LYDNEY Training Band hosted its annual brass and percussion workshop at the end of October, with most of the 48 players involved coming from Forest-based bands.

The age range was from seven to 80 and the skills ranged from seven weeks to 70 years, with the music carefully selected to enable everyone to take part and enjoy themselves.

Conductor Ian Porthouse from Tredegar Band (ranked among the top 10 bands in the world) started the day with some fun activities, including singing, before some of the least experienced players formed a starter group under the direction of Kerry Ford, where they concentrated on breathing and rhythm whilst rehearing a piece for the end of course concert.

The rest of the day consisted of full band sessions with Ian, plus sectional rehearsals under the direction of the instrumental tutors, with breaks to enjoy a chat, play football and eat cakes.

The day ended with the band performing a mini-concert to mums and dads.

Just before the final piece, the conductor presented Dave Wintle, known to many from his Coleford Town Band days, with a certificate from the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association commemorating his 70-year playing career. And he’s still going strong!

Meanwhile, Lydbrook Band recently appeared on the BBC’s Countryfile singing in a local quarry.

While filming in the Forest, the TV crew had learned about the band’s Proms in the Quarry concert in August.

And they filmed and recorded in the band room last month before proceeding to Forest of Dean Stone’s Barnhill Quarry at Broadwell for three hours of afternoon filming.

The band, which is sponsored by the business, recorded the March Lydbrook, Post Horn Galop (with soloist Philip Turner) and a new arrangement of the Countryfile theme tune.

It was a memorable experience for everyone, with presenters Margherita Taylor and Matt Baker posing for photographs with band members during the day.

The programme attracts an audience of five million viewers.