What an important date the 15th January 1981 is for the club. This is the date on which the club was officially formed. In 2026 the club is celebrating 45 years since it came to be. Prior to this date, modellers used to casually meet at a shop selling scale models, in Paola. Although the shop served to bring like minded people together, the two founding members, Aldo Chetcuti and Anton Bajada believed they could take scale modelling to the next level and help it grow. Since being set up, the club has had its share of ups and downs, but this has not stopped it from growing and continuing to foster its ideal of raising the standard of scale modelling to the highest possible levels. Over the years club members have attended numerous overseas scale modelling competitions, many of international acclaim, and have always come back with several awards. This is a testament to the standard of work produced by our members.

The club’s annual exhibition has evolved over the years, from a local exhibition for club
members, to a Malta Expo with the participation of modellers from overseas, members of other local scale modelling clubs, individuals, and members of our own club. Minjatura, as it is now known, has become a major scale modelling event locally, and one which is eagerly awaited by all local scale modellers. Foreign participation has shown steady growth and adds another dimension to the expo.

Over the years, besides new members joining the club, we have regretfully also lost some of our members who have passed on to a better life. Although this causes sorrow, these late members remain in our hearts. Regretfully this is one of the consequences of the club being 45 years old. But let’s end on a positive note. The club is our second family and provides more than just scale modelling. Here’s to another 45 years of modelling, passion and friendships that last a lifetime.

Mario Mifsud
President – IPMS Malta – The Society for Scale Modellers