A ROUSING evening of entertainment featuring some of the Forest's best local talent raised £534 for the Poppy Appeal on Sunday as the audience braved rapidly dropping temperatures.
The evening was compered by Lydney curate Rev Jonathan Philpott and organised by Stanley Rudge of Lydney Poppy Appeal.
Lydney mayor Martin Bowring accepted the standards presented by the cadets and members of the Legion.
Mr Rudge started the evening with a moment of reflection for Corporal Daniel Nield of 1 Rifles, killed on Friday, January 30 and Acting Corporal Richard Robinson and Rifleman Stuart Nash, both killed in the last few months.
Parkend Silver Band, conducted by Graham Horton, featured talented young soloists Sam Horton (cornet) and Ben Stratford (baritone).
The Springfield Ladies Choir presented a lively selection including nursery rhymes, Orinoco Flow by Enja and All that Jazz from Chicago.
Rev Pat Cox gave a reading on behalf of the 1st Lydney and Aylburton Scouts and Leah Hopes, Philippa Steel and Natasha Brooker represented the Brownies.
The Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir's programme included Dick Brice's The Land Between Two Rivers, Bohemian Rhapsody and Comrades in Arms.
Audience, band and choirs joined together for a grand prom-style finale of Pomp and Circumstance.
Organiser Mr Rudge said: "The evening went well and we have raised £534 tonight towards the Poppy Appeal.
"When we get the total for this year we hope to top last year's achievement of £12,500."
The next fundraiser will be a 1940s style dance at Lydney Town Hall in April, organised by the Dean Forest Railway.