THE tiny village of Wield, near Medstead, not only has its very own Glenn Miller Tribute Band, but its performances have raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Formed in 2012, to provide ‘live’ music for a village dance to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the band was originally made up of “local men with borrowed instruments”.

Since then people have joined from as far away as Yeovil, Marlborough and Chichester and the instruments are owned either by band members or the band jointly.

And its aim is to raise funds for the Not Forgotten Association.

So popular has the tribute band become that it is in great demand with events attended ranging from local fetes and dances, such as the Remembrance Day dance at Alton’s Royal British Legion Club, to military shows like Tidworth, polo matches, and dances around Hampshire.

The band has also performed for residents at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and will be returning to perform again in August 2017.

The Not Forgotten Association is a national tri-service charity which provides entertainment and recreation for the benefit of the serving wounded, injured or sick, and for ex-service men and women with disabilities.