SETTLE Orchestral Society, conducted by Howard Rogerson, continues its 40th anniversary season with a programme of favourite light music celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Light Music Society.

The orchestra has always encouraged young musicians, and for these concerts 23 young musicians from Skipton Music Centre Orchestra will join the members of the orchestra to play well-known pieces from radio, TV, ballet and film.

The programme will include Colonel Bogey used in the Bridge over the River Kwai film, 633 Squadron by Ron Goodwin, and the ever-popular Dam Busters March by Eric Coates.

Radio is represented by By the Sleepy Lagoon by Eric Coates which is the theme music for Desert Island Disks, and the orchestra will play The Flute Dance and The Clog Dance from the ballet La Fille mal Gardée. TV themes also feature in this varied programme.

Harp soloist, Maxine Molin, will perform the Danses Sacrée et Profane by Debussy, as well as joining the orchestra for various items.

Settle Orchestra has always encouraged local composers, and Tracy Keeley, the leader of the orchestra will be the soloist in the first performance of Three Irish Folk Melodies for chamber orchestra by organist and composer, Paul Fisher, who lives in Langcliffe.

There is something to interest and entertain everyone at these concerts which take place in Christ Church, Skipton, on Saturday, March 17 at 7pm, and in Settle Parish Church on Saturday March 24 at 7pm. Tickets are available from Cave and Crag, Settle, The Post Office, High Bentham, Craven Cameras, Skipton, and The Music Shop, Clitheroe. Adults £8.00. concessions £6.50 with accompanied children free.