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Parish of the Holy
Family
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| 226, Trelawney Avenue,
Langley, Slough, Berkshire. SL3
7UD
Telephone: 01753 543770 |
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Ron
& Gemma Meik
return to Malta to celebrate their
50th. Wedding Anniversary
this
is Gemma's story.....
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Ron
and I - and the inlaws, have just returned from a 10 day
holiday in Malta. For Ron and I it was a
sentimental journey to celebrate our 50th Golden Wedding
Anniversary.
Ron was in the Navy in those
far off days and based in Malta for a 2-yr. term and I
went out to join him as a young, very green and blushing
bride, first time away from home, Bridport in
Dorset.
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| I hated every minute of it as
I was so homesick, but we had a very kind Captain
who sort of 'smuggled' me on board every time
they went to sea so I too had a glimpse of the
outside world but really that didn't even console
me ! |
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How
I have changed !!!
However,
we made several good friends.
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| The wives gave me
my first housekeeping and cookery
instructions. Again in those far off days
it was cooking on paraffin stoves - actually
quite good! Washing was also in 'buckets'
boiling the clothes , difficult especially
for the quite inexperienced when one also
includes yellow dusters with uniform WHITES - |
Did I really do that
!?
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Fortunately there was also a
great social life and many meals on board the SEA
SALVOR which was the Salvage vessel for the Med.
I guess looking back it really was an adventurous
and learning experience which I think has stood
me in good stead.
The other Officers were very considerate to Ron
when he was on night watch, and did his shift for
him so he didn't have to leave his young bride
alone at home ...AHA ! |
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SO
WHERE IS MALTA?
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Set in the heart of the
Mediterranean Sea, half way between
Sicily and North Africa, the Maltese
archipelago consists of five islands:
Malta, Gozo, Comino and two uninhabited
islands, Cominetto and Filfla. The size
of Malta is about 27 km long by 14.5 km
width, taking just over an hours drive
between its two furthest points.
After all its a small world isn't
it?
The Islands are only 93kms south of
Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. Just a
short distance away, considering that
some of us drive further than this to go
to work. Air Malta is its official
airline which hosts flights to a number
of European and Middle Eastern cities.
During summer, ferry services are
available between Malta and Sicily. A
trip to Catania (Sicily) taking only
three hours. A bit of
History, a Lot of Sunshine and Plenty of
Romance!
Its strategic position at
the hub of ancient trading routes meant
that nearly every great civilization has
had a desire to conquer this
Island. Malta hosts the oldest
known structures in the world (older than
the Pyramids), with megalithic temples
that date back as far as 3800 BC.
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| We tried to retrace our steps
fifty years later and of course drew a blank as Malta no
more is a Naval base as in our day but a thriving tourist
resort with a very strong currency which was not to our
benefit ! We lived in big old houses which families
let to the naval families during their stay. |
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The
Maltese people are really lovely and kind and are still
the same we found. Unfortunately we couldn't
remember exactly where we used to live in the different
areas and although everything has been rebuilt the
character and style has not changed.
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| They seem to 'merge' if you get what I
mean. The Hotels are everywhere and building never
stops, to the Maltese, all this development
spoil the skyline. But of course one can't stop progress.
The Churches are all still magnificent and we went
to St. Patrick's in Sliema where all the Masses are in
English. |
| We went to
Gozo, a small island about 20 mins. by ferry..... |
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This tiny island
paradise is about half the size of its neighbour, Gozo is
greener, quieter and unspoilt. Here you will find
picturesque fishing villages, rolling hills, sleepy
hamlets with lovely churches, secluded rocky and sandy
beaches, along with monuments dating from prehistoric
times. The island’s focal point is the capital
VICTORIA (Rabat) – named after the Queen, it has an
ancient citadel and is a short drive from your
accommodation anywhere on the island. Gozo is an easily
acquired taste with something for everyone and once
hooked, you will return year after year! |
Goza has also
changed and is HOME to many Brits. who have retired and
just love the peace and beauty it affords.
Ron has a friend who has also now retired there and we
visited his lovely home.
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We also paid
a return visit to our Lady of Ta'pinu where it is
said our Lady 'spoke' to some children and asked
them to pray in the chapel
(which is now is a beautiful Cathedral) |
There
was a Priest walking around the Church and I
spoke to him telling him of my previous
connection and he blessed a Rosary I had bought
there.
It really was my best day.
If you would like to read a little bit more about
Our Lady Ta' Pinu - Shrine of Gozo click
here.
We also invited
John Vella and his wife Josephine to our Hotel,
Diplomat, for Dinner.
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Of
course the group were taken to the Blue
grotto, etc. which involved getting into
small boats which I felt I couldn't
risk. Otherwise I enjoyed most of
the trips.
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Many Holy Family parishioners will
remember 'dear John' who lived in Langley most of his
life with his wife Daphne who sadly died a few years ago.
John thought he would return to Malta and married a
lovely Maltese lady but unfortunately his heart is in the
UK -still.
They have a lovely traditional Maltese home and live with
Josephine's mother who is naturally quite old and
infirm. But we found her quite lovely.
John comes back to Langley every year in July as the
Maltese Summer is too much for him, so stand by to greet
him his many friends. |
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The weather while we
were there was just right but unfortunately we were
unable to trace any Sea Salvor ex. officers and wives as
they would probably be re-located long since, but at
least we tried.
How do
we feel now that we have taken fifty years to return to
our starting point?
Well, I wouldn't wait another fifty ....
Ron says that would be too soon....
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so I guess we
shall just thank the good Lord and His blessed Mother for
giving us these wonderful opportunities and keep them as
fond and dear memories.
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