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, 23rd October 1910. The uniform was of a dark green colour with red braiding. The uniform was designed by Sgt Joseph Mifsud. The number of boys in uniform was 29.

 

1911       Affiliation with the Catholic Boys’ Brigade in Great Britain. The Commanding Officer of the SBB went to the UK with a detachment of the King’s Own Malta Regiment on the occasion of the coronation of King George V. He enquired about the Catholic Boys’ Brigade and the A Company of the SBB was the first company outside the British Isles. He Number given was 103 Sliema with the number of the battalion being numbered 18 Malta

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 England.

 

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.

4th August 1914. While the 18 Malta Battalion SBB was in full swing preparing for the annual encampment, England Declared war against Germany. Malta being under the British flag was also in a state of war. All the Leaders were called up for war; the Battalion then came into an end.

 

 

 

 

 

1919         arrival of Fr. V. Allegra, S.C. as Director. Approached Mr. Izzo to     

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 Grand Harbor when the relic     left    the Island.

 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

11.11.2     11.11.2  - 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 Rudolf Street to Stella Maris Church each boy carrying a wreath.

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 the 11th Nov. 1933 service at St John’s Co Cathedral.

             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

 

27th May 1934   Procession of Mary Help of Christians

 

29th June 1934    Procession of the Sacred Heart.

 

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 St John

            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 Malta.

 

21st November. Guard of Honour to Mons. Guerra, Salesian Archbishop. On his    

            visit to Malta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Maglio Gardens through Kingsway where it received a colossal ovation and marched all way acclaimed by a thunderstorm applause and throwing of flowers. The movement halted at the Casino Maltese to receive the blessing of the Bishops’ present. It was a memorable occasion which showed the enthusiasm of the crowd for our movement.

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 San Anton Gardens.

 

 

 

 

1940    10th June.  Whilst preparing for the athletic sports to be held on the 16th June the   news was flashed that Italy had declared war. The last order was that if nothing went wrong the members would meet for final rehearsals on the 15th. The next day however Malta was air raided several times and practically all Sliema evacuated and meetings were suspended indefinitely.

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 4 p.m.

 

1941    January.  The Germans came over to bombard Malta mercilessly and   evacuation again compelled the SBB to suspend meetings on the 15th January.

 

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 the 8th February 1942. The members performed Capt Izzo’s vaudeville “Uncle’s Money” and Swedish Drill accompanied by piano only. After the first act shelters had to be taken owing to an air raid...

 

            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 Palace Square welcomed H.E.Schreiber who appeared

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 British Isles is in its 63rd year and rejoices to learn of Brigade Movement such as the S.B.B. in Malta. C.B.B. in Eire; United Boys Brigade of America and Forwilligt Dvenge, Forbund in Denmark etc.  

 

10th February.  Annual Guard of honour to His grace the Archbishop for the feast of St Paul.

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 Palace Square. Capt.Izzo laid wreath at Great Siege Monument whilst buglers sounded the salute. Arrival at Palace Square amid applause from a crowd of about 3000. Displays and band drills executed to perfection.

 

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 St John ambulance Brigade.

 

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 Valletta. Most probably this was the most outstanding parade the SBB has ever performed. His grace the Archbishop Mgr Sir Michael Gonzi performed the Consecration of the new colours and His Honour Sir David Campbell, presented the Colours to 2/Lt. A. Calleja. The Ceremonial parade was never held in Malta and the SBB were the first to perform this parade on exact military lines. The New colour was donated by Mr. M. Demajo, a keen supporter of the movement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Malta, SBB in full swing during these activities.

 

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 Malta

 

 

1975    27th November, Joe Camilleri is the first member to receive the Gold Award in the

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

 

1978    75th Anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Malta. The Salesian Rector

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 Buckingham Palace in London.

 

 

1979    Republic Day Celebrations

 

1980    Renewed Connection with the Boys Brigade UK.

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 Buckingham Palace in London.

 

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 Palermo Sicily.

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 St George’s square (Main Guard) Valletta.

 

1986    After the great success of the visit to Palermo the SBB are invited there once again.

 

1987    The Secretary of the Boy’s Brigade UK Mr. Alan Percival visits Malta.

 

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 Sicily.

 

1989    9th April. Inauguration of the Salesian Girl’s Brigade by the president of Malta H.E. Vincent Tabone. The group is now called. The Salesian Boy’s and Girl’s Brigade.

            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 Malta S.B.G.B. at Ta’Qali and Floriana.

            8th December. Presentation of the New Colours by the president of Malta H.E. V. Tabone. Donated by Stedfast Association BB. UK London.

 

1991    Easter course European fellowship. 25th March to 2nd April, at Savio College Dingli.

 

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 Palermo Sicily.

 

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 Malta

 

2003    SBGB take part in the festivities held for the 100 years Anniversary of the Salesians in Malta

            SBGB Band Plays in GSSE Games

            8th December SBGB invited for the inauguration of the New Sports Hall at Savio College.

 

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 UK

            SBGB group holds an activity for the elderly at Zammit Clap hospital.

 

2005    13th March SBGB band plays in Conference on Music Education in Malta organised by the Music Education National Convention.

            June Steadfast group UK arrives for an exchange visit.

            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 Malta

            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 UK.

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 Salesian Brigade was invited for the opening of the Festival

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 March Church parade on the feast of St Sebastian Patron of the SB. New Name and Uniform.

17th April 2010 SB plays on the occasion of Pope Benedict in Malta

6th June Presentation of New Regimental Colours

19th September SB commemorates 100 years with the planting of a Norfolk Island Pine in Independence gardens Sliema ( Tree planting by Hon George Pullicino ) Mr. Joe Giorgio commanding officer unveiled a plinth while Fr Joe Forte blessed the tree and plinth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Valletta.

 

Christmas band plays at old people’s home.

 

 

During the year the group is invited to play on different occasions in Malta.

The group also holds activities for the preparation of the President’s award formally known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.