Held once a year, all members should really make the effort to attend. At just under £30 this is not going to break the bank, and if next year is like this year, then many more should come. Our first treat was to be welcomed exactly on time at the door of Villa Arrigo by our enthusiastic Vice Chairman Harvey Stephenson, who immediately informed us that the bar had been open for 15 minutes and that it was free! A free bar that was not packed with people, and the people waiting we knew. Very good for welcomes and introductions and grabbing a couple of early glasses of wine.
After more welcomes and hellos to old friends we migrated to the gardens. Villa Arrigo has such lovely gardens and they are kept beautifully. The warm October sunshine was kept at bay under the awning where we chatted and caught up. A quick return for another free drink, we were called back inside again for lunch.
We were joined by the very capable Deputy British High Commissioner Jon Knight. He later explained that we had him attending rather than the High Commissioner himself, as the Queen’s Principal Private Secretary was visiting to put finishing touches to the CHOGM event covering the movements of the Royal Family. This and other duties meant we had to indirectly bow to the Queen’s requirements, a hardship that we could endure. As more wine was poured and, following grace given by Tim Gronow, Social Secretary, starters were distributed. This was followed by a surprise. For those who had ordered salmon or chicken got what they asked for and lovely it looked too. The rest of us should have had lamb shank (which can be a bit greasy), but instead we were treated to a full rack of lamb, beautifully cooked, with fresh vegetables and a light gravy. A real treat. This was topped off by more wine and water for those that needed it, and then dessert. A simple apple crumble tart was what the majority selected, tasty light and satisfying.
Vice Chairman Harvey Stephenson welcoming everyone.
Did I mention the toasts to the Queen and BRA? Yes with a lovely glass of port. We were of course entertained to speeches from Harvey Stephenson and from Jon Knight. Jon told us of the challenges facing the British High Commission, including the crisis in Libya where over 230 Brits had to be quickly extracted, and the CHOGM visit which is now well under control. This extra work has led to a blossoming of the number of embassy staff, with space short and responsibilities increased, even temporarily. Jon told us about the responsibilities of the consulate, which go well beyond the common conception of lost passports and tourists in trouble. The Consulate also takes complaints on any matter from British residents very seriously. For example we should be treated in exactly the same way as Maltese for medical care in Malta under a reciprocal agreement. Also, if the police do not choose to act on a complaint we could take it to the consulate. This means that Jon sees the whole of the iceberg of issues and events in Malta, some not very pleasant. He talked about the higher than reported incidents of sexual crimes and the tendency to under report matters that may bring a village into disrepute. Jon is coming to an end of his allotted time in Malta, but spoke of continuity and the take over of responsibility by his new colleague. The message was that the consulate stands ready to help British Residents in Malta on many matters. Jon also emphasised the importance of BRA to the Embassy and the work they do, thereby implying that if we are loyal to the BRA they will do their duty by us. Our special relationship surely gives us an “In” to the BHC, so this must be an added advantage to a BRA member when the unfortunate happens. So if you like your small subscription to BRA is a kind of insurance plan!
Deputy British High Commissioner Jon Knight
The wine was drunk, the coffee sipped, the port disappeared. Fond farewells to old friends and new. A great time was had, back at the spiritual home of the Annual Lunch, The Villa Arrigo. On leaving, we didn’t check if the bar was still open.
Written by member John Rusher
Photographs by member Eileen Ellis
Useful links: British High Commission Malta – Facebook Page
Help from the British High Commission Malta
The British High Commissioner’s Twitter Page – for some interesting information
