Brass band helped
It was with great enthusiasm that the Groot Brak Brass Band gathered at Peperboom Restaurant in Long Street for the start of the Octoberfest.
The local neighbourhood watch saw to it that the band was safely transported from Greenhaven to the venue. "We thank the neighbourhood watch for assisting us. We could not have done it without your help to the venue and back, plus you guys controlled the traffic. Thank you to the locals for their patience," says Dee Disney, who assists the band. There was great excitement in the air as the band members sported their sponsored T-shirts and proudly held up their newly acquired bannered, also sponsored. “
"We are so excited with what is happening with the bands this year. Twenty six band members and two marshals participated. This is a great turnout considering there was a weekend function plus a funeral they would all be involved in."
Local attorney, Wilhem de Wet, and his wife supplied drinks and snacks outside their offices, which was a highlight of the walk, being the halfway house stop. At the local Spar, the manager invited the band to play every weekend.
"Our walk was shortened due to the rain and we had to stop at the Spar and go back to Greenhaven, but as we need the rain, no one complained." During their performance, several locals approached the band, making or pledging donations.
"We have put part of the money towards our next lot of T-shirts. As the brass bands are a landmark of our area, we will be out in full force again this December holiday. Thank you once again, we cannot say thank you enough, for all the support that you all have given us. We really appreciate it."
Disney said that the band is planning on buying new instruments. "We have so much talent in our area, but unfortunately insufficient instruments to train on, so if you have any unused instruments you could donate to us, to draw more young people off the streets, this would be highly appreciated."
For more information, conact Disney (083 292 0743).