Local brass enthusiasts take to the streets

ABERDEEN — Many residents of Aberdeen were curious last Saturday to hear the sounds of a brass band!

The youngsters in the band are part of the Brigade from the United Reform Church of South Africa, in Aberdeen to help the local church establish a Brigade.

Visiting members of the Brigades in Graaffreinet, Middelburg and Jansenville worked with the local members, who have been trying for several years to establish a Brigade as a way of occupying the local children. So far Captain Iris Maggie Joubert has 20 youngsters in the Aberdeen brigade, ranging in age from 8 to 25, all keen to be part of the disciplined unit.

The visitors with a selection of drums and brass instruments marched from Lotusville to Aberdeen town, performing for a while outside Pep Stores, where they gathered quite a crowd of onlookers. The Aberdeen Brigade members proudly marched behind the band.

On Saturday night, a concert was held at Kabouterland Creche, where over 600 people enjoyed singing, dancing, acting and music. As well as providing entertainment, the aim of this was also to raise some desperately-needed funds so that the Aberdeen Brigade can buy instruments.

On Sunday, despite the rain, the Brigade members marched through Lotusville to the church, this time in their smart uniforms.

Joubert is very keen to keep the momentum going that was generated this weekend, and to maintain the enthusiasm of the youngsters. To this end, she is appealing to anyone who can help in any way to generate funding. She can be contacted on 073 274 1426.