A recent charity concert performed by Friary Brass saw three generations of flugel player Lauren Straker's family on stage together.

'Big & Brassy' was a massed bands event that helped raise funds for locally-based charities Brass for Africa and Parity for Disability.

All together

Alongside Lauren was her 9 year old daughter Ayla (cornet), her sister Madi (principal cornet) and her mother Sue (tenor horn).

Ayla is part of Sandhurst Silver Band's Brasshoppers training band, whilst Madi is an army musician who also plays for Sandhurst Silver, as does Sue. Sue also plays for Cove Brass, whose Musical Director Paul Speed conducted the concert.

The 'Best of British' programme included items by Gustav Holst and Ron Goodwin as well as Ronald Binge's 'The Watermill' played by Madi.

Special occasion

Looking back on the special occasion, Lauren told 4BR: "It was simply wonderful for all of us to play as part of the same band, particularly as it was in aid of two very worthy causes."

It has been a busy period for Friary, with their recent Grand Shield trip to Blackpool and a concert n the beautiful surroundings of Godalming bandstand where the sun brought out an audience of over 500 people to enjoy music that ranged from Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' to Widor's 'Toccata'.

It was simply wonderful for all of us to play as part of the same band, particularly as it was in aid of two very worthy causesLauren Straker

Fantastic band

The Godalming Trust who organised the event told 4BR: "What a truly fantastic band and marvellous soloists. The programme was so varied."

In response, Band Chairperson David Wicks said: "It's always a great pleasure to play at Godalming's superb bandstand, but this year' with the fine weather and the great audience it was exceptional. It was a great Sunday afternoon."