bandstands

The Band Stand was used to host open-air concerts. The Soldiers memorial (now more commonly known as the Cenotaph) was unveiled in April 1924 in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in WW1. Formally known as Strand Park it was officially named Anzac Memorial Park in 1932 after it was suggested by the RSL. Source: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/550...

Queen's Park, known among the region’s older residents as “The Old Gardens”, was originally selected in the 1880s as a Botanic Garden Reserve. Community-minded citizens became trustees of the area which was developed with the implementation of fences, gates, and pathways. Paying due respect to the natural vegetation which included “pretty trees and vines which form a handsome clump of indigenous vegetation”. The area was prone to flooding and in 1894 an area of land was selected in North Bundaberg and was proclaimed as a Botanic Gardens. Queen's Park boasts many beautiful trees, many of which remain representative of the original rainforest vegetation. Over 100 rainforest species have been identified in the park. Source: www.bundabergnow.com/2020/03/04/queens-park-link-with-ori...

There is another park featuring a bandstand in Bundaberg. Band Rotunda One of the main features of Alexandra Park is the rotunda. Concerts by the Naval Band and others were often held in the park and were well attended. However, the bands had to stand in the full sun whilst listeners could relax in the shade of trees. The Parks report was presented to Council at its meeting on 28 September 1910, Alderman Redmond noted that “...there was one thing lacking…” in the Park - a bandstand - which he hoped the Parks Committee would consider. Alderman Maynard vouched for his agreement and maintained a bandstand would “...enhance the value of the park”. At the Council meeting on 15 December, 1910 plans for a bandstand were presented. Well-known Bundaberg architect Mr. Faircloth drew up plans for a “...handsome and roomy bandstand”. The Bundaberg Mail “...hoped that nothing will be allowed to stand in the way of providing such a very necessary convenience”. The Mayor (Ald. Nielson) donated £50 (his Mayoral allowance) towards the cost of the band stand31,32,33. Other funds came from government parks and gardens grants and the outstanding balance was then initially to be sourced “...from the public by subscription or otherwise”. From newspaper accounts, it doesn’t appear, however, that the public was asked to put their hands in their pockets to contribute to the cost of the bandstand itself. Tenders for the building of the bandstand were called for soon after the Council meeting on 16 December, to be ready for the next meeting on 11 January 1911. Two tenders were received but were rejected, and it was decided to call for tenders again at a later date. This occurred on 28 March 37, and in early April it was announced that the sole tender received in this second round was successful. Mr. John Heaps won the tender with a quote of £160 for a rotunda with iron railings or £158 for wooden railings. The quote for a rotunda featuring iron railings was accepted. The bandstand was officially opened on Wednesday evening 8 November 1911. A crowd of 400-500 was present to hear the Naval Band plays in the new rotunda, and Alderman Redmond, in the absence of the Mayor (Ald. Stevenson), performed the opening duties. The new rotunda was “...regarded as a memorial to Alderman Neilson - fitting that he should be remembered in the gardens and his name should be on the bandstand. Source: www.artsbundaberg.com.au/downloads/file/67/alexandra-park...

Prince Edward visited Warwick for about an hour, on Monday 26 July 1920. He arrived at Warwick by train at 3 pm and was greeted by the Mayor, Alderman R. E. Gillam. A band played the National Anthem and the Prince was escorted through the main entrance of the railway station to where returned soldiers were drawn up in files. He passed here and there through the ranks, shook hands with one or two of the men, and chatted for an instant before passing onto another. He then stepped into the waiting car and was driven down Grafton Street to the cheering of the people. The car took him to the Rotunda in Leslie Park where the Prince received a gift of painted views of Warwick. The Prince was then driven back to the railway station. The train moved off to the accompaniment of ringing cheers, with the Prince standing on the platform at the rear of the rail car. (Information taken from The Warwick Daily News, 27 July 1920, p. 5.)