A wonderful treat was in store for organ music fans at the Organ Festival in Aberdeen on 20 November. The well-known Professor Albert Troskie from Port Elizabeth enthralled the audience with a varied programme of delights ranging from Psalms to the Trumpet Voluntary.
The organ’s 115th birthday was the main reason for the Festival, but there were many other events to keep the families entertained. Great fun was had by all, including the spectators, as pairs of competitors set off on a race that was a combination of sack, three-legged, and egg-and-spoon. As usual, most of the men cheated by holding the egg firmly in the spoon with their thumbs!
A potjiekos competition attracted many entries, and the mouthwatering aromas wafted around the church enticing many eager tasters. The judges must have had a very difficult task deciding on the winners!
A potjiekos competition attracted many entries, and the mouthwatering aromas wafted around the church enticing many eager tasters. The judges must have had a very difficult task deciding on the winners!
A few brave souls ventured up the front of the church in the Tarantula, which proved to be a wonderful photographic opportunity for those who are not scared of heights!
There were a few stalls in the church grounds and hall, selling cakes, plants, skincare products and crafts. The NGK ladies also did a sterling job manning the various food stalls, from boerewors rolls to pancakes and puddings. One cannot go to any function in Aberdeen without being extremely well fed!
There were a few stalls in the church grounds and hall, selling cakes, plants, skincare products and crafts. The NGK ladies also did a sterling job manning the various food stalls, from boerewors rolls to pancakes and puddings. One cannot go to any function in Aberdeen without being extremely well fed!
After lunch the activities moved to the church hall, where the powerful voice of Michael Gillman entertained the audience with some of his favourite songs. Michael, who comes from the Boland, has been singing professionally for seven years and is working on his third CD. Despite the heat of nearly 40 degrees, he performed energetic and heartfelt renditions of many popular classics, including several by Neil Diamond.
All in all, the day was a great success and Ds Abé Beyers is already looking forward to celebrating the organ’s 120th birthday in five years time! Ds Beyers would like to thank all those who contributed to the organization of the day, the sponsors who gave so generously and the people of Aberdeen and surrounding areas who came along to enjoy the celebration.
All in all, the day was a great success and Ds Abé Beyers is already looking forward to celebrating the organ’s 120th birthday in five years time! Ds Beyers would like to thank all those who contributed to the organization of the day, the sponsors who gave so generously and the people of Aberdeen and surrounding areas who came along to enjoy the celebration.
Article By: Sue Shaw