Music in the
Athlone of old

Community of Athlone

Its great to know that this opportunity exists to share in oral and other recollections of life in Athlone. My dad and his folks settled there in 1927. Stories from his childhood describe a pioneering spirit. With numerous challenges as the community grew and became home to one of the early post World War 1 so-called "coloured communities", though diverse in newcomers from all over South Africa and elsewhere.

Music and Choirs

There were numerous organized "Coloured" choirs, with instruments who paraded through the streets of Athlone. A tobacco company had a truck (lorry) with a pianist and four men playing musical instruments. The truck cruised the streets. The music played and he sang "I'll make you a bet, the best cigarette you can get is a Glider, a good old Glider!". From that time on, the pianist, Walter Williams, bore the name 'Glider'.

Artist and Performers

"Die Ligdraers" - The EON Group Enlightenment, Baanbrekermusikant, George Campbell Gibbs a pioneer musician, die Lydsame (meek patient) Kathleen Ardene, Die Redder (Saviour, helping hand) Anna Tempo founder of "Die Nannie huis". George Manuel's writings also show how these individuals and organizations not only championed, but strived to make the environment both habitable and enjoyable. They sowed seeds of pride and comradeship.