The cosy Pavilion behind the Brailes village hall was the January winter setting as Paul Hickley from Aston Magna played the music of Django Reinhardt to the Shipston U3A Jazz/Blues Group. Django and Stephan Grappelli ran the " Hot Club de France". He was a gypsy guitarist who lost two fingers in a caravan fire but despite this infirmity produced amazing results and style. Paul would like to start a "Hot Club" in Brailes and is waiting for any like-minded locals to form a group.

I hear on the grapevine that the local star " Spats" Langham (who's talent matches Django) is appearing at the North Cotswold Jazz Club at the Shipston Hub on March 21.

The rehearsal band have resumed weekly practices and have been joined by trumpet and tenor sax.

The next meeting of the U3A Jazz/Blues Group is on Tuesday February 17 at 2pm in the Brailes Pavilion when local musician Tim Porter will be tackling "Harmonica Blues". All welcome. Details from Peter, 01606 686733.