The
Melbourne Tramways Band's free public recitals at Wattle Park in Melbourne's
eastern suburbs, represent a tradition nearly rivaling the history of the park
itself. The band commenced its regular concerts in November 1940 and the annual
seasons of monthly concerts (September to April) have continued unbroken for
seventy-two years.
Relatively
few of Melbourne's residents realize that within the long established suburban
area bounded by Box Hill, Camberwell and Burwood is situated this huge leafy
oasis of some 56 hectares (137 acres).
The
park was established as a pleasure park by the Hawthorn Tramways Trust in 1917
with the aim of encouraging Melbourne's public to travel by tram to the
service's eastern terminus at Warrigal Road, which at the time represented the
city's outer fringe.
The
major building in the park is the Chalet built in 1928, which is a replica of a
particular Bavarian chalet. It's interesting for visitors to note that the
building, like most structures in the park, was built almost entirely from used
materials salvaged from various tramway establishments.
In
recognition of its unique history the entire park has been included on the
National Estate Register and is classified by the National Trust. In addition,
one third of the park, including the Chalet and the bandstand, is registered by
the Historic Buildings Council. These registrations guarantee that development
within the park will compliment its immense period charm.
Despite
the transfer of the management of Wattle Park from the Public Transport
Corporation to Parks Victoria in 1991, the Melbourne Tramways Band has continued
to present its concerts, thereby maintaining a valuable link with the park's
tramway origins.
The band was delighted, when Yarra Trams undertook to sponsor the concerts as part of the group’s commitment to the people of Melbourne. Without the sponsorship of Yarra Trams and the support of Parks Victoria, this great tradition would have ceased.