:tjt;~lla COMUNl1'A'ITALIANA

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2 :tjt;~lla COMUNl1'A'ITALIANA S A LA? ~.. 41'. BANCHETTI.< -"''''' 0* Alla Villa Carlotta si mangia, si beve e si balla, in una sala privata capaceai ospitare 150persone. A voi la scelta dell'occasione dafesteggiare!! Contattare SigS. Roberts Charlotte Street London WlP!HA 2 October 94

3 >. Sommario Servizi Speciali Contents Ottobre/October L'Italiano Medio Baptism La Scusa ~el D.S.S. Wedding A Day in the Life Fond Memories Reminiscences Una Nuova Storia p. 5 p. 10 p. 12 p. 13 p. 16 p. 17 p.30 p.31 Regular Features Due Parole The Hill Dall'Italia In Cammino con Carmelo Eurofocus For a Rainy Day Face to Face p. 4 p. 8 p.21 p.22 p.26 p.27 p.32 Entertainment, Leisure & Sport \ ~ Cinema Sportlight Italsport Tempo Libero Mamma's Ricetta p.33 p.36 p.37 p.41 p.42 To advertise in Backhill write to: Anna Advertising Department Backhill Magazine 4 Back Hill London EelR5EN Notices - A vvisi Chiesa di San Pietro Calendario Noticeboard p.23 p.43 p.44 Q 1994 BACKHILL, 136 Clerkenwell Road, LondonEC1 Printed by Sterling Printing Co. Ltd. 78 Bounds Green Road. London N.]] 2EU Ottobre 94 3

4 Due Parole -b~..,.j;>. RIVISI'A DELLA COMUNITA' ITAIJANA Padre Roben6 'RU5S0 Cari A'r'ici, Si puo' dire che questo numero di BACKHILL scgna la ripresa di questa nostra vita londinese: chi.e' andato in, vacanza toma con ii rimpianto, chi non e andato in vacanza ha avuto ii rimijianto di non esserci andato: peril adesso ci incontriamo di nuovo tutti qui a Londra e riprendiamo la nostra vita Ė appunto sui vaiore profondo dell'incontro fra tutti noi che io mi voglio 'fermare in queste Due Parole: e prendo la partenza proprio dal Va'1gelo di una delle ultime domeniehe. di luglio che ci parla di questo incontro. E la domenica che ci ha presentato ii miracolo della moltiplicazione dei pani. E bellissirno I'incontro tra Gesu e ii ragazzo. Non sappiamo niente di questo giovane, (eppure ormai e nella storia del Vangelo) sappiamo solo che ha portato i pani e i pesei; era la sua colazione. Anehe lui aveva fame come'tutti gli altri, e anche lui vedeva che la gente non aveva da mangiare; cppure non si e mica nascosto dietro un albero per ingozzarsi e mangiare di corsa i suoi pani e i suoi pesei, scnza f.1rsi vedere dagli altri. Era.!ln ragazzo che seguiva Gesu con tutti gli altri: forse nemmeno capiva tulle le parole di Gesu, ma Gesu ha mosso ii cuore di questo ragazzo e gli ha fatlo capire in quel momento ii valore della vita. I! ragazzo ha capito che Gesu avrebbe fatlo qualehe cosa. E il grande incontro fra la buona volont:i del ragazzo e I'amore di Gesu. Tutta la nostra vita e sempre cosi: e ii grande incontro fra la nostra buona volont:i e I'amore di Dio. I! Vangelo non ci dice se c'e stata una chiaechierata fra Gesu e ii ragazzo: ci dice solo che c'e stato un incontro di fede, di fiducia, di generosit:i. E ii nostro incontro'con Gesu. i:: un incontro di fede, di fiducia. Forse noi non riusciamo a capire tutle le parole che sentiamo nella Messa, ma riusciamo a capire che la nostra vita e un incontro di fiducia con Dio. Forse noi non riuseiamo a capire quello che Dio fa nel mondo e nella nostra vila, ma possiamo capire che noi possiamo offrire a Dio tutta la nostra vita anehe se e piccola piccola, perche dalle piccole cose il Signore sa creare grandi cose. Le sa ereare per noi e per tutlo ii mondo.. I! ragazzo del Vangelo offre ai Signore Dio i pani e i pesei per se stesso e per tutti gli aitri: e tutti vengono sfamati. Noi offriamo la nostra vita a Dio, per noi stessi e per gli altri. Noi abbiamo un mondo intorno a noi. E ii mondo in cui viviamo ed e ii mondo che Dio ci ha affidato. Lo dobbiamo portare avanti insieme, fra di noi e con Dio: la famiglia, ii lavore, le varie atlivita. Qui ii discorso diventa veramente bello, profondo e anche semplice. Questo mondo in cui noi viviamo, noi 10 offriamo a Gesu: perche Gesu ha la forza di sfamare ii mondo. Gesu ha la risposta per la nostra vita e per la vita del mondo: e ii nostro cammino con Gese. E un cammino di speranza che e fede: speranza e fede nella Croee di Gesu che e la nostra croce e la croce del mondo. Speranza e fede nella Risurrezione di Gesu ehe e la nostra risurrezione e la risurrezione del mondo. AI solito, se mi volete parlare e meglio telefonare prima: oppure sui protabile I Why Me? Lord, I've just been watching TV. A millionaire's mansion flashed up on the screen, complete with private swimming pool, tennis courts, limousines, and security guards. All that money. Is it morally right, Lord? For one person to have so much while others have so little? Believe me, Lord, if I'd worked hard, and made myself a million, I'd want to keep what I'd earned! But is that wrong? TI)en, Lord, I sce other pictures. I sce homeless people on the streets. I see the tired faces of children living in run-down, high-rise flat. I see the queue ofpeople outside the job centre. The picture changes again, as I sce another queue, only now they stand in line waiting for food. Queueing in hope outside an empty sllop the harvest has failed for yet another year. And as their faces fade from view, so others come into focus. I sce a desert, some threadbare tents, and the occupants dying'like flies, adult and child alike. Malnutrition, disease, neglect. 4 The pictures fade, and the last thing I sce is a child with its tiny hand stretchcd out towards me. Its eyes are covered with flies, its impoverished naked body, thin and sickly. In its eyes I sce the hurt of all who suffer. "Why?" it whispers, as the picture dims, "Why me?" So I'm brought back to my own selfishness, my own thoughtless greed. I realise how lucky I am to be where I am. To have money, to have food and clothing, to have the opportunity to enjoy my future, (to even have a future!). To have the chance to work, and to live. Lord, please help me. Help me to realise how fortunate I really am. Help me to make the most of my opportunities and to stop being ungrateful. And at the same time never let me forget those who have so little; the poor and the hungry, the homeless and unemployed. And though I may not be able to do much to help them, Lord, may I do what I can, and ahvays remember them in prayer, so that they will know that we both care! - (Extractftom "'Can we talk. Lord?u Copyright Kevin Meyhew: licence no ) OClober94

5 L'ltaliano Media E Spirito Pcr l'ilaliana Media la manutcnzionc dcll'auto costa piu' dcll'auto stcssa. Ma comc mai? Pcrchc' l'ilaliano Medio.11 qualc si applicano la varic statistichc qui prescnlatc rcccntamcntc da "n Solc 24 Ore" c' una condcnsato, un riassunto di tulli gli italiani ncl corso di un anno. Ed c' logico se si riconoscc chc ogni italiano non compm I'auto ogni anno; pcro", ogni anno I'auto si dcvc mantcncrc anchc se c' stata acquista I'anno prima 0 due 0 Ire anni prcecdcnti. GIi indicatori statistici su abitudini, conti, consumi c spcsc medic degli italiani elabomti da"n Sole 24 Ore'" portano al risalto allri dati interessanti. GIi italiani evadono le tasse? L'Ilaliano Media no. Come potrebbc con una pressionc fiscalc pari.11 44% del reddito? 18 minuli al giorljo GIi italiani seioperati c seioperanli? Ancora no: con solo 12 minuti all'anno di sciopero, l'ilaliana Aledio c' un modcllo di fedclla' al lavoro; c il lavoro vcde prcscnlc I'uomo pcr 7,5 orc al giorno; a qucl lavol'o fuori di casa, chc ha bisogno di piu' di un'om solo per spostarsi sui luogo della prcstazione, viene spcsso ad aggiungeresi, specie per le donne, un lavoro domestico che e' quasi cgualmente assorbcnte. Chc a1tro dire dcll'ilauano Medio? Se la conservazione della specie e' la molla primordiale dell'cvoluzione, nell'ilauano Media c'e' un segreto desiderio di estinzione. Non produce abbastanza figli per quanto meno rimpiazzare i genitori. E di questo passe, la penisola risehia di spopolarsi, con 1'llaUano Media che vedra' cresccre sia alia pensione media sia la pressione fiscaie (che servc a pagarc Ic pensioni). Non si capiscc veramente perche" ii ministro del Lavoro, Clementc Mastella, pensa che si scateni la rivoluzione se si toccano le pensioni. Basta spiegare che se le pensioni non vengono ridolle ii sistema va verso ii fallimento e non ci saranno pensioni per nessuno, ne'" per i vicechi ne' per ~ i nuovi pensionati. E ancora: 1'1/01 ianomedio leggc poco (18 minuti al giorno contro un 'ora c mczza a guardare la televisione), Iitiga mouo (e intaso per anni aulc di tribunali e commissioni IribuL1rie) c produce quasi un chilo al giomo di rifiuti domestici. Pcro' 1'llaUano Medio deve csscrc pazienle. Aspelta Ire giomi I'arrivo di una lellcra e prima di averc un rimborso Irpef risehia di incanutire. E ama ii rishico. Un popolo di eroi c di navigalori non si sottrae certo ai gusto dell'awcnlura e ai fascino del I'incertezza: fra Totoclacio, Totip, Enalotto, scommcssc ippiche, Lollo e lollerie l'ilaliano Medio spcnde tre volte di piu' che per Iibri, cinema e lcatro. Ecco a1euni degli indicalori statis tici relativi a1t'llauano Media: Economica e Lavoro Indicalorilabi/anle RcddilO medio Irpefmcdia Penisone media annua Debito pubbico Deficit pubblico Investimenti pubblici Spcsa pubblica Valore I1.078.ooo Tempo Jibero e cultura Indicalori per abi/anle Ore di tempo libero al giomo Biglietti cinematografici venduti Spcsa per ii cinema Bigliett tcatrali venduti Spcsa per tcatro Spcsa per discotcehe e ballo Spcsa per videogiochi e flipper Spcsa per Totocalcio, Totip, Enalollo Spcsa per 101lerie nazionali Spesa per Iibri (2) Quolidiani acquistati Settimanali acquistati Minuti dedicati ogni giomo alia lellura Ore.11 giomo passate davanti alia Tv Costo dell'abbonamenlo Tv Valore 4,4 1, , ,9 39,7 17,4 18 1, Look out -bj/uii- 6th for ne~t P November month s on sale Ollobre 94 5

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7 :1J;~EUA COMUNlTA'ITAlJANA CONNAzIONALI ED AMICI, SIETE INVITATI ALLA GIORNATA DELLA FAIE DOMENICA 23 OTIOBRE 1994 ORE CELEBRAZIONE EUCARISTICA, PRESSO LA CHIESAITALIANADI SAN PIETRO, 136 CLERKENWELL ROAD, LONDONECI ORE BUFFET E GRANDE SERATA DANZANTE, ST.MARY'S GREAT HALL,ST.MARY'S GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDERAL,305 CAMBERWELL NEW ROAD,SES MUSICA - COMPLESSO VESUVIO CON IL CANTANTE FRANCO SI!rIEONI BIGLIETI' RICCA LOTTERIA, Imo. PREMIO: 2 BIGLIETTIAERE!ANDATAE RITORNO PER ROMA (OFFERTI DALL'ALITALIA), 2do. PREMIO : 2 BIGLIETTIDI TRENOPER L'ITALIA(OFFERTI DALLAWASTEELSTRAVEL) AMMISSIONESOLO SU PRESENTAZIONEOELBIGLlETfO O'INGRESSO OTTENIBILE PRESSO LE ASSOCIAZIONI ISCRITIE ALLA FAIE OPPUREOA: SIG. A PEROTTI (081) SIG. R. MATTEOOA (071) , SIG. T. DINARDO (081) SIG. L. BASANESE(081) , SIG. G. SAMMARCO (081) SIG. U. BALLARlNI (081) , SIG. P. CASELL.A (071) TO TREASURE THE BESTMOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE I, I, I I, I Photographer & Video Producer BA, Spencer Hill - Wimbledon, London SWI9 4NY WEDDINGS * BANQUETS COMMER.CIAL * STUDIO POR.TRAITS CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHEDAT HOME Phone: Good selection oftop quality frantes and albunts available on request Ottl1b,.e 94 7

8 The Hill :fi:~;;;u.a COMUNlTA'ITALIANA Olive Besagni Earlier this month I Pilid a visit to FmnccSco and Delfina Lumti in search of yet another nostalgic trip back through the years. I was greeted cordially by Frank and Delfina, after which I spent an intriguing afternoon perusing Fr.ancesco',s wonderful store of memombilia.famiglia Lumti turned out to be so. talented there were paintings on the walls, all done by family members.' Incidentally, Franceso's father was tbe artist responsible for paintings the two ~~~;;~~ ~.." that adorn ",,', the side altars of St Peter's Italian Chu"rch. Franccsco himself is not only a brilliant artist, he is also a diriiist and among his diaries is a complete record of his days in internment Not only the written word but Francesco has beautiful detailed water coloured paintings of the, exterior and interiors of every.location of his inearceration during those troubled times - after all he was only seventeen at the commencement. Suffice to say, that the following artiele has been written by Fmnccsco, whieh gave me a welcome break, as I have been sunning myself on the sunny shores of Viserba a small resort near, Rimini on the Adriatic. The newspaper photogmph (right) of the boys on the \min was a mre find, as.i am sure many of our readers have been regaled with stories of the time spent in Italy with the Balilla or the Avanguardista, in the old days. I am sure this is not the last that we'll be hearing from Famiglia Lumti' as Fmncesco is extremely articulate and his stories are so fascinating. Olive 8 Francesco Luigi Lurati I was born on the 19th September all those nines, all those onesl My lucky numbers? If I put on. my long distance specs I can"just about make out I first saw the light of day in Highbury. My nearest Catholic School was 'Our Lady and St ]osephs' in Tottenham Road, near Dalston. We, that is my five sisters, my little brother and I, walked there and back twice a day - no sehool dinnersl At the age of eight I was enrolled in the 'Scuola Semle di San Pietro' (St Peter's School, during the day), in Herbal Hill. It is now a ballet school! Whoever would have imagined such a \mnsmogrifi~tion I Near my school, at the corner of Ball's Pond Road and Southgate Road, there was a wooden shack where the \mm drivers and conductors used to take their tea break or call in for a can of tea, whilst the tmm line points were changed. Our day school ended at 4.30 p.m. each day and I would creep into this shack to get sustenance before taking the \mm to Laystall Strcet and the Scuola Serille at 5.30 p.m.. I used to hide in a corner amongst the legs of the tmm men so that my school mates, returning borne, should not sce' me and embarmss me by shouting through the entrance: " Watcher doin' in there?" or: "Eec - look 'oo's 'erel" etc. My refreshment consisted of a crisp roll oozing with real ham, cut from the bone, and a cheesecake, almost as big as my head and dripping with coconut, or a piece of 'Tottenham Cake' - like a triangle of paving stone - and a large cup of tea - all for about sixpencei The Direttrice della Scuola was signorina B a I I cstreri, tall with d ark cur I y hair, very dignified. The other teachers were signorina Belli, a piu mp little lady, fair haired and with an 'Eton C r 0 p, and a pert little nose like a sparrow, and signorina Nizzoli, pale face, straight black 'bobbed' hair. There was also the 'Maestro' - like a bird of prey, an eagle perhaps. He was tall, round shouldered, a purplish red nose on which perched a. pair of 'pinc-ncz' spectacles. On his head he wore and embroidered velvet skull eap. Under his arm he carried his 'bacehetta' - always at the ready! I still have my 'Medaglia d'argento'. I must have just missed being the 'Best BOY'. La Scuola finished at 7.00 or I do not remember exactly. I took the bus or tmm to St Paul's Church in the Ball's Pond Road. IfI was lucky a benevolent conductor would waive aside my proffered penny \vith a: 'That's all right sonl' and I was able to complete my walk home. Even in the dark, it was quite safe for a child to roam abroad in those days - and October 94

9 :J;~EUA COMUNITA'rrAIJANA 1 ~ f ", :~ I; I' I 1 1,I!, treat myself to a 'pen'uth of chips. Mr and Mrs Emson presided over the fish and chips. they were bolh short and dumpy. wilh faces glowing wilh sweat in their steam-filled shop. I went merrily on my way with my 'treat' showered liberally with sail shaken from a large and battered aluminium pol and dripping wilh vinegar. This was my introduction to 'La Communiti IIa~iana. The next step was to be euroled as an 'AUar Server'. There were about forty of us in those days. ranging from lilue boys to grown men. My brolher. Eugenio. at the age of three, was "Boat Boy", that is, he earried the incense for the thurifer. At thal time there was polished linoleum on Ihe Sancluary floor. Eugenio lell his place to join Ihe torch bearers on his first Sunday. skidded across, the floor and landed on his bottoni! We wore lace-trimmed cottas over purple cassocks - red eassocks on feasl days when the Sanctuary was a foresl of flowers, polled palms and candles. Six crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling wilh aboul fifty candles apiece. The machinery for lowering Ihe chandeliers - wires and winches - is still above Ihe Saneluary ceiling. On onc occasion, when I was on Ihe opposite side of the Saneluary, I noticed that my little brolher's face was becoming redder and redder, the lcars Slarted to roll down his chceks. He had been told to, 'Be a good boy' and was afraid to move even though, in the heat. a few of Ihe candles in the chandelier above him had bent over and were dripping hot wax'on to his hcad. I took him into the Sacristy and endeavoured to comb the congealed mess from his hair. Among ti,e Allar Servers were also the Fratelli Terroni - Luigi and Pip. sons of Cavaliere Ralfaele, a pillar of the Comunita. In his shop next door to Ihe church, he had a little office - more like a confessional where people went for advice. The illiterate had their letters written for them, arrangements made for money to be sent to families in Ualy, and so The band down Eyre Street Hill forth. Cavaliere Terroni always looked oulslaniling in his winged collar and always very dignified - even during the many years of our shared internment during the last war. Terroni's store room was somewhere hi Ihe bowels of Ihe earth, under the church and appetizing ar0 mas of salami, cheeses and wine, sceped up Ihrough Ihe f1ootboards of St ]oseph's altar blending wilh Ihe scented smoke of Ihe Ihurible. Thinking about it now, perhaps Ihis was Ihe forerunner of the present day baibecue craze. The Ihird natural progression was to join the Fascio. I became a Balilla. then an Avanguardisla, surprising all and sundry by becoming a musician in the 'Fanfara di Londra'l We took part in all the processions. In the above photograph I am behind Maestro Fonlauzzi, wilh my 'bombardino'. gazing into Ihe crowd 'durante una pausa di semibreve... 0 di piui On the righl, wilh the fez with Ol/obre 94 9

10 The Hill :tj;~f.ua COMUNITA'ITAUANA Continued from p. 9 the 'striscia d'argento", is signor Evangelista, our 'Bidello', who looked after our music books and kept us more or less in order. In the photograph on page 8 ean be seen Sardolli, Allocca, Daniesi, Galise, Bellino, i Fratelli Mariscotti, i Fratelli Manzone. There were also i Fratelli Baili (povero Emesto was killed in an air raid at the Angel in Islington). Other musicians were Valvona, Costa, Pelosi, Necchi, Deeio, Mevo, Piantino, Terroni, Fiorello, Campana, Armani, i Fratelli Porella, Ciccone, Stralla, Capellelli, Radice... and who else?. This is Eyre Street Hill, the little houses decorated for the Procession, with altars and coloured lights at the windows and baskets of rose petals suspended across the road. The baskets were pulled open by cords as the the statue of the Madonna del Carmine or Santa Lueia passed beneath and they showered down their perfumed contents whilst white doves flullered off to the rooftops or sellled on window.. sills. The 'Fanfara di Londra' had its hours of glory also, during the Colonic Estive, when we played in the Piazza of Viareggio, Cervia and Calloliea. Outside Viareggio itself, I remember the Pineta was virgin forest, there was only our camp. We used to go into the Pineta to practise. Someone was sure to make a mistake. Maestro Fontauzzi would tap his music - stand for us to stop. He would go over to the offending player and get immersed in sorting out the difficulty. When he turned to continue with the 'prova' the clearing was empty - we had all scallered into the forest to pick blackberries. He had first to find Valvona, then get him to sound the 'Adunata'. We would filter back and our 'prova' would continue... until the next false note. As can be seen in the photo, everyone wore a hat in those days. The mollo of Dunn's the Hailers was 'Ifyou want to get ahead, get a hat'. We had lemonade and sticky buns in the Old Hall in St Peter's school after the Procession - the policemen eame down also and they were regaled with beer. My family and I arrived early for Midnight Mass (last year, 1992) and I sat next to Giovanna (Servini) Cardetti. Wc reminisced about the days of yore. I mentioned Signorina Belli and to my amazement was told that she used "to lodge with Giovanna's family - Giovanna was still in touch with her. My very first Italian teacher, at the age of ninety-one, still drove her car and was a universally loved and respected citizen of her native Bardi. I also have a posteard dated 15th October 1930, the postmark- is quite clear although the stamp has unfortunately been tom off by my over zealous sons when they were budding philatelists. It reads: 'St Peter's Italian School, IS Ollobre La Scuola Italiana e rincomineiata, prego presentarsi il piu presto possible - le iseizioni, salvo seuse eccezionali,terminano oggi - G Belli." Baptism Christopher Fe/ton Christopher Felton was baptised at II o'clock mass on 31 July 1994 at the tender age of 30. At the s.,me mass he also received his First Holy Communion and P. Carmelo was given special dispensation to bestow him with the gift of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. Quite a day for Christopher who is pictured during his baptism with his godparents Andrea Alessandri and Paola Cavallini looking on. Subsequently, on 3rd September Christopher married Marianna Cen \rone in Italy. 10 OClober94

11 :c-=---. :J;~FJLACOMIJNITA'ITAlJANA GEORGE & GRAHAM NEWSAGENTS Italian and English Newspapers and Magazines Don't miss your favourite newspaper or magazine... Subscribe with GEORGE & GRAHAM. Per ricevere la vostra copia di qualsiasi rivista 0 giornale italiano... ABBONATEVI con GEORGE & GRAHAM Tel: A.FRANCE & SON INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC FAMILY UNDERTAKERS SERVIZI FUNEBRI ALL'ITALlANA LUNGA ESPERIENZA TRASLOCHI SALME IN ITALlA FUNERALS ARRANGED IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND ITALY Personal Attention At All Times It..llian "ULTIMA CENA" COFFINS * RICORDINI ItaU.llJ Or Englisll * LAPIDE. 1t.1/ian Or English Inscriptions 11~.ld Office 45 LAMB'S CONDUIT ST~, LONDON WCI PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST OPEN 7 DAYS FOR VISITING TEL: OR For Immediate 24 Hour Service Ifdesired, funeral arrangements can be made at your home * Pre-Payment Funeral Plans available for England and Italy Also At 41 MONMOUTII ST., LONDON WC2 14 WATFORD WAY, LONDON NW4 166 CALEDONIAN RD., LONDON NI Ottobre 94 11

12 La scusa del D.S.S. 11 prima agosto di quest'anno e' entrato in vigore qni in Gran Bretagna un regolamento che limita, in certe situazioni, ii diritto ai Council Tax Benefit, ai Housing Benefit cd all'income Support. Diciamo subito che questo amendamento non interessa i lavoratori italiani emigrati e che risiedono in Gran Bretagna da tanto tempo. 11 nuovo regolamento introduce la residenza abituaje in questo Paese, come requisito fondamentale per aver diritto alle Ire prestazioni non contributive su nominate e pretende di fermare gli abusi che alcuni giornali avevano definiti come "tourist benefits" e "la costa del dole benefits". Secondo me, queste nuove regole confondono quelle che gia' esistono su questa materia e nelle peggiori circostanze serviranno come seusa ad alcuni uflici locali del D.S.S. di negarc i diritti'a coloro che invece hanno tutte le carte in regola per reclamarli. La situazione find ai 31 luglio era la seguente: -eilladini brilannici e cilladini irlandesi: I. cittadini britannci cd i cittadini irjandesi non avevano alcuna restrizione.per quanto riguardava la residenza: non appena' mellevano piede sui territorio della Gran Bretagna, avevano diritto a queste prestilzioni se soddisfavano gli altri requisiti come la percezione di un reddito inferiore a ccrti limiti, la ma!'canza di una appropriata abitazione,'i'essere disoccupato oppure incapace di lavorare. -GIi allri cilladini: Gli altri, cioe' tutti i cittadini stranieri, venivano divisi in due grandi tronconi: i cittadini che appartengono ad uno dei Paesi Membri della Comunita' Europca e le persone di cittadinanza di paesi stranicri che non appartengono al Mercato Comune. Questi ultimi, cioe' i cittadini extra-curopci, in genere non potevano chiedere le Ire prestazioni non-contributive (community charge benefit, housing benefit cd income support) se non avevano un perrnesso speciale (come i rifugiati, politici) oppure non avevano stabilito ii diritto alia residenza in questo Paese. 11 diriito alia residenza veniva stabilito inizialmente con ii possesso di un'regolarc contratto di lavoro rilasciato preventivamente da una ditta opcrante in Gran Bretagna e 12 dopo quattro anni, con ii riconoseimento di "settled" da parte del Home Office. Se prima dei quattro anni la persona non poteva provvedere ai proprio sostantamento ed a quello della sua famiglia pcrehe' disoccupato o arnmalato, i1 D.S.S. elargiva le predette prestazioni a condizione ehe I'interessato non venisse definito daj Home Office come "person from abroad" a cui non spettavano le predette prestazioni. Vi erano altri modi per ottenere ii pcrmcsso di soggiomo per altre categoric di persone, per esempio per i commercianti, per i turisti, eec., i commercianti, ma tutti dovevano provare di avere suflicienti risorse economiehe che perrnettevano loro di vivere senza far rieorso all'assistenza pubblica. Per i eittadini della Comunita' Europca la situazione era diversa. Un can can per pocm Prima di tutto pcro' e' fare una distinzione tra i1 pcrmcsso di entrata nella Gran Bretagna ed i1 perrnesso di soggiomo. I cittadini che appartengono ad uno degli Stati Membri della Comunita', prima dell'entrata in vigore del nuovo regolamento, ottenevano aulomaticamente i1.permcsso di entrata quando si presentavano alia stazione di controllo. Non era necessario, in auri termini, avere ottenuto preventivamente un Contratto di lavoro, ma bastava che I'interessato dichiarasse, se richiesto dall'agente di controllo dei passaporti, che la sua intenzione era quella di trovarsi un lavoro. Questo tipo di perrncsso aveva la durata di sei mesi. Dopo tale pcriodo, I'interessato poteva essere dichiaralo "pcrson from abroad" dal Home Office se non era riuscito a trovarsi un lavoro e quiridi non poteva piu' Pietro Molle continuarc a ricevere l'income Sup POrt. ai Community Charge Benefit ed Housing Benefit. C'e' da dire pero' che non tutti g1i uflici locaji del D.S.S. applicavano la legge in modo coerentc tanto che alcune persone hanno contiiluato a percepire le Ire prestazioni per anni senza che venissero mai fatti g1i opportuni, singoli controlli. Se invece I'interessato avcva Irovato lavoro entro i sei mesi, doveva notificare e chiedere ii permcsso di soggiomo al Home Office. 11 permcsso di soggiomo, in genere, veniva rilasciato per cinque anni. 11 permesso di soggiomo, dava diritto a queste prestazioni senza alcun problema. 11 nuovo regolamento: Questo prevede che per avere diritto all'ineome Support, al Council Tax Benefit e Housing, ii cittadino inglese, comunitario oppure extra-comunitario deve aver risieduto abitualmente sui territorio della Gran Bretagna. Chi stabilsce se uno c' abitualmente residente 0 mend sono gli uflici incaricati al pagamento dei tre benefici i quali dovranno prendere in considerazione alcuni fattori personali come ii centro degli intercssi della persona, ii tipo di lavoro avuto e quello ricercato, le intenzioni prcscnti e future del I'intercssato. Questi sono fattori puramente soggellivi, che possono cssere rapprcscntativi della rcalta' soltanto se riportati con una certa onesta' da parte dell'interessato e giudicate con grande speculazione e diserezionalita' da parte di chi deve emettere una particolare decisione. E questo andazzo di cose non perrnettera' di avere decisioni uniforme da tutti gli uffici del D.S.S. e quindi continueremo ad avere la confusione alluale. La confusione viene aumentata dal fatto che queste nuove regole non toccano ne' coloro che gia' percepiscooo queste prestazioni al , ne' ii lavoratore citt.1dino di uno degli Stati Membri a cui si applicano i regolamenti comunitari sulla libera cireolazione. Allora, valcva la pena di fare tutto questo "can can" per quelle persone disoneste che hanno abusato ii sistema e ehe a detta del Governo stcsso sono effettivamente poche? October 94

13 ,, Wedding~ 1 :ij;~flla COMUNlTA'ITAIJANA To have andto hold Gisella Rizzi and Peter Colby. When Frcd Rizzi bought his new restaurant he i probably did not expect he was getting a son-in-law into the b.1lgainl But five years after the acquisition, the restaurant manager Peter. Colby married Frcd's daughter Gisella on 3 _ 1September The service included a rather special homily by Peter's father, Reverend Robert Colby, viwat Whitboume in Herefordshire and Worcester. In the photo we sce Peter's brother and Best Man, Mmk Colby; Gisella's two sisters, Francesea and Amanda and Gisella's nephews and page boys Davide and A1essandro Giacon with their sister and bridesmaid, Olivia. All the guests, including those from around the U.K., Italy and Peru then moved on to the Hyatt Carlton Tower Hotel for a splendid reception. The couple recently returned from their honeymoon in the south of France where the weather was somewhat drier than that of their wedding dayl. All at BACKHILL wish them a long and peaceful marriage and envy Peter his job, for he has a handy option should Gisella be lacking in culinary skills! Georgina Tisi and Dante Leccacorvi Two-and-a-half years after they met over coffce in her mother's eafe' Gcorgina Tisi married Dante Lcccacorvi on Saturday 10th September in the presence of many family members from far and wide... and many friends. The two bridesmanids, Franccsea Bragoli and Sarah Hartncss and p.1ge boy Anthony Capcllo accompanied the stunning bride who was given away by elose family friend Carmine Gricco. TIle Maid of honour Daniela Lcccacorvi, the bridegroom's elder sister, saw the bridal p.1lty into St. Peter's Italian Chureh and onto the wedding reception at the Russell Hotel. The couple have returned from their honeymoon in Mauritius to setlle in their new home in Southgate. From all of us at BACKHILL who weren't there to wish you well in person... all the very best to you both for a happy and healthy life together. Photographs by Bruno Medici Ollobre 94 13

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15 :/f!;~fjla COMIJNITA'ITAUANA Oggetti Religiosi Potete trovare tutti gli oggetti religiosi per: Prima Comunione, Cres'ima, Matrimoni, Benedizione del Papa, Rosari, Bibbie, Statue, il Nuovo Cateehismo delta Chiesa Cattoliea, quadri, eee... MUSICA PER OGNI OCCASIONE Sposalizi, balii, parties etc... Ramon Gallo ed il suo Complesso Ravello si e' esibito con grande successo alia Royal Albert Hall nel ballo 'La Veneziana, 'Holiday Show Earls Court It.'1lian Theme 1989' ed a '11 festival di Musica' a Hellley per Martini Rossi.. Prezziragionevoli. MUSICPLA YEPLIVE AROUND THE TABLES ANDFROMSTAGE Musica tradizionale c liiodcma, ilaliana, inglcsc, contincntalc. Raimondo Galla Tel: Ottobrc 94 Maria Grace Registered residential Care home for the Elderly Welcome to Maria Grace residential Care Home * Home/rom Home * The Home where individual tradition value is the nonn. Providing 24 hour long tenn Residential Care. Short Term/Respite Care, Day Care, Community/Domieiliary Care. For Details Please Call :. (0622) Buekland Road, Maidstone ME16 OSL Mr. & Mrs. Cirelli Resident Proprietors & Managers Registered Nurses.Speeialists in the Care of the Elderly. MEMBER OF K.C.H.A. 15

16 :/f:~ella COMUNITA'ITALIANA A Day in the Life Enz6 Gizzi In my last article ','Our Lifc in the Sky" which was published in the June 1994 edition of BACKHILL, I gave a brief outline of what is involved in becoming a steward or stewardess. In this artiele my aim is to give you a eloser look at the job and what goes on "behind the scencs". My _day starts 'early not only because of my flight but there are a lot of preparations involved before I make my journey to London Heathrow. My home 'life has to be rearranged and.my everyday projects have to be re-scheduled to eoincide with my.flying roster. It is difficult, but you soon become' aceustomed'to this lifestyle. With a more scrious thought in mind I' "make" time to read up on the safety, equipment and proccdurcs (SEP). It is important to keep frcsh in mind your safety drills and how to'present yourself should'an emergency situation occur. Today I am off to 'Hong Kong. I have already ehecked the latcst weather rcport in Hong Kong from the weather centre. This gives me a much clearer picture of what type of elothing I will need during my stay. My flight leaves at and I have to rcport at our report centre "TriStar Housc" 85 minutes before the scheduled time ofdeparture. So with this in mind I risc at 7.00 a.m., which is C<1rly, I know, but there is much to do before I leave. My trip is five days long so I have to prcpare my suitcase -with carcful precision. The trip- was arranged by our scheduling dcpartment approximatcly one month ago. They post out the rosters to all cabin erew at their UK addrcsses and it ean be our highlight of the week to receive a roster with an exotie destination. I tend to'take time as rushing around only causes me stressi So "con calmo" I follow my strict planned itinerary. It is now a.m. and having completed all the necessary preparations needed for my long day ahead, I leave my little rura\ town of Oxted in Surrey three hours before I am required at Heathrow. You may think three hours is rather excessive but have you ever travelled on the M25 at rush hour? It can be a motorist's nightmare. I make the 42 mile journey by car to TriStar House and check-in my own suitcase tagged for "HKG BA031" and stand-by while it is being x-rayed for electrical devices. At this point my real flying life begins. FirstlY,I have to read the latcst "Red Notices" which are published regularly when a change or addition occurs. Changcs to the SEP do occur from time to time, These can range from new safcty equipment being introduced or perhaps a new addition or change to the medical first aid kit that we earry on board. I now "signin". By signing in I am verifying that I have read and understood the "Red Notices" and also that I am fit and well to operate, and have with me my passport and full immigration documents. It is now 12 noon and I have time to spare so I now check my own mail-drop: we can leave each other letters - even love letters! It has been know to have a mail-drop love affair. The things crews get up toll Time fast approachcs my check in time of At this point I make my way to "Briefing Room No 7" for the pre-flight briefing which is headed by the Cabin Service Director. We discuss the flight, scrvice and choosc, on seniority, our working positions. The briefing lasts about 15 minutcs. The C1bin Service Director highlights the passcngers with special needs and also the passengers that require special in.fiight meals due to diet or religion. Safety questions are also asked at this time - once again, it keeps you fully refrcshed with the SEP. It is also an idcal opportunity for the crew to discuss any parts of the in-flight scrvice with their Pursers who are in eharge of their eabins.,the briefing is over and we now make our way to the security point. This is where each erew member has to go through the special s':curity ehannel, their hand luggage has to be x-rayed and once the security formalitics are complete we board the bus which will take us to our aircraft. Before leaving, the bus is sealed and now becomes "sterile" so that no-one can enter or lcave it. We arrive at the aircraft and board the Bocing scrics, registration number G BNLC. Once on board our "home", wc each prepare the cabins ready for the passengers, ensuring that all the inflight catering is on board and that we have enough passenger amenitics, toi letrics and back-up supplies. After all where will you go if you need a needle and thread at 37,000 feet?1 The flight takcs off and the sceond to none service starts. It is approximately 13 hours of constant customer care and the erew are al ways there to help and answer qucstions while on duty. It is amazing how the time just "flics" (exeuse the pun).there is always something to do and you are never really boredl The c.1ptain announces "fifteen minutes to landing". This is our cue to prepare the cabin reaay for landing at Hong Kong. I wait anxiously for the announcement from the Cabin Services Director: Cabin Crew take your Seats for Landing. I now make my way to my erew jump scat and a silent prayer is said for a safe landing at this unusual and busy approach. We land safely, right on schedule to the minute. Our day is not over yet. It will take another two hours before we arrive at our hotel, after elearing eustoms and the immigration formalities. When we arrive at our hotel, the day is over for us. I make good usc of the two precious nights off duty in Hong Kong. It is enough time to shop and enjoy the sights of this dynamic place which never seems to sleep, but I do find time for me to sleep as I am, you could say, a little tired after such an exciting but rewarding day. 16 October 94

17 Fond Memories,RegSuter " i Leaving the employment of the Royal Opera House after thirty five years was the cnd of onc life and the beginning of another. Having not been able to work since early May, following a knee operation, I have had much time for retrospective thought. I think of all the famous singers who made their debuts whilst I was involved. To name just a few: Zinka Milanov, Lcontyne Price, Martina Arroyo, Mirella Freni, lileana Cotrubas, Katia Ricciarclli, Monscrrat Caballe, Elena Suliotis, Fedora Balbieri, Fiorenza Cossotto, Giuscppe di Stefano,. Luciano Pavarotti, Plaeido Domingo, Jon Vickers, Franco Corelli, Mario del Monaco, Jose Carreras, Robcrt Merrill, Ettore Bastianini, Piero Capuceilli, Renato Broson, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Joscph Rouleau. What a listl There arc even more. Too many to mention. From the above you could -.',,'. cast any opera in the Italian repertoire. Then I think of the places that I have visited with, or on behalf of the Opera Company. Japan, three times, South Korea, t\\ice, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Paris, Venice, Genova and Panim. (I would almost certainly not have seen either Japan or South Korea ifi had not gone with the company). In England, Manchester three times, Coventry and Newcastle. My one regret is that I never did a tour with the Royal Ballet. Memorable moments are far too numerous and to even attempt to nominate them, all would require a separate article. The most outstanding: Callas in Norma (sce photo), Mario del Monaco, the finest ofall Otello's, with the lago oftito Gobbi in Otello, Birgit Nilsson and Franco Corclli in Turandot and the visit of La Scala in 1976 with a fabulous 0", production of Simon Bcecancgra with a.-;" - '. cast to match. Capuccilli and Mirella Freni. Lastly Callas and Gobbi in Tosca! Top of the list of producers, without peer, Franco, Zeffirelli. A genius and a gentleman. Very practical and always willing to listen to suggestions from the stage staff as well as the ~ ~ - - "-- -, _ higher eehr,.or;:, elons. Just!.J -- "l"., think of his :~ t~ ; ~~_;~-;;2-; - marvellous j" 0' productions of tj. ~;;,' Cav & Pag,, ',',',' \,,:" Lueia di Lam- -,,- mermoor, Don liiiiiiiw~'-'~o,:t:.-~_':...'_ ~ Francesco Sidoli Giovanni, Rigoletto, Tosca and Falstaff. My favourite conductors: Carlo Maria Giulini, Giuscppe Patane, Edward Do\\ncs, Claudio Abbado and Riccardo Muti. My one big regret is that I never managed to get to grips withwagner; I always found my concentration waxing and generally he is far too long winded for my taste. Some of it I really liked, particularly the opening chords of Rheingold and the 'Immolation scene from Gotterdamerung, but it was the bits in between!! It was always the Italian in general and Verdi in particular,that struck the right note with me. I also like the Russian operas. I have never been a lover of Italian opera sung in English. I have heard opera in English when I would like to have had surtitles to follow the plot. The Italian language lends itself to singing because, of the music in the langnage. It is Possible to learn an aria listening to it sung by a di Stefano, Carlo Bergonzi or Pavarotti. Women I find more difficult to understand because the higher pitched voice makes some of the works inaudible above certain notes. But the main reason for my preference is that the music is written with the Italian words given the right musical prominence and inflection. Now that I will find more time for listening to my CD collection I will doubtless listen to operas that I have not had time to play for years. I intend to listen particularly to the "Prima Voce" series on Nimbus where there are some marvellous treasures to be found for all lovers ofgreat singing. I hope to be able to make an annual visit to Ilaly, a couple ofdays in Milan followed by two days in Parma and a long wcekend in Busscto is my idcal. I have friends in all three places and I always visit the Casa di Riposo in Milan and either Le Roncole or Villa Verdi in Sant'Agata, Busscto. So it is always Verdi orientatedi E: mancato all'affetto dei suoi cari il Sig. Franccsco Sidoli, proprietario della "Sidoli Deli" di Friern Barnet nostri calloboratori. BACKHILL invia le piu' sentite condoglianzc alia famiglia. Oltobre 94 17

18 :ij;~eu.a COMUNITA'ITALIANA HIGH POST LOOKING FOR A BREAK AWAY FROM WITHIN EASY REACH? LONDON, BUT STOP LOOKING! WE'RE HERE! Come and see Enzo and Gillian at THE INN AT HIGH POST - a modern hotellleisure complex near historic Salisbury. There is lots to see and do without any pressure, and the beautiful indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna sunbed and gym will help you relax completely. Opposite there is lovely eighteen hole golf course. All rooms are en-suite with every facility including Sky television. The food is excellent, and head chef Antonio Marin will be ' delighted to cook his favourite specialities for you. Nowhere will you find a warmer welcome with a distinct Italian bias. THE. INN is privately owned and run by Enzo and his family with all the enthusiasm of truly enjoying what they do - and being proud of it. FANTASTIC WEEKEND BREAK OFFER Starting on Friday evening with dinner, accommodation and full English breakfast, Saturday dinner, accommodation and breakfast, and a wonderful carvery speciality lunch on Sunday to complete your weekend. 94 per person (sharing a twin or double room) Think about joining us for a party - it must be somebody's birthday soon - or for that romantic anniversary treat away. PHONE NOW for the brochure and information. THE INN is situated on A345 between Amesbury & Salisbury. (Out of London westwards on M3 to A303. Turn left at Amesbury and, - The Inn is 3 miles on the right. Easy!) The'hl..Hqa Po$t.Nr. Saksb.I')'. Wl1lsl",e, sp..l i\.\f Je/E'phooe; Middle WooobrJ~ll213) f:a-".()l21j 736..~ VAt No. ':~:-'.1~ ro 18 October 94

19 :IJ;~EU.A COMUNITA'ITAIJANA ASSOCIAZIONE PEDINA VAL D'ARDA L'Associazione Celebra II Suo 15mo AnniversarioDi Costituzion Con CENA E BALLO ANNUALE SABATO 26 NOVEMBRE 1994, ' SUONERA IL COMPLESSO CLAUDIO ALLODI 7.15pm per 7.45pm - Carrozze A 2am AdmissionBy Ticket only - 35 Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, Duke Street, London WI Dress Optional PRENOTAZIONE PRESSO A. PEROTII P. CAVACIUTI G. CAVACCIUTI G. ANTONIONI Photography & Video Production 5 BackhiII, London ECl Tel: ,1<,1< Weddings Portraits,1< Christenings,!< Video '!< Wedding Invitations,1< Wedding Cars,1< Passport Photos,1< Selection ofdesigner Albums from Italy ~~~ High qualityserviceat affordable price ~:;~~ The studio is located next to the Italian Church ~:;~~ Open every day includingsunday morning O/tobre 94 19

20 :ij:~ellacomunita'italiana 1fufu ~~~ ITALIAN LADIES CLUB present CHILDREN'S CllA.RITY BINGO at TI.e RoyalLancasterHotel Lancaster Terrace, London lj'2 2Tl' Sunday :JOtl. October ~994 at4.00pm ENTRY BY TICKET ONLY Price 10 including Afternoon li'g" Tea Forthcoming Events Tuesday 26t" October - Table Etiquette with Luigi Zambon, Maitre D', Savoy Hotel. Tuesday 1st November - Painting Class with Jane Walker. Tuesday 8t" November - Italian Catholic Mission in London and Cultural Identity, Talk by Anne-Marie Fortier. All Events Begin at 9.00pm. Marc" Long Weekend to Prague - Book Early!! C.D.I. ITJ1.LIJ1.N LJ1.DIES CLUB 20 BRIXTON ROJ1.D~ LONDON SlJ'9 6BU TEL: October94