talk of trying to get the tile back. I often wonder why we let them have the bell knowing how the maltese could not care less about heritage. In afew years time I expect it will end up in some dump

Harsh words Sheila. There are encouraging signs that many of them care a great deal, (This lot for a start) though their views on what is worth preserving may not always coincide with those of us from the colonial era. Come to think of it, the Brits were quite happy to deface or destroy ancient buildings when it suited them, both in Malta and in UK.

I cannot agree with you . No disrespect to the maltese but they havent a clue just look what they have done to Sliema and in particular to Tigne Barracks,words fail me. We will just have to agree to disagree on this one

No doubt we will. But regarding Tigne Barracks you are surely over sensitive just because you lived there?

I would have liked a last look at the barracks before they were destroyed forever, so am inclined to side with Sheila. We all know of ex service establishments in our areas which have been tastefully turned over to civilian housing use, these include some areas of Gosport, difficult to comprehend I know, and the old Eastney Barracks, it can be done if the will is there, but there will not be the vast profits I guess have been made on the Tigne project.
Perhaps we should just sit back on these cold winter evenings, remember the good things we had on Malta, and say thank you for probably the best years of our lives, and of course thank you MOD for making it all happen.
The MOD bit is meant to be tongue in cheek by the way!!

I think we Old Verdalans are lucky. The lovely old barrack blocks round our huge parade/play ground have stayed and the blocks that have replaced our miscellaneous huts have been cleverly designed to echo the old architecture, making it now a very impressive boys' school. So hats off to the Maltese Education Dept. and their architects! (Pictures in the Gallery of Verdala.com - 'Rebuilding' section and also '2010 Reunion' section) ('Scuse the plug, Admin!)

I agree with you Phill. It was not to bad when Mintoff gave them to his supporters for housing although it was not kept as pristine as when it was a barracks it was not to bad and in fact they could have made some nice apartments out of the quarters and barrack blocks but no they had to knock everything down even the officers mess which had been turned into the crown plaza hotel really in keeping with the building. I used to stay there every year when I went to Malta. They did not improve it at all and half of the concrete and glass monstrosities are unsold. The Old Verdalans were lucky. I think it was the view that caused the demolition of Tigne. But you are right we had the most wonderful time there with our own private beach. What wonderful memories

See also comments under pic HERE "The obliteration of Tigne continues". New pics of Manoel's splendid restoration to follow (when I'm forced indoors by the winter).

As for the school bell & entrance tile - the Deputy Head Marc Spiteri is very keen on the school's past (as are the Verdala staff) but when they move on what then?