Benoni Pipe Band Highland Gathering attracts thousands

Drawing attendance from afar afield as New Zealand, the gathering was a family day comprising of activity stalls, craft markets, food village and sporting grounds that were in use during the gathering, ensuring something for everyone.

The Benoni Juvenile Pipe Band were placed second after a 10-year reign. Photo: Leighton Pearson.

The annual Benoni Pipe Band Highland Gathering saw 23 pipe bands and more than 6 000 people from across the country converging at Benoni Northerns on July 27 for the South African Championships.

Representing the town were the Benoni Novice Juvenile (Benoni High School), Benoni Juvenile (Benoni High) and Benoni MacTalla pipe bands.

Benoni Juvenile succumbed to an overall second place in their category after a 10-year championship dominance when St Benedict’s Catholic School for Boys were crowned champions, while Benoni MacTalla also placed second in the Grade Two category.

Benoni Juvenile’s pipe major Matthew Pollock said he was proud of his band and believe they played well on the day. Pollock is also the deputy head boy of Benoni High School.

Leighton Pearson, who is actively involved in all three Benoni bands and plays for MacTalla, said while the second place was not anticipated, the bands would be working hard to reclaim their pole positions next year.

Leighton Pearson (left) and Bronwyn Pollock (one of the main organisers) told the City Times they expected a crowd of more than 5 000 people on the day.

Travelling all the way from New Zealand to play for MacTalla at the gathering were Grace (middle) and Ben (right) McLaughlin, who told the City Times they share their surname with the MacTalla tartan. Local Joshua Hogg (left) also plays for MacTalla.

“The season begins in May and ends with the SA Championships,” Leighton explained.

“On the day, each band performs two sets that they are judged on.

“The Champion of Champions title is bestowed on the band that has performed the best throughout the season, and each category can receive this title.”

Highland dancing is also an integral part of the championships.

This year, however, the Highland dancing championships have been postponed to September in a bid to extend the season, this according to former Benoni High deputy principal Hilary Webber.

Hilary has always been actively involved in pipe band activity, since 1977 to be exact, and continues her involvement even in retirement.

“The Benoni gathering was hosted at Benoni High since the ’90s,” she said.

“We are truly grateful to Benoni Northerns for their support and help in successfully pulling off the event.

“We are able to involve the community on a bigger scale and the facilities available here are fantastic.

“It is a wonderful experience for all involved and the possibilities for more opportunities going forward are endless.”

Hilary Webber (third, left), who is the former deputy principal of Benoni High School, still plays a very active role in the school’s piping activities. Also proud to be part of the day’s events were Grade Eight learners Zinhle Sibeko (left), Pheladi Maimela and Ameena Sadabh, who play for the Benoni Novice Juvenile band.

Both Hilary and Leighton told the City Times they are looking for more learners to join the pipe bands.

“Anyone in the area who wants to be part of the band can join us,” said Leighton.

“Whether you’re in primary or high school or beyond that, we would like to see more people joining us.

“There is no membership fee and beginners are welcome too.

“We are also appealing to the public for sponsorships and donations for the pipe bands.”

For more information about the pipe band, contact Leighton on 064 904 6383.