AFTER a week of trials and tribulations, I attended Chalford Band’s Christmas concert at Stroud Subscription in need of some festive cheer, and I was certainly not disappointed.
The Youth band opened the programme and it brought back so many happy memories of being filmed on that stage from the age of seven.  So many mums, dads, aunts , uncles and grandparents proudly filmed their performance.

We had Flourishes, All I want for Christmas is You, Christmas Calypso and we then tapped our feet along to Merry Christmas Everyone.
After a prompt scene change the senior band then continued the festive mood with Glen Miller Xmas, Libertango, a Hugel horn solo by Katie Godwin and the highlight for me was Another Fine Mess. As I was quite far back in the audience I couldn’t spot Les Pearce and the compere then announced he was sunning himself in Florida.
That left a space for the euphonium duet so we were left in suspense and then Steve Tubb appeared. The duet was performed impeccably by the two Steves and the comic timing was sublime.
The first half ended as Steve Tubb pulled out his flashing light sabre and conducted Star Wars with his left hand. According to my son Tim Rouillier and my sister Andrea Darby all the best musicians are left handed.
After the interval the comedy continued as we had a silhouette version of the Christmas Carol. We laughed so much at Bill Williamson, Amy Tubb, Derrick Witts and Steve’s amazing sense of humour. I even won a hamper in the raffle.
I was so glad I attended and hope that Ron Gardiner, my father and website manager, makes a speedy recovery.
Well done to the whole organisation for a wonderful evening.