TENBURY Teme Valley Band is busy rehearsing new music for the A Regal Christmas at the Regal on December 18.

The concert will also feature the combined choirs of Tenbury Primary School and St Laurence's School, Ludlow.

There is another chance to hear the band play and enjoy a mince pie, at the Regal steps on December 4 from 9.30am, as the band plays there to help to raise money for Tenbury's festive lights.

The band has ended a busy summer with a social evening. Instead of a rehearsal, members met at St Michael's Village Hall and enjoyed a buffet meal and entertainment from Terry Chandler and Floored, a group well used to playing at the hall.

There were ceilidh dances, interspersed with words and music. It was also a chance for band members to meet and join in with members of the new Rising Stars group.

Rising Stars was started by Mary Osborne in May, and offers a chance for young and old to learn to play a woodwind or brass instrument. Most of the 20 or so in the group were complete beginners, but some who had a little experience have already joined the band.

The band has enjoyed a varied programme this year, including playing at fetes, venues and competitions, including Bands in the Park at Evesham, Tenbury Carnival and Herefordshire Festival of Music, Word and Dance, where the band won its section. The main event was A Night at the Proms at Burford House.

The band rehearses on Saturdays at Tenbury Primary School, Rising Stars at 5.30pm and the main band at 6.30pm. They are always interested to hear from new players at any level and of any age. If you would like to know more the band, contact Julie on (01584) 810291 or Mary on (01584) 890711.