bench

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. In the Parks Report 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 consider30. Alderman Maynard vouched for his agreement and maintained a bandstand would “...enhance the value of the park”. The Mayor (Ald. Nielson) donated £50 (his Mayoral allowance) towards the cost of the band stand. 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 band stand 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 March37, and in early April it was announced that the sole tender received in this second round was successful38. 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 play 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”. Aldermen Nielson died suddenly on 11 October 1911. He had been a great supporter of the Naval Band and of the construction of a bandstand. Soon after Ald. Nielson’s death the Mayor received a letter from Mr. WG Lewis, Secretary of the School of Arts, wishing the Council and the people of Bundaberg to honor the late Alderman with “...a drinking fountain or marble tablet in the new bandstand”. He felt sure that an appeal to Bundaberg citizens would yield the necessary funds and he began the appeal by enclosing a cheque for one guinea with his letter. Over time many more people donated and a plaque was added to the rotunda in 1912. Source: www.artsbundaberg.com.au/downloads/file/67/alexandra-park...

Marvelous, engineering, the Americans would like to think that they won the WWII single handedly. Well done mother ENGLAND.

grandpa! :-)