Hells Gate Steel Orchestra

The group began as a Housecoat Band in 1945. The instruments then used were automotive clutch housings, hollowed pipes, biscuit cans, pieces of iron etc. They were obtained from Townsend's Blacksmith shop on Mariner's Lane (now the only existing Blacksmiths shop on the Island), and also from the then main solid waste dump, which was called "Dung Heap" by the people of the Point Area.   In 1946, the transformation of the Oil Drum to the Steel Pan was done locally, having begun in Trinidad. Experiments were carried out at Townsend's Blacksmith Shop and the burning of the pans was done at the "Dung Heap", where fire was always available.The people of the Point Area gave the name "Hell's Gate" to the Band. The name was chosen mainly because of the loud noise and variety of rhythmic beats produced from the instruments used. The official naming of the Band was done in 1947. Hell's Gate's first captain was Eugene Weston and the first manager was Ivan Edwards.   Eustace 'Manning' Henry a pioneer member, former captain, builder and tuner, along with his son, Veron Henry, the band's vice-captain, are presently the builders and tuners of the Cable and Wireless Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra. The first Steel band competition was held in 1949. The venue was the St. John's Girl's School, and then located on the site of the present Economic Development Building, at the corner of Independence Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Highway. Governor Earl Baldwin of Bewdley sponsored this inaugural competition. The test tune was Peanut Vendor,' and Hell's Gate emerged winner. Red Army of Green Bay/Gray's Farm was second, and Brute Force of the "Bridge" area was third.   Steel band music was used as accompaniment for calypsonians in the early days. In 1957, Hell's Gate steel Orchestra provided accompaniment for eight (8) of the nine calypsonians while Brute Force accompanied by Hell's Gate steel Orchestra.   During the late 40's the steel band movement was strong opposed by most of the aristocrats on the island of Antigua. They even went as far as to send petition to the then governor, Governor Baldwin, to outlaw the bands. Were it not for Governor Baldwin, who himself was a steel band enthusiast and a friend of the "grass Roots people, along with the Antigua Trades and Labor Union, headed by the Rt. Hon. Dr Vere Cornwall Bird Sin. Who at the time was the Union's President, and also The Worker's Voice new paper which was the mouth piece for the "Grass Root People", the steel band may have long been extinct.   Cable and Wireless Hell's Gate has also made financial contributions and material donations to such institutions as the Red Cross, Black Burn Ward (Holberton Hospital), Children Ward (Holberton Hospital), and the Adele School for Special Children. The band also performed at the fines Institute (Institution for the homeless), The Mental Hospital, Conference of Rotary International and many other fund raising activities for charitable causes, free of charge. Also financial contributions were given to fire victims.   Presently there are two bands on the island that are offspring’s of Cable and Wireless Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra. They Hells Gate Steel Orchestra