Group's 50th Anniversary Exhibition Opening

Report by CSL Anita Muscat
20th September 2013

As part of the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Victoria Scout Group, the group held an exhibition in the hall at the Gozo Ministry, which exhibition narrated the history of the group from 1963 to 2013. Members of the group as well as supporters and parents were present for this opening.

Dr Grazio Mercieca, chief of staff at the Gozo Ministry inaugurated the exhibition. During his speech, Dr Mercieca thanked the group for their sterling work among Gozitan children and youths and for being of continuous service to the community.

The exhibits demonstrated what happened in those early years, how the group worked hard to build its own headquarters and the group's participation in local, national and international activities. One could also view the various recognitions which the group received such as Għarfien Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ fis-Soċjeta (2004), Gieħ Għawdex (2007), Gieħ il-Belt Victoria (2010) and the President's Group in 2010. A miniature campsite highlighted the differences between camping methods and equipment in the 1960's and those in the present. It emphasized the importance of the Out in Scouting and the fact that notwithstanding these changes, the aims and values remained the same.

Different uniforms and activity attire and the way these changed over the years were also displayed. Various examples of the Group's Newssheet which was first issued in August 1963 and which has now reached number 181 could also be viewed. Five enormous boards, one for each decade, contained hundreds of photos of the various activities undertaken during these 50 years of Scouting.