SBGB History
1909 The Salesian Boys’ Brigade was initiated by Fr. V. Allegra S.D.B. the Director of Salesian oratory Sliema, in 1909. Rev Carmelo Busuttil, who from the opening of the Oratory always worked hard for the welfare of the Boys, was asked about the project. Sgt. Joseph Mifsud, an intimate friend of Rev Bussuttil was introduced to take in hand the new institution. The first batch of boys were enrolled later in the year and commenced with the activities.
1910 Inauguration
of the movement,
1911 Affiliation
with the Catholic Boys’ Brigade in
Presentation of the First Regimental Colors by the Vicar General RT. Rev. Mgr. A Attard on Sunday 17th December.
1912 Sunday 21st January the Feast of St Sebastian, Patron Saint f the Salesian
Boys’ Brigade celebrated for the first time.
A second company was raised at Birkirkara in the Oratory, then under the
supervision of the Salesian Fathers. His Company was also affiliated with the
Catholic Boys Brigade and was given the number of 109 B’Kara. The
Commanding officer at B’kara was Capt Calafato, with Rev. M. Sammut as
Chaplain.
The Boys’ Brigade lined the route
with the Maltese and British services, during the visit of Their Majesties the
King and Queen of
1913 Eucharistic Congress Festivities.
June SBB first Athletic meeting. September first SBB summer camp.
Formation of Third Company in Senglea. Unfortunately this company only lasted for a couple of months.
1914 8th March SBB parade in front of Salesian Rector Major, the Very Rev. Fr. Paul Albera, Second successor of Don Bosco.
1919 arrival
of Fr. V.
Re-organize movement. Mr. Izzo aided by Sgt. G. Mamo and G. Sgt. J.
Cassar of the Kings Own Malta Regiment set
to work early in 1920 and in the summer of the first year the first batch
wearing temporary uniforms of white jumpers and white shorts, green sash, white
college cap marched through Sliema streets to attract people for the fair held
at the Oratory to raise funds for the “Green” regular uniform of the movement.
1920 Mr. Alfred Pullicino appointed Captain.
1921 “Feast of the Sacred Heart” 20 members inaugurated the Green Uniform.
During the same year Cardinal Bourne revisited Malta and the Brigade
paid him a visit at Capua Palace….He inspected
Guard of Honour and an address was read by
Boy C.Izzo.
1922
The
number of members increased to 50. First public appearance after the war.
A guard of honour was held to the Relic of St
Francis Xavier.
An escort was taken on board a ferry from the
The
S.B.B. also accompanied the relic when it went to Gozo.
29th
October first football match. SBB first 11 against the St.Alphonsus
College. The keenly contested match ended in
favor of the SBB
1923 Outing to Bahar ic-Caghaq
- Maneuvers. ‘A’ Com vs. ‘B’ Com. “A” Company attacked and ‘B’ Coy defended. No penetration of defense was made.
1924
Grand
Athletic Sports.
Mr. C. Fenech who later became
a Salesian, was entrusted with the drums and
fifes band with quick results.
1925 Movement great loss through death of Mr.
Izzo on 28th Sept. All members
attended funeral on the 29th and escorted the remains from
6th October Funeral service at Salesian Chapel. The Rev.Fr.
P Grima then Chaplain delivered
an oration on Mr. Izzo’s grand work.
Mr. Alfred Pullicino appointed Commanding Officer.
1926 Movement’s activities slackening and number of
members diminishing.
1927 Members
once again on the decrease.
End of the Fifes and drums band.
1930 Mr.Tarcisio Attard gets the helm of the SBB New Commanding officer.
1931
Arrival
of Fr. S. Scravaglieri as Rector who
took great interest and the
movement gained more life
1933 In
October Fr. Scravaglieri, the Rector, appointed the Salesian Fr..John De
Giorgio to take charge of the
movement. Fr De Giorgio was a godsend as he
took the Movement to heart and
through his zealous work it instantly made rapid
progress.
1934 The S.B.B. attended
19th - 22nd
April Celebrations of Fr
Scravaglieri’s Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee.
The S.B.B. performed Guards of Honour
and Swedish Drill on the 22nd 1934
End of 1934 saw an increase in members due to Fr De Giorgio’s work.
Number of members 54 .Capt. Pullicino retired, also Lt. Azzopardi. The S.B.B.
came under the command of Lt.Charles Izzo.
Due to the increase of boys to 74 and the Company was divided in 4
sections
1935 28th
April Opening of celebrations in honour
of the canonization of
Bosco.
4th May. Guard of Honour to the Relic of St John Bosco
at the Vespers held at
Stella Maris.
Fifes and Drums formed again
this time under the guidelines of Drum major
Salvino Vella
1936 9th April 36 Guard to Holy Sepulcher. Many invitations were accepted to
different towns and villages to form Guard of Honour to the Blessed
Sacrament in
Sacred Heart Processions.
18th December. Visit of Salesian Provincial, Very Rev.R.
Ziggiotti. Ceremonial parade.
Lt.Charles Izzo was promoted
Captain and Commanding Officer.
1937 1st
January. The S.B.B. celebrated the Silver Jubilee of
the V.R. Canon C. Busitill
who was the co-founder of the
Movement in
21st November. Guard of Honour to
visit to
1938 Formation
of Brass Band in addition to Fifes and Drums, under the capable hand of 2/Lt.
Bandmaster Michael Zammit.
6th
February. Guard of Honour to H.E. Sir
Charles Bonham Carter at Stella Maris
and Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart. During his visit to the churches and clubs.
Excellent remarks on
smartness by the Governor.
Mr. Michael Zammit took over the charge of Drums and Fifes.
23rd October. First appearance of Brass Band in route
march.
30th October. First time the Procession of Christ the King
lead by Brass Band.
11th November Inauguration of War Monument after attending
service at St. John’s.
1939 4 February.Sweedish drill performed for the
first time to our own band
accompaniment on the occasion of St. Sebastian.
29thApril. Great celebrations of the Diocesan Eucharistic
Congress. To Floriana Granaries to assist the Mass and receive Holy Communion.
After celebrations, the movement lead by the band marched from
25th May The S.B.B.
were invited to Qormi for the celebration of St George
- here the movement was received with applause and fireworks.
19th November. Church Parade requiem Mass for Mr. Cachia
former fifes master who drowned while on action with the army
25th
December. Marched from Sliema to
1940 10th
June. Whilst preparing for the athletic
sports to be held on the 16th June the news was flashed that
The movement met again in November 1940 and practically all members returned
to their sections. Activities at Headquarters continued regularly.
24th December. Church Parade for Christmas Mass which the
Pope conceded for the first time to be celebrated at
1941 January. The Germans came over to bombard
10th April. Sufficient members of the Movement were gathered
to form guard to the Holy sepulcher throughout the whole day.
8Th May. Enough members were assembled to organize a
Guard of Honour to Mons Gonzi acting Bishop of Malta for confirmation at the
Salesians.
30th July. Death of Mr. Alfons. Maria Galea who gave
freely the premises of Salesian Oratory and Domus.
NOTE many members enlisted in the services and being well trained in
drill, they were immediately promoted to NCO’s.
1st September. Though the number of members was reduced,
the Brigade started again to function regularly. Members attended in uniform on
several Church Parades.
The green uniform
started to show signs of wearing out. The summer uniform
squad came into being. The Uniform consisted chiefly of forage cap,
white shirt, epaulettes, lanyard, navy-blue trousers and green belt.
1942 The feast of the Patron,
which for once (1941) was not held, took place
on
29th June. In spite of Arial
attacks an Inter Company Sports was held
2nd September. The band was reformed.
8th October. Parade at St. Patrick’s when the George Cross
was brought over to Sliema. A Brigadier inspected the Guard of Honour.
1943 3rd
January. Had to suspend meetings owing
to Infantile Paralysis, but only for a short time. The movement met again in mid February.
30th May. To Dar Ljuni Hamrun invited by Lt Governor Campbell.
Display of platoon and Swedish Drill in front of Lord Gort V.C. Who admired the
Display and shook hands congratulating Capt Izzo.
2/3/4.July. To Gozo for three
days. A Union Jack was presented by the people of
Gharb for the Brigade.
17th October. Church
Parade - Requiem Mass for founder Canon C. Busuttil
Affiliation to M.S.A.
1944 10th October. First issue of Monthly News Letter.
22nd
October. Presentation of Maltese Standard by Sliema Band Club.
SBB affiliated to the
Malta Sports Association.
1945 20th January. Feast of St Sebastian. Number of members
reached 200.
8th May. VE DAY. SBB at
on Balcony of Palace to announce Peace. Band playing God save the King,
and the National Anthem INNU MALTI.
11th November. First year of peace at Monument.
Change of old ‘plus-fours’ uniform to the green shorts. He N.C.O. now
had a handsome green felt suit with white shirt and green tie.
1946 20th
January. Feast of St Sebastian under the
patronage of H.E. the Governor
Lt.Gen.Sir Edmund Schreiber K.C.B., D.S.O
Guard of Honour on arrival and at own
request, inspection of Band.
Remarks: much impressed by ease
of boys in displaying smartness….
Address of welcome by Capt.C.H.Izzo….
then Hymn of SBB sung by all
members. - Selection by Band - English and
Maltese one act plays - songs
Swedish Drill…. H.E. and Lady Schreiber enjoyed every minute
of the show and
were given a
spontaneous cheery send off.
24th January. Received letters of greetings from Wm.H. Vicks M. Sc. Overseas
section of the B.B. in U.K…. It contained: “Though our two movements
are separate we have similar aims and ideals. The B.B. in the
10th February.
Annual Guard of honour to His grace the Archbishop for the feast of
9th June. Athletic Sports presided by Acting Lt. Governor the Hon E. Camilleri O.B.E.
7th September. A group entered the R.L.S.S. Competition and won trophy for Schools and certificates and Bronze Medallion.
Owing to difficulty in obtaining material for Green Uniforms the Blue
Battle
Jackets were introduced for
youngsters
October. Won M.S.A. League and Cup tie. The SBB affiliated with the Malta Football association and the Amateur Swimming association
8th November. Arrival of Provincial V.Rev. Fr.F.V. Couche
S.C.
17th November. Ceremonial Parade in honour of Fr.
Provincial. Address by Capt. Ch. Izzo.
1947 5th
February. Feast of St Sebastian under patronage of Hon. L. Galea LL.D. Attorney
General.
24th January. Fr C.Fenech confirmed as Director.
3rd April. Guards to Holy Sepulcher wore for first time
the white buff belt on Green Uniform and Sgts white shoulder lanyard.
13th July. Grand Fair for SBB Fund.
8th September. Parade at
1st November. Re. Appearance of Five band under Instructor
C Wood... First time to turn out with two bands.
10th November. To Floriana for Guard of Honour to Duke and
Duchess of Gloucester on occasion of Opening of Parliament
15th November. To Mgarr to celebrate Fr Salomone (ex
Chaplain) 25 years as Parish Priest
.
1949 1st June Instructor E. Attard Started lecturing to a small group of boys. The
lectures were on First Aid.
This was the Birth of a new alliance with the
8th October Inauguration of the New Oratory in Gozo. The SBB played a great part in the celebrations.
25th October
presentation of new regimental colours. The parade took place at the Palace
square in
1953 31st May,
Trooping of the Colours in Coronation Festivities.
1960 50Th
Anniversary Celebration S.B.B.
1964 Independence Day Celebrations.
1965 Her Majesty the
queen in
1969 Mr. Charles Izzo Retires as Commanding Officer of the SBB after 36 years of service. Mr. Carmel Briffa appointed Commanding Officer
1970 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Presentation of new Colours by his Excellency Sir Maurice Dorman, Governor
General of
1975 27th November, Joe Camilleri is the first member to receive the Gold Award in the
Duke of
1978 75th
Anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco in
Major, Rev Fr. Egidius Vigano 7th Successor of Don Bosco, blessed the new Band instruments.
22nd February Mr. Martin
Sacco is the first member of the SBB to receive the Gold Award by his Royal
Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in
1979 Republic Day Celebrations
1980 Renewed
Connection with the Boys Brigade
3rd December. Leonard
Falzon Junior is the second member of the SBB to be presented with the Gold
Award by his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in
1982 Inauguration of the National Sports Ground in Ta’Qali.
1983 Mr. Leonard Falzon Junior appointed Drum Major of the SBB while Mr. Joe Cassar who had served as Drum Major for over than 25 years was appointed as Band Master.
1984 SBB invited to
perform in
Mr. Carmel Briffa steps down from the post of Commanding Officer and Mr. Leonard Falzon Senior appointed Commanding Officer.
1985 75th Anniversary of the SBB.
19th April parade at Ghar id-Dud Sliema
28th
April Parade at
1986 After the great success of the visit to
1987 The Secretary of the Boy’s Brigade
1988 Participation in the events marking the Centenary Anniversary of the Death of St John Bosco.
In April third visit of the Boys
Brigade to
1989 9th April. Inauguration of the
Salesian Girl’s Brigade by the president of
May His Royal Highness Prince Edward presented new gold award. The SBGB invited to perform on this occasion.
1990 27th May H.H. Pope John Paul II
in
8th December.
Presentation of the New Colours by the president of
1991 Easter course European fellowship. 25th
March to 2nd April, at
1993 SBGB takes part in the festivities of the Small Nation Games.
1994 European games for the Salesian youth 27th April to 2nd May. Games held in Gonzo. He SBGB invited to take part in the opening.
1997 SBGB 4th visit to
2000 5th November. During the preparation for the 90th Anniversary activities SBGB lost Mr. Leonard Falzon. The Commanding Officer who served in the SBB for over 60 years.
10th December 90th Anniversary activities. Past members of the SBB invited to take part in the parade. Minister of youth and sport got the Salute.
2001 Mr. Joe Giorgio appointed Commanding officer of the SBGB and Mr. Anthony Gatt appointed Captain.
May 2001 SBGB band participates in
Pope JP Visit to
2003 SBGB take part in the festivities held for
the 100 years Anniversary of the Salesians in
SBGB Band Plays in GSSE Games
8th December SBGB invited
for the inauguration of the New Sports Hall at
2004 18th July SBGB Band performance in the opening ceremony of FISEC Games.
August 21st 3rd
group takes part in European Fellowship seminars in the
SBGB group holds an activity for the elderly at Zammit Clap hospital.
2005 13th March SBGB band plays in Conference on Music Education in
June Steadfast group
8th December 95th Anniversary celebrations.
2006 SBGB plays in activities held by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants association. Mainly in Sliema and Bugibba.
2007 Malta Council for Culture and the Arts invites SBGB band to perform in different activities.
April: SBGB mourns the loss of Lieutenant Mrs Silvia Cassar while still serving in the SBGB.
SBGB invited to play in the open day
held by the ELC wied incita.
SBGB Band plays for the first time for the feast of St Gregory Sliema
2008 Band performs prior to meetings held by the TSCF 2008 Malta Conference.
15th July performance
during the 60th FISEC Games in
SBGB play important Role during the visit of Salesian Rector General Fr Chavez.
2009 Visit by Mr. Alan Perceval after 22 years now
retired Secretary of the BB in the
Group is strengthened by an addition of 19 members after our annual summer camp.
During one of the meetings it was decided that the group will mainly work on three aspects namely Music for the SB Band, Drill and outdoor activities. Thus integrating in the Oratory’s vision.
During Christmas camp our group cleaned Fommir-rih bay
Preparations for centenary celebrations.
2010 January: Group decides to change name to SALESIAN BRIGADE this will officially come into force on the 21st of March 2010 during a church parade.
It was decided that 4 main activities will be held 21st march Church parade 6th June presentation of new colours. 10th October Blood donation day in Sliema and the 8th of December Theatrical activity and this will end centenary programme.
Other activities will be held such as fund raising activities our annual camp, Band displays and other activities.
29th January SBGB invited for activity in Sliema re Pope’s visit
On Sunday 31st January, on the occasion of the Citrus Festival,
the President’s Palace at San Anton, was opened to the public. The Band of the
19th March Band plays in B’Kara for the occasion of the centenary celebrations of B’Kara Oratory once under the supervision of the Salesians and also Company 2 of number 18 Malta Battalion.
21st
17th April 2010 SB plays on the occasion of
Pope Benedict in
6th June Presentation of New Regimental Colours
19th September SB commemorates 100 years with
the planting of a Norfolk Island Pine in
Yearly Activities
Last week in January or first week of February feast of St Sebastian Patron saint of the SBGB. Activities include Church Parade. Breakfast and also a parade in Sliema.
Holy week SBGB takes part in Tarxien Panto and Valletta Procession.
Easter Camp
7th June annual parade in Sliema
August Summer Camp
September participate in St Gregory’s parish church feast activities.
1st week in November
Remembrance Day in
Christmas band plays at old people’s home.
During the year the group is
invited to play on different occasions in
The group also holds activities for the preparation of the President’s award formally known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.