It was a sodden day. A holiday weekend, of course:
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But in a way, that was the point. Now that the Roundhouse Turntable comes equipped with rain protection, the space can accommodate a full brass band – and keep the musicians (mostly) dry.
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Frankly, I’m amazed they got away with it: a bright red Pterodactyl in an historic setting, designed to encourage noise-making activity in a residential neighbourhood. And they raised the money to do it. Good work, Roundhouse Board and volunteers!
Worthy of a bright red ribbon to celebrate success:
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Also good to see Engine 374 – the train that first arrived in Vancouver in 1887 – out of its glass box, steaming and whistling and overrun with kids.
Historian John Atkin was there to explain it all, and to point out how little is actually left of one the great industrial spaces of the city that was made possible by its presence:
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But the piece we have left was worthy of a party.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get that (or other) brass bands to play at the historical Alexander band stand in the West End now and then?
We so need more outdoor urban covered spaces, and what better place to meet and greet then the roundhouse turntable area with the strong imagery of movement and national meaning?
We have come a long way-I was one of the people blocking the bulldozer (and waiting for an injunction) when the roundhouse was to be demolished in the early 1980’s.
Congratulations to all involved, and a big thank you to HIstorian John Atkin and the Roundhouse Board for their advocacy and implementation.