By CASEY NEILL
BROTHERS Bruce and Alan Collard joined the City of Greater Dandenong Band because it was struggling for players.
That was in 1965. This month band president Tim Hellyer, Bruce’s grandson, inducted them into the band’s Honour Wall for their 50 years of service.
“Induction to the Honour Wall is awarded to members who have rendered extraordinary service to the band, as elected by the band committee,” he said.
“This is a monumental milestone, one of which I do not believe the band has ever seen before and will very unlikely see again.
“Their names are synonymous with the City of Greater Dandenong Band and I may be biased but in my eyes they are true legends of this band.”
Tim said exact figures couldn’t be calculated but it was likely that Bruce and Alan had performed with the band more than 1000 times each – excluding rehearsals.
“Alan and Bruce are two of the most loyal, committed, hard-working, and kindest people that have ever been members of the City of Greater Dandenong Band and served the City of Greater Dandenong,” he said.
Tim said they were both extremely dedicated band members.
Alan rushed to Ballarat to meet his band duties just hours after the birth of his son on 15 October 1966.
“The band then went on to win the C Grade section of the championship this year – a feat that would have been highly unlikely if not for Alan’s commitment,” Tim said.
The brothers both also served on the band committee, Bruce as band custodian for 25 years.
“In my diggings through boxes out the back I have found extremely detailed record books of band equipment that has been leant out to players – and I mean all band equipment, from instruments right down to epaulettes and bowties,” Tim said.
Bruce has played the flugelhorn, baritone, horn, cornet while Alan has specialised in the cornet.
They’re regulars at Anzac Day services, Carols by Candlelight in Dandenong Park, an annual cabaret at Springvale Town Hall and more.
“We were on Neighbours as a marching band, when old Harold used to play the euphonium,” Alan said.
“We played at political rallies in front of Springvale Town Hall when Billy McMahon was running for election.
“It’s a great hobby to have.
“We’ll continue as long as we’re able to.”
Bruce enjoys having his grandson play alongside him.
“He can blame me for starting him off,” he said.
“He’s a very good boy. He’s a good player as well. He’s a leading light in Dandenong band, being president as well as the top seat as first solo cornet player.
“I’ve gradually worked my way down to the lower cornet end, of third cornet.
“I’m 85 now, I’m starting to slow down a bit. I hope to keep going.”
