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History |
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 In 1966, a gentleman by the name of Paul Gauci left his home town of Cospicua in Malta and ventured to Canada. Paul’s life long passion had been music and he hoped that along with starting a new life in a new land, he would be able to continue his musical pursuits. Shortly after his arrival, he was approached by a small group of Maltese immigrants who shared his musical interests. The evolution of the Malta Band Club began with the formation of the Malta Band in the late 1960’s as part of the Maltese Canadian Society of Toronto. In the early 1970’s, the Malta Band felt the need to venture out on their own and establish an organization whose sole purpose would be to maintain and improve the musical traditions of Malta in Canada through the Malta Band, the only Maltese marching band outside of the Maltese islands. | ||||||
| In February of 1986, the Malta Band Club Incorporated collectively mourned the loss of a small, humble man who had become a tower of strength to this organization from the very beginning. The news came during a band rehearsal that Maestro Paul Gauci had peacefully passed away in his sleep. Although a difficult time for bandsmen and members alike, the thought of Paul’s dream ending was never an option. The whole organization rallied around Surmast’s memory with the result being an increased desire to move forward. A short time later the club had made the final mortgage payment on the Junction property and had been established as one of the leading Maltese cultural organizations in existence.
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| The years that followed brought increased social and financial strength to the organization. Many members felt that the Malta Band Club had finally reached the pinnacle that so many others had felt was unattainable. It was not until 1995 that the next phase of the club’s evolution would take place.The Junction area had undergone several changes over the years since the club’s inception. The Maltese community that had many years ago congregated in the area had diminished as families slowly moved to various outlying areas. After discussions with the existing membership and several other Maltese people in outlying areas, it was decided to relocate the club’s premises to Mississauga. This latest news was met with mixed reviews. It was understood that several goals previously achieved at the Junction location would again have to be challenged. Establishment in the area, a mortgage free premises and the security of certain permits would all have to be renegotiated. Several members felt that the risks this time would far outweigh any gain that could possibly come from this move. With all the obstacles clearly ahead, the general membership overwhelmingly voted in favour of this move. 5745 Coopers Avenue in Mississauga has been the headquarters of the Malta Band Club Incorporated since 1995. The building is approximately eleven thousand square feet in area which consists of a five hundred-person banquet hall, fully equipped kitchen facilities, two sets of washrooms, a full service bar, various offices, a games area, a classic foyer and a soundproof room for band rehearsals. All club functions are held at this facility which are also rented for weddings, showers and other events. The impressive facilities are shadowed only by the quality membership which has embraced and continues to support this organization. The dreams of individuals, although seemingly unattainable, can ultimately be realized with the correct amount of determination and support. The Malta Band Club was the dream of one such individual whose optimism encouraged others to take the necessary steps towards reality. | ||||||
