All that jazz celebrated by Stafford society

Three decades of jazz in Stafford has been celebrated by members of a town society devoted to the music.

Stafford Jazz Society starts its 30th year in January and an early celebration concert was held yesterday at Stafford Rangers Social Club.

Membership of the society, which runs lunchtime concerts each Sunday from September to May, stands at more than 80.

The guest band for the anniversary was The Old Fashioned Love Band.

Chairman Nick Balmforth, who has been with the society for 21 years, said that the band were one of the members' favourites.

"There is still a lot of enthusiasm for live jazz in the area. Our members are mainly the older generation who prefer traditional styles like New Orleans and Dixieland. Our best attended concerts tend to be the traditional ones," said Nick, who organises the shows and books the bands.

He said that the society would welcome more members as it moves into its 30th year in January.

Concerts have been held on Sundays at 12.30pm at the social club in Astonfields Road.

Previously Sunday meetings were held at the town's Gatehouse theatre.

The society has already voted on its award winners for its 29th season of live jazz.

Young jazz violinist Ben Holder, aged 20, will be presented with the musician of the year award when he visits on November 7 and band of the year The JB Jazz and Blues Band will receive theirs when the play for the club in January.

The society will also be celebrating when the annual Christmas concert is held on December 19 with the VCO Big Band performing.

Admission charges for regular concerts are £4 for members and £5 for others.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Nick on 01785 226950 or 07974 131797

Details of concerts are featured on the club's website at www.staffordjazz.org