Combined bands and juniors take a bow at the end of the concert.

A FULL house at Stroud Subscription Rooms was treated to a splendid Christmas concert of brass band music with an hilarious version of a popular TV cookery programme thrown in for a good measure.

The concert by the 80-strong Chalford Band was dedicated to the memory of Bill Brunt, a vice-president and irreplaceable compere, who died last June. His widow, Joyce, and son Julian were in the audience.

Musical director Steve Tubb had put together a wonderful mix of music and fun to entertain the crowd and it was well received.

The senior, training and youth bands were all featured and combined at the end to fill the stage.

It was the final concert for veteran player Ron Gardiner after 54 years with the band and he was given a magnificent glass decanter with a glass model euphonium inside, made by Stonehouse craftsman Tony Osman. It was handed over by Ron's successor, Martin Clissold. Ron, Martin and principal euphonium player Janet Allen played "A Babe in a Manger" as a euphonium trio.

The conductor presented special awards to three outstanding young players, Josie Smith (second cornet), Katie Godwin (flugel horn) and Chris Jones (soprano cornet).

Two new arrangements were included. In costume, Amy Tubb as Hermione Granger, Ben Smith as Harry Potter, and Charlie Smith as Ron Weasley introduced John Williams' music for the Harry Potter film. Retired Marling School teacher Pete Hendy later appeared as Grandalf to introduce the Lord of the Rings music by Howard Shore.

Young members of the audience in particular were also fascinated by the Woodchester handbell ringers, with whom Bill Brunt played for many years. Their spot was much appreciated.

Cornet player Sianni Wills turned vocalist for an arrangement of the Robbie Williams hit "Angels." She also starred in the highlight of the evening - "Let's Taste the Muesli and Flans. " This was a cleverly conceived and executed version of Ready Steady Cook in which Sianni, appearing as Ainsley, her slightly inebriated chefs and guests used pots and pans, wine and beer bottles to accompany the band playing Let's Face the Music and Dance. Steve Tubb as the Naked Chef even achieved his ambition - to play the main tune on a kettle. The audience were in fits of laughter.

The raffle, run by vice-president Vernon Screen and his wife Christine, was drawn by Mrs Joyce Brunt and the star prize, a Christmas hamper, was won by Mrs Jill Stratford.

A wonderful evening was brought to a close by "A Christmas Fantasy" with the foot-tapping "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" as an encore.

Vernon Screen, who was also in charge of the ticket sales, has since announced that in all nearly £2,000 was raised for band funds.

Click here for more pictures taken at the Christmas concert 2003