AN evening celebrating the life of musician Les Packett, who founded the Alton Society and Alton Concert Band, was held at the town’s Salvation Army Hall.

This month’s concert marked the achievements of the well-known Altonian, who died during the summer. It opened with a bold fanfare composed by Mr Packett, 85, himself and played by the Alton Concert Band, which he supported until his final illness.

“The band gave lively performances of favourite pieces with great panache throughout the evening under the baton of its conductor, Ian Morrish,” explained Helen Grant Ferguson.

“Included in its generous musical contribution to the programme were two items arranged by Les – Portsmouth and Songs of the Sea – the famous tenor and baritone duet from Bizet’s Pearl Fishers performed on the euphonium by Julie Richards and Helen Gardner, and an arrangement by Les’ friend, local composer, Philip Andrews.

“The Covenant Youth Choir, conducted by Joy Windsor and accompanied by Tony Willman, impressed the audience with its spirited performances of two up-to-date popular hit songs and the theme tune from the Lion King.

“Well-known local trumpet-player Julian Poore played a scintillating rendering of a French 19th Century classic, Arban’s Vois-tu la Neige Qui Brille?, again accompanied by Tony Willman.

“Later in the programme, recalling Les’ crazy performances with Tony Willman at a single piano, Julian and Tony raised much laughter playing classics used in past TV advertisements – only in the style of the late, great Les Dawson.”

Mrs Grant Ferguson continued: “Representing the Packett family, Les’ niece, Susanna Offor, with Julian Poore on piano, delighted everyone with her superb soprano voice, her lively version of Swinging With the Saints and her charming rendering of Cole Porter’s So In Love.”

Between the musical items, aspects of Mr Packett’s life were celebrated in words: as a friend and as a musician by Luath Grant Ferguson, as a teacher by former pupil Ailsa Grant-Turton, and as an Altonian by Bob Booker, chairman of the Alton Society, launched by Les on exactly the same date as the concert, 45 years before, on October 10, 1970.

Mrs Grant Ferguson added: “Les led a determined and successful campaign to save the former Inwood Cottage Hospital, between the Curtis Museum and Assembly Rooms, from demolition proposed by the then Urban District Council.

“Bob announced that a project to site a plaque in Les’ honour on the building, now Inwood Court, has been warmly received by Sanctuary Housing Association. He also read a message from the town mayor, Pam Jones, in which she saluted all that Les had achieved for the town.

“Les, the family man, was celebrated in a beautifully produced photo-montage and a short speech by his son, Andrew. At the special request of Les’ wife, Jill, the audience joined the concert band to sing with great gusto the old favourite Jerusalem.”

At the end, Major Neil Woollacott was commended for the use of the venue and the evening’s master of ceremonies and programme coordinator, Luath Grant Ferguson, was thanked by Andrew Packett and presented with his father’s treasured copy of William Curtis’ classic History of Alton, published in 1896.

Mrs Grant Ferguson concluded: “The large audience, some of whom watched and listened to the programme by relay in an over-flow room, left the Packett family contingent in no doubt how they felt about the member they, and the town, had recently lost, and that Les Packett would be remembered as a kind, talented and gentle human being who gave an enormous amount to the community he loved.”