The BOV calendar has always been a showcase of national treasures, be they architectural gems or works of art tucked away in one of the churches found across our archipelago. Three years ago, the BOV calendar took an interesting twist, as it started taking readers down memory lane.

The 2011 calendar opened a window on quaint typical outlets and trades that were much more common a few decades ago. It was followed by renowned veteran musicians depicted at the Splendid Bar in Strait Street Valletta which offered a very well-suited background . Last year, many nostalgic notes were touched as the calendar focused on children’s street games, some of which are close to being forgotten in 2013.The 2014 calendar focuses on hawkers, their trade and the modes of transportation that has adapted over the ages. Although living in an age where shopping is done over the internet or in large supermarkets and shopping malls, a few hawkers are still steeped in tradition and have been resolute in their old ways.

The team behind the 2014 calendar scoured the Maltese villages and managed to find the ‘bigilla’ seller still using a donkey drawn carriage, ‘Tal-Kappar’ and ‘Tal-Fjuri’ selling pickled capers and flowers from a disused children’s pram, and the sea salt harvester selling hand harvested sea-salt from a cart drawn by an agricultural tractor among others.

Sadly disappearing from our streets and our memories, these ‘heroes’ of our heritage have withstood the test of time and open a window on our rich past.

“There is more to these trades than nostalgia for a simpler life, however. In their simplicity, they speak of values and modus operandi that are still very much relevant in today’s world. They also speak volumes about Bank of Valletta and its role in the Maltese community and economy,” the Bank said.

BOV added that it has “always had a pivotal role to play in supporting both sides of the transaction, the seller and the buyer. It owes its origins to the merchants who back then needed to exchange goods. So much has changed since those days as the world has become more dynamic and the market more challenging.

“Bank of Valletta continued to evolve in response and where possible in anticipation of its community’s needs. Yesterday’s Bank has grown into a full-fledged financial services provider. Solutions have changed dramatically, but one thing remained the same – the Bank’s commitment to provide its customers, be they personal or business, with financial solutions tailored to suite their unique needs.”

The thirteen photographs in this calendar owe their uniqueness to award winning photographer Joe P Smith. JP Advertising worked closely with the Bank of Valletta team in defining the concept, designing and producing the calendar.

Accompanying this Calendar, is a ‘Making Of’ clip which is definitely worth watching. It may be accessed from the Bank’s YouTube channel or by following this link: http://youtu.be/qsmJ1GoJweA

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