News - St. Joseph Band Club

Over 200 people crowded the main hall of the Grand Hotel for a Gala Dinner Dance and 80's Night organized by the St Joseph Band Club. The executive committee decided to change the format of the traditional annual dinner for the bandsman and invite all the Ghajnsilmizi to join this event and turn it into a fund-raising activity.

A well-known local DeeJay and a folklore band from Ghajnsielem entertained the crowd. Club President Gino Cauchi made a short speech and emphasized on the importance of helping all the voluntary organizations such as the St Joseph Band Club and appreciate the dedication and hard work that the bandsmen give. Many guests also won spot prizes donated by the main sponsors of the event.

Although the St Joseph Band Club committee is preparing to unveil the plans for the 'Archive' that will cost thousands of liri, it has also decided to invest in 5 new musical instruments. The executive committee strongly believes that the most important element in every musical society are the bandsmen themselves and therefore it is very important to invest in their future development.

The 5 musical instruments were all bought from the Yamaha brand. Its products and services are recognized the world over for superior quality in acoustics, design, technology, craftsmanship, and customer oriented services

The committee is organizing several fund raising activates which are aimed to sponsor these instruments

Sunday, 10th December 2006
Canon Frankie Bajada installed as Ghajnsielem Archpriest

It was a lovely day, bathed in a splendid sun and made all the brighter by the smiles of the hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi that welcomed Can. Frankie Bajada in his new parish. The long-day of activities started with a carcade from the Munxar square. It was formed by parishioners from both Ghajnsielem and Munxar.

The noisy carcade arrived at around 9.30am and stopped in Chambrai Street where the St Joseph Band and the Victory Band of Xaghra (his birthplace) welcomed the new Archpriest to Ghajnsielem. Continuous applause and cheers were the order of the moment as hundred of people accompanied the new Archpriest to the main door where the bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech invited him to open the door of the temple. Rite of Installation and Concelebrated Mass followed afterwards.

Loreto Galea won the 12th edition of the 'Premju Gieh Ghajnsielem' for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Ghajnsielem community and in particular for his dedication and commitment to the St Joseph Band Club. Mayor Francis Cauchi handed the award during a special Gala Dinner organized by the Ghajnsielem Local Council.

Loreto Galea, better known with his close friends and relatives as 'Iz-Zuz', has been an active member of the St Joseph Band since 1969. Beside his service as a bandsman, Loreto is also an Archivist and a member of the St Joseph Band Commission. He was also a member of the Ghajnsielem F.C. committee for almost 15 years while many people also remember him taking a leading role in the annual street decorations before the Ghaqda Armar was formed. He is currently also a member of the ''Ghajnsielem Ensemble' Orchestra, directed by Mro Frankie Debono.

The St Joseph Band Club Committee would like to congratulate Loreto Galea for this achievement and for all his hard-work and dedication to the society. The club is proud to have a member like Loreto Galea who is always ready to give his unconditional help and services.

For the first time ever, all the main organizations of the village met together for an evening to learn about each other's problems, discuss how to cooperate together and how to help each other in certain activities and events.

The get-together event started at 6.30pm at the Ghajnsielem Local Council's new office in the Apparation Square. Representatives included members from the St Joseph Band Club, Ghajnsielem Football Club, the Franciscans Community, the Parish Church and Ghaqda Armar.

During this evening, the local councillors and the club's representatives also visited the St Joseph Band Club where the President, Mr Gino Cauchi gave a short speech for the occasion. A short reception was held afterwards.

A photo exhibition depicting the Growth and Development of Ghajnsielem during the last century was today inaugurated at the St Joseph Band Club Hall. The exhibition includes photographs which show the way the locality developed over the years, including the different stages of the Mgarr Harbour, and the building of the parish church.

The exhibition was taken with great interest from the general public as many revived their memories and experiences during the old times. Some of them were seen narrating their youth stories and adventures to the young ones.

The exhibition is part of the celebrations of the 'Ghajnsielem Week' and will remain open for public until Sunday 10th December. All photographic enthusiasts are invited to attend.

Monday, 27th November 2006
St Joseph Band to take an
active part in Ghajnsielem Week

The Cultural Committee has finalized the programme of activities for the 'Ghajnsielem Week' and thus reviving an old tradition of dedicating 7 days of celebrations for our village. The activities will practically involve all the main organizations in Ghajnsielem and will include day trips, get-together events, gala dinner, festivals, competitions and even a youth night.

The St Joseph Band will have a very busy schedule during these activities which will start on Saturday, 2nd December

The activities come to an end on Sunday, 10th of December on 'Jum Ghajnsielem' which is also the liturgical Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. On this day, Ghajnsielem will also have another reason to celebrate as Can. Frankie Bajada will also be formally appointed as the third Archpriest of the Ghajnsielem Parish and successor to Can Joseph Zerafa during a solemn liturgy led by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech where he performs the rite of pushing the doors of his parish church open.

Today, Gozo Bishop Mgr Mario Grech, appointed Xaghra born Can. Frankie Bajada as pastor of the Ghajnsielem Parish and successor to Can Joseph Zerafa. The Gozo Bishop unexpectedly announced the news of the appointment to the faithful congregated after Monday�s 6.30pm mass. After his announcement, the new archpriest immediately started his pastoral activities by visiting the local organizations including the St Joseph Band Club where he was welcomed and greeted by the executive commitee.

Definitely the news of his new tenure as the eleventh parish priest of Ghajnsielem was greeted with joy by all the Ghajnsilmizi who immediately gathered around him to congratulate Fr Bajada for his new appointment. He will be undeniably a worthy pastor and leader for the people.

Fr. Bajada was invested as Munxar's third parish-priest with great pomp on May 24, 1996. Even in so short a span of time Fr. Bajada's imprint on this small parish cannot be missed. He has infused new energy and youthful enthusiasm among the various sectors and embarked on an ambitious but highly useful refurbishment of the parish centre. Meanwhile, Fr Tonio Galea, a priest from the St George�s parish has been appointed as the new parish priest of Munxar thus succeeding Can. Frankie Bajada.

It was a three-hour recreational activity for over 150 persons who accepted the invitation of the St Joseph Band Club for a traditional Ikla ta' Wara l-Festa. Many of those who attended were still feeling nostalgic and a little sad when remembering that the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto came to an end. The success and flawless organization of this year's feast was on everyone's mind especially the spectacular show on Friday with the new statue of Our Lady of Home .

Many emigrants who happened to be in Ghajnsielem for the feast were also present. The officials of the St Joseph Band gave a helping hand. The food was excellent, the company good and the venue, the St Joseph Club's terrace, couldn't be better.

Ghajnsielem is today celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. It was a flawless week from an organizational point of view especially for the St Joseph Band. One must also not forget the multitude of crowds that swarmed the whole square enjoying and watching the local youths celebrating in style. One can see the highlights and a photo-story of the whole week of activities including that of the St Joseph Band by visiting the following link: http://www.ghajnsielem.com/festa

The St. Joseph Band, directed by Mro Sunny Galea and assisted by Mro Frankie Debono performed its annual Instrumental Concert in the main square. The event started at 9.00pm Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, Speaker Hon. Anton Tabone and other members of Parliament were present for the event.

Shortly afterwards the executive proudly committee inaugurated a new flag which will compliment the new decorations of the Club's premises.

During the next few weeks, the St Joseph Band Club will be freely distributing the 2006 Annual Feast Magazine to all the Ghajnsielem residents. The magazine which this year will proudly include over 70 articles offers an insight and several interesting features about the village of Ghajnsielem

3 t�April, 2006                     Funeral ta� l-Ex Bandist Frankie Xuereb             Ghajnsielem
7 t�April, 2006                     Purcissjoni tad-Duluri                                           Ghajnsielem
12 t�April, 2006                   Kuncert ta� Muzika Sagra                                     Ghajnsielem
14 t�April, 2006                   Gimgha l-Kbira � Purcissjoni                                Nadur
28 t�April, 2006                   Recording tal-Marci l-Godda                                Ghajnsielem
7 ta� Mejju, 2006                Purcissjoni � San Guzepp                                     Ghajnsielem
10 ta� Gunju, 2006             Marc Festa Sant�Antnin                                         Ghajnsielem
11 ta� Gunju, 2006             Purcissjoni Sant�Antnin (Kancellata)                     Ghajnsielem
24 ta� Gunju, 2006             Marc Festa San Gwann il-Battista                         Xewkija
27 ta� Gunju, 2006             Marc u Programm Strumentali                              Nadur
1 ta� Lulju, 2006                Marc Festa Santa Elizabetta                                 Gharb
14 ta� Lulju, 2006               Marc u Programm Strumentali San Gorg              Rabat
22 ta� Lulju, 2006               Marc Festa Santa Margerita                                  Sannat
29 ta� Lulju, 2006               Marc u Programm Festa San Lawrenz                   San Lawrenz
5 t�Awwissu, 2006               Marc Festa San Guzepp                                        Qala
15 t�Awwissu, 2006             Programm Strumentali Festa St Marija                Rabat
21 t�Awwissu, 2006             Hrug ta� l-istatwa Madonna ta� Loretu                    Ghajnsielem
22 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc u Programm Strumentali                              Ghajnsielem
24 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc Festa Madonna ta� Loretu                             Ghajnsielem
25 t�Awwissu, 2006             Dimostrazzjoni Festa Madonna ta� Loretu              Ghajnsielem
26 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc tat-Translazzjoni Festa Madonna ta� Loretu Ghajnsielem
26 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc ta� Lejliet il-Festa- Festa ta� Loretu                Ghajnsielem
27 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc Qabel Purcissjoni � Madonna ta� Loretu        Ghajnsielem
27 t�Awwissu, 2006             Purcissjoni Festa Madonna ta� Loretu                    Ghajnsielem
27 t�Awwissu, 2006             Marc ta� l-Gheluq Festa Madonna ta� Loretu          Ghajnsielem
7 ta� Settembru, 2006        Marc ta� Lejliet il-Festa Marija Bambina                 Xaghra
28 t�Ottubru, 2006              Purcissjoni Sant�Antnin                                           Ghajnsielem

The feast preparations were high on the agenda during the 6th executive meeting. The upcoming annual magazine was also discussed as several members of the committee started collecting the adverts and financial help in order to minimize the costs involved in such publications.

The executive committee decided to name this CD 'Euphoria' (meaning a state of high spirit) to reflect the enthusiasm that the Ghajnsilmizi have for the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. The CD contains a good mix of traditional and new marches back up by the Lauratana Choir. The recording of this CD was made under the direction of Mro Sunny Galea. It can be obtained from the band's premises and all leading resturants and outlets.

The St. Anthony's Feast was discussed in great details as Ghajnsielem is preparing for this feast which opens the summer-feast season. The committee also discussed the decoration of the premises during the feast of Our Lady of Loreto and the order of a new flag to replace the old one which is now in a dire-state of repair.

The executive committee and the band commission discussed the changes in the percussion section and the upcoming CD which will be named Euphoria 2006. The marketing strategy for this CD was also discussed.

The summer activities were on top of the agenda during the third committee meeting which started at 7.30pm. The committee discussed the lunch of the next newsletter, the start of the preparations on the Feast Magazine and the marketing of the new CD. Kevin Cauchi and Elvin Tabone gave a brief update on the 1-day trip to Sicily while the whole committee agreed to organize a similar trip next July and also a grand-tour of Italy for 2007. The meeting ended at 9.30pm

On Sunday evening, the Ghajnsielem parish celebrated the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, better known in Maltese as 'San Guzepp Haddiem'.

An orchestra, with the participation of Lauretana Choir accompanied the High Mass (4.30pm). The St Joseph Band Club then accompanied the procession which was then held afterwards.

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 in order to Christianize the concept of labor and give to all workmen a model and a protector. By the daily labor in his shop, offered to God with patience and joy, St. Joseph provided for the necessities of his holy spouse and of the Incarnate Son of God, and thus became an example to all laborers. St. Joseph is the patron of the Ghajnsielem Band Club.

The one-day trip to Sicily organized by the St Joseph Band club committee was hailed as success by all those who took the opportunity to make some bargain shopping.

The day started on a good note as the group was informed that Virtu Ferries will be utilizing the new luxury jumbo Catamaran � M/V Maria Dolores for the first time. Meanwhile, before checking-in at the customs centre, many took the opportunity to visit the Valletta Waterfront and the nearby entertainment outlets.

It also turned out to be a nice day in Catania. M/V Maria Dolores berthed around 9.30 and first on the itinerary was the open air market. This market is just behind the Cathedral: a jumble of people stalls and merchandise. The most interesting parts are the fish market, full of glistening fresh fish and shellfish. and the butchers who display their meat in such a way to show that is has freshly been slaughtered. The warren of streets around the fish market is a good place to explore. There are several bars that sell cappuccino, pizzas and cornetto, cream-filled buns.

The committee managed to obtain the services of the experienced tour leader Mr Joe Micallef (director of J. Micallef Travel Services) who made the trip more interesting with his on-going commentary and advices.

After making some bargain shopping from the open market, the group members met again for lunch. At 2.00pm departed for the Etnapolis Shopping Mall - the largest commercial centre in Europe with over 500 outlets spread on 1.6km of land. The day ended at the Auchan Shopping centre - another hypermarket which is famous with the Maltese for its low-prices on spirits and alcohol. Many were visibly tired but happy as the catamaran departed from the port of Catania at 8.00pm for the 3-hour trip to Malta. More pictures here

The executive committee together with the band commission held a meeting with Archpriest Zerafa. High on the agenda was the upcoming titular feast of Our Lady of Loreto and other related activities.

The St Joseph Band recorded a set of marches which will be available on CD for the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto 2006. The Band under the direction of Mro Sunny Galea will unveil more details about this CD during the last week of July - just in time for the titular feast. The recording started at 7.30pm in the Ghajnsielem Parish Centre.

This evening the St Joseph Band Committee awarded the trophies to the top 3-players including Aldo Cauchi who won the 2006 Billiard League Championship. A small party for all the players who took part in this championship was held shortly afterwards.

The Executive Committee announced that it will be organizing a 1-day trip to Catania, capital of Sicily. This will take place on Saturday 6th May and the price is Lm35 (trip, taxes and transport included)

On Good Friday, better known in Maltese as 'Il-Gimgha il-Kbira', Ghajnsielem commemorated the passion and death of Jesus Christ. A special service consisting of the Word of God, the Adoration of the Cross and Holy Communion was held at the Ghajnsielem Parish church. Shortly afterwards, the St Joseph Band took part in the Good Friday procession went round the main streets of Nadur.

This evening, St. Joseph Band Club performed a Sacred Music concert for Holy Week at the old Parish Church on Independence Square. The Club's Committee together with Mayor Francis Cauchi and the Local Councillors were all present for this event. The compare for the evening was Miss Josepha Xuereb while Fr. Joe Cardona read the Holy Week spiritual meditations.

Hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi followed the solemn procession of Our Lady of Sorrow which went round the main streets. The procession took the form of a pageant with various participants dressed up in period costumes to represent Biblical personalities. The feast which takes place before Palm Sunday is considered as one of the most revered in the Maltese islands

The Procession started out at the church of Our Lady of Loreto passing from Chambrai Street (in front of the band and football clubs), then Dun Guzepp Galea Rapa Street, Moghdija Street, Gleneagles Street, turned into Ghajnsielem Street, Our Lady of Loreto Square, Ramon Perellos Street, Indipendence Square, down Anglu Grech Street, Apparation Sqaure and finally Fawwara Street.

This afternoon, Ghajnsielem was stunned with the sad news that one of its favourite sons, Frank Xuereb, has passed away. Frank was in New York at the time, and was reportedly due to return to his hometown this Sunday. He was just 49 years old.

He is mourned by his wife Vivienne, daughter Josepha, his son Mark, his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, including Frank Buttigieg, Matthew Portelli, Charlon Tabone, Manuel Xuereb, Melvin Xuereb (all Blacks players), Alvin Tabone (member of the committee), cousins, friends, the committee and members of every major organization in Ghajnsielem, including the Club, the St. Joseph Band Club (of which he was still a prominent musician), the Local Council and others. He is mourned by the entire community of which he was one of the leaders for most of his life. He is mourned by many Gozitans and Maltese who were fortunate to have met him at some point in his life.

Since his younger years he has also been an accomplished musician within the St. Joseph Band Club and was part of the ensemble led by his close friend, maestro Frank Debono, that performed on special occasions, some somber, some joyful (as in last year's title clincher). Frank also served as councillor on the Ghajnsielem Local Council.

He was an inspiring figure. He approached whatever responsibility he took on with great passion and commitment, and it was impossible not to be swept away by his enthusiasm, even, or perhaps especially, when the times were tough. Frank's inspiration is ensconced in the hearts of all those he touched. Farewell Frank!

The Holy Week activities was on top of the agenda during the second committee meeting which started at 8.00pm. The committee also discussed the new quarterly newsletter while it also started to draft the programme of activities for the Sicily trip that will be organized after the Easter period. It was also decided to organize an Easter concert where the youths (alljievi) will be encouraged to run and perform the whole show by themselves. The meeting ended at 9.30pm

The new committee decided to put all the CDs released by St Joseph Band Club online. Online streaming is a technology that enables the playback of sound without the need to download the entire resource file in advance. This means that these recordings are not stored in the visitors' computer (thus avoiding copyright issues). The visitors can listen to these recordings by simply visiting the 'CDs and Cassettes' section and clicking on the desired album. All the CDs are being streamed in collaboration with Ghajnsielem.com. The aim behind this decision is to promote these marches outside Malta especially to those emigrants who don't have the opportunity to attand to the Band's marches during the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. The committee would like to remind that all these recordings are available for sale in high-quality sound format on Audio CD.

The children's Prize Day is one of the most wonderful moments in the yearly calendar of the Ghajnsielem Primary School. To commemorate this event, Gino Cauchi on behalf of the St Joseph Band Club presented a set of musical books to the best students. Mr Cauchi also thanked the School Headmistress for her cooperation in promoting the musical culture to the young children.

After a fruitful meeting between the Ghajnsielem Local Council and the St Joseph Band Club Executive Committee, both parties decided to form a so called 'Cultural Committee' which will aim to improve the quality of life through cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year. The Cultural Committee will be autonomous in its working and will be responsible for the Ghajnsielem Cultural Calendar. Another priority will be that of discovering the hidden talent that our village offers.

During the meeting, Mayor Francis Cauchi also said that the Council is planning to revive an old tradition of organizing a day-trip to Comino for all the Ghajnsilmizi on the occasion of the Feast of the Sacred Heart (end of July). The day will be packed with several activities including Band Marches, BBQs and walking trips.

Every organization (namely the Ghajnsielem Football Club, St Joseph Band Club, the Parish, St Anthony's Community, L-Ghaqda Armar, the Ghajnsielem Primary School and the Boy's Museum) will appoint a member who will be part of this committee. It will be chaired by Mayor Francis Cauchi

The executive committee held a meeting with the St Joseph Band Commission where the main item on the agenda was the Band & Orchestral Instruments which are urgently needed for the bandsmen. This meeting was part of series of discussions that are being organized by new Executive Committee. During this meeting both parties also discussed Friday's March (tal-Balzunetta), the School of Music, the upcoming Band Activities for the Holy Week and other related issues.

This evening, the new Executive Committee formed a Women's Section which will be responsible for several fund-raising activities such as coffee-mornings, ladies night, BBQs etc. The chair-person of this sub-committee will be Assunta Grech while the secretary will be Ismelia Sciberras. The rest of the members are Francis Bugeja, Rosina Azzopardi, Rose Xuereb, Lucy Grima, Rita Bugeja, Tessie Haber and Joyce Vella. The Executive Committee is also planning to form the Youth's Section.

The newly elected committee which is led by Gino Cauchi (President), Kevin Cauchi (Secretary) and Elvin Tabone (Treasurer) held its first executive meeting on Monday where it was decided that one of the main priorities of this committee (which now includes several new faces) is to change the negative mentality which many have towards the Club while asking them for their support and contribution.

During the coming days, the committee will be meeting with several organizations to discuss on how to cooperate together on issues ranging from the external activities of the titular feast to other cultural activities concerning our village.

The new committee will also be focusing on several exciting projects which include the refurbishment of the Main Hall, an upgrade of the I.T. system, a new look for the Club's website, the launch of a periodical newsletter and the formation a new youth sub-committee. The committee is also planning to organize several cultural and external activities such as day-trips to Malta, concerts etc. A suggestion box will also be placed in the club's premises for all those who have a particular suggestion or idea which can be utilized for the benefit of the St Joseph Band Club.

On Sunday 5th of March the Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the St Joseph Band Club was held with the following of agenda:

Opening prayer
Reading of last A.G.M. minutes.
Reading of Administrative Report by the Agent President
Reading of Financial Report
Election for President, Secretary, Treasurer
Election of the members of the Committee
Amendments to the stature

Outgoing President Spiridione Cauchi thanked all the members present for their support during the past year. Afterwards he read the financial report ofr the year 2005. Since the top three officials were not contested, they were elected automatically.

The other members of the committee were also elected automatically since they met the number of members in the stature. The members therefore are:

Mr Michael Grech
Mr Marvic Cardona
Mr Paul Xuereb
Mr Charlie Cordina
Mr Paul Azzopardi
Mr Tarcisio Grech
Mr Amabile Xuererb
Mr Joe Gatt
Mr Spiridone Cauchi

There were no amendments to the stature. The newly elected President closed the AGM by making a short speech for the occasion.