A NEWLY-formed brass band are preparing to kick off their performing career with a Six Nations-themed rugby concert. 

The Forest of Dean Brass Training Band will be giving their first ever performance at the Onward Hall, Bailey Hill, Yorkley, on Saturday, March 17.

They’ll be playing both before and after Wyldwood Art’s production of Passing the Baton, a play created and written by playwright Mike Akers based on the memories of Robert Morgan MBE of the Lydbrook Band.

Training band coordinator Kristyann Sym­onds said: “We are really looking forward to this, it’s the final day of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, with Eng-

land taking on Ireland, on St Patrick’s Day at Twickenham in what could be the championship decider.

“It seemed only fitting that our programme should be a Six Nations theme, so we have music from England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy.   

“The play is great, very funny and superbly acted so it should be a fantastic event and entry is free. 

“We are really happy with the way the training band is developing but we would love to welcome more new players of all ages and abilities. 

“It doesn’t matter if you have never played before as there is a “new starter” session from 6.30pm where you can learn right from the very start. If you are a little more advanced, then you may prefer the “developing players” session which takes place from 7.15pm

The band meets weekly on a Tuesday evening at The Onward Hall, Stag Hill, Yorkley, and each session is prepared by fully qualified teachers and delivered by teachers and senior members of the Forest of Dean Brass Band (first section).   

To find out more call on 07990 542614 or visit the new website www.forestbrasstrainingband.

co.uk and drop the band an email or pop along on a Tuesday evening.”

To reserve a seat to the March 18 performance of Passing the Baton, contact Sharon Stratford on 01594 564920.

Meanwhile, the 14 members of Lydney Starter Band, aged mainly seven to 11, gave a Springtime showcase to the residents of the Goode Court care home last week.

The youngsters, including one adult learner, all played solos to the appreciative audience in what for some was their first ever performance.

Led by Roger Powell and supported by his brother Ken (tutors), the band played Peppermint Tango, Marching Mar­ines, Shaker Song and Fire Dance.

Soloists were Lexie Currie, Jessica Price, Leona Price, Leo Whiteoak, Luna Arguelles Kelly, Meghan Price, Zoe Fransham, Riley Wildin, Emma Brown, Sam Hunt-Clarke, Lucy Stevens and Idris McKie, with newcomers Sophie Nixon and Harry Taylor on percussion.

Youth development officer Kerry Ford said: “There was an amazing variety of music and the audience at Goode Court sang along to Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Chim Chiminee, Nellie the Elephant, Bare Necessities and some modern tunes such as Wizard Wheezes from Harry Potter. It was brilliant for the children to show their growing talents.”

Email [email protected] or phone 07901 622122 to book tickets. Anyone wanting to join the band can contact Kerry Ford on 01594 530886, 07555 450469, email [email protected] or visit www.lydneyband.co.uk

The starter band and training band meet on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, or pop into the Lydney band room in Swan Road.