I WRITE to bring matters up-to-date with the old and new culture of brass bands and choirs etc; none more than the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir, whose band wagon rolls on with concerts and events far and wide, everything ably controlled by musical director Tracey Gwynne and accompanist Hayley Marangon.

Two recent Saturdays; first of all a visit to South Wales joining forces with the Lantrisant Male Voice Choir in a venue rich with amenities such as the events that followed. A varied programme which brought much comment from both choirs made the feeling greater still because the Llantrisant Male Voice Choir will visit the Forest of Dean to take part in the 25th anniversary of the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir on Saturday, October 3.

The second concert, with guest cornetist Elodie Gwynne, was at the Ruardean Woodside (Slad) School where the choir was welcomed by a large audience representing the everlasting old scholars' association. The evening raised £380 to boost funds to be spent on books for the school. There are now 130 members of the association and always a warm welcome for more.

Taking matters back a year or more, it was a wonderful privilege for the choir to perform in the New Town Hall, Birmingham, before an audience of some 3,000. Once again, up to date this year there was a return to Birmingham this time in the magnificent Symphony Hall. In each event, they were joined by choirs drawn from a wide area of the Midlands. Furthermore, on Saturday, June 20, the choir performed with other association choirs at Lichfield Cathedral.

Long life has given your correspondent the opportunity to write a book "My Time of Life" which is now published and selling well. – Hubert Evans, Ross-on-Wye.