Stalwart invites all to support pipe band SA champs in Benoni

Since its inception in 1977, Hilary Webber has been passionately involved in the development and growth of Benoni High School’s (BHS) pipe band.

Now, 45 years since the band first started playing together, the new generation of band members is preparing to take part in the annual South African Championships on July 30.

As host of this popular and prestigious competition for the past 20 years, BHS hopes to take top honours at the gathering, which will feature 25 local bands, including one from Zimbabwe.

According to Webber, the battle for the coveted national championship title has for years eluded the band, but she believes that the tables may turn this year.

“Our members have been hard at work, producing a fantastic quality of music, which may secure them the top spot. Our novice band consists of 15 members, which is quite smaller than other participating bands, however, their passion and dedication cannot be over-shadowed,” she said.

As an avid highland dancer, Webber became a stalwart within the fraternity when she roped her father, Tommy Mcleod, into tutoring and later became the drum major of the BHS pipe band.

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“After matriculating from BHS, I went on the study teaching, which led me back the BHS passages, teaching history and later assuming the position of deputy-head, whilst fiercely leading the band that my father so passionately tutored,” she said.

“Upon my retirement in 2015, I was happy to hand the baton over to Malcolm Engels, however, the deep-seated love for the band and its unshakable traditions saw me returning to a role as a tutor.

“Although I do not play myself, watching my dad play for so many years has fine-tuned my hearing, I am therefore able to hear every beat and note.”

Webber concluded by saying that anyone outside of the school, who may be interested to join the band can contact Sabastian Potgieter (drumming) on 078 506 2247 or Leighton Pearson (piping) on 064 904 6383.

Members of the public are invited to celebrate the rich history of the BHS pipe band and to support them in their participation in this year’s championship.

This will be the first mass gathering which will be held since the onset of Covid-19 and promises to be a day filled with fun and musical excellence for the entire family.

Round up the kids, slap on your kilts and join the festivities at the Benoni Northerns Indians Ball Club from 9:00.

There will be a market, food stalls as well as a kiddies’ play area with the programme including highland dancing as well as the hotly contested championship.