Gift from Glasgow
To Beckenham with love
Wrought iron wrapped around
Pinnacle of gilded crown
Solid plinth a platform grand
Graced so many a military band
A starman too this dais stood
Strumming away for the common good
Long past free music festival
Local pop and folk revival
This pride of recreation ground
Glasgow artisans were you found
Despatched through many counties seen
To end your journey on Beckenham green
Renewed by subscription and generous gift
For residents to treasure
Their leisure blessed
Bandstands are features you will often see in public parks in England. They were popular during the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring military, workplace, or local brass bands. They were sometimes used for general ceremonial occasions and encouraged community gatherings.
This example, located in the Bromley London Borough town of Beckenham, was built in 1905 by McCallum & Hope of Glasgow. It is the only remaining bandstand of its kind and is a listed building.
Recently refurbished, all bright and glittering, this edifice takes pride of place in the Beckenham Recreation Ground. Here's hoping that we will soon see the feature put to good use with some further forays into free music festivals.
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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What love I asc thee
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By Raymond G. Taylor4 months ago in Poets
Standing While Falling
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Comments (4)
Got to love Scotland for its beauty scenic. Thanks for sharing the beautiful poem and pictures
Such a lovely tribute. The way you wove history, music, and community into the story of the bandstand really brings it to life.
Oh wow, this is the only remaining one? That's so cool. Loved your poem!
What a great place to enjoy various programs if allowed. In my hometown we have a bandstand that is used many times throughout the year. Great pictures you shared and good job,