Related: History of RT Malta (RTMT)
During the Gala celebrating 50 years of Round Table Malta held at the The Westin Dragonara Resort, on 25th October 2025, the founder member Joseph Scicluna gave a speech about his Tabling journey, from the moment he first heard of Round Table, up until the Charter of the first club in Malta.
Good evening,
Round Table Malta President Marzio,
Outgoing President David,
Round Table International President Chris,
Overseas visitors, fellow Tablers, ladies and guests.
Having attended the AGM this morning, I should probably be speaking about the future. But for the benefit of our younger Tablers and our overseas visitors, I would like to briefly connect with the beginning of our Association, because it is important to know our roots and where we came from.
I am pleased that Ann Ramsay is with us this evening, representing her husband Andrew (Ramsay), who sadly passed away two years ago. Also with us are their children, Kate and John, who are here to honour their father’s memory.
First Contact
It was by sheer coincidence that I met Andrew for the first time at a mutual friend’s house during the summer of 1974 while the Ramsay family was on holiday. Due to that unexpected encounter, Round Table is present in Malta today.
Shortly after meeting Andrew, I received a letter from Frank Patterson, the Extension Secretary and WOCO Convenor of RTBI (for WOCO 1974 Edinburgh, Scotland), providing information about the aims and activities of Round Table. Frank invited me to his home if I was interested in learning more. During my next trip to England, I met with Frank, and later with Andrew and members from his club. On my return to Malta, I was still not convinced that I should get involved.
Laying the Foundation
However, my instinct kept nudging me, and five months later I decided to call a meeting and invited friends and colleagues.
The agenda was simple: “Setting up a Round Table Club in Malta.”
Due to a lack of response, I postponed the meeting twice. Eventually, I had a reasonable number interested and the initial meeting took place on the first day of spring — March 21st, 1975 — at the same hotel where we are tonight (The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta).
In addition to the fifteen people invited, Andrew and members from his club, Wanstead and Woodford, together with Frank in his capacity as RTBI World Council Convenor, came to Malta to give us an inspiring talk on what Round Table stood for. I also invited Rotary Club Malta President, Christopher Calascione, who gave very encouraging feedback and offered to assist in the formation of Round Table Malta.
At that meeting, the proposal “To set up a Round Table Club” was approved. This was an important first step in our history and the reason we are now celebrating the 50th Anniversary.
The first meeting of the proposed new club was held the following week, during which the Rules, Membership, and Charter Committees were formed. Our priority was to have the club rules approved by WOCO — the World Council of Young Men’s Service Clubs — before Round Table Malta could be chartered.
Preparing to Charter
Working from the England rules, where there were hundreds of clubs and dozens of areas, was complicated; however, it gave us a strong base. We made necessary adjustments to suit the needs of our first club. We even included a provision for extensions, although at that time we did not foresee additional clubs. Thankfully, we were wrong — today there are three clubs in our Association.
Before the rules were approved, WOCO suggested that RTM be under RTBI for 2–3 years. I strongly objected, as we wanted complete autonomy. Once the rules were approved, we agreed a charter date with the RTBI and WOCO World Presidents.
Malta was the first overseas extension for many years. This small, lonely club in the middle of the Mediterranean needed to attract the attention of European Associations. It was essential to have an active and imaginative Charter Weekend Committee.
In May (1975) , I attended the RTBI AGM to learn more about Round Table. At the banquet in Blackpool, I was given the opportunity to address those present and announce the forthcoming charter of Round Table Malta. During that weekend, I experienced the friendship and fellowship that existed — and still exists — within Round Table.
Membership had stabilised, and everyone became fully involved in the Charter Weekend preparations. The Charter Committee was in top gear — their enthusiasm was outstanding. They were so confident that they chartered two planes to bring visitors to the event. They planned all activities and rehearsed entertainment, while our ladies prepared a Moulin Rouge–style cabaret for the gala dinner.
The Verdala Hotel in Rabat was selected as the venue. It was an excellent choice — after charter, we continued to hold meetings and social events there until it closed.
Just when we thought everything was ready — suits pressed and shoes polished — we realised we had overlooked a very important detail: We had no charter banner.
A design was created almost overnight, and the banners were delivered just in time.
Charter Weekend: A Historic Milestone
The first plane load of Tablers and partners arrived on Thursday afternoon. Our welcoming group at the airport soon realized the party had already started on board — many of our guests were singing as they made their way down the steps! We were clearly in for a weekend of fellowship and fun.
However, that same evening, rumblings began among some UK Tablers. They were not happy that the induction of members was to take place during the gala dinner, in the presence of wives and partners. Traditionally, induction was a men-only affair. But we stood our ground — we had no intention of changing.
And so, on November 29th, 1975, Round Table Malta was chartered. The induction took place during the gala dinner as planned. Our wives and partners witnessed the moment the Charter Members were introduced. The Charter Certificate was presented by the RTBI President (Rodney P. Huggins), and the Certificate of Association by the WOCO World President. European Presidents and senior officers were also present.
Growth, Recognition & Contribution
I must thank the Founder and Charter Members for their commitment and determination in establishing Round Table in Malta. In the months that followed, we needed to consolidate our position. At their own expense, our members traveled far and wide to attend international events and promote our presence globally.
Through the years, Round Table Malta has hosted all possible European meetings, including EMTM, IROs and other international events. We have contributed significantly to the World Movement, including four World Presidents and European Councilors.
Locally, we built strong community support. We organised philanthropic projects, fundraising activities, a birthday cake scheme for orphans, and supported several institutions over the years.
A special thank you to Christopher Mintoff and his team for acquiring our Club House, “Dar il-Mejda” in Melita Str, Valletta. It had been every Tabler’s dream since Charter to have a home for our regalia and banners — though unfortunately, some items have been lost over time.
Gratitude & Acknowledgments
As I conclude, I want to thank my wife Jennifer for her unwavering support from the very first day of my involvement. And a very big thank you to all our ladies for 50 years of support.
To all Past Presidents — your leadership laid the foundation upon which the future will continue to grow.
To every member who has contributed in his own way — thank you.
To our overseas guests — your presence honours us.
And to Outgoing President David and his committees — thank you for a most enjoyable weekend.
Remember:
You get out of Round Table what you put into it.
Round Table Malta is 50 — but still young, full of ideas, and as energetic as on day one.
Thank you all for being here.
Thank you.
May I now call Chris to come forward, please.
I would like to present my personal file — starting with the first meeting of April 3rd, 1975 — along with letters, cables, documents and memorabilia leading up to the Charter and beyond, to be placed in our museum, as they are part of the history of Round Table Malta.
Thank you once again.
Written by Joseph Scicluna
Sources: Personal Account
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