Survivors - The Ageing Population of Birgu. Vol. 2

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This project is a continuation of the first publication.  Following the modest success of volume 1 I was asked by the local council if I would be interested in pursuing the project so that more ageing citizens can be included.  Of course, I could not refuse.  This time round I opted for colour.  All the interviews were also video recorded by my partner in crime professional cinematographer Jean Pierre Gatt.  

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The book has finally launched and it is available directly from me. Email me to order your copy. Hardback, 296 pages in full colour + USB with video snippets of interviews with English subtitles.  See sample in gallery. A few copies of Volume 1 are also still available.

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"Dear Joe, we the Patiniott family, would like to thank you for such a great evening yesterday. The presentation and setting were really great and the book is amazing. You have managed to capture history and tales which otherwise would have been lost. Our dad's interview touched our hearts, and I must say, we did shed a tear or two, but we will be forever grateful for this treasure you have given us. Thank you so much. We will follow your works and wish you success in all your future projects".

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"A beautiful book Joe. Thank you so much for reminding me of so many wonderful people from my childhood . The Birgu people are among the most genuine and caring people one can ever have the pleasure of meeting and knowing. Oh how I miss the good old days when we were wanting for so much yet always happy". (A. Bezzina) 

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"Thank you Kunsill Lokali Birgu for the invitation to the launch of the Book Survivors 2 The ageing population of Birgu. This is a monument to our mother Hilda and the other folks of our great city. This initiative keeps the memory alive; thank you Joe Smith. Again thanks". (Edward and Charles Duncan).

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"A remarkable record of those who survived in Malta during the 2nd world war and images of them now and in the recent past. Stunning photography taken by one of the nicest guys you could meet. Truly a magnificent record in historical and emotional terms. This is book 2 in the series". (Ray Fitchett)

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"I am so happy for you my dear friend. Seeing the faces of so many 'Ġirbin' happy that they are featured in a publication and honoured that they are leaving their story immortalised in a book is speechless. You and Jean Pierre Gatt have captured the essence of the life of these people. An anthropological study that will be more appreciated in the coming years. Looking forward to the trilogy". (Stephen Buhagiar - President of the Malta Photographic Society).

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"It was a great event, prosit to Joe and all involved! And I love the books, both the photos and the stories of the Birgu elderly, so delicately documented. This is a precious monument for the Birgu population" (Adri van den Berg).

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"A worthy project, a tribute to your dedication and a labour of love. Well deserved accolades Joe". (Alex Attard - Photographer)

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"What an evening Joe. It was a roller coaster of emotions. What an initiative. Prosit" (Charles Azzopardi).

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"A truly wonderful work! Prosit!" (Prof Vince Briffa)