fragrances, brought her extensive knowledge of the brand and fragrance development into the creation of Good Girl. Every part of the fragrance is

5.

6.

7.

8.

a reflection of the Herrera woman, best told through de Baez herself. The luminous bottle, a midnight blue ultra-high stiletto and gold-heel, includes a complex internal pressure system. Both fragrance and bottle express the sensual, confident, feminine and powerful nature of the woman who wears GOOD GIRL. Distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.

Good Things Pore-fectly Clear is a simple skincare routine that combines active charcoal with caffeine, Willow Bark Extract and Pomegranate to gently but effectively draw out impurities for deeply cleansed, clearer looking skin. This range has been specially formulated with calming yet powerful spot-fighting ingredients to soothe and clear oily, blemish prone skin. Two additional blemish fighting products include Good Things Overnight Serum to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and spots and help prevent future breakouts, and Good Things Spot Clearing Gel to help stop spots in their tracks. Good Things Skincare range is found in leading supermarkets and pharmacies. Exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144205.

9.

60

LAST WORD Charlene Joan Sant is a podiatrist during the day and self-taught fashion designer at night. Her label, Churpina, has been years in the making, using recycled materials and collaborating with local artists to create unique fashion items. Churpina has recently completed a new collection and here we learn more from this one-of-a-kind creator.

W

here did the label name come from?

Well, it’s an old nickname and has its origins in ornithological sounds.

What do you design?

My creative outlet is clothing: from sketching ideas, choosing and designing the fabric and finishing with the construction and sewing of the design. I find it so fascinating that from a flat piece of fabric you get a 3D structure fitting a body.

How would you describe your design and who are they for?

I love the conceptual but since it’s usually not wearable, I tend to take inspiration from it. My client is usually a 25+ year-old, style-conscious lady who is not afraid to kick some social expectations in the rear.

Are you a morning or night person?

Definitely night and, since I work as a podiatrist both full-time and part-time, it only leaves me with the night hours for sewing. I normally catch only around four hours of sleep a day, coffee is my saviour and my friends think I might be related to owls.

took four to five months to finish.

There’s a lot to prepare from the original concept, to design, choice of fabric and finally construction of the actual garments.

How do you choose your materials and where do you buy/find them?

I have quite an interesting fabric source, actually. When visiting patients I frequently mention – as a way of making conversation – that I sew and sometimes people remember that unused stash of fabric they have gathering dust somewhere: “Oh you sew? I have a mountain of unused fabric, do you want it?” So it wouldn’t be the first time that I leave a patient’s residence carrying a large bag. I also recently discovered the potential of printing my own fabric and it’s so liberating – it’s amazing! I buy fabrics both locally and while I’m travelling. I was in Montmartre, Paris, in February and there’s an area full of huge fabric shops. They have everything from the affordable to the ridiculously expensive and were it not for my dear boyfriend I would have camped there! Lastly, I also love recycling materials: some time ago a lady gave me two evening dresses for scrap. After a good wash, I ripped the skirts open and used the satin for other projects. Sometimes, if a zip is in perfect condition, I’ll recycle that too. I HATE WASTE!

How much time do you spend designing and making fashion item and can you describe the process?

What inspires your designs?

It’s never the same. A simple staple item like a plain pair of shorts doesn’t usually take long, maybe four hours from start to finish. Then there are evening gowns, which might take over a month of back-and-forth fittings. This year I created a capsule collection that

EVERYTHING REALLY, FROM THE SIMPLE COLOUR OF A STREET SIGN TO SOMEONE’S FINISHED GARMENT. THE TRICK IS TO KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN.

Everything really, from the simple colour of a street sign to someone’s finished garment. The trick is to keep your mind open.

What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished working on a capsule collection. This was an exciting project because I printed the paintings of local artist Karen Caruana on fabric and worked with them. With the help of photographer Luke Engerer and model Nicole, we shot the whole collection this month.

Do you have an assistant?

Yes, 24/7. Her name is ‘Summer’ and she’s an ivory Labrador. She helps by stealing the fabric scraps I discard in the bin, scattering them in every corner of the house.

Any plans for the future?

Yes I plan to have an online shop for starters. Collaborating with other artists and organisations is something else that really appeals to me. I also love learning – so the idea of studying abroad makes me rub my hands together in a ‘villainwith-a-plan’ kind of way. We’ll see!

I

n the next evolutionary instalment, the KM designers bring a fresh playfulness, eclecticism and refinement to the most beautifully crafted clothes. With the emphasis on proportion, cut, colour and detail, autumn / winter 16 emphasises the brand’s confident know-how by zeroing in on the most desirable, statement-making pieces. There’s a soft sophistication to the reality of dressing for work. CUE THE COATS, from the enveloping knit-tweed wrap with a wide portrait collar and the strict belted military style to the playful a-symmetric take with blurred stripes, the sleek black belted ponyskin trench and the throw-over-anything cape-coat. Please note also the new faux fur coat; ultra-soft, it is practically weightless and in deepest cinnamon, it introduces the season’s rich spice colour story. IN THE WORKWEAR MIX, the most luxurious knitwear – chunky, skinnyrib, patterned in plaid or velvet – comes in just the right neat shapes to accompany the new straight-legged culotte and the mid-calf slouch suede boots. The supple, roomy Regent,

62

with its sturdy chain strap, is the perfect work bag, updated in leopard print. DRESSES are inherent to Karen Millen and this is a season that defines the brand as a dress specialist as it reworks the one-piece in myriad ways. The emphasis is on intriguing details: mini-pleated panels and miniscule eyelets draw the eye and flatter feminine curves; sensuous surface textures rule with fine lace and ribbon applique, while special cuts include ruffles, frills and bows. THE PALETTE is drenched in rich tones of plum and henna to paprika, ginger and rust. Finally, it’s the playful spirit of this collection that so clearly telegraphs eclectic style. Whether it’s the faux-fur leopard print coats (fluffy and maxi-spotted or sleek and mini-spotted) slung over an orchid print dress or an intense blue button-through pencil skirt.

Or whether it’s one of KMs classics like the ankle-sweeping pleat skirt, here in iridescent damson and teamed with a slouchy poncho and patent flats, the spirit of this season’s Karen Millen collection is all about loving the individual.

Karen Millen, Old Theatre Street, Valletta

INDIVIDUAL STYLE THE HEART OF

facebook.com/JagermeisterMalta