Tal Handaq Nostalgia - Guestbook/Forum/Chat

Greetings all. Unfortunately, due to I'll health, I don't remember very much of our time in Malta. We lived in Sliema, went to Tigne Beach a lot, lived in the Tower Rd. flats for some time. My elder brother Roger, my younger sister Julie, and I all had very red hair and freckles. Father Del and Mother Terri (Hilda) went to the tennis club in Sliema and were brilliant dancers. I do vividly remember my pottery class with a teacher who wore cordoroy pants with a sailer flap instead of a fly, he made a beautiful model of Europa and the Bull which I tried very hard to mimic. He was the reason I got 'O' level Pottery.. I was 'in love'. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or my family. The single name I remember is Brian Ibbotson, I have a photo of him on Tigne beach.

Came across this very interesting site whilst researching Robert Dickerson - and sorry to learn that he passed away recently. I have large picture of his, bought by my mother when we were living in Malta 1967-69. Mum was a very keen gardener and loved this vibrant depiction of bright red hibiscus - happy memories of our time on the island, also brought back by the many photos you have here. However, I'm just about to move house and sadly will not have space for it - if anyone is interested I'd be happy to share a photo and details of the auction of many treasured posessions which will be online early in the new year. Best wishes, Robert.

Admin reply - Thank you Robert, I will be in touch via email. (Martin Powell)

I was born in Valletta 1959 my English mother and father lived in Mosta for 5 years (navy) I have recently learned from a dna ancestry that my father is Maltese and I am searching for him. This site could help me very much, my mother is now deceased but she told me of a place called Jonnies bar in Mosta where they use to go. I would love to find someone who knew my mother and help me with my search, i think my father is an O'Brien and still alive.

Admin reply - will send you a private message Chris.

Hello

Last night I attempted to join the Tal Handaq group but this morning Mon 3.5.2021 when I tried to access the site it said password incorrect, can you help please, did you receive it? I was a member before when Viv organised the society.

Also I have looked at the R.N School Magazines for the year 1954 & I understand there is another in print, I ask because I won the freestyle swimming race that year & have photos being presented with a medal, I have not been able to find reference to this in the first magazine & wondered if it is in the second?

Many thanks

Best wishes Kay

Admin reply - Hello again Kay, you obviously didn't get my welcome msg last night.

I cannot see passwords but if you click on "I forgot my password" you can reset it.

It would seem that "Prefect" was unable to reproduce the photos in some early magazines unfortunately.

Martin (THN admin)

Attended Tal Handaq school father was chief petty officer Ian HL Taylor recap going to school in a very old 1930’s type bus,we called driver chop chop he drove it like madman,coca cola hill overtaking other buses & throwing water balloons end of term fond memories.

How do I join the Tal Handaq Facebook page?

Admin reply - the FB page "Royal Naval Schools Tal-Handaq and Verdala" is a PAGE so has no members. It is there for anyone to see and "LIKE".

There are also two TH GROUPS and one Verdala group to apply to join, plus a Verdala PAGE. Pages do not have members, they can just be LIKED. Groups have members.

I started from Verdala into 1C2 in 1963, initially lived in St Julians but mainly lived in St Francis street, Sliema. We left Malta in July 66 and my dad drove us home via Sicily, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Belgium. We camped all the way which after our time in Malta meant it was bloody cold in Switzerland!

I was a scout with 1st Savoy in Sliema after starting with Tigne and becoming rapidly fed up with sitting in a dark air raid shelter trying to read flashed morse which was all the leader ever seemed to want to do!

Enjoyed sailing at the Garrison and then Marsaxlokk.

Can't help thinking I missed out on a lot leaving at the end of the third year!

Went to catering college and was a chef for a couple of years before going into chemistry for the next ten years, same recipes different ingredients! Then joined the fire brigade for the next 30 years.

Now retired and living in Surrey.

(Admin reply - welcome and enjoy the site Stuart. The search button works well for names and places. If you are on Facebook there are groups for TH and Verdala.)