Weymouth - The Kursaal
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The
Kursaal, erected in 1913, enclosed the Bandstand to provide cover during
inclement weather, not an uncommon occurrence in our climate. It was
described at the time as “The Miniature Crystal Palace”.
During the First World War The Kursaal became the reception centre for the many thousands of Australian & New Zealand (Anzac) troops who were sent to Weymouth after recovering from their wounds received on the ill fated Gallipolli expedition. Many were retrained in camps set up locally for return to the Front but many were sent home as unfit for servic as aresult of their injuries. Ironic, then, that some 30 years later a similar arrival and exodus of men from a different continent was to occur but with a more successful result. The Kursaal and Bandstand were demolished in 1924, the latter being rebuilt on the Nothe, to be replaced with The Alexandra Gardens Theatre. |
