Ref. 30024-15SWINDON U3A's Dance Orchestra has spread the organisation's reputation beyond the borough boundaries.

It was asked to perform at a conference attended by several Government ministers at Westminster on the emotive subject of the needs and problems of Britain's elderly.

The big band sound produced by its 17 enthusiastic and talented musicians who range in age from 60 to 84 clearly impressed.

The orchestra was started 12 years ago and many of its members played with well-known local bands when they were young men.

Because of advancing age some have had to change to instruments which are less physically demanding and one, Ken Whitehall, who died three years ago, had not played anything until he retired in his 50s.

"He was the perfect example of what U3A is," said 70-year-old George Connell, its leader and secretary.

"It was something he had always wanted to learn but had never had time for."

There are no women among Swindon's oldest swingers, who play for regular U3A tea dances at Wroughton's Ellendune Community Centre.

Tickets cost £2.50, for which the dancers get a cup of tea and a biscuit and good music.

The orchestra's story earned it a National Lottery award of more than £4,000. The cash paid for music, a PA system and mutes for the brass section.