How and when did Marfa come to be known as Cirkewwa?

It's not the same. According to the 1950s OS map, the whole peninsula is Marfa (Marfa Ridge) and the tip of Paradise Bay is Marfa Point, where the ferry now leaves. Cirkewwa (no translation according to my informant) is the proper name for Paradise Bay. The old landing stage opposite the old Miramar Hotel (correct name??) is Ramla Tal-Bir (freshwater spring beach). They probably started calling the ferry departures Cirkewwa to distinguish from the old place where you would be left waiting for a non-existent boat. Well the Eagle does still exist, but only as a sunken diving attraction.

Thanks. We live and learn. The hotel has been known as the Paradise Bay since at least the mid sixties. Are these maps still obtainable? I could do with one.

I didn't mean that hotel, I meant the one where the Eagle Had Landed. Yes the PB Hotel was always that. I will find you one on ebay - a map that is, not a hotel or ferry.

Now you've confused me! Although much extended, I'm fairly sure the ferry landing is still where it always was ? No trace of a Miramar on Google.

No - you obviously didn't indulge in drinking trips to Gozo (or you did, and that's why you've forgotten). If you look in that lovely bus book you bought, Mellieha route pages, you will see the shot that will explain all.

Didnt need to. The wine was available on the mainland at 1s3d a bottle!

Then you missed the fun of barfing over the side? No doubt you had plenty of that when you joined Grey Funnel. Found the pic?

Am conducting personal investigations to resolve this issue next week. Meanwhile the rest of you viewers, just enjoy the photos. (And my generation never barf in public!)

Have a good trip. Go easy on the Marsovin. Never say never.

Well hardly ever! Actually, Marsovin is quite drinkable these days, but the best affordable wine is Green Label from Delicata, which despite the name is red. Bis sahha ta' kulhadd.

It turns green when it re-appears. U dejjem ma' karotti.

But carrots are orange. And now I'm packing my case and going ......
.... I must be going senile. Green Label is in fact white and the red, not surprisingly, is Red Label. Its as good as ever.

Rumour has it that the Eagle was one of the Dunkerk boats. Can anybody confirm that?

Its possible. This Site says that as New Royal Lady, she was requisitioned for war service in 1940, but Dunkirk is not mentioned. Neither is she listed on This Site

The list on the ADLS site only lists a couple of hundred out of the 700 Little Ships that took part (not including the bigger stuff). Presumably they are the ones still existing today. More research needed - I have contacted ADLS to see if they have any more info or know where we can find it.