Market Square Museum
Market Square
Burra SA 5417
In November 1916, the people of Burra broke with tradition by forming a ladies' brass band, possibly the first of its kind.
After most local bandsmen had enlisted for overseas service, the district was unable to muster sufficient men to fill their places. So the women of Burra stepped forward. They took on the challenge of learning at least two tunes to welcome every returning soldier at the local railway station. It became known as the Burra Cheer Up Ladies' Band. The band's conductor, James Bentley, was pleased with the women's progress despite the poor state of some instruments, which stalled their efforts. With new instruments and just a month of practice, the musicians made their first public appearance at the Exhibition Camp Concert Party with a performance of 'Templemore'.
Gaining confidence, expertise and a wider repertoire, the band was soon in demand. It played at all the local events and in surrounding towns. Their ability earned them the honour of leading an Adelaide march in 1917. Being capable horsewomen, they could also perform as a mounted band.
Such was their reputation that, in July 1920, the band was invited to the celebrations attended by the Prince of Wales and the War Workers' Welcome Demonstration at the Exhibition Building in Adelaide. The band's final performance was at the annual Violet Day fundraiser later that month.
Burra had a proud record of fundraising and community participation during World War I. An incredible 'all-in' attitude to provide comforts and support for service men and women led the town's war effort. Local men and women worked tirelessly, war loans were oversubscribed, and even small items raised huge sums. A bunch of violets sold for £384. A gold button raised £978. A framed copy of the King's Declaration of Peace raised £1140. These three items raised today's equivalent of about $225,500.
But perhaps Burra's most unique contribution to the war effort was its Cheer Up Ladies' Band.
References
- 1918 'BURRA LADIES' CHEER-UP BAND.', Port Pirie Recorder (SA : 1918 - 1919), 3 June, p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95431469
- Burra History Group records