FROM THE EDITOR - Victor Cavallo
It is with great pleasure that I write this editorial signalling the resurgence of the Malta Union Club magazine from a newsletter to a slimmed down version to this issue which is fitting to an old and prestigious club like ours.

An agreement has been signed with our publishers, Messrs Tal Enterprises Ltd, to publish a 32 page magazine quarterly, namely in December, March, June and September. The agreement is for a year but it is hoped that enough advertising revenue is obtained to sustain the magazine for a much longer period and in this regard I would like to appeal to our members who are in business to support our publishers and to our members to in turn support our advertisers.

The format will not change much and will feature news on the various amenities of the club as well the financial situation which is of so much concern these days. Now that we have more space we intend to introduce pages for those lighter moments such as crossword puzzles, brain teasers - and who knows perhaps some kind benefactor might be tempted to offer token prizes. Members who may have a special interest or hobby and would like to write about them are asked to get in touch with me for possible inclusion in future editions. It is also the intention to introduce a readers' letters page - but please keep these short and while "rants" are expected in a club like ours (after all how can a lot of elderly men and women with nothing much to do give vent to the frustration of creeping old age) no remarks of a personal or offensive nature will be entertained.

An innovation will be extracts from the minutes of the committee meetings once these have been approved. This should prove an interesting yardstick for the members to gauge the work - or not! - of the committee members. Whether this will prove to be a carrot or a stick remains to be seen.

In this issue members will find details of the Club's festivities schedule for Christmas and the new year including menus and prices. A special effort is being made this year by our chef Sigra. Angela Galatà who has assured the committee that she will bring all her culinary skills to make new year's eve dinner a memorable one. I strongly appeal to members to patronise the club's events - it is no secret that many members who last year went to other venues were not exactly impressed by the fare and service offered.

CHAIRMANS MESSAGE

Summer has come and gone and I hope you all had a pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing time and have now settled into the winter routine.

Since the last issue of our magazine the Committee of Management has been working hard to lease part of the club premises as offices to third parties. There have been several enquiries from various business entities as well as preliminary talks with three companies but unfortunately all these efforts have dwindled to nothing. We have also discussed the situation with Estate Agents who inform us that we presently have a half baked product and that interested parties would not be prepared to wait for more than three months to move in. It is also felt that if we are to lease the first floor the club should install air-conditioning, the covering of the terrace to have more area and have an agreement ready to be signed. The club has also had a setback as the Commission for the Disabled did not recommend the “change of use’ to MEPA on the grounds that there is no access to all; no toilets for the disabled and some other unfounded reason. We had no option but to lodge the complaint against the Commission’s decision which was taken without visiting the club premises. The Commission has since sent its architect to inspect the club premises and that hopefully MEPA will issue its approval to our application in the very near future. The Committee is looking into the possibility of installing air-conditioning in the first floor and drawing up a proposed draft contract for the leasing to third parties which will eventually be presented to the membership for its approval.

The club’s financial position is moving with the projections made by our accountants and financial advisor and presented to the membership at the Extra-ordinary General Meeting It is expected that this year could see us in a break-even situation before depreciation is taken into account. Membership subscriptions seem to be on a par as last year and the income derived to-date is €111, 868 as compared to €112, 255 last year. This is very encouraging, but we still have to tighten our belt and to find the required funds especially if we do not manage to lease part of the club premises. The club is very much dependent on the income derived from amenities which to-date shows a slight deficit over last year. I take this opportunity to thank the various amenity Convenors and sub committees for their hard work and organization of the various tournaments and competitions .However I ask all sub-committees to be more prudent when requesting for prize money to cover cost of trophies and other prizes.

Tigne Beach has for the second successive year done well and it is intended to pay a dividend to the clubs similar to the one paid out in 2007. My sincere thanks go to the members of Joint Tigne Beach sub- Committee for their sterling work and for ensuring another successful season.

I wish to thank Major Stanley Clews M.B.E. ex Chairman Malta Union Club for presenting the club with his autobiography which is most interesting and also gives an insight into family life which he cherishes and who dedicated his life unselfishly to his family.

I wish to thank all my colleagues on the Committee of Management for their support and patience, the Secretariat and members of the staff for their hard work and co-operation and you the members for your continued support and understanding.
Lastly I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
 

From the Secretary - Rose Caruana Scicluna

Summer has come and gone, and once again the Club is revived with most of the amenities organising tournaments.

During the summer months, we have re-covered most of the card tables in the card rooms and in the bridge room with the new ‘pannu’. Thanks to Franky, our maintenance man who managed to finish all the tables by himself. While he was re-covering them he also cleaned some of the tables from chewing gum which was stuck underneath. May I take this opportunity to appeal to all members, especially those who play cards to take care of the card tables by refraining from putting cups and glasses on the tables, and stop sticking chewing gum underneath. In the card rooms, there are all the necessary requirements and the side tables are there for this purpose. If you see any of your friends doing so, please draw their attention, after all, it is the members’ money that is being spent to maintain every piece of furniture in good condition.

We are presently fixing a new fitted carpet in the bridge room which was much needed. By the time you receive this magazine the carpet will be fixed.

We also added on 2 ramps going towards the lifts in the garage. This enables wheelchair cases to have more accessibility.

As regards functions, we had a few Saturdays where special dinners were held and the menus, together with the dancing (prepared by our caterer ‘Angela’) made a successful evening.

Now we are working hard on the Christmas season and both the Committee and Myself would like to entertain all the members with a successful New Year’s Eve Ball.

Once again, I ask you to book early for New Year’s Eve and let us all together make a memorable ending.

I thank you for all the support and encouragement I had from you and always promise you to accept suggestions and ideas at all times.
 

MAY, 2008

FROM THE EDITOR - Victor Cavallo

Not many dull moments since the last issue of this Magazine both for the members and the Committee of management what with a once-postponed E. G. M. and A. G. M., the catering problem, the appointment of a new Secretary and the constant grappling with the Club’s finances among other things to keep the Committee’s mind focused. Elsewhere you will find references to all these events as well as what is happening in the various amenity sections.
There seems to be a resurgences in the use of the catering facilities where special occasions are concerned which however proves to be sporadic at times. The Chairman deals with all these issues in his message. The new 'euro-ised' Tigne Beach ticket prices are also being published in this issue for members; guidance.
Finally on behalf of the Committee of management and all the Members may I extend a very big welcome to our new Secretary Mrs. Rose Caruana Scicluna- not really new as behind the scenes Rose has often been the power-plant that kept this going when needed. I am sure she will prove to be an even greater asset to the Club in her new position- incidentally this proves that the Committee of management does occasionally get something right!

FROM THE SECRETARY - Rose Caruana Scicluna

In this, my first contribution to the Union Club Magazine, I would like to express my thanks to the Committee of Management for having entrusted me with the position of Club Secretary. I shall endeavour to do my utmost to repay the trust that has been placed in me.
I have been a staff member of the Club for 36 years and have served under no less than eight previous Secretaries. The experience I gained under these gentlemen gave me the courage to take on the job and I hope to carry on the tradition of good and loyal service to the Club - a Club I have very much at heart.
I should also like to thank the many Members who have come forward to wish me well in my new post and would assure them that I am fully prepared to listen to any complaints, advice or suggestions they might have to help me run the Club in the most efficient manner.

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS - Edward Xuereb
May, 2008

I wish first to thank members for electing me for a second term to the Committee of Management and to my colleagues who by majority vote appointed me as Chairman.

The last couple of months were very hectic for the outgoing Committee of Management. As you are all aware an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss and approve the COM’s resolution to lease part of the club premises was held on the 21st February , 2008 after having been postponed from the 12th February due to a lack of quorum. This was followed with in a month, by the Annual General meeting which was held on 27th March, 2008. I wish to thank all members who attended both meetings and to all those who contributed to the healthy discussions that followed, especially on the future of club development.

Unfortunately as I mentioned at the Annual General Meeting two of the three applicants who had shown an interest in leasing the club premises have withdrawn their application while negotiations with the third applicant are still in progress but unlikely to succeed. In the meantime, Committee of Management is making every effort to find other possible firms/companies who may be interested in leasing the second floor or any other part as offices. The Committee of Management is seriously considering the recommendations made by various members at both meetings to leasing the first floor as opposed to the second floor thereby leaving intact the present amenity structure and possibly upgrading the cafeteria area and turning it into a “first class bar and restaurant.” with the offices moving to the third floor and present kitchen facilities maintained by us. This will still retain the present division of having amenities on the ground/minus one level and the present amenities on second floor. Hopefully and provided that this move is feasible, then the cost of the structural alteration required should decrease by an appreciable amount. It is also my opinion that the necessary alteration and necessary MEPA permits be carried out and obtained immediately as opposed to waiting to first lease the premises. Any interested party would not be prepared to wait. I wish to emphasize that the Committee of Management welcomes all suggestions and are prepared to discuss this important issue with any member who feels that he/she has something valid to contribute. It is also imperative that we find the necessary injection of funds as soon as possible in order that the club will become more viable and financially sustainable.

As I have also mentioned in my various reports, membership is still steadily falling. The Committee of Management will do all in its power to ameliorate the situation and I appeal to all members to try to introduce suitable members to the club.

To conclude I ask all members to support the Committee of Management in its efforts to improve the present financial impasse in order that the club becomes financially sustainable. Once this is achieved then we can also improve on the facilities the club has to offer and more important to return to the high standards enjoyed by members in the past.

SKITTLES
The Skittles Committee

The last time you heard from us it was just before Christmas.

In our letter we promised that we would be buying some light balls and in fact we did buy three very light balls. A lot of ladies use them since they are quite light and they seem to play better with them.

We also drilled three holes (as they do in bowling) in some of the balls that we had since some of the players, or should I now say most of the players, prefer to play with these type of balls and in fact some of the players have increased their score substantially. Naturally, you always get someone who complains that it is not fair as it somehow gives an advantage to these players but as long as most skittles players are happy, it’s ok.

This year we have already played the Ladies Teams League, the Men’s drawn League, the Singles Knockout for both Ladies and Men and finally the Knock Out for the Men’s and Ladies’ Doubles entered. Soon we shall start the Mixed Doubles entered and so far we already have a good number of players who have enlisted to take part. Obviously, more competitions will follow.

BILLIARDS
George Camilleri

Friday 5th April saw a very special presentation dinner dance held by the Snooker section Pool Group. Judging by the very convivial spirit of the fair sized occasion everyone must have enjoyed himself or herself.

The food provided by the Caterer Michele, was not only good but satisfyingly abundant – it is said that certain members had three or four helpings which in itself is an endorsement of the caterer’s proficiency!

Music by Giovanni added to the fun of the evening.

The competition prizes were awarded to the worthy winners who were:
The competition prizes were awarded to the worthy winners who were:
Singles Winner: Christopher Simpson
Singles Runner-up: George O. Attard
Doubles Winners Paul Pandolfino and Edwin Zammit
Doubles Runners-up Ronnie Farrugia and Ronnie Mangion

A very enjoyable evening was had by all including a number of non-billiard members who were enticed there for the occasion by the prospect of unlimited pasta.

CLUB’S LIBRARY
Sandra Camilleri

In the first place I would like to thank all those members who have been kind enough to pass on their unwanted books to the Club Library. I was surprised at the number of good books that have been donated, all in a good condition and several are new. Certain Fiction Books are also available in German and French Language for the benefit of our foreign members.

Hopefully the Library will be in full swing, in the coming weeks. There will of course be a minor fee for borrowing books, a fee that will go towards improving the service as we progress.

The Library will comprise both of a Lending as well as a Reference Section; naturally the books in the Reference Section can ONLY be read at the club during Library Hours.

Library hours - Monday and Friday (Mornings) 1000 - 1200 hrs
Thursday (Afternoons) 1500 – 1700 hrs

I would at this stage sincerely like to extend my gratitude to all who have, in one way or other, helped to make the Club Library a reality and particularly Mrs. Anna Busuttil and, more recently Mrs. Jean Agius who have found the time to dedicate to this worthy cause. It has been an uphill task so far, but it has been worth the effort.
The success of our Library will depend on you, dear members, and only time will
Tell if the time dedicated towards that goal was in fact worth the effort.

Bocci /Petanque


As we go to print the draws for the last competition of this season, the Singles event are being made.

In the Drawn Mixed Pairs event the preliminary rounds have been completed and the two top teams in the two sections will be playing off to establish the winners and runners-up. The result should be known by the time this magazine reaches members.
The popularity of this amenity continues to grow and this growth has caused some members to complain at the length of time taken to finish an event. Success brings its own problems at times but the sub-committee cannot have a closed participant policy and all those who enter must be allowed to play.

Good luck to all participants!

TIGNE BEACH

Work on repairing the damage caused by this winter’s storms is rapidly moving ahead as well as a much needed cleaning up of various areas not normally used much by member and although at the time of going to press the actual official date has not been fixed, Chris and Antida have informed me that the restaurant  will be in operation as from the last weekend in May.

Access to the beach will, this year, revert back to where it has always been, the gate on Qui-si-Sana Road where, by the addition of a few steps, direct access is now possible without having to navigate a series of long and winding steps. I am sure all members will welcome this move. Any member requiring assisted entrance can, as in the past, use the ramp leading down from the car park.

An idea has been floated (pun intended!) to build a swimming pool which will serve the same purpose as our old four-foot pool and babies pool combined. Mothers with children will be spared the long walk to the babies pool while members will be able to get wet on those days when the weather is too rough to get into the sea. Discussions are still going on and with all the permits needed for this to come to fruition members are advised not to hold their breath until this becomes a reality.

Beach tickets prices for 2008

FROM THE ARCHIVES.
Victor Cavallo.
1922, which is when this narrative is taken up again, was marked by some odd, and at times irrational, behaviour by a number of members. In two instances which I deal with further on they almost caused a political storm.
The first offence which was a trivial one of a Capt. Halliday pilfering soap from the toilets which almost ended up with the offending member being expelled from the Club - a somewhat draconian punishment. Perhaps the present committee could take a leaf from this particular incident and expel those present members who spirit away newspapers.
COMMITTEE’S PERKS.
The perks which committee members enjoyed at the time included tasting the various wines, ports and other alcoholic sustenance before these were approved for imbibing by the members. At the committee meeting of the 22nd of February, 1922, the committee members had the enviable task of tasting two samples of port wine submitted by Messrs. Saccone & Speed (some of our elder members will remember this firm) neither of which passed muster. Further samples were requested particularly of a brand named, appropriately enough, Regina which was apparently of a much finer quality. Judiciously the tasting was done at the end of the meeting to avoid any alcoholic impairment of the Committee’s deliberations.
The rigid regime of an English public school education must have rubbed off very well on the Committee members. In February, 1922, they decided to reduce the cost of cold baths to 4 pence, no doubt in an effort to encourage a higher turnover of this service. A bit like trying to flog raincoats and heavy overcoats in the middle of August.
In these days of continual lamenting on the meteoric rise in the cost of living, increased subscriptions and higher cost of food and drinks it is of interest to quote some prices obtaining in 1922.
A room at the Club inclusive of lodging, 3 meals a day, use of bathroom (including cold baths), free changes bed linen and towels at £3.13.6d per week - less than 10 Euros a week!
A glass (sic) of whisky, gin or brandy – 10 pence (20 euro cents)
Finally - a shop underlying the Club in the middle of Strada Reale (now Republic Street) let by the Club at £90 per annum - Euros144.

INFAMOUS INCIDENTS
On the occasion of Carnival of 1922 one of the most shameful incidents in the Club’s history was caused by some Club members. Three members were observed by the Club secretary throwing coins from the windows at the Carnival defile parading in front of the Club. The Committee wrote a stern letter to the offenders pointing out that this was considered a great insult to the Maltese. Indeed the incident caused great uproar among those of the political class who were pro-Italian and protests were made.
Regrettably the letter did not seem to have had too much of a sobering effect and at a later date two further incidents were reported. The first involved the throwing of a penny on to the billiard table of the Constitutional Club which was at the time housed in a building overlooked by the Union Club. This is somewhat odd as the Constitutional Party was, of course, the pro-British political party headed by Lord Strickland. Possibly to some junior British officer a Maltese club was a Maltese club no matter what and he was ignorant of the leanings of this particular party.
The second incident was the throwing of some sort of liquid (not specified in the minutes but left to the readers’ imagination) from a Club window on to Strada Reale (Republic Street).
These incidents were grave enough to cause the governor of the time,
Field Marshall Viscount Plumer, to write to the Chairman demanding a full report and triggered a visit by the Malta police to the Club in an effort to find the culprit or culprits.
Somewhat naively the Secretary wrote to all the members who were in the Club at the time asking them to own up or grass on their fellow members. Needless to say no one confessed to the misdeeds nor was any information forthcoming on either of the two incidents. A letter was sent to Viscount Plumer and another to the Chairman of the Constitutional Club expressing regret at the incidents and the matter was considered closed.
THAWING OF RELATIONS WITH THE CASINO MALTESE.
Possibly because of the incidents reported above and the personal intervention of the Governor who did not want any friction between the British services and the Maltese political class 1923 began seeing the thawing of relations between the two main clubs on the island - The Casino Maltese for the Maltese gentry and nobility and the Malta Union Club for the British colony.
At a dance held at the Union Club on 12th March, 1923, the Chairman (sic albeit the correct title was President) of the Casino Maltese and two other committee members and their ladies were invited to attend as the guests of the Chairman and committee of the Union Club. Indeed from then on relations between the two clubs which had been frosty at times began to improve and a few members of either club became members of both clubs.
It was not, however, until the late 1950’s and early 1960’s that Maltese membership of the Union Club really grew in any significant numbers.