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| Arms, Armour & Militaria Society: |
The AAMS was born out of necessity in 1985. A new Parliamentary Bill sought to impose import duty on collectors' items. A nucleus of enthusiasts answered founder Stephen A. Petroni's call to campaign against the unjust Bill. The newly established Society led and organised a number of collector bodies, all of which had been established years before, for the purpose of presenting Government with a joint submission. Our valid arguments and determination finally won in the end. 1985 therefore, not only marks the Society's year of birth, but also its first achievement and one that contributed to the enrichment of our national heritage at that.
In the ten years which followed the AAMS was responsible for many 'firsts' in Malta; the organisation of the first public exhibition of privately-owned weapons, the organisation of the first re-enactment, the organisation of the first shoot involving black-powder weapons, the first time that full-scale dioramas were employed in exhibitions, the first concerted attempt at improving gun regulations, the first target shooting competition between civilians and members of the national armed services. It is indeed an impressive track record.
1995 marked what is probably the Society's greatest achievement. The Cabinet-approved changes in gun policies that were announced on 12 September are the direct result of AAMS members' tenacity and determination in the face of odds against which all previous attempts by other established interested bodies foundered. Ever since, the AAMS has worked hard to build upon its achievements. The Society is currently following developments related to the introduction of a government White Paper on new arms legislation.
Membership presently stands at around ninety persons of various ages and from different social backgrounds. The Society's new premises are located within the Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta.
Society Aims
- To educate the general public in matters of military history through the organisation of annual exhibitions;
- to educate and guide its members in matters of collecting, care and preservation of historical artifacts, and other related matters;
- to organise visits for members and guests to places of interest, museums etc., which serve to broaden their knowledge of local history, and invite members and guests to social functions;
- to organise other events for its members such as black-powder shoots, re-enactments etc. and to participate in similar events organised by other bodies;
- to advise and assist its members in legal matters related to their hobby and to deal with Government bodies to safeguard members' interests in this regard;
- to take an active and leading role in the formulation of legislation and regulations relevant to the role played by the AAMS in society;
- to take an active role in the care and preservation of our country's military heritage.
- to set up and maintain ties with similar groups and institutions world-wide.
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