Firstly 'Grazzi' (thank you) in my language to all Circlers the world over for your encouragement, good wishes, words of wisdom and support. I have had a fantastic year on the LCI Board as LCI Vice President and after having returned from Tallinn, Estonia where I became LCI President I am full of enthusiasm for the year ahead.

To move on a warm hello comes from an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. An island of which some of you carry fond memories of the LCI Conference in 2003, the MTM in 2005 or a private visit. On the other hand for some my country is an island still shrouded in mystery and there to be discovered by you.

I was born on a day when no matter what, people party – New Year’s Eve 1969. I am a the end result of parents who experienced their young adulthood in the sixties; born and bred in Malta – a sun basked Mediterranean island embedded in a wealth of history; with paternal ancestors hailing from Ireland; and an intensive extra curricular education in dance. All this makes me what I am today one who enjoys communicating verbally with interest and non verbally through dance. I carry out both forms of communication in a passionate way.

I was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Malta. Throughout my life, until very recently, I went to dance school and have studied diverse forms of dance including classical ballet, jazz, tap, National Dance and Flamenco. For me dance is an integral part of my life a hobby of which I am zealous. I studied piano for a while too, but I would advise you to walk out of the room if I sit at one ?! Other hobbies include reading, lace making, walking, being creative like making cards for friends and sunbathing. I joined the Bank as an apprentice and have moved up the ranks through work experience and in-house training. Today I am a Bank Manager of the same Bank I joined many years ago - a small local commercial bank where we target high net worth customers.

I have been married for ten years to John. It is through him that I was introduced to Ladies’ Circle soon after John was invited to join Round Table. John loves Round Table and has held a number of posts on the National Board including that of President. In June 2006 he was awarded the honour of Tabler of the Year for the European, Mediterranean and African (EMA) region. We work well "Side by Side"

When I was asked to join Ladies’ Circle I accepted on one condition – that I would never take on any role, other that those required by floor members – yeah whatever! I became a member of LC 1 Malta and went against my condition almost immediately. I took on a number of roles nationally including that of President and I still cannot believe I am sitting down writing out a website greeting as LCI President. Well, you see, this is the proof of the benefit and rewards Ladies’ Circle gives all its members. I was so taken in by the good work and the fun within my Circle, that I felt I had to do more - I guess the rest is history. I have travelled with and without my husband within our Circle and Table world and the experiences have all been awesome.

I love life, I'm loud, I gesticulate to speak – I'm a Latin Mediterranean girl, passionate in everything I do and proud of it. I love a good party, with popular 80’s music, good company and a relaxed atmosphere. I'm meticulous, straightforward and pragmatic. I love colour and you will very rarely see me don a black outfit. I always try to take the positive side of things and lead by example. I think that through the bond of 'Friendship' we have and we nurture as Circlers, we create an impressionable communication between us which makes it easy to work hard and harmoniously together to give much needed 'Service' throughout the world.

I have a number of mottos in my life by which I live. Summed up they are all about 'Seeing, Feeling and Touching' my surroundings in order to acquire a deeper insight of people around me and if need be to 'Reach Out' to anyone who touches my life simply by 'Leading by Example' as you 'Circle the World with Colour'!

Small as my island may be we have our own language so I will sign off in the Maltese language and say:

(Good Bye & Good Health)

Kathleen A Flynn President 2007/2008