Earlier this year, the sudden passing away on 5 February of the former St. Aloysius’ College (SAC) Scout Group’s veteran leader John A. Mizzi, caught several folks by complete surprise, and left a great sense of void.   Known to many of the lads who passed under his wing as “Cubbie”, John Mizzi lived and breathed Scouting throughout his lifetime.

In 1989, he published the book ‘Scouting in Malta’, where he wrote: “I dedicate this book to the Scout Movement which provided me with the happiest and most endurable moments of my life, and to the many young people whose lives and fun I have been privileged to share.”

Cubbie not only dedicated his book to Scouting, but his whole life as a whole.   Well into his retirement, he continued serving the Scout Movement in Malta in many diverse ways, whilst sharing till his last days the art of learning and fun amongst young people.   Through him and with him, many of us - now grown grey-bearded men too - managed to see the Scouting world overseas as well: we participated at World Scout Jamborees in nearly all continents, learning about the world, its varied cultures, the need for tolerance, and that we are not the centre of the universe.

John Mizzi managed to hold our attention and keep up the scouting spirit.   He provided us with experiences that built us into men that we are today.   And now even in death, he has simply left us to move on to the eternal Jamboree.   For those people from all walks of life who met up for his funeral in February, it was an opportunity to honour this Group Scout Leader who was always available and willing to share his wisdom and knowledge towards the growth and development of his ‘boys’.   It was also an opportunity to meet and link up, recognising past memories that he left us with, and which we are proud to own.

This impromptu “reunion” of sorts in turn kicked off a chain reaction, where we felt that our Cubbie ought to be remembered. To this end, a large consensus developed on having a memorial in his honour.   A small committee was formed, tasked with the installation of a small memorial bust in his memory.   With the unwaning support of the St. Aloysius’ College rector, Fr. Jimmy Bartolo SJ, the commissioned memorial bust of John A. Mizzi will be placed just outside the SAC scout group’s headquarters, overlooking the College car park which has seen so many boys train their Scouting skills over the years.   This small tribute to Cubbie, the man and scout leader who did so much for the SAC Scout Group over the many years of his leadership there, will subsequently kick off other activities and events to remember his many good deeds and name.

So as to cover the costs of this venture, all present and former SAC scouts, leaders, parents, patrons and any other interested persons/parties are invited to assist this noble cause by contributing a donation to a purposely created account at the Bank of Valletta (Account Number 40021643354), or by posting directly to the Group Scout Leader, SACScout Group, c/o 5, Triq Gorg Mitrovich, Mosta.   The College Scouts and the organising committee all also look forward to seeing as many as possible of the current and more so former Scouts at the forthcoming fund raising activities, the first one being a pasta night on the Saturday, 27 July.

These activities will be another golden opportunity for all past and present SAC Scout Group members to meet up, besides also contributing to the Cubbie Memorial Fund.   To help guarantee a success of this venture, former SAC Scout Group members are urged to send their contact email address and other essential contact details to the scout group’s email address: [email protected].   The aim is to keep in touch and send over further details of activities/events.   The John A. Mizzi memorial bust is expected to be unveiled by the end of this summer.

Maj. Ivan M. Consiglio, AFM (retired)