Introduction :

This web page has been set up to help put together the history of the Onslow Brass Band (and its predecessor, the Wellington Tramways Band,) up to the time Onslow became the Wellington Brass Band.  A web page has also been created by the Wellington Brass Band and we have linked the two sites to incorporate current band information.

This project is being undertaken by a group of Life Members of the band because, as far as we can see, there has been no previous attempt to fully document our history.

We set out below a brief overview of the band’s history.  You will find more information in other pages in this site as shown on the list on the left-hand side of this page.

“Evening Post” Onslow Brass Band

The band’s original name was the “Wellington Corporation Tramways Band” and we now believe it was formed in 1905.  For over 50 years the band retained close links with the tramways staff (many were playing members) and its practice rooms were a hall adjacent to the Newtown tram sheds.

The band moved to its present location at the west side of the Ngaio Railway Station, off Collingwood Street , in 1964.  At this stage it had recently changed its name to Onslow Brass Band.  The next change was when the band accepted an offer of sponsorship from the “Evening Post”, Wellington ’s premier newspaper.  This was a very happy association for both parties.

The Ngaio hall had been built by local Returned Services Association members and the band was eventually able to first, acquire the building and then, second, buy the land.  After many years of fundraising a new band room was built and this was officially opened by the Mayor of Wellington, Ms Kerry Prendergast, on Saturday 5 April 2003 .

Like many other bands our contesting fortunes have “waxed and waned” but we are still in there competing.  The contesting highlights include winning the C Grade in 1953 and the B Grade in 1965.  After entering the A Grade the band was first equal in 1969 and won outright in 1981.

 Comments or queries to:        Colin Rodgers

 Updated on 30 April 2003