A lunchtime talk with author Michael Collins offers a rare opportunity for non-members to experience the stunning Casino Maltese, while raising funds for the Save Valletta’s Skyline Appeal.
Popular author Michael Collins, who penned the historical book St George and the Dragons, will soon welcome guests to a talk in an exclusive lunchtime event at the beautiful Casino Maltese.
With tickets priced at just €25 per person, guests will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious, all-inclusive three-course luncheon with wine inside the historic venue – a luxury usually afforded exclusively to Casino Maltese members – before being entertained by a fascinating talk by Michael Collins. There will also be an introduction by Karen Elizabeth Steed, the author of ‘Malta: The Beautiful Hour’ (Miranda Books, 2017).
The one-off event is part of a series of events being held in aid of the Save Valletta’s Skyline appeal, which aims to raise more than €8 million to fund vital restoration work to the tower, spire and structure of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. “The spire of the cathedral is an iconic part of Valletta’s skyline recognised all over the world, especially from the air – it is inspiring architecture that is unique to Malta,” comments Mr Collins. “My talk will be related both to my book and to the objectives of the Appeal, since St George, like Valletta’s skyline, is also a well-known and prominent figure in the culture of the Maltese islands.”
As the author of St George and the Dragons, Mr Collins will include in his talk his extensive knowledge about England’s patron saint and his significance internationally, including his connections to the Maltese islands and his influences in the modern world. “St George is a universal saint: he symbolises courage, conscience and integrity,” continues Mr Collins. “As a military martyr, he stands for resistance to oppression. As a defender of women, he stands against forced marriages. As a protector, he defends those who are forced to become refugees or are pushed into modern slavery. His ancient connection with agriculture links him to the environment. An inspiring figure, St George represents modern aspirations to a better society, multiculturalism and inter-faith dialogue.”
These compelling insights will be shared in the lavish surroundings of Valletta’s Casino Maltese, another architectural gem in Malta’s capital city. “For over a century the Club has occupied the Knights’ Treasury building that it has transformed into a truly outstanding venue,” comments Marguerite Pace Bonello at the Casino Maltese. “The Casino Maltese has even hosted royalty including Queen Elizabeth II, when she was still a princess and living in Malta, and a room in the Club is named The Princess Room to commemorate this occasion. It seems very fitting that Mr Collins will deliver his fascinating talk in such an appropriately historic venue as the Princess Room.
“Although the Casino Maltese has been an exclusive members’ club since 1852, we are delighted to be welcoming both members and non-members here for this event, in support of such a worthy cause as saving Valletta’s skyline,” Ms Pace Bonello adds.
The Lunchtime Talk by author Michael Collins at Casino Maltese will be held on 27 November at 12.30pm. Tickets to this exclusive event, priced at just €25 per person inclusive of lunch and wine, are extremely limited, so early booking is recommended via email on petragd@svs2018.org.
