Mark Anthony VellaMARK ANTHONY VELLA

Mark Anthony Vella was born on 3rd September 1965.

His parents, Helen and the late Joseph Michael, operated a bar and restaurant, and as a child, Mark met many ex-servicemen who, with their accounts, kindled an interest in him about the wartime history of Malta. His father had served as a journalist with Allied Malta Newspapers throughout the war.

Since the age of 15, Mark has been collecting photographs and stories of Malta under siege. He has spent much time researching archives for material connected with wartime Malta. He has also been a contributor to the local press on environmental matters.

Mark Anthony Vella is the author of several publications which include Malta at War (edited by John A. Mizzi), Malta in Ruins, Sink the Illustrious, Simple Successful Gardening and Xahar, xahar fil-ġnien. He assisted in the management of the Għadira Nature Reserve and taught school children environmental awareness. He also promoted the subject in schools on behalf of Nature Trust (Malta) and assists in the compilation of educational publications for the society.

He has worked hand in hand with various local and international authors, giving them, as well as many newcomers, the opportunity to write and see their works published.

Mark Anthony Vella enjoys photography, drawing, constructing scale models, meeting wartime
veterans, bird-watching and country walks. He is the Publications Manager at Wise Owl
Publications and is married to Natalie Portelli. They have a daughter; Rebecca Anne.