LYDBROOK Fete saw the first public sales of an innovative fund-raising idea: The Lydbrook Band Recipe Book.

The introduction to the 60 page book explains how the idea of publishing a cokery book to help support a brass band came about: "This composition of recipes echoes the fun we all have from being involved with Lydbrook Band.

"It evolved following our fund raising committee meetings, where we all contribute and share a meal together. We suddenly realised that we were enjoying such good food that we thought we would like to share our recipes with others. So the idea of a 'recipe book' was born."

Split into sections that follow the courses of a meal, the book chapters are on: starters, main courses, desserts, sweet treats and cheese and chutneys, and the book also has a foreword written by the new President of Lydbrook Band, Peter Hands of the Speech House Hotel.

The book, plus Lydbrook Band's new CD, will be available from them at forthcoming concerts, which includes a special free performance as part of the River Wye Festival at the bandstand next to the Bridge Inn Chepstow on Sunday (May 18) at 6pm, and at the World War I concert at the Forest Theatre on Saturday June 7 at 7pm.

They are also planning a fund-raising safari supper on Saturday June 21.

Tickets and information about the band are available on 01594 860944 or visit their website at http://www.lydbrookband.co.uk">www.lydbrookband.co.uk.