Back in the early days, much like there is now, Pleasant Hills had a very strong sense of community. In the late 1800’s the school and the church were the centre of the community, where everyone got together.
The community provided their own entertainment in a time when most people learnt to play an instrument in their childhood. Which brings me to the Pleasant Hills Band at most of the town’s functions. The first reference to the Pleasant Hills band was when the school commenced their annual picnic in 1894. The band would lead the children to the picnic ground. Among the attractions was the Maypole dance, with the children dancing and weaving their way around the pole to the accompaniment of the Band.
Later on, when the Hall, the Hotel and the railway were built, there were more places to gather. The Pleasant Hills Band were at the major functions: openings of the Hall, the Railway Station and in one form or another at the dances and balls throughout the district.
Written by: Fiona Beckett