St Gregory Band obtains land to build band club

The St Gregory Band of Kercem recently obtained a plot of land from the government to build its band club.

Emanuel Grech, band club president, and Albert Mamo, director of the Lands Department, on November 7 signed the contract at the Lands Department office at the Auberge De Bavière, Valletta.

This was followed two days later by a ceremony on Orvieto Square in Kercem, where the St Gregory Band conducted by Mro Mark Gauci performed on the bandstand set up for the event, with the participation of soprano Rita Dimech.

Minister Giovanna Debono spoke on the significance of the ceremony because it confirmed the importance of the band's role in Kercem. "Obtaining the land to build a band club will mean a new and better future for this organisation."

She added that the band club is the village's focal point, and a characteristic of life in Gozo. It is the main element during the feast of Our Lady of Succour, celebrated in Kercem, and also a means to gather and unite the members of the community during the rest of the year through various other activities.