A journey to 100 years
#bct100: Taking a walk back in time with William Hills
My newfound interest in history has surprised even myself.
Article by Carol Stier, the great-granddaughter of City Times founder William Hills:
The biggest disappointment of my part in the City Times’s Journey to 100 years was the discovery that William Hills could not have swum across Durban harbour to interview Winston Churchill, quite simply because he was boating to England at the time.
When Benoni City Times editor Lana O’Neill approached me to contribute to the newspaper’s 100th anniversary, I couldn’t fathom how I could possibly deliver anything beyond my own experiences as a journalist.
Meet the City Times team
Linda Pretorius
Business manager
Lana O’Neill
Editor
Carlene du Toit
Group sales manager
Heila Brophy
Sales manager
Sheina Razack
News editor
Debbie Pratt
Property sales consultant
Rynette Joubert
Sales consultant
Penelope Masilela
Senior journalist
Jemma Pringle
Sport/general journalist
Terry-Ann Diergaart
Journalist
Special Thanks
We extend special thanks to Carol Stier, of Johannesburg, who is the great grand daughter of William Hills, and local historian Glynis Cox Millett-Clay, for their tireless contributions to our Journey to 100 Years by delving into the archives to bring our readers a range of interesting and informative stories since the beginning of the year. And, of course, thank you to all our loyal readers for their many contributions and local businesses who have supported us throughout the years! What a journey it has been!
Benoni High School makes its mark for our 100th
Getting an entire high school of learners to take instruction is no mean feat! The advent of the newspaper’s 100th birthday seemed to have the learners of Benoni High School excited enough to toe the line and help us document something extraordinarily special as part of our centenary year celebrations. On August 26, with the help of many staff, our team was involved in forming a “BCT 100” logo on the field at the school, which was filmed and photographed by a drone. The “organised chaos” was certainly worth it and resulted in this effort. We would like to thank each and every learner and teacher for helping us capture this special keepsake. The school also took the opportunity to form “BHS 100” on the same day, as it celebrates its centenary next year. (Video and photo: Leighton Pearson).
St Dunstan’s shares their history
In 1918 on the grounds of the St Dunstan’s Anglican Church in Benoni CBD, the St Dunstan’s Memorial Diocesan School officially began its journey.
#journeyto100years: Willowmoore High opens in 1974
One of the school’s many achievements was changing of the mindset that a technical school can never be a site of academic excellence.
Bertus Bruggeman dies
According to his family, he completed his degree in mechanical engineering and finally set off on an adventure halfway around the world, when he married Ria Rientjes and moved to start a life and family in South Africa.
100 year story: Former SAA pilot still flying high
Howett appeared in the newspaper after she was accepted as the first woman pilot at SAA.
SPCA has been a voice for the voiceless for over seven decades
To ensure that the organisation stays open and continues to be the voice of the animals for many more years residents are encouraged to continue donating to the Benoni SPCA, to find out how you can help, contact them on 011 894 2814
Willie celebrates 90 years of life
While he still enjoys playing golf and bowls, he said he is blessed to still have good health and strive to continue living a carefree life.
#JourneyTo100Years: Farmers’ Supply an important part of Benoni’s history
Ronnie’s father, Kusiel Jankelowitz, farmed in the ’50s.
#Journeyto100years: Benoni Child Welfare has protected children for 97 years
Henry and Henrietta Terblanche founded the organisation, which was originally based in Harper Avenue.
Eddy House salutes BCT on 100 years of keeping communities well-informed
Eddy House residents, current, past and those to come wish Benoni City Times the happiest of birthdays.
#journeyto100years: Paganini Boys proud of their prize
“We are together in this. No one will then be blamed. We are the Paganini Boys,” proudly claimed Kent.
Gloria shares fond memeories as a tribute to her late husband
The friendly and bubbly Gloria took us down memory lane as a tribute and honour to Campbell, who died on January 8, 2000.
Benoni’s magician takes us down memory lane
The Farrarmere resident shared with the City Times that when he made it onto the front page, he felt elated as it was a milestone in his career.
