BOB Oliver started to learn the tuba 15 years ago, and joined the Bromyard Wind Band shortly after.

A self employed builder, he has lived in the Bromyard area all his life.

Bob's daughter Sandra is the longest serving member of Bromyard Wind Band, and has been playing bass trombone with them for over 32 years, having joined aged 13. She now lives in Kidderminster, with her husband Marcus, also a member of the band, and their three sons.

Joe is Bob's eldest grandson, aged 14. He is currently working towards his Grade 5 exam, and has been in the band for two years.

Every Friday evening the family make the commute from Kidderminster, along with Marcus's niece Hannah, to play with the band!

They, along with the rest of the band are now busy rehearsing for a concert on Saturday, December 2 at Bromyard Church's Christmas Tree Festival (6.45pm).

The band will also entertain the Christmas shoppers of Bromyard with Christmas carols in the street on Saturday, December 23, raising funds for Bromyard Community Transport.

The Bromyard Wind Band is a thriving community band, playing to an excellent standard. Its ethos is to encourage players of varying abilities, from school pupils up to professional musicians, to meet in regular rehearsal for public performances, and in so doing help raise money for charities. The band's conductor, David Thomas, said that he is proud of both the band's achievements and also of the individual achievements within the band.

For information about the band please go to bromyardwindband.com