Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/388498
Events 50 maltatoday, Sunday, 28 September 2014 Express Trailers transports Malta's first registered car back The long awaited repatriation of Malta's first registered automobile, trusted to and transported by Ex- press Trailers has taken place after a 44 year absence of the car from the island. This unique car, a 1904 Siddeley, originally having the first local No 1 number plate, was unveiled and exhibited to the public in St Francis Square in Gozo. Addressing the unveiling event, Hon Anton Refalo, Minister for Gozo explained how the Siddeley 1904 car already occupies a special place in the heart of all those who not only love automobilism but also Gozo's history. Minister Refalo said, "It is a fact that for us, this vehicle is special mainly because of its direct link to Gozo. The 1904 Siddeley reached our island at a time when trans- port was only possible by means of horse-driven carriages. This means that this was the very first car seen on Gozo soil." "Today, thanks to the work, com- mitment and passion for rare and vintage cars harboured by David Arrigo, we have the opportunity that after 110 years we are again the first Gozitans to see this car in its original state, the way as seen and admired by our forefathers. I am delighted with this event and am thankful that Arrigo chose to unveil this car here in Gozo, just a few me- tres away from where he had discov- ered it." The event was also addressed by Franco Azzopardi, Chairman and CEO of Express Trailers who ex- plained how the project entailed "a very delicate logistical operation". "It is an honour for our company to have been trusted with the trans- port and delivery of this prestigious and historic car. This is not the first time that our company has been entrusted with such responsability and this stems from the dedication and professionalism that we always show in our work. This year alone, we have transported pieces of art, historical artefacts, specialized equipment and fragile exhibits that all require precise handling." "Today we celebrate the arrival of a special vehicle. We too operate on the road with our own vehicles al- beit much larger ones. However, the principle remains the same – that of responsible driving. Over the com- ing months, we will be collaborat- ing with all those concerned to raise more awareness on responsible driving and behaviour on our roads by all those who use them," added Franco Azzopardi. The Siddeley was discovered in a disused windmill on Gozo by David Arrigo and Brian Mizzi in 1968. Its discovery, at the time was and is still considered to be the most im- portant 'Barn Find' on the Maltese Islands to date. Although in a dilapi- dated state, it was complete, making it an exciting and much sought after restoration project. It was later purchased and export- ed to the United Kingdom in 1971, by an English collector but only af- ter much opposition was made as to its removal, first from Gozo and then from Malta. The car's early 1904-1907 history is still being researched and will prove to be fascinating and important to historians of Melitensia and motor- ing once confirmed. In 1907 the Sid- deley was purchased by three sisters and taken to Gozo where it terrified the Gozitans, who named it "il kar- rozza tan-nar", the car of fire. It was the first vehicle, other than that of the horse-drawn variety to be seen on the neighbouring island. The sisters' brother, a priest, thought the car drew too much attention to his female siblings, so placed it in a windmill and the car was forgotten about for almost sixty years. An appeal is being made to the general public to come forward with any information on motoring in Malta during the years 1901-1912, especially period photographs of cars in Malta during those pioneer- ing years. A substantial reward is of- fered for any photographs taken of the Siddeley. Should anyone think they might have some interesting information in this regard they should contact David Arrigo on 9942 0578 or e- mail arrigodavid@gmail.com Charles Darmanin & Co. Ltd appointed Pringles distributor Charles Darmanin & Co. Ltd has been appointed as the official distributor of Pringles in Malta, effective 1 October, extending the cooperation with Kellogg's to also include the Pringles brand. Pringles is a strong brand name with global awareness. They are unique and iconic products within the snack category offer- ing commercial innovation by design and a wide variety of f la- vor experiences combined with high quality that is implemented throughout the manufacturing process. Pringles in Malta are available in cans of 40gr, 150gr and 165gr in 10 rich f lavors. With over 50 years of experi- ence in importing and distribut- ing numerous well-known and loved brands, Charles Darmanin & Co. Ltd has a wide distribution network that covers all aspects of modern & traditional trade in the Maltese market. MaltMUN's Speak Up: Louder! at the US Embassy The MaltMUN Society is an inde- pendent, internationally-minded organization committed to securing close ties among the most diverse of its members, investing in their personal development and nurtur- ing leadership skills, whilst embrac- ing the spirit of the United Nations throughout. Following last year's successful public speaking seminar, MaltMUN organized Speak Up: Louder, held on Friday, 12 September, at the US Em- bassy. The evening started off with a warm welcome from Winnie Hof- stetter, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, whereby in her introductory speech she expressed the embassy's support for MaltMUN's work in de- veloping young people. This was fol- lowed by a number of short presenta- tions, delivered by Society President Chris Bergedahl and Events Officer Luisa Cassar Pullicino, illustrating the essential tips to be followed in both speech preparation and public speaking. The seminar also involved a number of practical exercises, fo- cusing on delivery skills and confi- dence-building. Participants were given the opportunity to put all that they learnt throughout the evening to the test in a workshop involv- ing the preparation and delivery of a two-minute speech on a range of topical issues. MaltMUN members with experi- ence in Model United Nations pro- grams overseas also shared their experiences. In fact, in the following weeks MaltMUN will be sending its next delegation to the Cambridge University International Model United Nations and encourages all those interested in attending similar simulations to keep an eye out for future MUNs, which MaltMUN will be taking part of. For more information about the society and future events, follow us on Facebook ( f b.com/MaltMUN) or send us an email on maltmunsoci- ety@gmail.com Joyride: The 1904 Siddeley in Gozo