Theale’s veteran ‘jazzers’ enthusiastic for new daytime sessions by 85-year-old Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz band

Graeme Hewitt's High Society Jazz band, now having played for over 50 years and in to their 15th year at Theale Village Hall, have switched their weekly session to now once a month on the first Tuesday and from midday.

The majority of the supporters, not liking late nights or driving in the dark, find the current setup most convenient, and jazz has never been so well supported.

Graeme, now in his 85th year, has a loyal group of musicians with him, his drummer Steve Watling has been with the band over 30 years, "And we are delighted to have, only missing a session to make an appearance at a Czechoslovakian Jazz Festival, trumpet player Mike Henry who was with Chris Barber's Jazz Band for over 20 years, before Chris died. "His presence has been so welcome bringing enormous experience to our band," said Graeme.

The band, over its 50 years of playing around the local area has enjoyed the company of most of the top jazz stars and guesting with Graeme have included Acker Bilk "He joined us at the Fox and Hounds, Theale, back in 2003 and a video of that session has just emerged, which is available to the public. During the evening, it being a Christmas Party, Acker and I played together on Away in a Manger - just amazing".

Chris Barber and Kenny Ball put in several performances as guests at the village hall, most of these can be viewed on You Tube along with many of the band's monthly performances and thanks to this media viewers reach as far as Japan, America, Germany, Holland - even Australia.

The band appeared over a 10 year period to perform at the Breda Jazz Festival in Holland where youngsters show an excitement for the music turning every performance in to a 'Pop Festival'.

"Theale Village Hall has proved to be well attended by enthusiastic 'jazzers' and it is hoped these sessions, in spite of my age, will keep going for a good while yet," said Graeme.

The session is just £10 and includes a free raffle. Bring your own drinks and snacks as there is no bar.